Lots of people to hit the road for the July 4 holiday

Ohio City sex offender gets prison term

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

An Ohio City man convicted of sexual battery learned his fate during a hearing held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week.

Seth Marbaugh, 34, was sentenced by Judge Martin D. Burchfield to 36 months in prison and was ordered to pay court costs. Once freed, he’ll be subject to five years of post-release control and will be classified as a Tier III sex offender, the highest classification in Ohio. He’ll be required to register his address with authorities every 90 days for the rest of his life and he’ll face mandatory community notification.

During a hearing held in late April, Marbaugh changed his plea from not guilty to guilty to the third degree felony charge. Prior to the plea change, Marbaugh was charged with four counts of rape, all first degree felonies; three counts of sexual battery, third degree felonies, and three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, third degree felonies. He was also facing a charge of tampering with evidence and was scheduled to stand trial last month.

Court records show the alleged crimes occurred between May of 2023 and October of 2024, and the alleged victim was between 13-16 years of age.

In a separate and unrelated case, Derek Eland, 34, of Van Wert, was 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 fourth degree felony, and endangering children, a first degree misdemeanor. He was also ordered to perform 50 hours of community service, seek and maintain employment, undergo substance abuse assessment and treatment, and was ordered to pay court costs.

Nine other hearings were held this week, with Judge Burchfield presiding over all of the hearings.

Arraignments

Corey Salisbury, 44, of Rockford, entered a not guilty plea to violating a protection order, a fifth degree felony. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. A pre-trial conference will be set at a later date.

DeWine, Wilson differ on death penalty

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

COLUMBUS — Govenor Mike DeWine has called on Ohio legislators to abolish Ohio’s death penalty, but it doesn’t appear the request has much support among lawmakers and other high-ranking state leaders.

During a news conference held on Tuesday, DeWine confirmed his stance on the death penalty statute. In a twist, it was DeWine who helped write the statute as a state legislator in 1981.

“I believed that in some cases capital punishment could serve as a deterrent to keep some people from killing,” DeWine said. “For me, it was the moral justification for having a death penalty. I’m responsible for that decision.”

To emphasize his point now, Governor DeWine displayed charts and graphs detailing the diminishing number of death sentences handed out by courts and showing long wait times as legal appeals play out for those on death row. He said condemned murderers are increasingly unlikely to ever be executed.

“I do not believe that argument today can be successfully made, nor do I believe that there’s any chance in the future the facts that I’ve cited to support that belief will change,” he said. “Therefore, I believe Ohio should abolish the death penalty.”

DeWine also said he said data indicates the death penalty is not working as intended to deter crime, even as it brings years of pain to victims’ loved ones and takes a toll on the mental health of state employees who serve on execution teams.

Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) has previously said he would “vigorously oppose” any effort to abolish the death penalty and before leaving office earlier this month, former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost renewed his call to end the unofficial moratorium on executions that he claimed has “paralyzed Ohio’s justice system for the better part of a decade.”

Yost’s replacement, Andy Wilson, issued a statement on Wednesday that indicates he’s not in agreement with DeWine’s request. In the statement, Wilson called DeWine “a religious man who cares deeply about the sanctity of life.”

Free YMCA swim lessons a big hit

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YMCA and the Department of Health collaborated to provide free swim lessons and water safety training to residents in Van Wert County. Lessons began on Tuesday, June 2, and will end on Thursday.

The 50 openings for the free lessons filled up in just a few days, demonstrating a strong community need for accessible water safety education. Accordingly, the decision was made to start a waiting list and look for additional funding for those who didn’t get in the first round of swim lessons and water safety training. That funding source was found and more free lessons are planned.

Initially funded through the Ohio Department of Health, the lessons were offered to at-risk youth and adults across Van Wert County – especially individuals who have never had formal swim instruction and may not otherwise have been able to afford it. The program’s goal was simple and urgent: help more community members stay safe during the summer swim season by learning foundational skills that reduce the risk of drowning and build confidence in and around the water.

The YMCA welcomed retired Aquatics Director Martha Martin back to the pool deck to help teach participants the basics of swimming and water safety.

“I love seeing how the children progress each week,” she said. “It means a lot when they ask what they can try next – because that’s when you can see their confidence growing. Seeing them develop a love for the water, and knowing they’ll be safter because of these lessons, is what makes my heart happy.”

