Morgan celebrating 100th birthday, shares memories

Crestview winners!

Crestview Elementary recently named its Students of the Month sponsored by Van Wert Cinemas. Students making the Knight Leader Board each month are put into a drawing for a free 30-day pass to the movie theater for their entire family. Van Wert Cinemas March Students of the Month are Opal Grand and Kimber Poling (first grade), Asher Kuhn and Jordanne Short (second grade), Masyn Runyon and Luke Brown (third grade), Ethan Sinn and Barrett Maxwell (fourth grade), and Georgia Smazenko and Addilyn Gilbert (fifth grade). Photo submitted

DeWine issues more death row reprieves

VW independent staff

COLUMBUS — Citing ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs necessary for lethal injections, Governor Mike DeWine issued three more reprieves of execution:

• James O’Neal, who was scheduled to be executed on August 19, 2026.  The new date of execution has been moved to August 14, 2029. He’s been on death row since 1995.
• Jerome Henderson, who was scheduled to be executed on October 21, 2026.  The new date of execution has been moved to September 18, 2029. He’s been on death row since 1985.
• Melvin Bonnell, who was scheduled to be executed on November 18, 2026.  The new date of execution has been moved to October 18, 2029. He’s been on death row since 1988 and his execution has been postponed at least three times.

Other states have continued carrying out death sentences via lethel injection, while others have changed methods, including the use of a firing squad or nitrogen gas.

Since DeWine took office in 2019, there have been no executions in Ohio.

VWCT to present Songs for a New World

Submitted information

The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced its upcoming production of Songs for a New World, a stirring musical that promises to move audiences with its soaring melodies and deeply resonant storytelling. Performances are scheduled for May 8–10 and 15–17.

About the Show

Songs for a New World weaves together powerful stories of individuals at life’s pivotal crossroads. This musical explores the emotional connections we forge in moments of change and uncertainty. Each song is a vivid snapshot of human experience, from heartbreak to hope. Prepare to be moved by its soaring melodies and the universal themes of growth and resilience.

Ticket information

Tickets are $16 per person. Members may purchase tickets now, and the box office will open to the general public on Thursday, April 23. Tickets may be purchased by visiting vwct.org or by calling the box office at 419.238.9689

Performance Schedule

Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 and 15-16 shows will be at 7:30 p.m. May 10 and 17 will be Sunday mantinees at 2 p.m.

Meet the cast

The production features a talented ensemble of local performers:

• Amanda Block
• Kristin Lee
• Virgo Lee
• Nancy Shuffle
• Laura Wells
• Alyssa Wells
• Nick Long
• Sean Carpenter

The Van Wert Civic Theatre looks forward to bringing this unforgettable musical experience to the community.

211 service coming to all Ohio counties

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — 211 service is being expanded to all 88 Ohio counties.

Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente announced this week a new partnership between DCY and Ohio 211 to expand services to all counties, ensuring every Ohioan can access local community resources no matter where they live. The statewide expansion will be fully implemented by the end of June 2026. 

Ohio 211 is a free, 24/7 service that connects callers to support for nutritional assistance, housing and shelter, medical services, government programs, transportation, legal assistance, counseling, disaster recovery, and other everyday needs.

DCY is working with Ohio 211 to bring all 13 of 211’s regional providers together into one statewide system that will offer the same high-quality services to every Ohioan. This expansion brings 211 coverage to 30 counties where these services had been limited or not available. This new partnership also expands access to DCY’s Family and Customer Support Call Center, so callers can be connected to DCY services and programs after normal business hours.

“Connecting Ohioans to the help they need should be simple and accessible,” Governor DeWine said. “Expanding 211 services statewide ensures that every Ohioan, no matter where they live, can quickly find support for everyday challenges. This partnership strengthens our ability to serve families and makes it easier for people to access the local resources that can help them move forward.” 

“Every family should be able to find help when they need it,” Wente said. . “Expanding 211 statewide will make it easier for Ohioans to connect with the services and supports that help children and families stay safe, healthy, and stable. It will also allow us to extend access to information about DCY services and programs after regular business hours and will offer callers access to their local Parent and Youth Ambassadors.” 

In 2025, Ohio’s 211 centers handled 797,169 contacts and identified 809,120 needs.

For more information about Ohio 211, visit https://ohio211.org/.

Appeals Court upholds Houser’s conviction

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

LIMA — An appeal filed by a Rockford man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend in Van Wert has been denied.

Ryan Houser, 40, filed his appeal with the Third District Court of Appeals in Lima in late June of last year, just days after Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin Burchfield sentenced him to 15 years to life for murder. The prison term for the murder charge, an unclassified felony, is mandatory.

Court documents show the basis of Houser’s appeal was his conviction and ensuing sentence.

Oral arguments were heard by Judges William R. Zimmerman, Mark C. Miller and John R. Willamowski in February. Their 35-page decision, dated Monday, April 13, affirmed the conviction and the sentence imposed by Judge Martin D. Burchfield. The justices also ordered Houser to pay for the cost of the appeal.

