Vantage CC students, Turner score big at SkillsUSA

Summer walking program to begin

Submitted information

The Van Wert community is invited to take part in the Van Wert Parks Department’s summer walking program, which is designed to keep everyone active while also enjoying local parks. The series will begin on Monday, May 18 at the Park District Trail East, with participants meeting at the Rotary Athletic Complex for a 1.5-mile walk.

Each week features a new location with gradually increasing distances. On June 1, walkers will meet at the Van Wert High School track (1.7 miles), followed by Jubilee Park on June 8, meeting at the stone lot off Brooks Avenue (1.8 miles). The group will gather at Fountain Park Pavilion on June 15 for a 2-mile walk, and at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds front gate off  U.S. 127 on June 22 (1.9 miles).

The program will continue on June 29 at the South Reservoir boat ramp (2.25 miles). Next will be Smiley Park Pavilion No. 4 on July 6 (2.5 miles). On July 13, participants will meet at Franklin Park off Greenwald Street for a 2.7-mile route. The Park District Trail West walk follows on July 20, meeting at the trailhead on Richey Road (2.8 miles). The final walk on July 27 will be at the North Reservoir dog park off U.S. 127 with a 3.2-mile walk.

All walks will begin at 7 p.m. and will offer a great way to stay active, explore the community, and connect with others throughout the summer. Everyone is invited.

To keep up to date with this program, please follow the Van Wert Parks Department on Facebook and Instagram or if you have more questions, call the park office 419.238.9121.

Full-time firefighter…

Dietrich Rinehart was officially sworn in Thursday as a full-time Firefighter/EMT at the Van Wert Fire Department. having successfully completed his one-year probationary period. Chief Jon Jones said Rinehart joined the department one year ago, completed his probationary period. and has demonstrated the dedication, skill, and professionalism expected of Van Wert’s firefighters. Jones said the completion of his probationary period marks an important milestone in his career and reflects his commitment to serving the community. The Van Wert Fire Department remains committed to providing the highest level of fire protection and emergency medical services to the community. Photo submitted

Klopfenstein joins data center roundtable

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Earlier this week, State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) joined a roundtable with Alex Fitzsimmons, Acting Undersecretary of Energy for the U.S. Department of Energy; State Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), State Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), Chair of the House Energy Committee; State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson), and representatives from the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) to discuss the Ratepayer Protection Pledge and Ohio’s leadership on data center accountability, which includes Ohio House Bill 706.

The roundtable held at the Statehouse brought together Ohio policymakers, industry leaders, community advocates, and utility representatives for a productive discussion on House Bill 706 and ensuring AI data center growth does not burden Ohio ratepayers.

“We will keep working to find a solution that both protects Ohio ratepayers and demonstrates that Ohio is open for business,” Klopfenstein said.

House Bill 706, introduced by Representatives David Thomas and Tristan Rader, builds on consumer protections already being implemented in AEP Ohio’s service territory through a PUCO-approved tariff. AEP has reported that early results from this tariff structure are “working as designed.” This legislation would apply those same safeguards statewide, ensuring consistent safeguards for ratepayers across Ohio.

House Bill 706 requires data center customers to enter into long-term service agreements with electric utilities before utilities construct dedicated infrastructure. It also directs the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to establish standards for interconnection queue practices, load study deposits, and milestone requirements.

The roundtable also included discussion of House Bill 15, a market-driven, comprehensive initiative sponsored by Rep. Klopfenstein and passed by the Legislature last year that aims to boost power generation in Ohio, improve affordability for ratepayers, and increase reliability within the state’s electrical grid.

Local YMCA receives ODH grant

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YMCA of Van Wert County was the recipient of a $5,000 Ohio Department of Heath water safety and swim instruction grant.

The CDC lists drowning as one of the leading causes of accidental death in children between the ages of 1-14 and adults over 65. Over 4,500 people die from unintentional drownings in the United States annually (approximately 12 per day). YMCAs across the state were eligible for the grant and the Van Wert YMCA was selected as one of the recipients.

“The grant is specific to ‘at-risk’ youth and adults, ‘at-risk’ meaning youth and adults that meet the income requirements to qualify for scholarship at the Van Wert YMCA, YMCA CEO Hugh Kocab said. “Additionally, ‘at-risk’ could include an entire swim class or summer camp swim class if at least 90 percent of the class qualifies for scholarship or publicly-funded child care.” 

Grant dollars can be used for swim lessons and water safety education for anyone who qualifies in the county. If you feel like you or someone you know may qualify for the free swim instruction/water safety classes, contact libby@vwymca.org or amy@vwymca.org for participation availability. Classes will begin in late May and the local YMCA will be limited to the first 50 registrations.

The YMCA hopes to expand this program and has applied for additional funding through local and regional grants.

Voters reject majority of school issues

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Tuesday was a tough day for school districts that had property tax requests or income tax issues on the ballot.

Figures from the Ohio School Boards Association show voters approved just over one third of school tax issues. 66 tax issues were on the ballot statewide but just 24 passed.

School income tax issues especially struggled, with just eight of 32 requests approved by voters, including a new five year, 0.75 percent income tax request for permanent improvements by the Paulding Exempted Village Schools. Renewal school tax issues did well, with voters approving 12 of 16 requests. One of those requests that was approved was for Parkway Local Schools. The five-year, 8.97 mill property tax renewal for current expenses passed in Mercer County and a portion of Van Wert County 269-123.

“School funding in Ohio is built on a partnership between the state and local communities and over time that balance has shifted more responsibility locally,” Ohio School Boards Association CEO Tom Hosler said. “Ohio communities continue to value their schools, but residents are also feeling real pressure right now. These results reflect both of those realities.”

According to the Ohio School Boards Association, this year’s ballot looked different than a typical primary election. Historically, renewal issues make up a much larger share of school tax requests appearing before voters. In last year’s May primary election, 49 of the 99 school tax issues on the ballot were renewals. This year, only 16 of 66 issues were renewal requests, meaning voters were presented with a significantly larger number of new funding requests than usual.

“Renewals are holding, but new asks are harder,” Hosler said. “That’s not a lack of support for schools; it’s the reality families are facing. Voters are making careful decisions, and much of that is outside the control of local school districts.”

In fiscal year 1999, the state’s share for local schools was 45 percent. It’s projected to drop to 32.2 percent in fiscal year 2027. A full breakdown of Tuesday’s statewide school ballot issue results is available through OSBA’s online levy database here.

False alarm…

City police and Van Wert fire crews responded to a fire alarm from the Van Wert County Historical Society building shortly after 6 a.m. this (Thursday) morning. Firefighters entered the Fostnaught Mansion and investigated the reason for the alarm. It was determined that it was a false alarm and there was no damage to the museum. Fire and police were on the scene for about 30 minutes. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Harter, Spradlin win annual award

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Self-reliance is defined by Merriam-Webster as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” The term was better defined during Wednesday night’s 56th annual Roger K. Thompson Self-Reliance Awards banquet, which was held at Vantage Career Center.

There were ten finalists from Van Wert, Crestview, Lincolnview and Vantage Career Center – five girls and five boys. Two of them, both seniors at Vantage, emerged as the winners Zaria Harter and Gabriel Malachi Spradlin.

Harter’s childhood was marred by tragedy. At a young age she lost her mother to an overdose and her family fell apart.

“I’m reliant on my own power and resources rather than those of others,” she wrote. “I had to be. After the loss of my family we bounced around homes and I felt the pressure to take care of myself and my younger sister. My childhood has made me a prime example of self-reliance.”

“My life wasn’t always easy but I am thankful for that,” she added. “Many would use my experiences as an excuse but I use it as motivation. Self-reliance is just who I am – I will always keep going.”

Harter participates in the Criminal Justice Program at Vantage and serves as a student ambassador, president of the German Interact Club and Criminal Justice Leaders. She is also a member of National Technical Honor Society and a state qualifier in the Skills USA Competition. At Lincolnview High School, she is a member of the Lancer Marching Band, Pep Band, track and field team and National Honor Society. Outside of school, Harter is an active member of the Ohio City Church of God Youth Group. Work experience includes time at Ohio City Express and Work-Based Learning with Vantage School Resource Officer Jill Gemmer. Following graduation, she plans to enlist in the Marine Corps.

At age four, Spradlin, the son of Nick Roxo, survived a car accident that claimed his mother, brother and grandmother.

“Following the accident, my father spiraled so I became the caregiver for my three younger brothers – feeding them, bathing them, and comforting them. I entered foster care at age nine, separated from my brothers and placed in three homes over two years. I had no family to tum to, so I learned to rely on myself to survive emotionally and mentally in unfamiliar environments. When I was adopted by Nick, a close family friend, things improved.”

Civil War era to be discussed

Submitted information

The Brumback Library and the Van Wert County Historical Society Genealogy Club will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday May 12, on the second floor of the library. There will be a special America 250  presentation by Harrison Frech, “Van Wert County in the Civil War.” It will cover the raising of local units to fight, local news coverage, support for the war and dissent which was sometimes violent. How Van Wert County African American men served to end slavery and save the Union.  Harrison will then tie in how local resources from the library and museum were used in his research. 

Ramaswamy, Acton to square off

Nick Evans/Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio’s race for governor this November is set. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy will face Democrat Amy Acton in November, according to unofficial results.

Results will remain unofficial until they are certified by election officials later this month.

Both major party candidates are political newcomers who’ve distinguished themselves as communicators. They’ll have ample opportunity to make their case.

Acton is breaking Democratic fundraising records in Ohio; according to pre-primary reports her campaign has cleared $10 million. Ramaswamy has spent that much on campaign ads already, and with a $25 million personal loan, appears ready to spend more. And that doesn’t even account for the Super PAC supporting his bid.

Acton, who didn’t have a primary challenger, described herself as a “scrappy kid from Youngstown” in a speech to supporters Tuesday night. She drew comparisons between her own struggles as a child facing homelessness and the challenges Ohioans today face in making ends meet.

“I am running for governor because people in this state are struggling,” Acton said. “They are doing everything right. They’re working harder than they ever have, but there is no more breathing room. They’re struggling with the cost of everyday life, and I refuse to look the other way.”

And Acton needled her opponent for criss-crossing the state in a private jet.

“When you are looking at a state from 30,000 feet, my opponent cannot possibly see the struggles and the stories that I’m hearing on the road,” Acton said. “Vivek Ramaswamy isn’t just out of touch. He is out for himself. That is what is happening here.”

The AP called the Republican primary race for Ramaswamy less than 30 minutes after polls closed.

Election Day facts and figures

VW independent staff

The May 5 primary election is nearly in the books. It’s not 100 percent finished because provisional ballots need to be counted in counties around Ohio and results must be certified by each county board of elections.

As expected, voter turnout was relatively low, but some races did attract a good number of voters.

Local turnout

There are 19,869 registered voters in Van Wert County and 4,946 cast ballots (24.89 percent). While early voting is popular, the majority of voters cast their ballots on Election Day. Figures from the Van Wert County Board of Elections show 2,927 voters showed up at the polls on Election Day. 1,808 voted early in-person and 211 returned ballots by mail.

Statewide turnout

Ohio has 7,896,681 registered voters and 1,781,296 cast ballots (22.56 percent), perhaps a bit lower than expected.

High and low

Coshocton County had the highest voter turnout in the state, 29.10 percent. Lawrence County had the lowest turnout, 16.66 percent.

Judge race

In the race for Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge, Eva Yarger and Todd Wolfrum both ran clean campaigns, which is fairly uncommon in this day and age. Both went door to door and both had a number of campaign signs around the county.

As expected, the race was close, with Yarger winning by 182 votes. What made the race especially interesting was the fact that Wolfrum was the choice of the Van Wert County Republican Central Committee to replace retired Judge Kevin H. Taylor, but Yarger was the choice of Governor Mike DeWine, who had the final say on her appointment following Judge Taylor’s retirement. Her appointment was for the remainder of the term, which ends next February. Tuesday’s win means she’ll begin a full six year term when she takes the oath of office early next year.

Wolfrum will continue as a county commissioner.