Paver tribute area installed at historic Eggerss Stadium

Ohio Goes to the Movies postponed

Submitted information

Main Street Van Wert has announced that the Ohio Goes to the Movies event, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 1, has been postponed due to the forecast of inclement weather.

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of attendees, the event will now take place as part of the Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, September 26, in downtown Van Wert.

The move will allow the community to still enjoy the fun, entertainment, and movie-themed activities planned for Ohio Goes to the Movies while making it part of the larger Harvest Moon Festival celebration.

“We were looking forward to celebrating Ohio Goes to the Movies with our community, but the safety of our attendees, vendors, and volunteers comes first,” said Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price. “We are excited to bring the event back on September 26 and make it part of an even bigger day during Harvest Moon.”

Additional details regarding event times, activities, and the Harvest Moon Festival will be announced as they become available.

AEP, Butterfly Meadows open houses set

VW independent staff/submitted information

Wednesday, August 12 – that’s when a pair of local open houses will be scheduled to share more information about a new electric facility and a possible new solar farm.

AEP Ohio

Officials from American Electric Power have scheduled an August open house to update customers about power grid upgrades in Van Wert County. According to a news release, AEP Ohio is planning to upgrade the electric transmission grid in Van Wert County to meet growing power needs in the area.

The Maddox Creek-Norse Transmission Project involves:

• Building an electric facility, Norse Substation, off Stripe Road north of U.S. 30.
• Building about 2.5 miles of 345-kilovolt transmission lines* connecting the Maddox Creek Substation off Fife Road to the proposed Norse Substation.
• Connecting the Norse Substation to a customer facility.

The company plans to build two separate transmission lines from the Maddox Creek Substation that will merge onto a single set of structures before connecting to the Norse Substation.

The news release states the project will deliver power to a new customer facility, with the customer covering the costs for the connections between Norse Substation and their site, as well as the power they use. The project will also provide additional electric capacity to support future economic development and growth in the area.

Landowners and community members are invited to the open house to learn more about the project and share input, particularly on study segments under consideration for the new power lines.

Streets to close for August events

Submitted information

Portions of downtown Van Wert streets will be temporarily closed for a pair of August events.

The Main Street Madness 3-on-3 boys and girls basketball tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 1. The street closure will be W. Crawford St., to S. Jefferson St. to the bridge by Fountain Park. The rain date will be Sunday, August 2, beginning at 12:30-6 p.m.

S. Jefferson St. from Main St. to Central Ave. will be closed for the Van Wert Freedom Cruise from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, August 8.

FOP donations…

Van Wert FOP Lodge 62 is proud to support the community and this week, the Lodge presented a $500 check to the Salvation Army of Van Wert. Major Deborah Weigner is shown above accepting the check from Brian Ellerbrock. FOP Lodge 62 also made a $500 donation to Karla’s Kupboard food pantry, located at Trinity Friends Church. Shown below is Pantry Director Barb Fetzer accepting the check from Ellerbrock. Photos submitted

Court clerk earns state certification

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — The Supreme Court of Ohio and the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management, recognized 38 court professionals who earned the Certified Court Manager credential during a recent certification ceremony.

The Class of 2026 represents courts from across Ohio, spanning municipal, common pleas, juvenile, probate, and appellate courts. Graduates hold roles ranging from court administrators and clerks of court to magistrates, probation officers, and program coordinators.

Megan Ryan, who has served as the Clerk of Court for the Van Wert Municipal Court since 2019, was among the class of graduates. 

The Court Management Program is a certification program available through the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management and The Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College. Graduates of the three-year program underwent over 200 hours of training and education on six different topics:

• Purposes and Responsibilities of Courts
• Accountability and Court Performance
• Caseflow and Workflow Management
• Budget and Fiscal Management
• Workforce Management
• Project Management for Courts

Participants who successfully completed the program received a diploma and nationally-recognized certificate as a Certified Court Manager.

“Megan has always excelled in whatever role she had at the Van Wert Muncipal Court,” Van Wert Municipal Court Judge Jill Worthington said. “Selection for the Court Management Program at the Supreme Court of Ohio is a very competitive process. Court personnel from all over the state apply to be accepted to this program. Megan possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to manage the Van Wert Municipal Court very well and her diverse experience made her the perfect candidate for this program.”

Sentencing hearings held in local court

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Seven defendants were sentenced on various criminal charges during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

William Ladd, 51, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 4-6 years prison with credit for 84 days already served for sexual battery involving a victim between 13-17, a second degree felony. The crimes occurred between June of last year and February of this year. He must register as Tier III sex offender, which means he must register his address every 90 days with the county sheriff. Upon his release from prison, Ladd must serve five years of post-release. He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Abbey Eutsler, 39, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 180 days jail with credit for 42 days already served for possession of a fentanyl related compound, a fifth degree felony.

After violating his probation, Zachary Craig, 46, of Van Wert, was re-sentenced to 150 days jail with credit for 121 days already served for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony.

After a probation violation, Brandon Craig, 43, of Van Wert, was re-sentenced to up to six months at the WORTH Center, three years of community control, and 30 days in jail at a later date for failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony. In addition, he must perform 100 hours of community service, seek and maintain employment, undergo a substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and pay monthly probation fees and court costs.

John Snavley, 60, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 180 days jail with credit for 54 days already served for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony.

