SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
A local woman charged in connection with a fatal accident made her first appearance in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.
Barbara Nickles, 66, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to vehicular homicide, a first degree misdemeanor. Released on surety bond with work related driving privileges and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. October 8.
The charge stems from a July 28 accident in the parking lot of Ruler Foods in Van Wert. An accident report from the Van Wert Police Department said Nickles was operating a 2023 Cadillac XT5 while in the grocery store’s parking lot and began to accelerate in reverse at a high rate of speed from her marked parking space. The report stated she struck the pedestrian, later identified by a family member as Omar Sites, causing him to collide with another parked motor vehicle, which resulted in serious injuries. After striking Sites, Nickles continued to operate her vehicle at a high rate of speed in reverse, causing damage to multiple parked motor vehicles. Sites passed away August 11. There was no evidence that showed the incident was intentional.
Nickles was initially charged in Van Wert Municipal Court with vehicular assault, a fourth degree felony, and negligent assault, a third degree misdemeanor. The case was bound over to a Van Wert County grand jury, but its members opted against a felony charge.
If ultimately convicted, Nickles faces up to six months in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
12 other criminal hearings, including seven other arraignments took place between Friday, September 5, and Wednesday, September 10.
(more…)POSTED: 09/11/25 at 8:52 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
BLUE CREEK TOWNSHIP – A Friday morning crash involving an SUV and a dump truck claimed both drivers.
It occurred at approximately 10 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 87 and the Van Wert-Paulding County Line Road (Township Road 12), in Paulding County. According to a report from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2016 Ford Explorer driven by Cody M. Motycka, 33, of Van Wert, was traveling south on County Road 87. A 2024 Peterbilt dump truck driven by Kevin S. Halliwill, 53, of Scott was traveling west on the Van Wert-Paulding County Line Road (TR 12). Motycka failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck by Halliwill’s vehicle. The dump truck rolled over and Halliwill, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected.
Motycka and Halliwill were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Van Wert County Coroner’s Office, Paulding County Coroner’s Office, Van Wert County EMA, Scott EMS, Van Wert Fire Department, Hague’s Towing, and Gideon’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
POSTED: 09/12/25 at 3:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Due to the delay in completion of the final state inspection, the elevator to Tyler’s Landing will be out of service and the area will not be accessible for tonight’s football game against Celina. Guests requiring accessible seating are encouraged to use the designated platform located in the northwest corner of the stadium. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We are confident the elevator to Tyler’s Landing will be fully operational in time for Senior Night against Wapakoneta on September 26,” school officials said in a statement. VWCS photo
VW independent staff/submitted information
DELPHOS — A Bryan woman suffered potential life-threatening injuries in a wrong-way accident on U.S. 30 in Delphos early Friday morning.
According to a report from the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. Friday. Officers with the Delphos Police Department attempted to initiate a traffic stop with a vehicle on Fifth St. within the city limits, but the vehicle failed to stop and continued to U.S. 30, where it entered the highway in the wrong direction.
Taneesha S. Stuckey, 36, of Bryan, was operating a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox and began traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of travel. She traveled in the wrong direction on U.S. 30 for almost a half mile before entering the grass median in an attempt to enter the eastbound lanes. When Stuckey entered the eastbound lanes, she was struck by an 2025 International semi-truck and trailer operated by Alex J. Chance, 50, of Ashland. Stuckey’s vehicle was pushed into the median and rolled over on its side. The semi-truck came to controlled final rest on the right berm of the eastbound lanes.
Stuckey was extricated by mechanical means and transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospital by Delphos EMS. Chance was treated on scene for reported minor injuries.
Stuckey was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and alcohol and/or drugs have not been ruled out as a factor in the crash. Chance was reportedly wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor on his part. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage.
Assisting troopers on scene were the Delphos Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Delphos Fire and EMS and Miller Performance Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
POSTED: 09/12/25 at 5:50 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
High bond has been set for a Michigan man facing a number of local sex charges that date back a number of years, while a county man is free on a surety bond on similar charges.
David Lowe, 54, of Sturgis, Michigan, made his first appearance in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, first degree felonies; two counts of sexual battery, third degree felonies, and six counts of gross sexual imposition, all third degree felonies.
A Van Wert County grand jury indicted Lowe on the charges last week and he was transported from the St. Joseph County Jail, where he was already incarcerated on a holder from Van Wert County, to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility, where he remains.
During arraignment, Judge Martin D. Burchfield set bond at $250,000 cash or surety and ordered Lowe to have no contact with the victims. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. October 8.
Court documents indicate all of the alleged crimes occurred in Van Wert County between January of 2003 and December of 2007, and involved a victim under the age of 13.
In a separate and unrelated case, Seth Marbaugh, 34, of Ohio City, entered a not guilty plea to a superceding indictment of four counts of rape, all first degree felonies; three counts of sexual battery, third degree felonies, and three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, third degree felonies. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered by Judge Burchfield to have no contact with victims. A pre-trial conference was set for 8 a.m. October 8.
Court records show the alleged crimes occurred between May of 2023 and October of 2024, and the alleged victim was between 13-16 years of age.
