Local court clerk earns prestigious state certification

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.

Photos: Wetzelland 2026

Wetzelland 2026 is in the books. The four-day event ran from last Thursday through Sunday near Grover Hill and was billed as the premiere motorcycle party in Ohio. It was a celebration of motorcycle culture, camaraderie and adventure that drew bikers and enthusiasts from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Wetzelland featured bike shows and games, live music and food, drinks, vendors and more. Charles Cochran of New Bremen was the winner of the 40th annual bike drawing. The bike came from Joe Bayliff’s Route 20 Harley-Davidson in Upper Sandusky. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

THM fix in the works, along with vouchers

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It’s a longstanding problem that hasn’t gone away but that’s about to change.

For several years, the City of Van Wert has dealt with higher than accepted levels of THM (total trihalomethanes) in the city’s drinking water. The EPA’s standard is 0.080 mg/L but at times, Van Wert’s levels have come in slightly above that. Notices sent out by the city have said the levels detected do not pose an immediate health risk. However, some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems.

Now, the Ohio EPA has approved plans for the city to address high levels of total trihalomethanes in the drinking water supply.

During Monday night’s Van Wert City Council meeting, council members approved an ordinance allowing Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming to seek bids and award and sign contracts for a project to fix the problem. Fleming said the work is expected to cost appromixately $2.1 million.

He previously explained that the state EPA is requiring the city to replace the gates on the reservoir structures, and noted there are three structures on each reservoir that allows water to come in for three different depths.

“The reason it’s so expensive is the sluice gates of that size are extremely expensive and it’s all going to have to be done with divers,” Fleming said. “We are excited to get this underway. We have already installed mixers in the water towers and have seen positive results. Not specifically with THMs, but our chlorine residuals have been much more stable and easier to control in the distribution system.

Fleming said if all goes as planned, work should start in September and last into next spring.

“The type of winter will have a lot to do with progress,” he noted.

During the administrative reports portion of Monday’s meeting, Mayor Ken Markward said beginning next month, the city will once again offer trash vouchers for use during the month of September.

DAR attends Celina Lake Festival parade

VW independent staff/submitted information

CELINA — The Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated their patriotic heritage, with their beautiful DAR America 250 float at Saturday’s Celina Lake Festival parade.

DAR members can prove their lineage back 250 years to a family member who fought or otherwise served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Their float featured the National DAR official logo for the 250^th celebration and the members dressed in “Continental” costumes or official chapter 250th shirts. A DAR husband built and drove the float and a DAR grandchild who portrayed Isaac Van Wart was in the parade. In addition, two DAR grandchildren in Continental costumes including General George Washington and Elizabeth, Washington’s niece were in the parade, along with a DAR member who portrayed Betsy Ross sewing the first flag of the United States of America.

Of utmost historical value, the members carried the three recently acquired busts of American Revolutionary War Heroes John Paulding, David Williams and county/city namesake Isaac Van Wart. The busts are 3-D printed by permission of the John Henri Isaac Browere Collection, where the original bronze busts are housed in the Fenimore Museum in Cooperstown NY. The busts were commissioned in the early 1800’s and were the men’s “live” or life busts created by artist John Henri Isaac Browere using warm wax on living subjects.

These three Revolutionary War Heroes, as young militia men, captured the British spy Major John Andre who had just left West Point New York Colony, where he had conspired with American General Benedict Arnold to commit treason and hand over Fort West Point. The trio made the Andre strip down and found, in his boot, the incriminating documents. After a trial and conviction, Andre was later hung as a spy. Benedict Arnold got away and served the British for the rest of his life, but his name goes down in infamy.

Paulding, Van Wart and Williams were each rewarded with a farm, a $200 stipend yearly for life, and had a county named after each of them in the wild state of Ohio – Williams, Paulding and Van Wert counties. They each received the first every silver Fidelity Medal of Honor from the second Continental Congress and General George Washington himself.

Rockford church plants special tree

Submitted information

ROCKFORD — The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford recently celebrated America 250 with a Christian dedication ceremony for an America 250 Liberty Tree which they planted on their church ground.

Consistory president Susan Cully Etzcorn, in her dedication address thanked God, and said the tree honors the nation’s 250th birthday by blending faith and patriotism.

“We have a Heritage in the United States of America and in our state of Ohio and these roots run deep through our ancestors,” she said.

She then shared this scripture: Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) – says “…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”  

The scripture was perfect for dedicating the church’s nine foot tall white oak sapling that will grow for generations. White oak trees typically live between 300-500 years. They grow slowly, about 12 inches per year. In Ohio, it is a hearty tree.

Chris Canary read scripture, and reminded the members to share the Heritage of the tree with family and friends and remind them of 250 years of the United States of America and God.

Sheila Baltzell-Linn organized the event for the Consistory, registered the Liberty Tree with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and placed a plaque beneath the tree.

Van Wert tree commission to return?

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

After many years of dormancy, Van Wert’s tree commission may come alive again.

At Van Wert City Council’s meeting earlier this month, an ordinance was introduced by Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless to strike the commission from the city’s code of ordinances, but Councilman At-Large Hall Block objected and said he knows of people willing to serve on such a commission. During Monday night’s meeting, two speakers, Bob Motycka, who lives just outside the city limits, and local resident Rachel Hoverman spoke about the benefits of trees and having a tree commission. Later in meeting, Hurless said he was surprised by the outpouring of support for the commission, changed course and said he’s willing to give it a shot.

“If it works great, if it doesn’t, we can always get rid of it in the future,” he said.

After that, council members voted 7-0 against the proposal to do away with the commission. It will have its third and final reading at the next meeting, and the vote is expected to be the same. At some point after that, Mayor Ken Markward will be tasked with selecting five people to serve on the commission.

An ordinance that would prohibit smoking in all city owned parks was also voted down on its second advisory reading. The vote was 5-2, with Block, who came up with the proposed ordinance, and First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler voted in favor. The measure will be brought back for a third and final vote at the next meeting and is expected to fail, meaning the ordinance will not go into effect.

A pair of ordinance up for second advisory readings were tabled for more revisions. One deals with private wells within the city limits while the other concerns door-to-door salespeople. The suggested revisions did not sit well with Agler.

“This should have already been hashed out and discussed before the ordinance was even prepared,” Agler stated. “Now we’ve prepared it and we’re going through all these changes…you’ve got me lost.”

City Auditor Erika Blackmore read aloud a statement after an effort to place a zoning initiative on the November ballot came up short, due to an insufficient number of valid signatures. The full statement can be found in a separate story.