From Wednesday
Husted takes issue with governor
It’s obvious from hearing Ohio Speaker of the House John Husted talk on Tuesday that the political honeymoon between Republicans and Democratic Governor Ted Strickland’s is over – at least on a couple of issues. Husted, youngest House speaker in Ohio history who still looks like the All-American defensive back he was at the University of Dayton, also bore another title while speaking during a $100-a-plate fundraising dinner at Willow Bend Country Club: Mike Gearhart’s first cousin. Husted and Gearhart, owner of Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, grew up in the village of Montpelier: “Even though he’s 15 years younger than me,” Gearhart said in introducing his cousin. Gearhart also joked about the fact that he and the House speaker are probably the only Republicans in the Gearhart family. Noting that Husted is considering a run for statewide office in 2010, Gearhart added, “I’ve always thought that, if John ran for statewide office, he could carry northwest Ohio, but I don’t know if he could carry the Gearhart family.” For his part, Husted talked about the need for the party faithful to work hard in the coming elections this election and the 2008 presidential election to ensure Republicans maintain their statehouse supremacy, while also gearing up to take back some of the state offices lost to Democrats last year. Stating that he and other young Republican leaders are considering statewide office in 2010, Husted added: “The foundation for that opportunity lies in 2008.” The House speaker also expressed his disappointment with Governor Strickland on vetoes he issued to cut an “abstinence only” program and an educational choice program Husted and other conservative Republicans had favored. Husted also challenged the Democratic governor to come forward with his educational reform plan – something he said Strickland has been talking about for some time, but has yet to actually come up with. “He stood out there on the campaign trail and said: ‘I’m going to solve school funding once and for all.’” Husted said. “He’s yet to offer anything.” Husted also stressed some of the accomplishments of the Republican controlled Statehouse, including “two of the most disciplined budgets” in the state. Husted also blamed Strickland’s administration for upcoming increases in Worker’s Compensation premiums and other business-related increases. Husted, who led legislative efforts to reform the tax code and to adopt of the most fiscally conservative budget in more than 40 years that included a 21 percent income tax cut -- the largest income tax cut in Ohio history -- said he and fellow Republicans are also working on cutting taxes on military pensions and to completely do away with the estate tax. “I think the future of the state depends on us acting on these issues,” Husted noted. In addition to his speech, the House speaker also answered a question by local resident Jon Rhoades, who was concerned that, with tangible personal property taxes being phased out, revenues for schools would decrease. Husted took one last swipe at Democrats and education when he noted he also has concerns that an “unelected board” could decide how much taxes would have to be raised to provide an educational fix, noting that early indications are that figure could be in the billions of dollars.
Photo captions: Top -- John Husted, youngest speaker in Ohio House history, speaks to local Republicans on Tuesday. Bottom -- Local businessman Mike Gearhart, a first cousin in the speaker, introduces him. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/31

ODOT prepares for winter
Like the falling leaves and geese flying south, the annual ODOT snowplow inspection is just another sign that winter’s just around the corner. Tim Berkepile, deputy director for the Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 1, heads the inspection team that inspects the vehicles at the eight county garages. Inspections began Tuesday, with the Defiance County garage at 8  a.m. Paulding County was next and Van Wert was the final stop on Tuesday. The ODOT inspection team goes through a checklist of items that includes horns, lights, dump truck lifts, plows, and a number of other items. And, of course, like most inspections, some deficiencies are always found. Don Taylor, county manager for Van Wert, said most of the down-checks are for minor items. “These are maintained good throughout the year,” Taylor said, pointing at the 15 white dump trucks lined up behind the local ODOT garage. Maintaining the vehicles is also a good business decision, since the newest truck in the fleet cost $108,000. Following the inspection, Taylor and his staff of 19 drivers and two mechanics have two weeks to correct any problems found during the inspection. In addition to dump trucks fitted with plows, a semi used to pre-treat roadways with brine during the winter is also parked behind the county garage. Brine, which has been used on county roads now for about 7-8 years, Taylor said, has been helpful in allowing plows to keep highways here free of snow. In addition to the brine, Taylor said the garage currently has approximately 3,800 tons of salt on hand. At a cost of $42 a ton ($159,600 total), Taylor said he’s not in a hurry to use the salt. “I hope I don’t use any of it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s got a good shelf life.” Statewide, ODOT used 650,000 tons of salt last winter and spent $54.3 million keeping roadways free of ice and snow. Fortunately, Taylor said, not much of that was used in Van Wert County last winter. Other than some storms in February of this year, especially one on Valentine’s Day, Taylor said last winter was a mild one. Since the local ODOT garage typically uses between 5,000 and 6,000 tons of salt a year on local highways, Taylor said he’s not eager to have any major storms hit the county this winter. Of the trucks used for plowing during the winter, eight have underbody (belly) plows, while four have wing plows. Taylor said he has seen some real advantages for the underbody plows, noting that they’re particularly good for scraping ice off the 382 lane miles of highway he’s responsible for in the county. The “belly” plows also are good for maintaining visibility while plowing because they are located under the truck where snow being plowed won’t blow up onto the truck’s windshield. However, Taylor said the new plows are not widely used within ODOT at this point. “Not too many districts have come on board with the underbody plows,” he noted. Keeping vehicles properly maintained is a full-time job for the local ODOT staff, but it’s something state employees do year round. Although snowplows and related equipment are repaired or replaced and then stored away during the summer, ODOT’s dump trucks aren’t as lucky. During the construction season, the trucks are often seen on the roads hauling stone and other materials used in road construction. Taylor said his philosophy is to hit storms early and try to get roads cleared before weather conditions get out of control. “The Patrol are my ears and eyes,” Taylor said, noting that troopers on patrol who experience slippery road conditions quickly contact his office. That includes in the middle of the night, since Taylor has three workers come in overnight to make sure someone is on hand to man phones and hit the road if an emergency arises. About the only time there’s no one on the job is from 4-11 p.m., and that can change quickly if snow hits hard. Drivers typically plow 12 hours and get 12 hours off during a storm. In addition to getting equipment ready, ODOT has also joined with several other states in the “Ice and Snow … Take it Slow” winter safety campaign.
Photo captions: Top -- Tim Berkepile, deputy director for ODOT's District 1, gets a better vantage point on the step of an ODOT dump truck. Middle -- This inspector definitely gets into -- or actually under -- his work as he checks out the undercarriage of a dump truck. Bottom -- ODOT trucks and snowplows are lined up prior to Tuesday's inspection at the ODOT garage in Van Wert.  Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/31