Current Aquatics Director Libby Price emphasized the importance of partnerships that make programs like this possible.

“We’re truly grateful to the Ohio Department of Health for helping us expand swim safety education in Van Wert County,” Price said. “There are many families in our community who want their children – and even adults in their household – to learn to swim, but cost can be a barrier. This support allows us to reach more people with life – saving skills and help prevent water – related accidents.”

Free concerts to be offered July 3-4

VW independent staff

As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, back-to-back nights of free musical entertainment are set for July 3-4 in downtown Van Wert.

Van Wert Live’s Feel Good Friday concert series will be on pause June 26 and July 3, but Navy Ship Club 726 has secured Superhawk, a rock band based in Fort Wayne for 7 p.m. Friday, July 3. The concert will be family friendly.

On Saturday, July 4, Paulding native and country music singer Pete Schlegel will perform at Fountain Park. Schlegel has released several albums and has had a pair of No. 1 hit songs – “Leavin’ Ain’t As Easy As It Sounds” and “My God.” The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Navy Club Ship 726 is also organizing the July 4 parade in downtown Van Wert. The parade will travel from the YWCA to the YMCA, starting at 11 a.m.

Cast set for Youth Theatre production

Submitted information

The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming Youth Theatre production, Dear Edwina Jr., a heartwarming and hilarious musical that celebrates friendship, confidence, and the importance of being yourself.

Dear Edwina Jr. follows the story of Edwina Spoonapple, an advice-giving extraordinaire who dreams of becoming the next great advice columnist. Through a series of lively songs, colorful characters, and entertaining production numbers, Edwina and her neighborhood friends tackle everyday problems ranging from table manners to making friends. Filled with humor, charm, and valuable life lessons, this delightful musical is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Leading the production team is Director Emily Gehle, joined by Assistant Director Alyssa Taylor, Music Director Grace Doctor, and Rehearsal Assistant Abbie Mengerink. Together, they have been working with a talented group of young performers to bring this energetic and inspiring musical to the VWCT stage.

The talented cast includes:

• Edwina Spoonapple — Sophia Rupert
• Kelli Poshkonozovich — Madalynn Laukhuf

Local Salvation Army in need of help

By Deborah Weigner/special to the VW independent

The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet human need without discrimination. Hunger is a very important issue. 

With rising costs of gasoline and utilities, working families have to choose between going to work, paying bills and feeding the family well. Older citizens are also having a hard time having food in their homes.The Salvation Army of Van Wert served over 200 families (650 people) in the month of May and served 1,350 Wednesday meals in May.   

We strive to have good balanced food in our pantry and our meals. As new people request the food pantry and come for a free lunch, many times our supply of food is short. At this time of the year finances are very limited but expenses are high. Funding cuts have been an issue that makes the budget harder to move around funding to buy food. The requests for food is not going away but more neighbors are requesting food. 

Today The Salvation Army is requesting a call for financial gifts to help our programs continue. Some neighbors choose to help with food items such as cereal, Hamburger Helper, pasta, spaghetti sauce and instant potatoes.

However, financial gifts are a great way for us to purchase food for the pantry or feeding program. 

Your donation helps feed or neighbors in need in Van Wert County. Financial donations may be sent to the Salvation Army, PO Box 791, Van Wert, Ohio, 45891.

Thank you for considering this request and may God bless you.

Editor’s note: Deborah Weigner is the commanding officer of the Salvation Army in Van Wert.  

YWCA thankful for state, federal funds

VW independent staff/submitted information

Monday was a good day for the YWCA of Van Wert County. The State of Ohio’s capital budget signed by Governor Mike DeWine that day included a $250,000 allocation to YWCA to support construction of its new 30,000 square foot facility.

In a press release, officials said the YWCA is grateful to Ohio Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) and Ohio Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) for their support of the project and for bringing the funds to Van Wert.

“On behalf of the YWCA of Van Wert County, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator McColley and Representative Klopfenstein for their support of this transformational project,” said Kimberly Laudick, President/CEO of YWCA of Van Wert County. “This investment from the State of Ohio brings us one step closer to creating a facility that will expand access to healthcare, strengthen services for youth, and provide critical support for survivors in our community. Their advocacy and commitment to Van Wert County will have a lasting impact on generations to come.”

This award comes on the heels of YWCA of Van Wert County’s recent award of $1 million in Congressionally directed spending through the Department of Health and Human Services, sponsored by Senator Jon Husted.

