VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — An antitrust lawsuit alleging that OhioHealth limits competition and drives up health-care costs for patients and employers was filed today, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Friday.
“When competition is blocked, consumers end up being the biggest losers,” Yost said. “My office stands with the Justice Department in our determination to eliminate these types of unfair practices and protect Ohioan’s wallets.”
The federal lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, contends that OhioHealth uses its market strength to force insurers to include OhioHealth in all their commercial insurance networks. That practice prevents insurers from offering lower-priced health-plan options in central Ohio.
“Americans deserve low-cost, high-quality healthcare – not anticompetitive hospital system contracts that make healthcare less affordable,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department of Justice will continue taking legal action to protect consumers and drive down healthcare costs across America.”
(more…)POSTED: 02/20/26 at 10:38 pm
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LIMA — The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1’s Paint-the-Plow annual contest is now accepting applications for the program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 13.
The program is open to area schools and vocational school groups within the nine-county region of Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties. Applications have been sent to all eligible schools.
Plow blades will be delivered to participating schools during the week of March 16 and picked up by May 1. In mid-May, the designs will be shared on the ODOT District 1 Facebook page, and a social media competition will be held. Winners will be announced via the media and on ODOT District 1 social media in late May.
The Paint-the-Plow program allows students to paint an ODOT snowplow blade which is displayed at local community events before being used in regular winter operations, usually within the same school district that painted the plow. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, this year participants are encouraged to create designs that honor our nation or recognize Ohio’s national contributions.
Last year, 23 schools participated in the program. Carey High School, located in Wyandot County, won the People’s Choice award, which was determined based on Facebook votes. Fort Jennings High School, Putnam County, earned the ODOT Choice award, selected by ODOT District 1 employees. The same award categories will return this year.
POSTED: 02/20/26 at 10:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Lincolnview Local Schools, in correlation with Ohio Revised Code and district policy, will again permit students from any Ohio school district to apply to the school district through open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.
Applications will be accepted beginning March 2 on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the time and date the application is received by the Superintendent of Lincolnview Local Schools.
Parents interested in open enrollment for kindergarten students must complete an application at kindergarten registration, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lincolnview Elementary School. Applications will be considered in the order received and space may be limited.
All applications (except for kindergarten students) must be completed and returned no later than May 31. Applications are available by contacting the District Office at 419.968.2226 or at https://www.lincolnview.k12.oh.us/forms-links.
All approved open enrollment students attending Lincolnview Local Schools for the 2025-2026 school year need to complete a new open enrollment application for the 2026-2027 school year. These applications will be considered before new requests are acted upon.
Questions concerning open enrollment should be directed to the district office at 419.968.2226.
POSTED: 02/20/26 at 10:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
CONVOY – Crestview Local Schools will hold preschool screening for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year on April 16-17 at the Crestview Early Childhood Center.
Parents/guardians with a child who will turn three years old by May 1, 2026, and are interested in having him/her attend Crestview’s Early Childhood Center may have their child screened for preschool for the 2026-2027 school year.
Parents/guardians requesting open enrollment for their preschool students into the Crestview school district should also register at this time.
Screening appointments can be made beginning March 9. Parents can call the Crestview Early Childhood Center at 419.749.9100, ext. 3000 to schedule a preschool screening appointment for their child.
Please bring the following documents to complete the enrollment process on the day of the child’s screening appointment.
- Child’s original birth certificate
- Child’s immunization records
- Custody papers (if applicable)
- One proof of residency documentation (bank statement, mortgage statement, lease agreement, voter registration card, utility statement, or rent receipt) A post office box can not validate residency requirements.
Anyone with questions should contact Casey Dowler, Early Childhood Center Principal, at dowler.casey@crestviewknights.com or 419.749.9100, x3001.
POSTED: 02/20/26 at 10:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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COLUMBUS — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) was recently named 2025 Legislator of the Year by the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO). The award recognizes his dedicated leadership and significant legislative achievements on behalf of Ohio’s county engineers and local infrastructure.