VW Regional Airport manager resigns
The Van Wert County Regional Airport Authority will hold a special board meeting tonight, starting at 7 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room, to accept the resignation of Airport Manager Jennifer Oetting. The RAA will then make plans to seek applications to fill the position.
10/31

From Tuesday
Candidates present visions for schools
It was the “vision thing” for four candidates for Van Wert City Board of Education who talked Monday night about why they were running for the board and answered questions from district staff members and the public. Even better, approximately 125 people came out to hear what they had to say. Those participating in the event, which was held in the First Federal Lecture Hall of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, were Kirby Kelly, Ken Mengerink, Mike Morrow and Bill Wise III. Tracey Smith, legislative coordinator for the Van Wert Federation of Teachers, which sponsored the event, welcomed those who attended and thanked the board candidates who attended. “This is a really crucial election, isn’t it, for our board candidates?” Smith said, noting that she was very pleased that four of the six candidates decided to participate. “Thank you very much for coming and welcome,” she said in her introduction. Candidates were first given five minutes to introduce themselves and tell why they sought election to the school board. Sarah Hamilton of the Ohio Federation of Teachers moderated the event. Kelly, who went first, noted that his background, which includes a variety of different jobs over the years, said he looked at situations, like the school district, from a management and a union standpoint. He noted that the district was not facing just one problem, but as number of intertwined concerns. “I’d like to bring … a focus where we’re looking at the entire picture,” Kelly said, noting that the district’s job was “to turn out educated people” and noted that finances weren’t the only things to look at when looking at education. “I don’t think the problems we’re facing are as major as some people make them out to be,” he noted, although he said the loss of students through open enrollment is a serious problem. “Why can’t we keep them … is that an academic problem? … it’s certainly a financial problem because it costs the district three quarters of a million dollars … it needs to be addressed,” Kelly said. Morrow, who was next, noted that his children were his main reason for seeking a seat on the school board, noting that that he had children at both ends of the educational spectrum -- a high school senior and a kindergartner – and a student at every level of every building in the district, and a “vested interest” in what happens in the Van Wert City Schools. “This election is not about popularity and personalities, it’s about ideas; it’s not about maintaining the status quo, it’s about recognizing the need for change; it’s not about placing blame, it’s about re-establishing trust and credibility; it’s not about identifying excuses, it’s about professional accountability; it’s not meant to be personal, it’s all about business: the business of educating students in Van Wert City Schools,” Morrow said, adding, “Unfortunately, this election is about understanding the past, so the same mistakes are not revisited in the future.” The candidate noted that “the current level of expenditures can’t be supported” and added that a plan is needed to bring expenditures back in line and stressed that time is growing short to have a plan in place before the district’s income tax levy is up for renewal in March 2008. “The clock is running and March is just around the corner,” he told those at the forum. Morrow said a vision was needed for the district, adding that all district residents need to play a role in fixing the district’s problems. Mengerink, previously a 16-year school board veteran and former board president who also spent eight years on Van Wert City Council, said his vision for the school district was “a lot different 20 years ago when I started on the board.” Noting that he has tried to keep up with what is happening in the city schools, Mengerink commended the staff for the job it does, was pleased with the new high school-middle school facility and said that, with hard work, a similar facility could be in place for elementary students. But a new elementary school will only come with a board that understands what district residents are looking for, and provides it. “We must always be honest with the public, be willing to listen (and) have an open view.” Mengerink called the district staff “excellent”, noting “I just think we have a good school system … it could be better, sure we’re not perfect … but I think we’ve come a long way and we’re going in the right direction.” Wise, a former City Council member, said his reason for running is to give his grandchildren the educational opportunities I had as a student in the Van Wert schools. “I see opportunities for business coming into Van Wert that I never did before,” Wise said, noting that community residents needed to put their “best foot forward” to get new development here. Wise talked about the mandates schools face, adding: “some of them are funded, some of them are underfunded, and some aren’t funded at all.” Wise said he felt the schools helped him when his children were teenagers and said he’s running to give back to the system (click here for responses to other questions). The biggest disappointment was likely the absence of the two other school board candidates, incumbent Marylou Smith and Julie Perkins. Both had earlier indicated they would be at the forum, but later withdrew from the event. No public reason was given for their withdrawal.
Photo caption: A portion of the crowd at Monday night's Van Wert City Board of Education Candidates Forum hosted by the Van Wert Federation of Teachers. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/30

City going after delinquent taxes
Not too many years ago, the City of Van Wert’s efforts to collect delinquent income taxes was a joke. However, no one who owes the city taxes will be laughing soon. Last year, the city mandated that all eligible Van Wert residents file an income tax return – whether they owed any money or not. That resulted in a large number of new tax returns – and more money in city coffers. However, 484 people still haven’t filed an income tax return, while some of those who have filed returns, haven’t paid the taxes, resulting in more than $160,000 in back taxes owed for the past seven years alone. Now, the city is taking its program one step further in beefing up efforts to collect the delinquent taxes owed and contact those who haven’t filed income tax returns. Noting that time is running out for those who either haven’t filed a return or who owe the city back taxes, the mayor stressed that anyone in either of those situations needs to contact Income Tax Administrator Rudy Grant to avoid more problems in the future. During a joint meeting of City Council’s Finance and Water & Sewer committees on Monday, Mayor Don Farmer sought three measures to make collecting delinquent income taxes easier. They are:

