SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It’s a case that goes back nearly 45 years with a defendant who is almost 80 years old and claims he’s innocent. Now, he’s getting a chance that could help prove his claim.
Last week, Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield signed an order for new DNA testing in the case of John George Spirko Jr.
The results could help bring closure to the case, or raise new questions.
Spirko, 79, is serving life in prison for the 1982 abduction and murder of Betty Jane Mottinger, who served as postmistress in the tiny village of Elgin, in southeast Van Wert County.
The testing will be done at Spirko’s expense and Judge Burchfield’s order states duct tape and debris/hair samples found on the duct tape, a painter’s drop cloth found at the scene, a hunter’s knife, rope, cord and a piece of tarp, fingerprints and blood samples are all subject to testing. Virginia-based Bode Technology will do the testing. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office’s Property Room is responsible for transporting the listed items via commercial carrier to Bode Technology.
(more…)POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:35 pm
By Nick Evans/Ohio Capital Journal
COLUMBUS — Three Ohio Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation to place “guardrails” on the state’s sports betting system, including stopping online/phone gambling, limits on wagers, banning the use of credit for betting, and limiting advertisement.
They warn that gambling is as addictive as illegal drugs, costs Ohio citizens enormous amounts of money, and threatens the integrity of sporting events.
Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope Dr. Chris Tuell explained among addictive behaviors, gambling has the highest suicide rate.
He added that the number one reason for divorce isn’t infidelity, it’s financial problems.
“This is Narcan,” he said, holding up the small plastic nasal spray. “We don’t have a spray for problem gambling. We don’t have a pill for problem gambling.”
Ohio state Reps. Riordan McClain, R-Upper Sandusky, Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Johnathan Newman, R-Troy, acknowledge that sports betting is here to stay. But they want to place restrictions on what, how, and where Ohioans can wager.
“The fact is that most betters do not win,” McClain said, citing statistics that only about five percent of sports bettors make money over the long term.
“That means roughly 95 percent of Ohioans who are betting make deposits, not withdrawals,” McClain said.
Click asked, “Is it really worth the taxes that we gain to risk people’s lives, their mental health, their personal well-being, their families, their homes? I don’t think it is.”
“So, while we’re not going to roll back the clock to what it was before,” he went on, “we’re going to put some common-sense consumer protections in place to protect Ohio citizens.”
The legislative language for the lawmakers’ ideas is still getting hammered out, but they’re expecting to file two proposals: one focused on consumer protections and the other on sports integrity.
(more…)POSTED: 04/09/26 at 6:40 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A Van Wert man accused of causing the death of another man in late 2024 has changed his plea.
During a hearing held Wednesday morning in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Joshua Sargent, 44, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted corrupting another with drugs, a third degree felony. Judge Martin D. Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. May 27. Sargent faces up to 36 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
He was originally charged with with involuntary manslaughter, a first degree felony, and corrupting another with drugs, a second degree felony, in connection with the early October, 2024 death of KC Kerns, 43, of Van Wert. His body was found in the wooded lot of the old reservoir at the corner of Blaine St. and Anderson Ave. Sargent was accused of supplying drugs that resulted in the death of Kerns. He was was originally charged in early May, 2025, but the case was later dismissed due to the availability of a witness. Once the witness became available, the charges were refiled.
In addition to that hearing, nine other hearings were held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Judge Burchfield presided over all of the hearings.
Intervention in lieu/bond violations
Emily Apple, 39, of Paulding, admitted to violating her intervention in lieu by failing a drug test. She was then sentenced to two years of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date, and 26 hours of community service. She is to undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and must pay court costs.
Jeremy Dunbar, 29, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond and intervention in lieu by receiving an additional charge. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. May 20.
Ashley McCarthy, 43, of Van Wert, admitted to violating her bond and intervention in lieu by failing a drug test and failing to complete treatment. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. May 13.
Zachariah Germann, 38, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing to appear. He then changed his plea to an amended charge of theft, a first degree misemeanor, and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fifth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. May 27.
(more…)POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Hours of training have paid off for five more Scott firefighters who have earned their Firefighter 1 certification (left to right): John Rosswurm, Bryce Rosswurm, Sam Steffen, Adam Stoller and Owen Manz. Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS – State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) recently introduced House Bill 786 – legislation that works to combat AI Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
“It is our responsibility to protect Ohio’s most innocent, and as technology continues to advance, we must also adapt to ensure the continued safety of Ohio’s children,” said Klopfenstein.
“AI-generated child sexual abuse material is not a victimless offense; it perpetuates exploitation and erodes the safeguards that protect our most vulnerable,” said Williams. “We have a responsibility to ensure emerging technologies are never weaponized against children, and to act decisively to prevent the spread of harmful content.”
House Bill 786 would make clear that AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal under Ohio law and subject to the same criminal penalties as other forms of child sexual exploitation material. This legislation would provide prosecutors and law enforcement with clear statutory authority to investigate and charge these offenses, ensuring that emerging technology cannot be used to evade accountability.
45 other states have already passed similar legislation addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. This bill ensures Ohio laws keep pace with technology and reinforces the commitment to safeguarding minors in both the physical and digital world.