In a press release, CEAO highlighted Rep. Klopfenstein’s leadership on several key legislative initiatives in partnership with Ohio’s county engineers. Most notably, he was the primary sponsor of the bill to increase County FORCE Account limits, giving local governments greater flexibility to manage road and bridge projects efficiently and cost-effectively. The measure represented a major modernization of an important tool supporting local infrastructure.
In addition to championing the FORCE Account increase, Rep. Klopfenstein played a central role in protecting the Professional Surveyor (P.S.) qualification, a vital safeguard ensuring that Ohio’s surveying and mapping standards remain precise and professional.
“County engineers do essential work that keeps Ohio moving,” Rep. Klopfenstein said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside them to ensure they have the tools, resources, and flexibility needed to serve our communities.”
“Representative Klopfenstein has been a tireless advocate for our counties,” said Doug Cade, P.E., P.S., President of the County Engineers Association of Ohio. “His understanding of what local governments need to maintain safe and reliable infrastructure has made a real difference in communities across the state.”
The County Engineers Association of Ohio represents Ohio’s 88 county engineers and works to advance sound, efficient transportation and infrastructure policies statewide.
Klopfenstein represents Ohio’s 82 House District, which includes all of Van Wert, Putnam and Paulding counties, along with the southern half of Defiance County.
POSTED: 02/20/26 at 10:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
One person was injured in a two vehicle accident tha occurred at the intersection of West Main St. and Lincoln St. shortly before 12 p.m. Friday. That person was transported by Van Wert EMS to St. Rita’s in Lima. A portion of W. Main St. was closed off to traffic while the scene was cleared. The Van Wert Police Department is investigating the accident. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 02/20/26 at 1:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAYNE — Five people were transported to two different hospitals after a Thursday evening crash in Paulding County.
According to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which handles Van Wert and Paulding counties, the two-vehicle accident occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Ohio 114 and Ohio 49.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2023 Ford F-150, operated by Gary A. Artz, 35, of Rush City, Minnesota, was traveling westbound on Ohio 114 and failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of Ohio 49.
Artz’s drove into the path of a northbound 2016 Chrysler Town & Country operated by Ryan J. Karhoff, 49, of Payne. Both Artz and Karhoff were transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.
Passengers in the Chrysler Town & Country were: Kristen M. Karhoff, 37, Ariana Karhoff, 10, and Chloe Karhoff, 7, all of Payne. Ariana Karhoff was transported to Ohio Health Van Wert Hospital while Kristen Karhoff and Chloe Karhoff were transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Payne Fire & EMS, Scott Fire & EMS, Van Wert Fire Department, R & O Service, and John’s Towing & Repair Service.
The crash remains under investigation.
POSTED: 02/20/26 at 10:50 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Career Education Opportunity (CEO) Program is celebrating its 10th year at Van Wert High School, marking a decade of providing students with meaningful, real world career experiences.
The CEO Program is offered to seniors as an elective course that allows students to be released during the school day to participate in career focused learning. Through the program, students gain hands on professional experience through internships with local businesses and other career-based opportunities.
Over the past ten years, more than 650 students have developed career specific skill sets while also strengthening essential soft skills such as communication, professionalism, and collaboration, all critical for success in today’s workforce.
As the program reaches this milestone, it also marks a significant transition. At the conclusion of the current school year, Kerry Koontz, founder of the CEO Program, will retire from education after 40 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career at Van Wert, Mr. Koontz has served as a teacher, counselor, coach, and leader, leaving a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. His vision and commitment were instrumental in establishing and sustaining the CEO Program.
As the CEO Program looks ahead, plans are in place to ensure its continued growth and success. Van Wert High School is pleased to announce that Bob Spath will assume leadership of the CEO Program across all three participating schools: Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert High Schools.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with both students and businesses in our community, and I am grateful for all of the support throughout the years,” Koontz said. “I am excited for Mr. Spath and am confident that the CEO Program will continue to have a positive impact on our students and our community.”