First off, the mayor said he would like to contract with a collection agency called RBC Inc. to identify and contact the 484 people who have not filed the mandatory income tax returns. That number is down from approximately 1,100 in July of this year, the mayor added. “We do not know whether they owe us any money, whether they do owe money, but they have just not complied … to the mandatory income tax filing,” Mayor Farmer said. Cost of doing that is $14 a taxpayer, or a total of $6,776. The mayor added that more than 200 cases have been turned over to the law director’s office for collection during his administration, but noted that an outside contractor would likely have take over collection work because of the heavy caseload in the city law director’s office. RBC’s legal staff in Mansfield would prepare paperwork for legal action, Mayor Farmer said. Noting that any fees generated by RBC in the collections process would be paid out of money collected from delinquent taxpayers. “It won’t cost us anything,” the mayor said, adding that the city could see some significant revenues from tax collection efforts. Grant said the city has names, Social Security numbers and last known addresses for those who owe back taxes. Also Monday, both committees heard less than positive news from Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming on bidding for the Bonnewitz Avenue Lift Station construction project. While Fleming said engineering estimates on the project were $2.1 million to $2.3 million, project bids were at the top end of that scale, with the project now costing approximately $2.5 million when $82,000 in inspection/engineering costs and 5 percent in contingency money is figured in. “The bids weren’t exactly what we were hoping for,” Fleming noted. However, with the city looking at approximately $1 million in the sewer fund, the need to take $400,000 from that fund should not be a problem, the safety-service director noted. “I think we’re fine … I think we’re okay,” Fleming told committee members. The safety-service director added that, even if a costly emergency arises, money could be borrowed from the Ohio Water Development Authority, if needed. In a final action taken on Monday, Finance Committee members recommended that city’s non-bargaining unit employees receive a cost-of-living raise equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index next money, with a cap of 3.5 percent a year. The cap would keep non-bargaining unit employees level with wage increases negotiated with city bargaining units. Mayor-elect Louis Ehmer said he feels a merit raise system is preferable, but conceded that there wasn’t currently a review process in place that would make merit raises possible this coming year. He did state, though, that his administration would work toward implementation of such a system, hopefully by 2009.
10/30

Healthcare firm earns national honor
Home Health Care Solutions announced that it has been named to the 2007 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States. This annual review identifies the top 100 agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance. The 2007 HomeCare Elite also indicates those providers who are included in the top 25 percent and top 500 of providers nationwide. The data used for this analysis was compiled from publicly available information. “We applaud the success of all the providers named to the 2007 HomeCare Elite^”, said Bill Bassett, senior director of Market Strategy at OCS Inc. “Being noted as one of the top performers in the nation in this very competitive environment shows that Home Health Care Solutions is dedicated to quality and performance.” Home Health Care Solutions’ Director Suzy Stripe credits compassion, dedication and quality staff for the company’s ability to rank as one of the HomeCare Elite. "We are very pleased to be honored with such a prestigious designation and will continue to work hard to provide superior care and services to live up to the status given to our agency,” Stripe said. “Our goal, first and foremost, is to make a positive impact on our clients’ quality of life." The 2007 HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health industry. The 2007 HomeCare Elite is brought to the industry by OCS, Inc., the leading provider of healthcare informatics and DecisionHealth, publisher of home care’s most respected independent newsletter …home health line. In addition to the top 100 providers, the 2007 Homecare Elite also indicates those providers ranked in the top 25 percent and top 500 of providers nationwide. The data used for this analysis was compiled from publicly available information. The entire list of the 2007 HomeCare Elite agencies can be viewed by visiting the OCS web site at www.ocsys.com. Home Health Care Solutions was founded in 2004 by Van Wert County Hospital and Vancrest Health Care Centers and is part of the Solutions Group providing nursing care, medical equipment, and therapy to a nine county service area in Western Ohio. It is Home Health Care Solutions’ mission to provide persons with seamless care when transitioning from the hospital and nursing facility back into the community.  More information about Home Health Care Solutions may be obtained by calling 419.238.3133 or visiting the company’s website at http://www.solutions-healthcare.org.

Photo caption: Bob McCoy and wife Ruby look on as Home Health Care Solutions’ Tammy Tomlinson, RN, completes her nursing assessment. (photo submitted)
10/30

From Monday
Oldest living VWHS grad dead at 104
When she was born in late November 1902, Mary Poe Timmons wasn’t even named right off because no one expected her to survive a severe bout of whooping cough. When she did die this past Saturday nearly 105 years later, Mrs. Timmons was the oldest living graduate of Van Wert High School (click here for her obituary). As a youngster, she attended the Cavett School in Ridge Township. “It was a red brick, one-room country school,” Mrs. Timmons has said of that school building, where she and approximately 25 other students learned to read, write and cipher by the light of coal-oil lamps. There was also an outhouse, since the school had no indoor plumbing. The precocious young Mary Poe started high school at age 11 and graduated in 1918, the year World War I ended, at 15. She then went off to Ohio Wesleyan University, where she met her future husband, Donald Timmons on the “first or second day of school” and eventually married him in 1924. Mrs. Timmons earned a bachelor’s degree in 1922, while also lettering in basketball, where she was a math and science whiz. The couple had five sons and moved to New Jersey, where Mary lived for 33 years. She was heavily involved in the Methodist Church over the years, both in New Jersey and in Ohio, while also being active in Boy Scouts, PTA and the YWCA. The couple returned to Van Wert in 1964, where the family attended Bethel United Methodist Church and Mary was a Sunday school teacher. In 2003, she returned to Ohio Wesleyan for her 80^th reunion and received the Monnett Teapot for being the oldest living graduate of the university. She also spoke at the dedication ceremony for Van Wert City School District’s new high school-middle school complex, where she recounted some of her memories as one of the first students in the old high school and received a standing ovation from the thousands who attended the dedication. Although she had the normal infirmities of age, Mary Poe Timmons also had a sense of adventure. “Miss Mary was always ready to go someplace, learn something new, meet new friends,” said Kay Johns, her friend and caregiver. “Her eyes would sparkle when we talked about her family. She remembered everything!”
Photo caption: Mary Poe Timmons relaxes in a wicker chair in this posed shot from an earlier time.
10/29