After violating the terms of his probation, Amani Perkins, 20, of Van Wert, was re-sentenced to up to six months at the WORTH Center; three years of community control, and 30 days in jail at a later date for domestic violence, a fifth degree felony. He must perform 50 hours of community service, undergo substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and pay monthly probation fees and court costs.

VWHS announces schedule pickup dates

Submitted information

Class schedule pick up times for Van Wert High School students are as follows:

• Monday, August 10: seniors from 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. in the Student Services Office. Enter through the student entrance.
• Tuesday, August 11: juniors from 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. in the Student Services Office. Enter through the student entrance.
• Wednesday, August 12: sophomores from 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. in the Student Services Office. Enter through the student entrance.
• Thursday, August 13: freshmen and new student orientation will be held from 8:30 am -11 a.m. in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Enter through main lobby (students only).

Anyone with questions should call the student services office at 419.238.2180.

AYAT show a big hit; four shows left

Submitted information

What happens when a man who hates musicals suddenly finds himself trapped in one?

The answer is one of the funniest, most thrilling, and delightfully bizarre productions to hit the Van Wert Civic Theatre stage in years.

After a wildly successful opening weekend, Van Wert Civic Theatre’s Adolescent and Young Adult Theatre (AYAT) production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals has audiences laughing, cheering, and talking long after the final curtain call. With four performances remaining, theatre lovers still have the opportunity to experience this cult-favorite musical before it closes.

Under the direction of Alyssa Taylor, with Perri Webb serving as Music Director and Emily Gehle as Assistant Director and Choreographer, the production masterfully blends comedy, horror, science fiction, and musical theatre into a fast-paced adventure that keeps audiences guessing from beginning to end.

Leading the cast is Sean Carpenter as the reluctant hero, Paul Matthews, whose quiet life is turned upside down when the residents of Hatchetfield are mysteriously compelled to burst into song. Abbie Mengerink shines as Emma Perkins, while Andy Walpole delivers plenty of laughs as Ted Spankoffski. Kim Salisbury brings warmth and humor to Charlotte Sweetly, and Charles Bennett gives a heartfelt performance as Bill Woodward.

The production is filled with memorable supporting performances, including Carson Caprella as the eccentric Professor Hidgens, Evan Joseph in the dual roles of Mr. Ken Davidson and Sam Sweetly, Payton Frese as Alice Woodward, Landon Adams as the unforgettable General John MacNamara, Chloe Parker as Zoey Chambers/Greg, Ella Lamb as Nora/Soloist Cop, Emily Gehle as the Greenpeace Canvasser, Freya Blount as the Homeless Guy, Emily Ayers as Deb, Anna Cassidy as Colonel Schaffer, Sophie Berryman as Melissa, Alyssa Taylor as the Obnoxious Teen, and Sav Merkel as the Nurse.

Rounding out the production is a talented ensemble featuring Colton Easterday, Josh Hohman, Sav Merkel, and Evvy Lamb, whose energy, vocals, and commitment help bring the quirky town of Hatchetfield to life.

Klopfenstein introduces broadband bill

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) recently introduced House Bill 979, which works to establish or clarify rules governing broadband providers’ use of public spaces in communities, ultimately protecting Ohioans.

“This bill addresses a very critical public safety concern and is incredibly important for local authorities that are not only essential for handling abandoned above‑ground structures but also for managing the installation of below‑ground ones,” Klopfenstein said.

If enacted, this legislation would do the following:

• Address broadband infrastructure in public rights-of-way and the rules governing how broadband facilities are installed in local communities
• Streamline broadband deployment by establishing clear requirements for broadband providers working within public rights-of-way
• Reduce potential barriers to broadband expansion while maintaining appropriate oversight

This bill awaits a committee assignment.

YWCA announces special celebration

VW independent staff/submitted information

In September of 1916, the YWCA of Van Wert County opened its doors to provide a safe residence to young single women who were seeking employment and an independent life beyond their family farms. At the time, founder George Marsh’s vision was considered bold, and little did he and the first YWCA residents know that, 110 years later, these pioneers were shaping the organization’s future mission.

Today, the YWCA empowers youth and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to build safe, independent futures similar to that of the very first YWCA residents.

The YWCA will be commemorating this significant milestone by launching “YW 110,” a year-long campaign to raise $50,000 for their new 30,000 square foot facility that will be constructed on Lincoln Highway across from the Marsh Foundation.

The new facility will provide safe, dignified living spaces for survivors, support the growing needs of the Summer Food Program, and provide expansion of youth programming to serve more children and families in the community.

“For more than a century, the YWCA has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community,” said Kimberly Laudick, YWCA President and CEO. “As we celebrate 110 years, we look forward to continuing and enhancing our current programs, adding new program opportunities, and serving future generations from our new facility for the next 110 years.”

The YWCA will kick off the YW 110 Campaign with a 110th anniversary celebration and reverse raffle from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, at R Place Stone Grill in Van Wert. Only 110 raffle tickets will be sold at $50 each, with the final ticket drawn winning a cash prize of $1,110. Reverse raffle numbers will be drawn live on Facebook at the top of each hour beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing through 2 p.m that day until only 10 tickets remain. Email updates will be provided for participants who do not use social media. The final 10 tickets will be drawn live during the anniversary celebration at R Place Stone Grill, with the winning ticket announced at 8 p.m. As a thank you for supporting the campaign, each raffle ticket holder will receive one complimentary drink during the celebration.