The program’s continued success is made possible through the strong support of the school community and more than 160 business partners who remain committed to providing students with valuable, real world learning opportunities.
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Westwood Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Jackie Forthman recently achieved a highly regarded milestone in her journey toward long term sobriety.
After two years of living substance free, Jackie graduated from Recovery Court. “A New Day the Right Way” is a program for adults who struggled with addiction and subsequently legal problems. A joint collaboration between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and the Van Wert Court of Common Pleas – the program is overseen by Judge Martin D. Burchfield.
Van Wert County residents who are facing legal charges which are a byproduct of their Substance Use Disorder (SUD) may be referred to the program. Entry into the 18-24 month program is preceded by an eligibility interview with drug court coordinator Jane Schmid of Westwood Behavioral Health Center. The four-phase program requires regular drug screening, appearances before the judge at least monthly, and participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program, followed by traditional outpatient therapy services. Additionally, participants attend weekly peer support meetings.
The goal of the program is to provide intense support and accountability for adults who commit to living a substance-free life, maintaining employment and independent housing.
A New Day, The Right Way was created in 2014 under now-retired Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Steele, together with Chief Probation Officer Bruce Showalter. In 2017, the program was certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Recertification is required every three years.
Treatment services for recovery court clients are provided by Westwood Behavioral Health Center which supports wellness through confidential and compassionate care. They offer mental health and addiction services, individual group and family therapy, IOP, psychiatric and psychiatric NP, on site pharmacy, case management and drug testing.
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The Van Wert County Republican Party has scheduled a “Meet the Candidates Night” for next month. The event will be held on Thursday, March 12 at the Van Wert Elks Lodge. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and candidates will begin speaking at 6:30 p.m.
Candidates who have confirmed they’ll attend:
- Jim Hoops and Craig Riedel, Ohio Senate District 1
- Eva Yarger and Todd Wolfrum, Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge
- Jami Bradford and Arica Wermer, Van Wert County Auditor
- Roy Klofpenstein, Ohio House District 82
Candidates for Ohio Auditor, Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio Attorney General, Ohio Treasurer and Ohio Supreme Court have been invited and attendance for each is pending.
Each candidate will be given time to speak to highlight their candidacy. Time before and after candidate speeches will be available for individuals to meet and talk with each candidate.
“The Van Wert County Republican Central Committee is pleased to host this upcoming event, providing residents of our community with a valuable opportunity to meet and engage directly with Republican candidates,” party officials said in a press release.” With several key races on the ballot in the May 5 primary election, the committee aims give Republican voters a platform to hear directly from the candidates and ensure that these candidates are listening to what issues are important to Van Wert County.”
The event is free and open to the public, with no registration necessary. No meal will be served, but a cash bar will be available.
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce will host its annual dinner and awards on Wednesday, March 18, at Willow Bend Country Club Those attending will be able to enjoy a St. Patrick’s “Pot O’Gold” themed event.
Entertainment will be provided by Krendl, the talented illusionist, creator, and inspirationalist who has captivated audiences with his magic and charm. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Krendl has become a household name and a sought-after performer known for his innovative and captivating shows.
Krendl’s services are always about creating purpose and meaning with events, transforming people’s emotions, and connecting to others. Krendl has captivated audiences on some of the world’s most iconic stages, working with two Broadway directors and appearing in multiple world tours for “The Illusionists Live from Broadway” and Neil Goldberg productions. His performances have graced prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Crocus City Hall in Moscow, and the Folies Bergère in Paris. To learn more about Krendl click here.
The evening will begin with a social hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with appetizers, event themed cocktails, followed by dinner and the awards program recognizing the Business of the Year with the 2026 Crystal Image Awards, and the Chamber Person of the Year with the Ray Miller Award.
Tickets are $50 per person. Tables for eight are available for $400 and corporate tables for eight (includes a complimentary bottle of wine, and promotion as an event sponsor) are available for $500.
To register for the event, click here, contact the Chamber office by phone at 419.238.4390 or by email at mark@vanwertchamber.com.
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
