Various local issues, one local race to be on fall ballot

ODOT updates weekly road work schedule

VW independent staff

A busy week is in story for road crews around the area, with several projects underway and others slated to start. Here is an updated list from the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 Office. All work is weather permitting.

U.S. 127 from U.S. 224 north of the city of Van Wert to just north of the village of Paulding will be restricted to one lane through the work zone for resurfacing beginning today (Monday, August 17 and continuing through early October. Work will occur during daytime hours throughout the week, including Saturdays.

The following locations will be restricted to one lane through the work zone for pavement repair:

Ohio 116:

• Monday, August 17 – near Converse Roselm Road
• Tuesday, August 18 – at Ohio 117
• Friday, August 21 – just east of U.S. 127

Ohio 49

• Wednesday, August 19 – just south of the village of Willshire

U.S. 224

• Thursday, August 20 – at Ohio 49 and just south of U.S. 30

In addition, Ohio 116 from Ohio 117 to just north of the overlap with Ohio 117, and Ohio 117 between Venedocia St. Marys Road and Becker Road (between the Allen County line and the Mercer County line) will close on Saturday, August 22, for approximately six days for full-width paving. Access to all properties will be maintained with flaggers. The official 116 detour is Ohio 81, Ohio 66 back to Ohio 116. The official Ohio 117 detour is Ohio 66, Ohio 81, U.S. 127 back to Ohio 117.

Along with those projects, crews are continuing to build the U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway roundabout. Work began in late July and will likely take about two months. A bridge rehab project over the railroad tracks on U.S. 224, between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway, continues as well, Work began in late July and will take approximately six months.

Study shows Ohio pot users pay more

By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal

Two years after Ohio recreational marijuana sales began, Ohio’s adult-use marijuana continues to be significantly more expensive than Michigan, according to pricing data. Meanwhile, Ohio Republican lawmakers have outlawed buying from other states.

The cheapest ounce of marijuana in Ohio is $112 while the cheapest ounce in Michigan is $6.99, according to the WeedBuddy Cannabis Price Index.

In Arizona, it’s $49.99, and in Colorado, it’s $16.73.

The median cost of an ounce shows far closer prices though Ohio still sits as most expensive among the four states at $147.35, compared to $99 in Michigan, $120 in Arizona, and $110 in Colorado.

Ohio’s median price for an eighth of cannabis flower is $35, compared to Michigan’s $20 for the same amount as of July 31, the index shows.

“Price is going to be one of the most important aspects in terms of determining where they purchase cannabis,” said Morgan Fox, political director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. 

“People were already used to driving to Michigan to purchase cannabis, so as long as there’s still a massive price differential, they’re probably going to continue doing so at least for the foreseeable future.” 

Marijuana is illegal for recreational use in Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Ohio recreational sales started in August 2024, about nine months after Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana.

A new law passed by Republican state lawmakers took effect earlier this year that made a wide variety of changes to the voter-passed law. Ohio Senate Bill 56 criminalized bringing legal marijuana from another state back to Ohio. 

“If you’re caught with cannabis that cannot be verified purchased in Ohio or verified grown in Ohio, then it’s the same penalties as it was under prohibition of pre-legalization,” Fox said. 

However, he was doubtful Ohio customers knew about the changes to Ohio’s law. 

OSHP: securing loads saves lives

Submitted information

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging all commercial drivers, construction haulers and companies transporting materials to make sure their load is properly secured before traveling on the road.

As traffic continues throughout the summer construction season and into the back-to-school season, troopers are seeing a rise in incidents involving debris falling from trucks and trailers – putting motorists at significant risk.

Unsecured or unchecked loads can lead to dangerous roadway conditions, including flying debris, sudden obstacles and unexpected hazards that leave drivers with little time to react. Even a small object, such as a rock or piece of loose material, can cause serious vehicle damage, impair visibility or trigger chain‑reaction crashes.