Driver cited for area traffic accident
The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated a one-vehicle accident that occurred Saturday evening in Paulding County. Troopers were called to the accident site on County Road 180, east of County Road 87 in Crane Township shortly after the crash occurred at about 6:08 p.m. Saturday. According to the Patrol, a 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Justin L. Cupp, 18, of Defiance, was traveling east on County Road 180 when the vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway and continued through a field before hitting a ditch. Paulding EMS squad transported the driver and a passenger in the vehicle, Stephanie L. Steinberger, 16, of Defiance, to Paulding County Hospital. Both were treated there and released. A second passenger in the vehicle, Zachary Arnett, 23, of Antwerp, was not injured in the crash. Cupp was charged with failure to maintain control, operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Assisting at the scene were the Cecil Fire Department and Paulding Fire and EMS. The traffic crash remains under investigation.
Updated 10/29

From Saturday
Straightline, Schroeder win biz awards
After saluting small business in general all week, the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce honored three companies specifically on Friday during its Small Business of the Year Awards luncheon. The awards luncheon, which closed out Small Business Week, was held at JEHMMS Banquet Center. Three businesses – Glen Schroeder Drafting, Statewide Emergency Products and Straightline Body & Paint Inc. – were honored first as 2007 Small Business of the Year finalists. Statewide, which equips and sells law enforcement vehicles, earned an honorable mention, while Straightline Body & Paint, a finalist last year, was named 2007 Small Business of the Year. The award recognized the eight-year-old body shop’s success in spite of the destruction of its original facility during the November 10, 2002, tornado. In addition to rebuilding after the tornado, the company, which is owned and operated by Tom and Kelly Andersen, recently completed a construction project that more than doubled its available space. Straightline has also been very much involved in community projects, including specialty paintwork on the Van Wert Police Department’s DARE vehicle, a Convoy Fire Department fire truck and the Crestview band vehicle. The company has also done restoration projects for the Crestview Athletic Department and the Fraternal Order of Police. Today, in addition to the Andersens, the company employs four full-time employees and a part-time worker. Statewide Emergency Products, owned by Statewide Ford owner Andy Czajkowski and Al Matarese, Statewide Ford’s fleet manager, and operated by Matarese’s son, Dave, installs light bars, in-vehicle computer systems and other emergency equipment on mostly law enforcement vehicles, and also does the lettering on the vehicles. The company has increased its business sixfold in the past three years, from half a million dollars in 2004 to more than $3 million this year and has increased its workforce from two people to 13 during that. A new award, “Micro-enterprise of the Year” – which honors businesses with fewer than 10 employees -- was given to Glenn Schroeder Drafting, a business started by Schroeder in 2005 after VP Buildings, the company he worked for, downsized its operation in Van Wert. Like a baby chick, Schroeder’s drafting business has been nurtured the past two years by the Van Wert Innovation Center – a business “incubator” located in the former Kennedy outlet facility on Fox Road. The Innovation Center provided hands-on assistance to Schroeder’s business while it matured and gradually became independent enough to “leave the nest,” so to speak. Today, Glen Schroeder Drafting has five other employees, in addition to Schroeder, and operates out of its own facility on Ervin Road. Prior to presentation of the awards, videos of all the finalists, which were produced by Van Wert High School’s TV Production classes, were shown. In addition to representatives of the three finalists, those who spoke during the luncheon included Economic Director Nancy Bowen, Pat Ryan of Citizens National Bank and Robb Krecklow of The Times-Bulletin, all members of the committee that organizes the event. The bank and newspaper also sponsor the awards luncheon.
Photo captions: Top -- Tom Andersen shakes hands with Robb Krecklow of The Times-Bulletin while Andersen's wife, Kelly, holds this year's Small Business of Year Award. Middle -- Glen Schroeder of Glen Schroeder Drafting was grateful for his business being named "Micro-enterprise of the Year" during Friday's Small Business of the Year luncheon at JEHMMS Banquet Center. Bottom -- Dave Matarese and Andy Czajkowski thank those who nominated Statewide Emergency Products as a finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent

10/27

From Friday
Tree brings down power lines

Windy conditions played a part in a couple of trees coming down in the area. The tree above fell near the intersection of Glenn Street and Gordon Avenue around 2:30 Thursday afternoon. The tree knocked out electricity to several houses in the area and AEP repair workers were on the scene quickly to restore power. Another power outage was reported along Greenville Road earlier in the day. (Van Wert independent photo).
10/26

AEP seeking rate increases in Ohio
AEP Ohio companies Columbus Southern and Ohio Power have filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in which they seek to recover incremental generation-related costs under their current Rate Stabilization Plans (RSP). The companies seek to recover $35.2 million and $11.9 million, respectively. The typical Ohio Power customer, using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month, would see a generation rate increase of approximately 46 cents a month. The companies propose to recover the revenue through a monthly rider approximately over 12 months, beginning in January 2008. Customers may avoid the charges by selecting another generation service provider. Costs for which the companies seek recovery are related to the Federal Clean Air Interstate Rule, Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule and a new permit requirement at Ohio Power’s Mitchell Plant under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, part of the Federal Clean Water Act. Under their current RSPs, the companies are allowed to seek recovery of generation-related costs incurred for complying with changes in laws or regulations related to environmental requirements, security, taxes or regulatory requirements.
10/26