The case dates back to September, 2023, when Houser was the sole suspect in the death of Barbara Ganger, 43, of Van Wert. Her body was discovered on September 4, 2023, after the Van Wert Police Department did a welfare check at her residence at Van Wert West Apartments on W. Main St. Officers discovered she had been shot twice.

“Following the discovery of her body, law enforcement identified Houser – her on-again, off-again boyfriend -– as a suspect based on his history of threatening her life and video surveillance placing him near the scene around her estimated time of death,” the Appeals Court Judges wrote in their decision. “During initial questioning with law enforcement, Houser implicated himself by demonstrating knowledge that the victim had been shot before police disclosed her cause of death. Although Houser consented to a search of his cell phone during interviews with law enforcement, investigators nonetheless sought a warrant to search his cloud data. Subsequent forensic analysis ultimately revealed that Houser had deleted information from his phone.”

Twp. Trustees schedule special meeting

Submitted information

The Hoaglin Township Trustees will hold a special meeting at 8 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the township house, 3975 Hoaglin Center Rd., Van Wert.

Putt Around donation…

The Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 recently made a donation to the YWCA of Van Wert County with the proceeds from the Van Wert Putt Around. The Putt Around was a collaborative event between the Elks and the YWCA to raise funds for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking receiving services at the YWCA through their survivor services programs. Pictured from left to right are Van Wert Putt Around Committee members Deb Akom and Al Zimmerman, Julie Schaufelberger (YWCA DIrector of Outreach and Communications and Putt Around Committee Member), Steve Boley (member of the winning Putt Around team), Armondo Alvarez and Tim Friemoth (Putt Around Committee members). Photo submitted

Mail carrier expected to change plea

VW independent staff

TOLEDO — The Van Wert mail carrier accused of setting fire to undelivered mail last fall is expected to change his plea in federal court.

In January, Kyle Carver of Van Wert appeared in U.S. District Court in Toledo and entered a not guilty plea to a felony charge of delay or destruction of mail, a charge that carries up to five years in prison and a fine. Probation is also an option.

Carver is now scheduled to return to court on June 9.

During the early morning hours of October 22, 2025, the Van Wert Police Department received a call from a concerned citizen in reference to a fire that was unattended in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of George St.

When an officer went to investigate, there was evidence of USPS mail being burned. It was confirmed that Carver lived at the residence and was allegedly burning undelivered mail there. The Van Wert Fire Department was called to extinguish the fire.

The investigation was turned over to postmaster Greg McKeddie, who arrived on scene less than 45 minutes after the initial call.

In an interview with WANE 15 TV the day of the incident, Carver said “he’d forgotten to send out Friday’s mail to Central Ave, and said he noticed the pile in his truck this morning and, for fear of getting in trouble, put the 6-inch stack of envelopes in his fire pit and lit it on fire.” He also told the Fort Wayne television station that he regretted his actions.

His employment status with USPS is unknown.

CEO anounces his pending retirement

VW independent staff/submitted information

PAULDING – Paulding Putnam announced today that Chief Executive Officer Randy Price will retire effective January, 2027, following three years of service to the cooperative.

According to a press release announcing his pending retirement, Price has led the cooperative through a period of significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Paulding Putnam successfully launched fiber internet service — approved by the board in 2024 and first installed for subscribers in fall 2025 — that has since expanded to nearly 650 miles of mainline fiber. The co-op also maintains more than 1,700 miles of electric lines serving both electric members and fiber internet subscribers across its service territory.

“This decision comes after careful consideration and with great appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Paulding Putnam members,” Price said. “Leading Paulding Putnam has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. I am proud of what we have accomplished together by building an organization that is financially strong, competitive, reliable, and technically ready for the changes in society and the electric and internet industries.”

Price added that he is confident in the company’s long-term direction and leadership.

“To ensure a smooth and orderly transition, I am fully committed to supporting the board and executive team during the succession process,” Price said. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the board for its guidance, trust, and partnership throughout my tenure. I am also deeply thankful to the management team and employees whose dedication and professionalism have been central to our success.”

Board Chairman Adam Schnipke praised Price’s contributions, stating he “has been an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Leadership cohort supports 4-H clubs

Submitted information

The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce has announced that the cohort will undertake a significant community service project, focusing this year on supporting the local 4-H program, which develops leadership and real-world skills in youth.

In a combined effort to enhance youth development, the Leadership Class has launched a community fundraiser to benefit the Van Wert County 4-H program. Funds raised will be used to purchase essential equipment, including a new ice shaver machine and pipe and drape for 4-H events.

Contributions to the fundraiser can be made through the Van Wert County Foundation, directly supporting the enhancement of 4-H initiatives and experiences for local youth. To make a donation visit the Van Wert County Foundation website here.

Northwest State Community College (NSCC) remains a committed sponsor of the Leadership Van Wert County program. As a public two-year college, NSCC serves over 77,000 families in northwest Ohio, offering a variety of degree and certificate programs. Dr. Todd Hernandez, NSCC President, emphasized the college’s mission to provide educational access and support the community by establishing a full-service facility in Van Wert in the near future.