The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Queen Jubilee 49 contestants are (front row, left to right): Claire Keysor, Macy Johnson, and Elli Barton. Back row: Chloe Etzkorn, Emily Rode, Tess Vonderwell, Sydney King, and Melissa Joseph. Photo courtesy of Ally Buzard Photography

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Peony Festival’s Queen Jubilee Pageant will be held Friday, April 5, at LifeHouse Church on Fox Road in Van Wert. Eight area high schools have selected these young ladies to represent their respective senior classes for the 49th annual event.

Over $5,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to the queen and her court, with each contestant receiving a minimum of $200 in scholarship funds for their future education.

Zach Shaffer will be serving as master of ceremonies, with Kimberly Ousley directing for her fourth year. The rest of the pageant committee is comprised of Hilary Coil, Jill Gemmer, Jon Ousley, Andrea Shaffer and Julie Zaleski.

Contestants will be competing in talent, evening gown, and on-stage question, in addition to their preliminary scores of interview and essay.

Other highlights of the evening will include the return of Queen Jubilee 48, Mackenzie Jones, who will crown this year’s winner, the crowning of Little Miss and Junior Miss Jubilee, people’s choice voting, and 50-50 ticket sales.

Tickets for this year’s event are $10 and are available at Laudick’s Jewelry in Van Wert, from any of the eight contestants, or at the door the evening of the pageant. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the pageant will start at 7 p.m.

This year’s candidates include:

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POSTED: 03/29/24 at 4:10 am

VW independent staff

The Van Wert County Historical Society trustees will offer a meal a day before the April 8 solar eclipse.

The Sunday, April 7 meal will be served between 12-3 p.m. and will consist of a brat, hot dog or shredded chicken sandwich, choice of two sides – baked beans, macaroni salad or chips – plus a drink and dessert. The cost will be $9.

The trustees are inviting everyone to come and enjoy the food and a relaxing afternoon exploring all of the buildings on the museum’s grounds, including the mansion, barn and one-room school. The museum is located at 602 N. Washington St., Van Wert.

POSTED: 03/29/24 at 4:09 am. FILED UNDER: News

A Siberian elm tree stump along N. Walnut St. was cut down this week by workers who cut blocks out of the stump with a 42″ chainsaw to lower it down to a manageable size so the city’s stump grinder can efficiently handle it. Other trees are coming down and according to Van Wert Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming, the city generates a list of trees that need to be removed. Some are damaged or dead trees and some are owners requesting their removal, usually to correct sidewalk problems. Fleming said the firm contracted by Van Wert had more time for the city and the weather cooperated so a lot more trees came down in a short period of time. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

POSTED: 03/29/24 at 4:09 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) have introduced legislation that requires schools to allow U.S. Title 36, which permits certain patriotic organizations to provide information to students.

Patriotic organizations covered by this legislation include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, FFA, Civil Air Patrol, Boys and Girls Club of America, and others.

State Representatives Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) and Roy Klopfenstein (R- Haviland) and introduce legislation requiring schools to allow patriotic organizations to provide information to students. Photo submitted

“These groups play a vital role in imparting civic and moral values, fostering robust leadership skills, and promoting personal development among our youth,” Klopfenstein said.

The legislation would allow the organizations to present information about their activities at least once per academic year. It is at the discretion of the school to determine when, where, and how long the organizations can present.

This measure ensures the safety of students while facilitating meaningful interactions, as organizations seeking to engage with students must undergo and pay for a background check akin to those required for teachers.

“Teachers and administrators are bombarded with groups and individuals who want an audience with our students,” Brennan said. “Our bill will assist our schools by requiring proper vetting of those requesting to present to students and, at the end of the day, will benefit our young learners by giving them access to quality opportunities.”

The bill is modeled after similar legislation in Indiana, which passed with strong bipartisan support.

The legislation awaits a bill number and committee assignment.

POSTED: 03/29/24 at 4:09 am. FILED UNDER: News

Submitted information

COLUMBUS – One of the co-owners of a shuttered robocall business is facing contempt charges for defying a court order prohibiting him from placing or facilitating robocalls, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and seven other state attorneys general announced on Thursday.

Yost and his counterparts are asking a federal judge in Texas to find John Spiller II in contempt and impose the strictest penalty possible – a complete ban from the telecommunications industry. Spiller co-owned Rising Eagle Capital Group and several other business entities in Texas that provided dialer and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services to telemarketers. Despite knowing the illegal nature of the robocalls, Spiller and his companies were responsible for facilitating billions of deceptive robocalls.

Dave Yost

“This guy is a recidivist robocaller and a notorious name in the robocall industry,” Yost said. “It’s time to sever his phone lines for good.”