CVB website wins state design award
For the second year in a row a Brand It Design website was honored by the Ohio Travel Association at the association’s annual Ruby Awards – this time for a Van Wert website. Brand It Design’s website design for the Van Wert Convention and Visitors Bureau website was the 2007 first runner-up for the Ruby Award, receiving the Citation of Excellence. Last year Brand It Design’s creative work for the Auglaize and Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau was awarded first place for the same award. “Receiving this award makes all the time and effort that went into building and maintaining the website worthwhile,” said Van Wert CVB Director Larry Lee. “For the past year people have been telling us that we had a very good website and now having it judged an award winner by a panel of travel and journalism experts validate it for us.” Now in their 10th year, the Ruby Awards, which “Recognize Uncommon Brilliance in the Travel and Tourism Industry,” honor the most innovative examples of marketing by Ohio tourism entities each year. Entries were judged based on impact, relevance, clarity, creativity and overall communication of the organization’s message. “Getting to know and understand our client’s business needs is important in creating a site that truly works for them. Focusing on function and how it will be used is necessary, but the creativity we put into making the site unique is what is exciting for me,” said Twyla Hayes, creative director for Brand It Design. “It’s an honor to receive these awards, and affirming that we are doing a good job for our clients.” The Ohio Travel Association received 131 entries submitted by Ohio convention and visitor bureaus, tourist attractions and lodging facilities in various categories of OTA’s annual Ruby Award competition. The 2007 Ruby Awards were presented October 18, 2007 during the Ohio Travel Association’s annual Conference on Tourism at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky. To see Brand It Design’s award winning work visit: www.visitvanwert.org and www.seemore.com. Brand It Design specializes in result focused services to provide an inclusive branding resource for your growing business.
10/26

From Thursday
Local celebrities help Chamber Bag It!
While taking a breather from legislation, budgets, board meetings and other duties, local officials and chamber business representatives had another question on their mind while volunteering for the Chamber’s Bag It! Campaign: “Would you like paper or plastic?” As a way to thank area residents for shopping local and supporting area businesses, the campaign members were on hand to bag groceries, stock shelves and carry items out to customers’ vehicles at Pick ’N’ Save, Save-a-Lot and Marsh grocery stores.   “We are proud to serve the members in our community, and we are happy to extend this ‘thank you’ for their continued support of our outstanding local businesses,” said Kate Gribble, President of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Bag It! Campaign is part of the chamber’s Business Appreciation Week — a weeklong celebration of business and commerce in the Van Wert Area.   Individuals participating in this year’s Bag It! Campaign included Louis Ehmer, Economic Development Director Nancy Bowen, Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Jane Jones, County Commissioner Harold Merkle, Chamber Board Chairman Kevin Matthews, Vicki Gossman of The Delphos Herald, Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Larry Lee, Joyce Pothast of Van Wert County Hospital, Noreen Schwieterman of Van Wert Manor, Chamber Vice Chair Connie Boley Swander, and Chamber President/CEO Kate Gribble. The mission of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is to aggressively promote the interests of the business community.
Photo caption: Chamber Vice Chair Connie Boley Swander of Swan Memorials & Chamber Board Chairman Kevin Matthews from Starr Commonwealth at Pick ’N’ Save. (Chamber photo)
10/25

Area man gets prison in CP Court
A man charged with domestic violence and later making a disturbance in a holding room behind Van Wert County Common Pleas Court following a court hearing was sentenced on Wednesday. Kenneth Imler, 28, of rural Convoy, was sentenced to six months each on one count each of felony domestic violence and vandalism. The sentences are to run concurrent (at the same time). Imler pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced by Judge Charles D. Steele, who also gave him 59 days credit for time served. Imler had damaged a door on a holding room off the corridor in the Common Pleas Court area and had to be transported back to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility by sheriff’s department personnel. Also sentenced on Wednesday was Benjamin Gaddis Jr. was sentenced to three years of community control on a charge of possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony offense. As part of his sentence, Gaddis will have to serve 60 days in the county jail, undergo a drug assessment and complete any treatment program recommended. His driver’s license was also suspended for six months. Chad W. Diltz, 31, of Van Wert, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty to a charge of trafficking in drugs, a fifth-degree felony offense. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 12. In addition, Luke Reinhart had his final pretrial hearing rescheduled for Tuesday, October 30. Reinhart is scheduled to be retried on November 19 in Common Pleas Court on charges related to the traffic deaths of Kristian and Jade Amweg. An earlier conviction on similar charges was overturned on appeal to the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals, and County Prosecutor Charles Kennedy’s office has made the decision to retry the case.
10/25

From Wednesday

Big United Way check
Employees of Central Insurance Companies have surpassed their United Way goal and once again exceeded the $100,000 mark!  The employees pledged $59,244.92, which the company matched for a total United Way contribution of $118,489.84. Central employees’ participation percentage was 97.5 percent, with an average personal donation of $151.91.  Many employees also participated in the Day of Caring by giving blood, contributing a total of 1,900 food and paper items, and working at Wee Care Learning Center on a Day of Caring project. Those at the check presentation ceremony included (front row, from the left) John Auld and Linda Schulte, chairpersons for Central's 2007 campaign; United Way Executive Director Deb Russell; Central President and CEO Bill Purmort; Sammi Joseph, 2007 United Way campaign coordinator; (in the background) Central United Way team captains Tammy Pontsler, Deb Waltz, Sherry Mueller, Annette Hirschy, Toni Dunbar, Jennifer Best, Shannon Boley, Lori Klinger, Matt Noggle, and Linda Giessler. (United Way photo)
10/24

Delphos resident gets new Pilot Dog
After two weeks of intense training -- and lots of practice -- Delphos resident Bob Ulm and his new Pilot Dog have returned home to a life of greater independence and mobility. Pilot Dogs are trained to help guide blind and visually impaired individuals. This is Ulm’s fourth Pilot Dog. A non-profit organization based in Columbus, Pilot Dogs provides free, in-residence training for blind and visually impaired individuals who seek this unique form of mobility. During their stay, the dog and master learn to navigate busy streets, use public transportation and more as a team. To complete the training, it is vital that the two work as one and are able to face any situation they may encounter once they return home. “My dogs must be able to help me travel safely, but also sit quietly for long periods of time,” explained Bob, who serves as president of Delphos City Council and is the news director and account executive at Maverick Media Radio Stations. “I also think we are lucky … the dogs get to go to a lot of new places and do many things.” Ulm’s Pilot Dog is a Labrador Retriever. According to Pilot Dogs, individuals should not approach, talk to, stare at or pet the dog in public. “It’s important for the dog to stay focused on the task at hand, which is to guide its master” said Pilot Dogs Executive Director Jay Gray. “While people want to be nice and pet the dog, it is a distraction for the team.” Ulm enjoys the diversity of his Pilot Dogs. “Each dog has had a different personality. The way the dogs grow to love the work they do and how you develop into a team is remarkable,” said Ulm, a lifelong Delphos resident. “I had to admit that I wasn’t a very good cane traveler, but I wanted to go faster and do it safely. I’ve been going strong ever since I trained with my first Pilot Dog in 1975.” Access laws guarantee a blind person the legal right to be accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public accommodations. Public facilities include restaurants, libraries, office buildings and more.
Photo caption: Delphos City Council President Bob Ulm with his new Pilot Dog. (photo submitted)
10/24