POSTED: 09/11/25 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
If you drove along E. Main St. in Van Wert on Thursday, no doubt you saw the flag on display via the Van Wert Fire Department’s ladder truck. The flag was hoisted throughout the day in honor of 9-11. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 09/11/25 at 8:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Thursday morning’s break-in at Westwood Behavioral Center’s pharmacy wasn’t the only such incident. In fact, it was the third of three break-ins at pharmacies at three different pharmacies in northwest Ohio.
A dispatcher for the Hicksville Police Department confirmed late Thursday morning that a break-in occurred at Hicksville Pharmacy and Home at 5:20 a.m. Paulding Police Chief Regina Weidenhamer then confirmed that a break-in occurred at Oukley’s Pharmacy-Paulding a short time later, at 5:46 a.m., followed by the confirmed break-in at Westwood at 6:29 a.m. In all three cases, three males dressed in black clothing were involved in the crimes. They remain at-large.
According to Van Wert Police Chief Doug Weigle, officers were summoned by alarm to Westwood. Along with the police department, the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the Ohio State Highway Patrol provided assistance later.
They discovered the front door was forced in and the pharmacy was entered. The Van Wert Sheriff’s Office’s K-9 was sent in to clear the building and no one was located inside.
Video footage showed the three males dressed in all black making entry into the building. Many of the law enforcement officers were released from the scene shortly before 8 a.m., and the VWPD’s processing team took control of the crime scene to look for additional evidence.
Later this morning, local authorities said they believe they know the make and model of the car involved, a black late model Toyota Camry.
Exactly what, if anything, the trio made off with at each of the break-ins has not been disclosed.
Weigle said If anyone has any information about this crime, call the Van Wert Police Department at 419.238.2462 or call Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.
POSTED: 09/11/25 at 11:18 am. FILED UNDER: News
A break-in at Westwood Behavioral Center in Van Wert attracted the attention of local law enforcement this morning. The Van Wert Police Department, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol were all at the scene. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 09/11/25 at 7:48 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — The 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign, held annually by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is returning this month, and ODA is asking community partners to host local walking groups and events to raise awareness of older adult falls.
“We celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Month every September, and we are excited to bring back our 10 Million Steps campaign as the centerpiece,” said ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy. “This year, you can support the older adults in your life by walking just one mile to help us raise awareness of falls prevention.”
Ohioans of all ages are encouraged to walk at least one mile during the month of September.
“The 10 million steps campaign is a public health initiative for individuals of all ages to walk at least one mile in the month of September in the name of fall prevention,” said Ashlin Magrum, Population Health Director for Area Agency on Aging 3. “By setting a goal, tracking your steps or mileage, and submitting those metrics to Area Agency on Aging 3, you directly contribute to raising awareness and supporting fall prevention initiatives in our service area.”
Area Agency on Aging 3 will be holding a 10 Million Steps Walk on Friday, September 19, at Ottawa Metro Park, Wyandot Shelter House in Lima. Join area residents and community members between 9-11 a.m. to kick off Fall Prevention Awareness Week. The paths are paved for easy walking. There is no specific start time, no race, just walking to raise awareness. Happy Tails Pup Partners will be there with adoptable furry friends you can take for a walk and play with. Sign up now at www.aaa3.org.
“Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults ages 65 and older, yet many people believe that falling is a natural part of aging,” said Katherine Hounshell, Health Education Coordinator at Area Agency on Aging 3. “The 10 Million Steps Campaign challenges this misconception by highlighting that falls are not inevitable and that prevention is possible. The 10 Million Steps Walk kicks off Fall Prevention Awareness Week and will wrap up with our annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day and Health Fair.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/10/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a four-vehicle accident that left two people dead on Ohio 115, near U.S. 30 in Allen County’s American Township.
Sean Triplett, 40, of Florence, Kentucky, was operating a 2009 Toyota Avalon northbound on Ohio 115 when he drove left of center and struck a southbound 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Morgan Krouse, 24, of Kalida. Triplett continued in the wrong of lane of travel and struck a southbound 2022 Chevrolet Equinox operated by Joann Kahle, 60, of Fort Jennings. Kahle was forced off the right side of the roadway. Krouse was forced left of center and struck a northbound 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Thora George, 30, of Lima.
Triplett and Kahle were both pronounced dead at the scene. Triplett was not wearing a safety belt. Krouse and George were both treated and released from the scene with possible injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on-scene by Allen County Coroner’s Office, Allen Mortuary Services, American Township Fire and EMS, American Township Police Department, Lima Fire Department, Able Wrecker Service, Knippen Chrysler Dodge Jeep, and Kenny’s Auto Kare.
POSTED: 09/10/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
A reminder – have you recently moved or changed your name? Don’t forget to update your voter registration with the Van Wert County Board of Elections. Every voter is responsible for making sure they keep their voter registration updated. Maintaining an accurate voter registration list is essential in protecting election integrity.
To check, update or register to vote in time for the November 4 general election, click here, or if you don’t have access to the internet, stop by the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office at 1362 E. Ervin Rd., Van Wert or call the office at 419.238.4192. The deadline to register or update voter registration information is October 6. Early in-person voting will begin the following day.
Keep in mind that you must have an updated photo ID for voting. The BMV can issue an interim ID card which can be used with your Ohio driver’s license. Make sure that all your information is current and accurate to ensure you’re ready for the upcoming election.
POSTED: 09/10/25 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