The contempt charges stem from a June 2020 lawsuit accusing Rising Eagle and its owners of unlawfully bombarding consumers with robocalls that offered extended car warranties and health-care services.

As part of a consent decree negotiated in March 2023, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas imposed a judgment totaling over $122 million against Spiller and his business partner. Because neither could afford to pay, however, both were permanently banned from initiating or facilitating any robocalls, working for or with companies that make robocalls, or engaging in any telemarketing.

The latest court filing accuses Spiller of violating the terms of the consent decree by forming new VoIP companies through which he continued to facilitate illegal and scam robocalls. Those robocalls included Amazon scam calls, student loan-related robocalls, and government impersonation calls, among others.

Spiller used aliases and falsified business records filed in various states and with the Federal Communications Commission to continue doing this illegal business.

In addition to asking the court to find Spiller in contempt, the attorneys general are requesting that he be permanently banned from operating as a telecommunications service provider.

Joining Yost in the legal filing were the attorneys general of Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota and Texas.

POSTED: 03/29/24 at 4:08 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff

There’s good news for fans of WERT 1220AM – the Van Wert radio station is back on the air on the AM side of the dial. 

The signal went down March 14, when the radio station’s tower took a direct lightning hit, causing damage to some transmitter parts. According to station owner Chris Roberts, those parts have been replaced and the station is back on the air.

WERT also transmits at 104.3FM. 

POSTED: 03/28/24 at 4:59 am. FILED UNDER: News

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

After five seasons, Van Wert boys varsity basketball coach Ben Laudick has resigned his position.

The Van Wert City Schools Board of Education accepted his resignation during Wednesday night’s monthly meeting. Laudick, who was at the meeting, read a brief statement and thanked the board, coaches, players, his family and others for their support.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Van Wert basketball program for 25 years as a player and/or coach,” Laudick told the board. “Some of my best memories have been in the Cougar Den and many other gyms across northwest Ohio. Not many people can say they got to coach or lead their favorite basketball team…it’s truly been a dream come true.”

Superintendent Mark Bagley updates the board on the second phase of work at Eggerss Stadium. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Laudick replaced now-Superintendent Mark Bagley as head coach after the 2018-2019 season and went 58-60 in five seasons, including a trip to the Division II regional finals in 2023. The Cougars finished 4-19 this past season. A full story on Laudick’s resignation can be found on the Sports page.

The board also accepted the resignations of Jalen McCracken as a volunteer baseball coach; custodial/maintenance worker Tom Lee; middle school music teacher/assistant band director Scott Turner, and fourth grade teacher Traci McCoy. McCoy was then hired as district media specialist. The board also hired Sydney Collins as a second grade teacher, Karlie Ulm as a third grade teacher, Ryann Morehous as a fourth grade teacher, and Aaron Ries as assistant to the director of technology.

During his report to the board, Bagley gave an update on work at Eggerss Stadium and said Alexander and Bebout has started the second phase of the renovation project, including the removal of asphalt and the outer shell of the men’s restroom on the home side. He said there will be new restrooms installed along with a new concession stand, along with a new press box.

“The press box will be brand new and much bigger and then the landing area in the front – that’s going to be handicapped and elderly accessible from the elevator,” Bagley stated. “Instead of being shoved into the corners like they have for 86 years, they’re going to be front and center between the 40-yard lines.”

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POSTED: 03/28/24 at 3:38 am. FILED UNDER: News

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A Van Wert man who admitted to causing a woman’s death learned his fate on Wednesday.

Thomas Lampy, 31, was sentenced by Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin Burchfield to 6-9 years in prison on a second degree felony charge of corrupting another with drugs. He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Lampy pleaded guilty last month and in exchange, a charge of involuntary manslaughter, a first degree felony, was dismissed. The charges were tied to the March, 2023, overdose death of a Van Wert woman. Lampy was arrested after a Van Wert County grand jury secretly indicted him last October.

Three other defendants were sentenced on unrelated charges on Wednesday.

Corbin Roberts, 23, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and 90 days in jail for possession of LSD, also a fifth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered the sentences be served concurrently, and Roberts was ordered to pay costs.

Michael Whisman, 33, of Van Wert, was sentenced to six days in jail, two years of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date and 10 hours of community service for domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. He was also ordered to undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment and was ordered to pay partial appointed counsel fees, monthly probation fees and court costs.

Charmin Justin, 56, of Van Wert, was sentenced to two years of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date and 50 hours of community services for attempted illegal use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or WIC program benefits, a first degree misdemeanor. Justin must also undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, and must pay monthly probation fees and court costs.

Three defendants changed their pleas to various charges.