From Tuesday
Board hears Goedde Bld. presentation

Visitors who showed up for the Van Wert City Board of Education meeting at the S.F. Goedde Building were able to tour the renovated facility following the meeting and also got to hear a benefit of having all the fifth-graders in one building. Principal Beth Runnion began by welcoming visitors to the building, and then instrumental music instructor Bob Sloan directed two musical pieces using a number of fifth-grade musicians. The band director also noted that having all fifth-graders in one building has allowed all 40 members of the fifth-grade band to rehearse as a whole for the first time ever. “We have never, ever had this before in the history of Van Wert City schools, where the entire fifth-grade band meets,” Sloan noted, adding that having the students in different buildings meant rehearsals in the past were normally among students in a building, not across the entire district. Runnion cited a number of other benefits of having all fifth-grade students in one building, explaining that a number of special programs, and enhancements of programs, are now possible with all fifth-graders in one building. In addition to band, new or enhanced programs include computer classes, a guidance counselor, fifth-grade DARE, art, physical education and wellness/fitness. Runnion said computer classes are very valuable to students, who get some exposure to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, get to do some limited browsing on the Internet and, most importantly, become comfortable with the correct way to keyboard. Physical education has also been enhanced for fifth-graders, who now either use the former high school gym during cold or inclement weather and the football field and Fountain Park on nice days. Runnion also cited a walking program implemented by instructor Betty Holliday as enhancing fifth-graders’ physical health and wellness. Runnion noted that the students first walked as far as San Antonio, Texas, is away, with a bonus of talking to VWHS graduate Brian McGonagle, the Marine who was injured in Iraq and is recuperating at Fort Sam Houston. The students are now walking to Southampton, England. Superintendent Ken Amstutz commended Washington Elementary School for being named a State Superintendent’s School of Promise for the 2006-2007 school year. Amstutz said the award is given to schools with a significant number of disadvantaged students who also perform well on proficiency tests.  The superintendent also talked about the likelihood of now auctioning off the former Horace Mann Elementary building, although school official will also consider whether it would be possible to sell the building outright to the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners for use as a facility for the Van Wert County Council on Aging. In addition, Amstutz provided an update on the athletic complex project at the new high school-middle school, noting that asphalt had been installed on the district’s new all-weather track, with the rubber coating that seals the track being installed sometime late next week. The superintendent also reported on new inspection requirements related to Jared’s Law, which mandates a number of new health and safety requirements. “There are a myriad things coming out of this law,” Amstutz said. Under the new law, the County Health Department will be required to conduct a number of new inspections of areas such as classrooms, school boiler rooms, kitchens and laboratories. “It’s a cost factor for us, becoming compliant,” Amstutz added. Those inspections will likely begin sometime in the spring, the superintendent said. The board also discussed new anti-bullying policy requirements and Amstutz also spoke briefly about the initial meeting of the district’s new advisory committee and about a focus group meeting to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 1, the commons area of the high school-middle school complex (click here for more board action).
Photo captions: Top -- Van Wert instrumental music instructor Bob Sloan (right) directs some fifth-grade musicians during Monday's Van Wert City Board of Education meeting held at the S.F. Goedde Building. Bottom -- Principal Beth Runnion talks about some of the program enhancements for fifth-graders made possible by moving those students to the S.F. Goedde Building. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/23

Council OKs law director restructure
Van Wert City Council took a step toward restructuring the incoming city law director’s duties, while also approving the transfer of $100,000 into three city funds to comply with a finding issued against the city by the Auditor of State’s Office. Council also approved legislation authorizing Mayor Don Farmer to  provide the Community Improvement Corporation with a two-year option on a city-owned parcel of land located on the southwest corner of the Ervin Road-Washington Street intersection. The land, which would be available for economic development, was optioned for $1. City Council also decided it was necessary to continue to provide funds to have a city prosecutor working under the aegis of the city law director’s office because of the increasing caseload seen in Van Wert Municipal Court. Council voted to prepare legislation that would allow incoming law director Greg Unterbrink, a Democrat who is running unopposed for the position, to contract with attorney Timothy Pieper to continue fulfilling the role of city prosecutor in Municipal Court. The contract would pay Pieper $52,000 a year. Unterbrink would act as the city’s legal counsel, which includes preparing new legislation for Council and providing legal opinions when needed by city officials. A similar arrangement is now in place, with Pieper as prosecutor and local attorney Shaun Putman acting as the city’s legal counsel, because of the inability to a qualified person to appoint as law director when Jill Leatherman resigned this past year. The transfer of more than $100,000 is in connection with a finding by Auditor of State Mary Taylor’s office that money could not be paid to several city employees from the city water, sewer and street construction funds without documenting the number of hours the employees actually worked for those departments. City officials had already appropriated nearly $90,000 to take care of the problem for last year and decided, with carryover funds projected at more than $1 million, to take care of this year as well. Although the city employees involved do work for the above funds, no system has been put in place to quantify how much time exactly is spent working in those areas, making it impossible to document that time. Taylor’s office would only accept the salary payment system if documentation was provided. The system was first implemented during former mayor Steve Gehres’ administration as a way to take some pressure off the beleaguered General Fund, which was then facing a deficit of approximately $200,000. Gehres had stated earlier that he felt the city should challenge the auditor’s ruling in court. However, since the auditor’s finding had not been retroactive all the way back to when the system was implemented, it was felt there was a risk that the city could owe even more money if the finding was challenged. Also Monday, Council approved a memorial plaque to be placed at the new reservoir honoring the late Congressman Paul Gillmor, as well as former U.S. senator Mike DeWine, for their work in getting federal funding for the project. Mayor Farmer also noted that repaving work on North Jefferson Street would begin next year. The mayor said he was squelching rumors that the repaving project had been postponed. Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming also noted in his report that the final coat of asphalt was being applied to North Washington Street this week, and said that striping could be done on Friday if the weather holds. An appropriation of $2,500 was also approved by Council to help pay the cost of runway repairs at the Van Wert County Regional Airport.
10/23

