Committee could be formed to study possible VW pool

Appeals Court coming to Van Wert

VW independent staff

The Ohio Third District Court of Appeals will travel to the Van Wert County Courthouse on Tuesday, May 14, to hold oral arguments. Seating will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the session will begin at 10 a.m. The session, the first in Van Wert in approximately a decade, is open to the public.

The Third District Court of Appeals, based in Lima, handles appellate cases filed in 17 northwest and west central Ohio counties. Current judges are John R. Willamowski, William R. Zimmerman, Juergen A. Waldick and Mark C. Miller.

Council hears update on Vision Park

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

There’s a buyer for the spec building at Vision Industrial Park in Van Wert, but a name has yet to be released.

Van Wert Area Executive Director Brent Stevens gave an update during Monday’s meeting of Van Wert City Council and said the deal has been in the works since last fall. For now, it’s being referred to as “Project Caravales,” much like “Project Hulk” was for Tekniplex. Stevens noted more information, including a name, will likely be revealed sometime in June.

Stevens also noted interest was high in the spec building, with four of five interested suitors interested in that particular building.

“It’s a 100,000 square foot spec building,” Stevens said. “It’ll bring 50 to 60 high tech jobs with really cool new technology that’s going to be taking place. I’m excited about what’s happening in regards to technology and Vision Park.”

He also updated council on various other projects at Vision Park, including a truck wash that is slated to go up on 3.3 acres of land near John Brown Road, along the northwest side of Vision Park.

“Highway 30 Truck Wash is going to be going in there,” he explained “A young couple from Convoy is in the process of purchasing that land and Mr. Hatcher (Law Director John Hatcher) and myself are working on a sales contract as we speak, but their intention is a truck wash where you actually bring the trucks in and you can wash them off.”

“They own a trucking company and they have to drive all the way to Beaverdam or to Fort Wayne,” Stevens added.

Van Wert FD receives $15K grant

Submitted information

The Van Wert City Fire Department has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of the FireFighter Exposure to Environment Elements Grants (FEEEG). This grant, totaling $15,000, marks a crucial advancement in fortifying firefighter safety protocols. The city is poised to acquire essential equipment to heighten protection against hazardous elements encountered in the line of duty.

A primary acquisition made possible by this grant is the Personnel Protection Decontamination Unit. This specialized equipment is instrumental in effectively cleansing firefighter gear, encompassing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) masks, harnesses, and other firefighting equipment, post-exposure to hazardous materials.

According to Chief Jon Jones, this acquisition underscores Van Wert City Fire Department’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its firefighters. Through strategic investments in vital equipment via the FEEEG program, the department showcases proactive measures aimed at providing a secure work environment for its dedicated personnel.

It is noteworthy that this grant is provided by The Ohio Bureau of Worker Compensation, further highlighting collaborative efforts to enhance firefighter safety initiatives.

VSC changes May board meeting

Submitted information

The May board meeting of the Van Wert County Veterans Service Commission has been moved to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, in the Veterans Service Office, 121 E. Main St., Room 101, Van Wert.

Review: Gladys in Wonderland a hit

PERRY LUHN/for the VW independent

One of the most interesting themes for stage plays, is the idea of death. Of course, this is the thing that everyone fears, and I wouldn’t think they would be interested in an investigation of the process. But that hasn’t stopped playwrights. For thousands of years comedies, and dramas, about the afterlife have been popular. The idea that life exists, after this life, is an easy sell for those writing plays or stories. We’re curious. Sunday night, I got to see one that figured to be like this. I attended the opening of this story, at Vantage Career Center provided by long-time dinner theatre group, Off Stage Productions.

“Gladys in Wonderland” is another of those efforts which pokes fun at death. But this is not about post-life. It’s more about what happens, or, in this case, appears to happen, just before one’s demise. Gladys is an 87-year-old woman, whose time has apparently come. Her guide into the next world is a nattily dressed young man named Mort. This fellow knocks on the door of Gladys’ home and succinctly informs her that he is there to take her. Where, he’s not exactly saying. This surprises and shocks her, of course, and she puts her foot down, refusing to leave. She’s not ready, yet. Nearly the entire rest of the story is a series of visits from folks Mort brings, thinking she’d rather do without. Though he is perturbed at her stubbornness, Mort is as patient as he can possibly be, although that becomes more difficult as time goes by. Gladys has family that worry about her, possibly to extreme. Mort shows her these things, and even gives her a visit to a nursing home, to show her just how much fun that would be.