Tralisa Lane, 31, of Delphos, changed her plea to guilty of trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present, a fourth degree felony. She requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and her case was stayed pending completion of the treatment program. She was ordered to pay court costs.

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POSTED: 03/28/24 at 3:38 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach has announced that Van Wert County citizens are invited to become associate members of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.

Sheriff Riggenbach advised that membership appeals were mailed out around March 25. Individuals choosing to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as a $25 contribution. The funding provides critically important technical resources, training and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.

Sheriff Riggenbach

“With government funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has taken on greater importance than ever before,” Riggenbach said. “The funding is vital to helping us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play.”

According to Sheriff Riggenbach, anyone who doesn’t receive a membership appeal and would like more information can get it by contacting the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, 1103 Schrock Road, Suite 401, Columbus, 43229, by calling 1.614.431.5500, or by contacting the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866.

The membership program was formed to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to help local law enforcement officers protect the lives and property of citizens.

“As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this country continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” Riggenbach said.

He added he feels this is a valuable investment in the future and encourages everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider becoming an associate member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.

Riggenbach also said the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association never solicits members over the phone. If anyone has questions or concerns, please contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866.

POSTED: 03/28/24 at 3:38 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff/submitted information

LAKEVIEW — Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff, local community members and volunteer groups from across Ohio Indian Lake State Park will re-open on Friday, March 29 following damage from the tornado and severe storms that struck Logan County on March 14.

“Our hearts ache for all those affected by the recent storm,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Throughout this ordeal, our top priority has been ensuring the safety and well-being of our visitors and the surrounding communities. Witnessing the incredible resilience and determination of this community to restore the park has been truly inspiring.”

Most of Indian Lake State Park will re-open on Friday. ODNR photo

The tornado, which was 1,000 yards wide and on the ground for 31 miles, inflicted widespread devastation not only to the state park but also the neighboring communities.

Despite the challenges posed by the recent disaster, Indian Lake State Park will reopen its grounds on Friday with the exception of Fox Island. The extensive damage to Fox Island, which includes downed trees and a destroyed shelter house, requires ongoing cleanup efforts.

As for boating, modifications to the no wake zone areas will be implemented for added safety due to possible debris in the lake with additional buoys being placed between Paradise Island east to Orchard Island and from Orchard Island east to Moundwood.

Additionally, the Indian Lake State Park campground will resume operations on Friday, honoring existing reservations, including those for the upcoming total solar eclipse.

“This has been an incredibly trying period for the Indian Lake community,” said Indian Lake State Park Manager Hiedie Whitman. “However, we have witnessed an outpouring of support from the community, local businesses and countless volunteers. While we are excited about the prospect of reopening the park, our thoughts are with this community, and we ask our visitors to respect our neighbors and friends during this terribly difficult time.”

For the latest updates and additional notices, visitors are encouraged to monitor the Indian Lake State Park Facebook page.

POSTED: 03/28/24 at 3:37 am. FILED UNDER: News

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

While the agenda itself was very light, a wide and varied number of topics were covered during Monday night’s lengthy meeting of Van Wert City Council.

One of the discussions centered around the future of council committees, a subject that has been broached at previous meetings. At the suggestion of Councilman At-Large Jeff Kallas, an ordinance will be prepared that, if approved, would eliminate council’s seven three-member committees (finance, streets and alleys, judiciary and annexation, properties and equipment, parks and recreation, health service and safety and economic development) and replace them with special committees on an as-needed basis. Those special committees would be dissolved once the task at hand was complete. The vote to prepare the legislation was 5-2. However, it will ultimately take six “yes” votes to change the current committee system.

Van Wert City Council committees could become a thing of the past. Council members will consider a change and other requests during the month of April. VW independent file photo

“How do we change it, what do we do to make it more effective for us?” Kallas said.

During his report to council, Mayor Ken Markward recommended council members prohibit recreational marijuana dispensaries within the city limits, just as the city previously did with medical marijuana dispensaries. The matter will be discussed during a future meeting. A full story on Markward’s recommendation and the ensuing discussion can be found here.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming asked council to increase water tap fees for new construction from $800 to $1,900 for a 3/4 inch line and from $1,200 to $2,350 for a 1-inch line. He noted the current rates have been in place for 20 years. Legislation is expected to be introduced at the next council meeting.

Fleming also said Police Chief Doug Weigle has requested reducing the minimum age for entry level police officers from 21 to 20, while increasing the upper age limit to 42.

“We’re putting some of these people through the Vantage program, they’re coming out and they’re not 21 yet so they’re not eligible for the test, so we want to reduce the minimum age,” Fleming explained.

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POSTED: 03/27/24 at 3:39 am. FILED UNDER: News