Habitat sets 2007 Thanksgiving dinner
Habitat for Humanity of Van Wert County will be having its annual Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, November 18, at Vantage Career Center. Serving will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Habitat board member Mary Callow said the meal is a way to say thanks to the community for its support over the past year. The menu for the dinner includes turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes and all kinds of desserts. “You know, all that good food that  makes this dinner the very best,” Callow said. In addition to good food, The Evangels and Trinity gospel groups will also be on hand to provide good music as well. Callow added that there is no charge for the dinner, but donations are “gratefully accepted.” The money raised through the dinner gets put back into housing for disadvantaged families. Callow said Habitat would like to see all county families living in a decent home of their own. “Everyone  who gets sleepy at night ought to have a decent  place to sleep,” Callow said. “All of us, every last one of us, deserves shelter … it speaks to the most basic of needs. We need food, clothing, education, medical care and companionship – but first we must have a place to live and grow. This is the Habitat dream for our community.”

10/23

Man hurt when truck hits culvert
A man suffered minor injuries Sunday afternoon when the pickup truck he was driving hit a drainage culvert and overturned. Troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating the crash, which occurred at approximately 2:44 p.m. Sunday. A 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Erwin Williams, 65, of Payne, was westbound on U.S. 30, east of Elm Sugar Road, and went off the north side of the highway, hit the culvert and overturned. Convoy Fire and EMS (in photo at left) also assisted at the scene, although Williams was not transported to the hospital. At right, the path the truck took is apparent in this view of the accident. More information will be added as it becomes available. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
Updated 10/23

From Monday
2007 Apple Fest has good weekend
Although crowds were pretty good on a windy and cloudy Friday, both the temperature and the crowds increased significantly during the Apple Festival’s final day on Saturday. The Van Wert County Fairgrounds was a busy place Saturday as a large number of people took advantage of the sunny and warm weather to sample apple-related products, browse the craft exhibitors or listen to quality entertainment at this year’s festival. There was plenty to do – and eat – during the annual festival, and it didn’t matter what age the person was. In addition to dancers, singers – even a harmonica player – there were more than 90 craft exhibitors displaying their wares, as well as free wagon rides around the festival area. A number of local organizations also provided apple dumplings and pies, ham and bean soup, cider (see above) and lots of other items. On Saturday there was also the fall demolition derby sponsored by the Van Wert County Fruit Growers, main sponsor of the Apple Fest, the Van Wert County Agricultural Society and a number of local businesses.
Photo caption: Fresh-pressed apple cider was one of the draws, as cider connoisseurs Amanda Schmid and Lindsey Miller demonstrate, but was certainly not the only attraction for the 2007 edition of the Van Wert County Fruit Growers annual Apple Festival. Lisa Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/22

Man dies in collision with farm wagon
A motorcyclist was killed in Paulding County early Sunday afternoon as a result of a collision with a farm wagon on Ohio 114. John P. Phipps, 51, of rural Payne, was pronounced dead at the scene by Paulding County Coroner Dr. Larry Fishbaugh. According to troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 1993 Dodge pickup truck driven by David L. Noggle, 44, of rural Payne, was westbound on Ohio 114 in front of Phipps’ motorcycle and began to turn south into a driveway access at the same time Phipps attempted to pass the wagon. The motorcycle and farm wagon collided, throwing Phipps from his motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Noggle was not injured in the accident, which occurred shortly after noon on Sunday. The accident remains under investigation.
Updated 10/22

From Saturday
Terminally ill boy gets wish granted
For the second time, a member of one rural Grover Hill family has had a wish come true. Unfortunately, the wish that can’t be granted is for good health. Like his older brother, Roy, Ethan Culp, a third-grader at Lincolnview Elementary School, suffers from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that results in the gradual deterioration of the neurons in the spinal muscles and usually leaves victims wheelchair bound – and eventually can even make such necessary bodily functions as swallowing difficult. The disease, which strikes approximately 1 in 6,000 children, is similar to muscular dystrophy and is often fatal to its victims by the age of 10. Ethan, a student in June Young’s third-grade class at Lincolnview, recently learned that he was granted a trip to Hawaii from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Foundation also granted Roy a trip to Disney World when he was about Ethan’s age. However, the Make-A-Wish Foundation doesn’t provide funds for siblings to also participate in activities set up for Ethan, so Lincolnview students and staff raised approximately $2,000 so that Roy and the Culp brothers’ sister, Aubrey, can participate in activities with Ethan. “The money just kept coming in,” Young said. “I received $600 just today.” So what does Ethan want to do while in Hawaii? Two things are high on his list: “I want to swim with the dolphins and I’d like to go to a luau,” Ethan said on Friday. He’d also like to see one of Hawaii’s active volcanoes, but his teacher said she hopes he’ll see his volcano sightseeing from a safe distance. Those wishes are ones he’ll likely be granted. But deteriorating muscle function that have kept him in a wheelchair all his life make his future a cloudy one. There is a small ray of sunshine in that cloud, though. Brother Roy, although also confined to a wheelchair, is a freshman at Lincolnview, living well beyond the normal range for someone with SMA. According to literature on SMA, children in families where both parents carry the recessive gene that causes the disease have a 1 in 4 (25 percent) chance of contracting it. In the Culp family, two of three children have the disease (66.7 percent). Although he’s always been in a wheelchair and has a terminal disease, Ethan hasn’t let any of that get him down. “Ethan has a very good outlook on life,” said Young. “He’s always smiling; he’s a very good boy.” Because of Ethan’s disease, he has an aide, Jim Johnson, who transports him to school and helps him with getting out books and other activities that are difficult for him. Johnson, a retired state patrolman, also fulfilled the same function for Roy Culp when he was younger. With the granting of Ethan’s wish, the Culps will be leaving for Hawaii in early November and will be gone for about 10 days. On Friday, Ethan and his classmates dressed in Hawaiian garb, wearing leis and some children in grass skirts for the occasion. Ethan also got a special lunch, from Burger King, in honor of the occasion. When he comes returns to Lincolnview, he’ll likely have lots of stories and experiences to share with his teacher and schoolmates. Hopefully, among the items Ethan shares will be photos of him swimming with the dolphins.
Photo caption: Top -- Ethan Culp  (in wheelchair) poses in festive Hawaiian garb with his third-grade classmates at Lincolnview Elementary School. Bottom -- Ethan Culp with helper Jim Johnson and teacher June Young on Friday. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/20