In 2024, the YWCA of Van Wert County launched a capital campaign to build a new facility that will meet the current and future needs of the greater Van Wert community. An emerging community need is health care, with Van Wert County designated a Health Professional Shortage Area. YWCA of Van Wert County’s new facility will include a community clinic in partnership with Mercy Health that will provide family medicine and specialty and behavioral health services to the general public and YWCA of Van Wert County clients and employees.

OhioHealth settles state lawsuit

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Four months after being named in an antitrust lawsuit, OhioHealth has announced it has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Ohio Attorney General to end litigation over language in certain managed care contracts.

OhioHealth does not admit any wrongdoing in the agreement, and maintains their contracting practices were and are lawful and appropriate. OhioHealth will not pay penalties, fines or damages.

The contract provisions in question date back as far as two decades and were designed to provide protections to OhioHealth from specific insurance company practices common at the time.

According to statement, OhioHealth said it periodically renegotiates contracts with various payors in a highly competitive market. Payors have always retained flexibility in designing and offering healthcare plans to meet the needs of employers and consumers. Notably, no insurer had requested that OhioHealth remove any of the provisions that were the focus of the lawsuit. 

“As a not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare system, OhioHealth’s priority has always been and continues to be providing patients and their families with high-quality, accessible, affordable healthcare across the communities it serves,” the statement said. “OhioHealth is choosing to resolve this lawsuit to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.”

Key takeaways:

• OhioHealth does not admit that there was any wrongdoing.
• OhioHealth will not pay penalties, fines or damages.
• The agreement will be submitted to the court for approval and final judgment will be available to the public.

Based in Columbus, OhioHealth has 16 hospitals, including OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.

Contract approved, BOE gets updates

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

CONVOY — Teachers and staff members employed by the Crestview Local Schools are getting raises.

Monday, members of the Crestview school board unanimously approved a three year contract with the Crestview Employees’ Association, which represents certified and classified staff members. The contract includes raises of 3.5 percent each of the three years.

Superintendent Matt Dube said negotiations with the union went smoothly. For Dube, it was his first contract negotiation.

“Both the CEA and our team worked really well together, it was just a matter of working through schedules – the spring was so hectic with rescheduling dates in terms of sports and things like that – but overall we worked really well together and we were able to come to common ground pretty quickly,” Dube said “It was a learning experience for me but I think the president of CEA, James Lautzenheiser, gave me a lot of grace and we worked together quite well and he was able to have patience with me. Of course our treasurer, Ashley Whetsel, helped out a lot as well.”

The new contract goes into effect July 1 and runs through June 30, 2029.

Monday’s agenda featured several routine personnel matters, including approval of a one-year contract for Amanda Black as a third grade teacher, a one-year contract for Austin Voors as a high school physical science teacher and a one-year contract for Ebany Hammons as an elementary paraprofessional. The board also approved extended transitional administrative contracts (10 days each) for Trent Kreischer, Brett Latman and Sara Miller.

Clare Routt was approved as a volunteer soccer coach and Connor Sheets as a middle school/high school football coach.

Local gas prices still below state average

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices fell in nearly all states over the last week, but Ohio wasn’t one of them.

Average gas prices in the Buckeye State have risen slightly, one cent per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.04 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 51.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 99.3 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 11.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.182 per gallon.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was in Loveland, near Cincinnati, $3.22 per gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was $5.59/ per gallon at a station in Defiance, a difference of $2.37 per gallon.

In Van Wert on Monday, pump prices ranged from $3.83 to $3.99 per gallon for self-serve regular.

Meanwhile, neighboring Indiana continues to have the lowest average gas price in the country, $3.22 per gallon.
 
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 9.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.99 per gallon on Monday. The national average is down 52.4 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 91.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

“Average gasoline prices fell in 47 states over the last week, with the national average dropping below $4 per gallon late Sunday for the first time since mid-April,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The decline came as oil prices moved sharply lower in reaction to news of a potential deal between the United States and Iran, though it remains to be seen whether the agreement will hold. A handful of price-cycling states saw averages jump before joining the broader downward trend. The real test now shifts to the Strait of Hormuz, where any reopening and resumption of normal oil flows would be the clearest signal that this relief is durable.”

“For now, the national average could continue falling, provided there isn’t a drastic reversal and the U.S. and Iran continue moving in a positive direction,” he added.
 
Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back five years: