SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
If you happen to like the sounds of strings, the sounds of classical music and the sounds of pop music, you’re in luck. You’ll be able to hear it all next Friday, when the world famous Dallas String Quartet comes to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.
It’s best described as a fusion of classical and contemporary music on both traditional and electricstrings and in fact, on DSQ’s website it says “Where Bach meets Bon Jovi” which gives you a good idea about the upcoming performance.
“It took us a while to explain because when people hear ‘string quartet’ they think of something very traditional, very formal and this is not that,” DSQ founder Ion Zanca explained. “This is more high energy, more fun, more current music, so we didn’t know how to explain it exactly so hopefully that gives people a little insight about what we do.”
“It bridges the gap between the audience that wants something a little more classical and the audience that wants to be entertained and have fun,” Zanca continued. “Our concerts are split into two – in the first half we play little more of the classical repertoire then in the second half it’s all rock and electric violins, so you get a little bit of both worlds. A lot of kids in orchestra programs benefit from it because they see you can play everything, not only classical music on a violin.”
The Dallas String Quartet consists of Zanca (viola), who founded the group in 2007, Melissa Priller and Valory Hight on the violin, and bassist Young Heo.
“This is a very international group,” Zanca said. “One is from South Korea, one from Mexico, plus Romania and Virginia.”
The Dallas String Quartet is no stranger to success. The group’s music has millions of streams, had their album “Love Always” debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover Albums and Classical Albums charts. In addition to all of that, DSQ has shared the stage with the likes of Kenny G., Chicago, Air Supply and others, and has performed private concerts for former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
(more…)POSTED: 05/03/24 at 9:15 pm
VW independent staff
The first brush pickup of 2024 in Van Wert will begin on Monday, May 6. Brush should be out by 7 a.m. Here are some other guidelines:
- Place the brush by the curb and do not place it near poles, trees, etc.
- The city will not pick up limbs larger than four inches in diameter or more than feet long.
- The city will not pick up brush that has been left behind by a professional tree trimmer or private contractor. If a homeowner utilized a trimming service, they are responsible for disposing of the tree.
- Brush placed in bags or boxes will not be picked up.
- The City will not be picking up leaves during brush pick up.
Future brush pickup dates are July 8 and September 9.
POSTED: 05/03/24 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff and submitted information
Van Wert High School has scheduled final semester exams for the 2023-2024 school year for Tuesday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 22, according to Principal Chuck Rollins.
All students are required to take exams unless the course does not offer one or a student has been given permission to exempt through the Renaissance program. Students who do not show up for their exams will be given a zero on the exam, fail the entire course for that semester, even if their percentage is equivalent to a passing grade, because they did not fulfill the course requirements, which includes taking the exam. Students who are absent from an exam must follow all Van Wert High School attendance policies and procedures as adopted by the Board of Education. All make-up exams will occur according to district policies and procedures.
Each of the seven exam periods will last 1 hour and 20 minutes, with an hour open lunch period from 10:50-11:50 a.m. each day of the exams, and staff team time will be held from 2:40-3:10 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Make-up testing, staff grading, or meetings will be held from 1:20-2:40 p.m., followed by staff team time from 2:40-3:10 p.m. on Wednesday.
POSTED: 05/03/24 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Vantage Career Center now has nearly 4.5 more acres of land, thanks to a donation by the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The donation of the neighboring property that is currently the site of the Thomas Edison Adult Center was approved during Thursday night’s Vantage Career Center Board of Education.
“A huge thank you to Jim Stripe, the Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Van Wert County Commissioners for donating the building and land to Vantage Career Center,” Turner said. “This additional space will provide many opportunities for high school and adult education students for many years to come. Our ability to quickly respond to the workforce needs of our community in areas where we continue to hear of need, particularly in the medical field will be greatly enhanced.”
“We will begin the process of moving our programs that are currently in the main Thomas Edison building into the newly acquired space, then begin identifying current and possible new programs that will be in this building,” he continued. “We will then begin the design phase of a renovation project to repurpose the building. This is an amazing and exciting opportunity for our students and our community.”
Later, Turner lauded Kassidy Hipsher, a Kalida senior in the criminal justice program for jumping into action while at Kalida High School.
“On April 22, Kassidy was at her home school when she observed someone who appeared to be choking,” Turner said. “She followed all the proper protocols and upon establishing that this person was in duress, Kassidy performed life saving procedures that she had learned in the criminal justice lab and while doing her job shadowing at the Sheriff’s Department. According to witnesses Kassidy was calm, professional and in complete control of the situation. I spoke with Kassidy this week, she was very humble regarding her response to this emergency.”
During his report to the board, High School Director Ben Winans said letters were sent out to all applicants for the next school year.
“Student services staff are in the process of going to each school to physically meet with all those who have been accepted into our programs,” Winans stated.
He also noted the annual Senior Awards program will be held at 7 p.m. Monday May 20, in the Van Wert High School Gymnasium.
(more…)POSTED: 05/03/24 at 3:46 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine announced today that a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been issued for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program as a result of tornadoes on March 14. The Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued for Mercer, Auglaize, Logan, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Miami, Richland, and Union counties. The declaration includes the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for all 88 Ohio counties.
The Indian Lake region was hardest hit, with a EF-3 tornado causing widespread damage. Auglaize County was also affected by the EF-3 twister, and two EF-1 tornadoes touched down in Mercer County.
Governor DeWine sent a letter to President Joe Biden on March 29, requesting a federal disaster declaration.
This FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance, and replacement of personal property to help homeowners and renters recover from the effects of the disaster. The Presidential Disaster Declaration also allows the Small Business Administration to offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses for homeowners, renters, and business owners impacted by the disaster.
“This federal assistance will supplement the local and state recovery efforts, which are ongoing,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “It will provide assistance directly to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by these storms.”
Governor DeWine also designated Merick as the State Coordinating Officer for this presidential disaster declaration.
POSTED: 05/03/24 at 3:46 am. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert County Council On Aging held its annual Senior Day Celebration to honor senior citizens of Van Wert County. Activities included a Senior Stars recognition along with a dance, and seniors who were nominated by community members for their volunteer work were recognized. The event featured music by Melvin Mullins and light refreshments courtesy of Hearth and Home. The 2024 Senior Stars are (left to right): Corinne Mowry, Phil Campbell, Barb Early, Ruth Ann Densel, Mary Fallis, Louise Watson, Marti Ilderton, Loren Pancake, and Brenda Watkins. Senior Stars not pictured are Greg Amstutz, Julie Zinn, and Ronald Kill. Visit coavw.org or follow the Van Wert County Council on Aging on Facebook to learn more about the many services and activities the Council on Aging has to offer. Photo submitted
POSTED: 05/03/24 at 3:45 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
In an era where career trajectories often resemble a revolving door, it’s rare to find individuals who stand the test of time with unwavering commitment. However, within the heart of the community lies an example of consistency and dedication – Westwood Behavioral Health Center. Westwood Behavioral Health recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: honoring employees who have dedicated two decades of their lives to the service of others.
10 employees were recognized as having been with the agency for twenty years or more. These employees represent many different departments within the company: Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Services, Prevention, School Based Services, Billing and Administration. With a sense of pride and gratitude, the agency gathered to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these longstanding members of their team. From clinicians and therapists to administrative staff and support personnel, each individual has played an integral role in shaping the agency’s legacy of excellence.
Mark Spieles, CEO, commented “Their unwavering dedication and passion for helping others have been the cornerstone of our success,” CEO Mark Spieles said. “They are not just employees, they are the embodiment of our mission and values.”
“In an industry where burnout and turnover are all too common, you have shown us what true resilience and commitment look like,” said Molly Shepherd Spieles, Director of Clinical Services,
Sandy Goodwin, Executive Director of the Tri-County ADAMHS Board, offered her congratulations as well.
“The Tri County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board serving Mercer, Van Wert and Paulding Counties, would like to recognize and personally thank each of the Westwood staff for their years of service to our system of care,” she said. “Retaining qualified and talented staff is the key to providing quality Behavioral Health Care Services and Recovery Supports for community members in need. The high quality of services delivered by these individuals are an integral part of our community in supporting people in their recovery.”
As Westwood Behavioral Health looks to the future, it does so with a deep sense of gratitude for the individuals who have shaped its past. In honoring these employees’ remarkable achievements, the agency not only celebrates their individual milestones but also reaffirms its collective commitment to serving the community with compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
POSTED: 05/03/24 at 3:45 am. FILED UNDER: News
The driver of this truck was taken to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after striking a tree on Lincoln Highway, near Baker Road. The accident occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. this morning, when the driver tried to avoid a car turning into Ridge Cemetery. The car was hit and the driver was also taken to the hospital for observation. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office and Middle Point Fire Department were at the scene. Bob Barnes photo
POSTED: 05/02/24 at 1:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
An Ohio City man is going to prison and has lost his driver’s license for life.
During a recent hearing in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Thomas Medford, 43, was sentenced by Judge Martin Burchfield to 30 months in prison with credit for 186 days already served. In addition to a lifetime license suspension, he was ordered to pay a $1,350 fine and court costs. Medford also admitted to violating terms of community control on a felony assault charge by having alcohol in his system. He was sentenced to 93 days in jail but was given credit for 93 days already served.
Two other criminal hearings were held this past week, both on Tuesday.
Todd Bruseau, 48, of Van Wert, was found competent to stand trial after an evaluation at Forensic Psychiatry in Dayton. A pre-trial conference was set for May 29. Bruseau is facing two counts of vandalism, both fifth degree felony charges, for allegedly using a flag pole to break two windows on the front of Brumback Library last November, and he’s accused of causing damage to several bubble lamps and glass to a flood light. Early damage estimates totaled several thousand dollars. He entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Emmett Waltz, III, 36, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to domestic violence, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. June 12.
POSTED: 05/02/24 at 1:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
A two-vehicle accident on U.S. 30 at the Convoy Road crossing brought two Convoy EMS squads and the rescue truck to the scene at 7:49 a.m. this morning. The driver of the van and a passenger in car were transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for treatment. The driver of the van was northbound on Convoy Road and failed to yield the right of way to the car that was westbound on U.S. 30. Both vehicles sustained major damage and were towed from the scene. The accident was investigated by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 05/02/24 at 1:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It’s never an easy decision, but two Lincolnview High School seniors emerged as winners of the 54th annual R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award.
Amy Chavez and Jackson Dunlap were named the winners during Wednesday night’s banquet at Vantage Career Center. They were chosen from 10 finalists, five girls and five boys.
Chavez, the daughter of Octavio Chavez and Martha Salinas, is a member of National Honor Society, Lincolnview Service Club and Spanish Club while also serving as a Junior Rotarian. Her work experience includes time with Vancrest of Van Wert through the C.E.O. program. Following graduation, she plans to attend Ohio State to pursue a degree in nursing.
In her application, Chavez wrote she’s always seen herself as extremely self-reliant.
“As the No. 1 daughter in an immigrant household, I grew up filling out most of my own documents whether for school or government purposes,” she wrote. “I also did the same for my siblings and my parents. Because of the language barrier, my parents rely on me heavily.”
She also noted that reliance has increased within the past year, as her father became disabled and his ability to have a job has diminished, forcing her to miss school to take him to medical appointments and help with communication, as his limited English became more difficult to understand. To help her family with expenses, Chavez began working as an STNA at Vancrest full time, often exceeding 40 hours per week. Despite that, she’s accumulated 29 college credits during her junior and senior years of high school.
Dunlap, the son of Matt Dunlap and Kristen Price, is a member of FFA and competes on the Lancer varsity baseball team. Other activities include participation in the D.A.R.E. demolition derby, membership at Salem United Presbyterian Church and Bo Jackson Elite Travel Baseball. His work experience includes time with Highpoint/Fireside Capital and Klosterman’s Pizza, while also operating his own power washing business.
Following graduation, Dunlap plans to attend the Ohio State University and will major in marketing.
“Often you don’t know someone is struggling by looking at them, especially if they demonstrate self-reliance,” he wrote in his application. “Throughout my life I have battled through multiple tough situations – family challenges, medical issues and a move from Columbus from Van Wert that turned my world upside down. I struggled to deal with all of the stress at first but I made a personal choice to take the cards I’d been dealt and play them the best way possible.”
(more…)POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:24 pm. FILED UNDER: News
