State says eclipse watchers came early and stayed late

Tornado Watch canceled by NWS

VW independent staff

The tornado watch issued for Van Wert County and surrounding counties has been canceled by the National Weather Service Northern Indiana. It was scheduled to go until until 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday).

Main Street Van Wert re-certified

VW indepdendent staff/submitted information

Heritage Ohio has announced the 2023 certification of Van Wert as a National Main Street Community. Van Wert became a member of the Ohio Main Street program in 2004 and has earned the prestigious designation each year since then.

During a full-day evaluation visit, the board of Main Street Van Wert exhibited evidence of a robust program working toward measurable outcomes in downtown revitalization.

To quality for accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

“I am thrilled to announce that our Main Street Van Wert has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Heritage Ohio Accreditation as a National Main Street Community,” Main Street Board President Quincy Thompson said. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, board, and volunteers, who have committed to help revitalizing, preserving, and creating a downtown where people want to be. Main Street has been able to receive the accreditation every year since 2004, and we will continue to make it our mission to accomplish for years to come.”

“We are immensely proud of our community and remain committed to fostering its growth and development for years to come,” she added.

Heritage Ohio helps people to save the places that matter, build community, and live better. As Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street Organization, Heritage Ohio fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism.

Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has contracted with the National Main Street Center as Ohio’s state coordinating agency for the Main Street Program.

More information is available at HeritageOhio.org.

Wren FD donation

The Wren Fire Department recently held its annual bingo night and with a 50-50 drawing, with the proceeds going to Van Wert County CERT. Wren Assistant Fire Chief Chris High (left) is shown presenting 380 dollars to CERT member Kevin King. The Wren Fire Department thanked everyone who attended the bingo night and participated in the 50-50 drawing, which made the donation possible. Photo submitted

Village garage sale event announced

Submitted information

CONVOY — The 2024 Convoy village-wide garage sales are scheduled for the weekend of May 17-18 throughout the community and surrounding area. Any household or business wishing to recycle, reclaim or reuse items may participate in the community event.

A listing of sales will be provided at the Secret Garden, Tastee Freeze, Convoy Quikmart, Municipal Building, on Facebook and on the village website, www.villageofconvoy.com. Those wishing to be included in the listing may drop off their information with address, times of your sale, a phone number and a list of “stuff” at no cost, at the Convoy Village Office, 123 South Main Street. Ads must be submitted by May 10 to be included.

Weekly winners

Congratulations to the Van Wert Elementary Word of the Week winners. This week, the following students were chosen as representatives of the word, listening: Grade 1, Eleanor; Grade 2, Jensen; Grade 3, Kenna; Grade 4, Madeline; Grade 5, Max. Each child received a free Mighty Kids Meal from McDonald’s in Van Wert and a certificate from WERT 1220AM/104.3FM. Photo submitted

Crestview Bd. approves personnel items

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

CONVOY — It was a fairly lengthy agenda but a rather short meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education on Monday. While there were other items, personnel matters made up the bulk of the agenda.

Among the contracts approved by the board: three-year administrative contracts for Middle School Principal Trent Kreischer, Food Service Supervisor Penny Clark, Program Services Director Amy Eikholt and Maintenance/Custodial Supervisor Geoff Waddles.

A number of one-year contracts were given approval, including Ragen Harting, middle school intervention; Jim Wharton, high school/middle school physical education; Ashley Eby, middle/high school art teacher; Rachel Garay, preschool teacher; Cole Harting, high school science teacher; Dylan Hicks, high school intervention specialist; Felicia Kowalski and Kate Kroeger, high school language arts; Olivia McGranahan, Spanish; Allison Morrow and Allison Springer, elementary teachers; Sarah Wells, middle school/high school vocal music teacher, and Michael Joseph, middle school math.

Three-year contracts were approved for Luke Gerardot, elementary intervention specialist; Heather Hitchcock, middle school language arts; Brett Latmann, instrumental music teacher; Kole Rolsten, middle school intervention specialist, and Hannah White, kindergarten teacher. In addition, a five-year contract was approved for high school science teacher Shelby Miller.

Continuing contracts were approved for Allison Lichtensteiger and Jenna Musser, elementary intervention specialists.

State releases tornado funding assistance

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — $5 million is now available to support local governments and eligible non-profit organizations impacted by the tornadoes in Logan and Auglaize counties on March 14.

In early April, Governor Mike DeWine authorized that the funding be made available from the State Disaster Relief Program. The Ohio Controlling Board approved the release of the funds on Monday.

The SDRP is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance. The program is intended to provide supplemental state assistance to local governments and eligible non-profit organizations for costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent work.

On March 21, DeWine requested that FEMA and the Small Business Association conduct a damage assessment on impacted homeowners, renters, and businesses in the 11 Ohio counties impacted by the March 14th tornadoes and severe storms. On March 29, DeWine requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist the disaster survivors and businesses with their recovery.

Elks Lodge makes Scout donation

Submitted information

Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $125 to the Black Swamp Area Council, Boys Scouts of America. The donation is part of the annual Friends of Scouting fund raising campaign.

The Black Swamp Council, which is headquartered in Findlay, covers 13 counties. It provides two camps, Camp Berry near Findlay and Camp Lakota near Defiance for the scouts to hold activities at and attend summer camp. The Friends of Scouting campaign contributions help the council fund camping programs, adult and youth training programs.

For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been instilling the values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared” and the Scout Slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” The council provides scouting programs to 6,300 youth.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a history of supporting Boy Scouts. Many lodges nationwide sponsor scout troops and provide a location for them to meet as well. The Elks provides monies annually to the scouts for camping equipment and helps to sponsor camping trips as well.

Gas prices fall, could rise again though

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 12.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.39 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 17 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 20.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel is down 1.2 cents in the last week and stands at $4.01 per gallon.

In Van Wert, gas prices ranged from $3.27 at Party Mart, Pak-A-Sak on S. Shannon, and Murphy USA, to $3.46 at Brookside on W. Main St. Self-serve unleaded was $3.39 at Ohio City Express and Willshire RoadDog, and $3.60 per gallon at Convoy Quickmart.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.39 per gallon while the most expensive was $3.99 a gallon, a difference of $1.60 a gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.60 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 14.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 5.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

“With Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend, the stakes couldn’t have been higher for a major potential impact on oil and gasoline prices,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With the attacks largely thwarted and mostly unsuccessful, and with Iran signaling that their attack will be the end of their response, the risk to crude oil has diminished, and the situation is thankfully likely to de-escalate going forward. If Israel, which has promised to respond with further attacks, indeed does press on, it could certainly still push oil prices higher. However, motorists can expect other factors to influence what they’re paying at the pump.”

Mobile food pantry set for next Tuesday

Submitted information

West Ohio Food Bank, a United Way of Van Wert County agency, will be distributing shelf stable food and produce at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert on Tuesday, April 23, from 12-2 p.m. or until the food is gone. This mobile food drive will be a drive-thru only event.

You must have valid photo identification in order to receive food, only two households per vehicle, and must be at least 18 years of age.

Anyone with questions should call the United Way of Van Wert County office at 419.238.6689.