“Making sure a load is properly secured isn’t just a regulatory requirement, it’s a responsibility that directly impacts every driver who shares the road,” said Lieutenant Jacob D. Landis, OSHP Licensing and Commercial Standards. “When debris enters the roadway, the consequences can be devastating.”

The Patrol encourages companies and operators to conduct routine inspections of trucks, trailers and equipment before every trip. This includes verifying that load covers are in place, tie‑downs are secure and material is properly contained. Troopers will continue monitoring commercial traffic statewide and enforcing violations involving unsecured loads, debris‑related hazards and equipment safety.

Crestview sets 2026-27 bus routes

Submitted information

CONVOY — Here is a list of Crestview Local Schools K-12 bus routes to start the 2026-2027 school year. Keep in mind that bus routes may be subject to change at any time during the school year with the approval of Superintendent Matt Dube.

Route No. 1  (Driver: Shane Leeth A.M. and P.M., Bus No. 8)

AM route

Leave Crestview. North on Elm. St. to Tully St. East on Tully St. to Lincoln Hwy. North on Lincoln Hwy. to Convoy Heller Rd. North on Convoy Heller Rd. to Feasby Wisener Rd. East on Feasby Wisener Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Elm Sugar Rd. East on Elm Sugar Rd. to Liberty Union Rd. North on Liberty Union Rd., turnaround past 1446 Liberty Union Rd. on the East side of the driveway to the windmill, Continue South on Liberty Union Rd to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Dixon Cavett Rd. West on Dixon Cavett Rd to Colwell Rd. South on Colwell Rd. Colwell Rd. to Bowers Rd. East on Bowers Rd. Turnaround at 8493 Bowers Rd. Continue West on Bowers Rd. to Dull Robinson Rd. South on Dull Robinson Rd. to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to US 30. West on US 30 to Colwell Rd. North on Colwell Rd. to Pollock Rd. West on Pollock Rd. to Ward Rd. North on Ward Rd. turnaround at 4369 Ward Rd. Continue South on Ward Rd. to Pollock Rd. West on Pollock Rd. to Lincoln Hwy. West on Lincoln Hwy. Turnaround at 5561 Lincoln Hwy. East on Lincoln Hwy. to Franklin St. extended. West on Franklin St. extended to Mentzer St. South on Mentzer St. to the ECC. Transfer bus to main building. Leave ECC. North on Mentzer St. to Franklin St. extended. Northeast on Franklin St. extended to Lincoln Hwy. East on Lincoln Hwy to Tully St. West on Tully St. to Elm St. South on Elm St. to Crestview.

PM route

Leave Crestview. North on Elm. St. to Tully St. East on Tully St. to Lincoln Hwy. North on Lincoln Hwy. Turnaround at 5561 Lincoln Hwy. East on Lincoln Hwy. North on Convoy Heller Rd. to Van Wert-Paulding County Line Rd. East on Van Wert-Paulding County Line Rd. to Dull Robinson Rd. South on Dull Robinson Rd. to Elm Sugar Rd. West on Elm Sugar Rd. to Colwell Rd. South on Colwell Rd. to Feasby Wisener Rd. East on Feasby Wisener Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Elm Sugar Rd. East on Elm Sugar Rd to Liberty Union Rd. North on Liberty Union Rd. turnaround past 1446 Liberty Union Rd. on the East side of the driveway to the windmill, Continue South on Liberty Union Rd to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd, turnaround at 8628 Convoy Rd. continue East on Convoy Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Dixon Cavett Rd. West on Dixon Cavett Rd to Colwell Rd. South on Colwell Rd. Colwell Rd. to Bowers Rd. East on Bowers Rd. Turnaround at 8493 Bowers Rd. Continue West on Bowers Rd. to Dull Robinson Rd. South on Dull Robinson Rd. to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to US 30. West on US 30 to Colwell Rd. North on Colwell Rd. to Pollock Rd. West on Pollock Rd. to Lincoln Hwy. south on Lincoln Hwy. to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. (which becomes Tully St.) to Elm St. South on Elm St. to Crestview.

Route No. 2  (Driver: Doug Etzler, Bus No. 7)

AM route

Leave Crestview. North on Elm St. to Tully St. East on Tully St. (becomes Convoy Rd.). Northeast on Convoy Rd. to US 30. East on US 30 to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Convoy Rd. East on Convoy Rd. to John Brown Rd. North on John Brown Rd. to Fife Rd. East on Fife Rd. to US 127. North on US 127 to Dixon Cavett Rd. West on Dixon Cavett Rd. to Dutch John Rd. North on Dutch John Rd. to VW-Paulding County-Line Rd. West on VW- Paulding County Line Rd. to John Brown Rd. South on John Brown Rd. to Feasby Wisener Rd. West on Feasby Wisener Rd. to Liberty Union Rd. South on Liberty Union Rd. to Dixon Cavett Rd. East on Dixon Cavett Rd. to Dutch John Rd. South on Dutch John Rd. to Convoy Rd. East on Convoy Rd. Turn around at 12983 Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to Dutch John Rd. South on Dutch John Rd. to US 30. West on US 30 to Convoy Rd. South on Convoy Rd. (turns into Tully St.) to Elm St. South on Elm St. to Crestview.

Convoy man injured in golf cart mishap

VW independent staff

CONVOY — A Convoy man suffered serious injuries Saturday night after jumping from a golf cart in the village.

Michael Dirr, 45, was taken from the scene by ambulance then was taken by medical helicopter to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne hospital. 

According to a report from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Convoy EMS were dispatched to the area N. Main St./Sesame St. at appoximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday, after receiving a call about a man unconscious and breathing.

Witnesses told a deputy that Dirr was a passenger on a moving golf cart and had jumped from the front seat and apparently struck his head on the pavement. According to the accident report, three women who were on the golf cart with Dirr said he was heavily intoxicated. They also indicated he had already jumped off the golf cart once.

The incident remains under investigation.

Ribbon cut on new Marsh Equine Center

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It’s been a long time coming and it became official with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration on Friday.

The Marsh Foundation debuted its new state-of-the-art equine center, which includes the OhioHealth indoor arena. Approximately 200 people were on hand and were able to tour the facility, meet the horses, including Rio, Rocket and Nellie, and they were treated to a horse demonstration in the arena area. Those in attendance also heard brief remarks from COO Jeff Grothouse.

“The trustees and the executive team are working to expand our programs and services to our communities, along with strengthing our partnerships,” Grothouse said. “This growth will create more opportunities to serve more children, strengthen more families and meet the changing needs of our communities.”

Grothouse also gave special thanks to the Marsh’s maintence staff, interim Equine Director Robbie Breese and many other employees and outside agencies and organizations for their efforts that helped make the new facility a reality. A number of Marsh Foundation employees and equine program staff, along with Marsh Trustees Gary Clay, Bob Gamble and Shad Foster were in attendance at the ceremony.

“For years we watched the incredible impact that horses have on emotional wellness, confidence, communication and healing,” Grothouse said. “We knew there would be opportunities to expand those services not only for the youth in our care but the children and families throughout northwest Ohio. Today, this facility allows us to do exactly that.”

“This new center allows us to serve more youth year-round, expand equine assisted learning and equine assisted pyschotherapy, partner with schools, juvenile courts, foster care and community organizations while continuing to create meaningful opportunities for healing, growth and success,” he added.

County fair to begin on September 1

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is reminding everyone that the 170th Annual Van Wert County Fair is just over two weeks away. The fair will take place Tuesday through Monday, September 1–7, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, bringing a full week of entertainment, competition, family fun, and celebration to Van Wert County.

This year’s grandstand lineup offers something for everyone. The week kicks off with harness racing on Tuesday, followed by a cheerleading competition on Wednesday, and the popular high school band show on Thursday. Friday night will feature the action-packed truck and tractor pull, followed by the demolition derby on Saturday. New this year, fairgoers can experience the excitement of the ATV Big Air Show on Sunday. The week will wrap up on Labor Day with harness racing and the Rough E Rodeo in the evening.

Beyond the grandstand, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the fairgrounds. Fairgoers can enjoy livestock shows, free entertainment, Christian concerts, Southern Gospel music, carnival rides, delicious fair food, vendors, exhibits, and much more throughout the week.

The fair will also feature several special admission days:

• Tuesday, September 1 – half-price admission, with gate admission just $5 all day.
• Wednesday, September 2 – senior citizens day, featuring free admission for seniors until 4 p.m.
• Thursday, September 3 – Veterans Day, with free admission for veterans throughout the day.
• Saturday, September 5 – first responders day: First responders will get in free. As a reminder, children ages 12 and under will get in free to the fair.

The fair’s popular lunch program will return Tuesday through Friday. Fairgoers can pay $10 at the gate between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enter the fair. Leave the fairgrounds by 2 p.m., turn in your lunch ticket, and receive your admission cost back.

Fair programs and premium books are currently available at the Fair Office, along with tickets available for purchase. Tickets are also available to be purchased online. Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance and start planning their week at the fair.

The deadline for Senior Fair entries is Saturday, August 22, Exhibitors should make sure their entries are submitted before the deadline.

The Fair Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

FOP donates to hospital food pantry

VW independent staff/submitted information

A donation from the Van Wert Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62 will help sustain OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital’s efforts to provide food and other essentials to patients and families in need.

The hospital’s food pantry provides short-term assistance to patients experiencing food insecurity. Hospital staff can connect patients with “Paula’s Pantry” when a need is identified, providing them with food to help meet immediate needs and information about additional resources available in the community.

“We’re fortunate to be part of a community that has always supported us as police officers and retired police officers, and we want to be able to give that support back,” FOP Lodge 62 President Bruce Showalter said. “We just try to do what we think is right for the community.”

The $500 donation is part of the FOP Lodge 62’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations and community initiatives. The FOP also made donations to three other local pantries.

Paula’s Pantry includes a variety of shelf-stable foods that can be used to create simple meals, as well as essential items such as personal hygiene products and infant supplies.

“We know that food insecurity can create additional challenges for patients and families,” OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital President Paula Stabler said.  “Support from community partners like FOP Lodge 62 helps us meet people where they are and provide resources that can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time.”

The food pantry is intended for current Van Wert Hospital patients, their families and associates who need assistance. Community members seeking food assistance are encouraged to access other local

resources, including the United Way of Van Wert County, Carla’s Cupboard and other community pantries.

“The hospital serves the residents of Van Wert County, and it’s important to us to support that,” Showalter said. “We don’t want to be a community where services are difficult to come by. We hope to continue supporting these efforts in the future whenever we have the opportunity.”

Roundabout, bridge work…

These photos taken by Elite Drone Services earlier this week show progress on a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway, just west of the Van Wert city limits. Not far from there, workers are rehabbing the bridge on U.S. 224 over the railroad tracks. Work on the roundabout began in late July and is expected to take about three months. The bridge project also began late last month and should take approximately six months. Photos courtesy of Elite Drone Services

DAR, city to re-dedicate city limit sign

Submitted information

The Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in coordination with the City of Van Wert, will re-dedicate the historical city limit sign on U.S. 127 south of Van Wert. In addtion, a new Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR sign will be unveiled, honoring Isaac Van Wart as a hero of the American Revolutionary War and the namesake of Van Wert and Van Wert County.

The short ceremony and unveiling will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 18. The location for parking will be at the city dog park, 10763 U.S. Route 127 South. The community is invited to attend the brief event and celebrate America250. In case of rain, the event will be posponed and rescheduled.