The two big stars of this story are Stephanie Wagner as Gladys, and Travis Nihiser, as Mort. Wagner gives us a woman who can be affable, confused, annoyed, and intransigent. Sometimes all in one short scene. She clearly identifies with Gladys and makes her likeable to the audience. Nihiser cannot, for the most part, give us much emotion. This character remains mostly calm, and solid. But he gives us great laugh lines, which he knows how to deliver. The audience loved these two together.

Water pressure work to affect classes

VW independent staff

CONVOY — Crestview preschool and kindergarten students will not have school on Wednesday, due to necessary repairs on Franklin St. related to water pressure. Classes will be in session for students in grades 1-12.

Pot consumption, dispensaries addressed

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Clarification on marijuana consumption was made during Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, but the matter of allowing recreational marijuana dispensaries appears to be far from settled.

During a special “Council of the Whole” meeting held before the regular meeting, council members discussed both topics and listened to input and questions from members of the public who attended the meeting. Approximately 20 people showed up for the meeting, but not all spoke.

Many of the people in attendance seemed to agree on prohibiting marijuana consumption at places like city parks. One person suggested posting times when marijuana consumption would be allowed at parks, while another suggested treating consumption much the same as DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), which is highly regulated.

Council members later amended proposed legislation dealing with cannabis consumption and heard the second of three readings. The proposed ordinance was renamed “an ordinance banning the consumption of cannabis on all designated city properties.” The list of designated properties includes Smiley Park, Jubilee Park, Franklin Park, Fountain Park, Rotary Park and the reservoir, along with city-owned parking lots on Central Ave. and Market Street, plus city-owned buildings, including the Municipal Building and Van Wert Municipal Court. A third and final reading/vote is expected at the next meeting.

Law Director John Hatcher pointed out the state legislature could still set a law that would limit all marijuana consumption to homes or private property, which would override any local law.

“Unfortunately, most of the state’s marijuana legislation is still pending,” Hatcher stated. “They’ve not come out with all of their guidelines on everything.”

Rotary Club seeking project proposals

VW independent staff/submitted information

As people of action, the local Van Wert Rotary Club strives to impact the community and is always seeking opportunities to accomplish Rotary’s mission and demonstrate drive to create positive change.

Accordingly, the Van Wert Rotary Club is seeking community project proposals. Submitted projects should either address a specific community need, a specific community improvement, or a project that adds overall value for the greater good of the community. The selected organization will partner with Van Wert Rotary Club to present their annual auction to be held on the evening of Saturday October 26, at the Junior Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Those interested should submit their proposal to vanwertrotary1@gmail.com by Friday May 3, using this form. Anyone with questions should contact Rotarian Mark Verville at 419.203.6619.

Established in 1905, Rotary International is a humanitarian service organization which brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance
goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. It is a non-political and non-religious organization.

The Van Wert Rotary Club was formed in 1920 and through the years has assisted with countless projects that still have an impact on the local community. Some past projects include Lake Rotary and the Nature Center at Camp Clay; restrooms, the concession facility and digital sign at Fountain Park; the Rotary Athletic and Soccer Complex on John Brown Road, and the walking path and Rotary Park at the Van Wert Reservoir.

Public invited to VWHS prom events

Submitted information

The Van Wert High School junior class is inviting the public to the Prom Open House from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, April 27, in the Van Wert Middle School Gym.

This year, the students chose ‘Hit the Jackpot” as the theme. Come and see how the students transform the gym and get a picture with an Elvis impersonator, Siegfried and Roy, and card dealers. Those attending should enter the open house on the north side of the building, middle school door number M44.

The public is also invited to attend the promenade from 7-8 p.m. in the high school gym. Please park on the north side of the building behind the middle school gym and enter through door M44. Follow the signs to the high school gym for the promenade.

United Way donation

United Way of Van Wert County recently granted Convoy Sports Center a check for $1,000. The money was given on behalf of the New Initiative Funds which allows organizations that are tax exempt to apply in order to help with a one-time need or project in Van Wert County. The funds will be used for the purchase of an AED to ensure health and safety of everyone at the ballpark. Shown above are Convoy Sports Secretary Megan Speaks (left) and United Way Executive Director Ashley Bultemeier. Any tax exempt organization in Van Wert County can learn more or apply for funds by contacting the United Way office at 419-238-6689 or email administration@uwvwco.org. Photo submitted