House Bill 786 awaits its first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
CONVOY – Students and staff at Crestview Local Schools, along with community members were able to interact with State Representative Jim Hoops (R–Napoleon) on Tuesday.
Rep. Hoops, who is currently a candidate for Ohio’s State Senate District 1 seat held by Senator Rob McColley, spent the day touring the campus. Rep. Hoops was accompanied throughout the visit by State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R–Haviland). The site visit and tour were organized in coordination with the Crestview Employees’ Association (CEA, OFT-AFT).
Following a brief introductory meeting in the Crestview Board of Education office, Rep. Hoops began his tour at the Crestview Early Childhood Center (ECC), where he learned about the district’s newest facility and the opportunities it provides for young learners. The visit then continued to the middle school and high school, where Rep. Hoops toured art and agricultural classrooms. During these stops, he had the opportunity to speak with students and staff who were engaged in classroom instruction and individual projects.
At the conclusion of the tour, Rep. Hoops and Rep. Klopfenstein participated in two roundtable discussions—one with staff and community members, and another with students. These conversations focused on educational policy, property tax reform, and the state budget process. Both Hoops and Klopfenstein were eager to receive feedback from the roundtable participants.
(more…)POSTED: 04/08/26 at 6:58 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Van Wert LIVE has announced the eagerly awaited lineup for this year’s “Feel Good Friday” Summer Concert Series. Thanks to the generosity of the Van Wert County Foundation, music enthusiasts can indulge in free concerts set to captivate audiences throughout the summer.
Before Feel Good Fridays start, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will perform at Fountain Park at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, as a kickoff to the Memorial Day weekend. Led by Richard Sherrick, this free concert will bring local musicians to the stage in an evening showcasing local talent.
The concert series will take place in the heart of Fountain Park, Van Wert, where people can gather for free to enjoy a diverse lineup of national and regional bands for six summer nights. The 2026 concert lineup promises an array of musical genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From soulful melodies to energetic beats, audiences can anticipate performances that will uplift spirits and create lasting memories. Each performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be sure to deliver unforgettable musical experiences.
June 5: Ladies of The 80’s Night Out brings the ultimate decade of decadence back for one night only, featuring the sensational, NYC-based 80s tribute show. Prepare for an explosive setlist featuring all your favorite hits from icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, and Whitney Houston.
June 12: Neon 90’s Country Rewind will have you experience the iconic songs of legends like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, and Reba McEntire, and more. If you’re craving the fun, energetic, and timeless spirit of 90’s Country, don’t miss your chance to be part of the Neon 90’s experience. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the music that made Country what it is today.
(more…)POSTED: 04/08/26 at 6:30 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Van Wert County and Mercer County are two of 11 Ohio counties that Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the use of the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to support areas that were significantly impacted by severe winter storms that occurred between January 24-27.
The 11 counties are:
- Butler
- Darke
- Greene
- Madison
- Mercer
- Muskingum
- Perry
- Preble
- Tuscarawas
- Van Wert
- Warren
Locally, snow began to fall on the evening of January 24 and continued non-stop for about 24 hours. 9.6 inches of snow came down in Van Wert and that, along with high winds, made roads treacherous. Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency due to the conditions. Many schools were closed on Monday and/or Tuesday due to lingering road conditions.
The State Disaster Relief Program is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance but do meet state program requirements. This program is intended to provide supplemental state assistance to local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations for costs associated with certain damage repairs, debris removal, and emergency protective measures.
The SDRP is authorized for counties whose damages meet a countywide per capita indicator. Governor DeWine’s authorization allows the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to request the funding from the Ohio Controlling Board.
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Community members interested in uncovering their roots and exploring the rich heritage of Van Wert County are invited to attend the first meeting of the Genealogy and Local History Club.
The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, on the second floor of the Brumback Library. The new group aims to create a collaborative environment where residents can share research techniques, discover local archival treasures, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts.
Whether you are a seasoned genealogist with a sprawling family tree or a beginner who isn’t sure where to start, all are welcome to attend and contribute to this growing community of researchers.
The group is free and open to the public. Future meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month 5:30-7 p.m. on the second to floor of the Brumback Library.
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:07 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society Museum will be open on Saturdays starting this Saturday, April 11, through October 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free but memberships are available and donations are always appreciated.
What you’ll see
- The Library Room
- The Crestview/Military Room
- Main room displays with items donated by area residents
The museum is open and will continue to be a work in progress, adding new items every week.
Donations welcome
If you have items from the Convoy area or local businesses that you would like to donate, the Convoy Historical Society Museum would love to have them.
Questions?
A Village of Convoy Historical Society board member or volunteer will be available on Saturdays to guide you through the museum, answer questions, and accept donations. For all other questions or to schedule a visit by appointment, please contact Dave Thomas at 260.639.2083 or Rose Wherry at 419.513.1092.
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
FINDLAY — Flag City Honor Flight, which serves northwest Ohio, is preparing for its 34th mission on Tuesday, April 14, taking 82 veterans, primarily from the Vietnam War era to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built in their honor.
The organization relies on community donations and flight sponsorships to continue the mission. As a 100 percent volunteer-led organization, every dollar received goes directly toward honoring and thanking veterans for their service.
Departing from Toledo Express Airport in the morning, veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, Navy Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard. Veterans do not pay to fly.
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