Man hurt in car-semi accident on 30
A Texas man was injured when the car he was riding in hit a semi-trailer truck on U.S. 30 Thursday evening. Harvey W. Jeffery, 64, of Friendswood, Texas, was taken to Van Wert County Hospital by Brickner’s Ambulance Service for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries received in the crash, which took place at the intersection with Dutch John Road just before 8 p.m. Thursday. According to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Stephen D. Stine, 64, of Etna Green, Ind., was westbound on U.S. 30 approaching the intersection with Dutch John Road when a 2000 International semi rig driven north on Dutch John Road by Francois Robillard, 30, of St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada, first stopped at the stop sign, but then proceeded into the intersection with U.S. 30. Stine’s Cavalier hit the 2 in the trailer’s landing gear and then off the northeast side of the highway into a ditch along Dutch John Road. Convoy Fire Department was also on the scene. The accident remains under investigation.
Photo caption: A Texas man was injured when the car (above) that he was riding in hit a semi-trailer truck on U.S. 30, at the intersection with Dutch John Road. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/19

WBESC board member dead at age 53
A local community leader died early Thursday from complications from a bone marrow transplant. Ned L. Young, a former Crestview school board president and current member of the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board, died at James Cancer Center in Columbus. He was 53. In addition to his position on the WBESC board, Mr. Young was also president of the Crestview Band Parent Organization and treasurer of the Van Wert Sheep Improvement Association. He was also on the boards of the Ohio and National Southdown Sheep Association. A lifelong grain and sheep farmer with his brother, Ron, Mr. Young also drove a Crestview school bus. In addition to current leadership positions, he was a former board president of United Way of Van Wert County. Services will be Sunday (click here for the full obituary). Mr. Young is survived by his wife of 19 years, Sandra; his mother, Phyllis; and two daughters, Cassandra and Mariana Young, both at home.
10/19

L'view board meets new employees
The Lincolnview Local Board of Education received a report on next year’s operating finances from Treasurer Troy Bowersock at its October meeting, while also getting a chance to meet two new district employees prior to the meeting. Board members met Jennifer Slusher, new elementary school music teacher, and maintenance supervisor/custodian Fred Fisher prior to the meeting. The meeting was held at the Marsh Foundation, and Principal Roger Salisbury welcomed board members and provided a tour of the school’s renovated cafeteria. In his report to the board, Bowersock noted that the 2008 permanent appropriation measure shows the General Fund will have a 6.96 percent operating increase for next year. The treasurer also noted that the five-year forecast required by the state is currently being prepared for submission at the end of the month. Bowersock also updated the board on current construction fund information, as well as the 2007-2008 activity fund account and fundraiser information. Garmann/Miller Associates, the district’s architectural firm, also provided field construction reports and an updated punch list from the elementary renovation areas. During his report, Superintendent Doug Fries reviewed summer Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) results, upcoming technology inservices offered to staff members, and presented draft school calendars for the 2008-2009 school year. The school calendar for next year is being driven by the construction schedule, Fries noted. High School-Junior High School Principal Kelly Dye noted that parent-teacher conferences would be held Monday, October 29, from 4:30-8:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, October 30, from noon-8 p.m. The next OGT round would be held the week of October 22. Dye also reported on the trip eighth-graders made to Finance Park in Fort Wayne, Ind., this past Tuesday. Elementary Principal Bill Kelly presented information on the third-grade achievement test, the PTO fundraiser and sixth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C. Fries also congratulated Lincolnview graduates Tegan Johnson and Victoria Dickman. Johnson was selected to the district’s Academic Hall of Fame, while Dickman earned the designation “AP Scholar” for her performance on Advanced Placement tests (click here for more board action).
10/19

From Thursday
1 hurt when pickup hits power pole
One person was injured and the driver cited in a one-vehicle accident that occurred on West Lincoln Highway Wednesday evening. Melissa Bushong, 32, of Van Wert, was taken to Van Wert County Hospital by Brickner’s Ambulance Service for treatment of injuries received in the accident, which occurred a little before 9 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, a 1990 Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by Tommie Grieshaber, 37, also of Van Wert, was eastbound on West Lincoln Highway when the pickup went onto the shoulder of the road to the right and traveled 660.8 feet before veering left, crossing the center line and going off the left side of the road, where the vehicle hit a power pole belonging to AEP and broke the pole off. In addition to Brickner’s, the Convoy Fire Department was also on the scene. Grieshaber was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) and also with failure to control a motor vehicle.
Photo caption: The pickup truck above, driven by Tommie Grieshaber, was heavily damaged after hitting – and  breaking off – a power pole on the north side of West Lincoln Highway on Wednesday night. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/18

Local Teleflex plant among those sold
A Norwegian company, Kongsberg Automotive, has announced an agreement to purchase Teleflex Corporation’s Global Motion Systems (GMS) business. Van Wert’s Teleflex plant, which is in the company’s Automotive Division, would be included in the purchase. GMS has approximately 8,000 employees, with 16 production facilities in North and South America, 13 in Europe and five in Asia, mostly in China. The Automotive group includes Van Wert’s plant and a facility in Troy, Mich., along with a facility each in Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany and Slovakia and three in China. “The acquisition of GMS represents a big step forward for Kongsberg Automotive,” said Olav Volldal, the company’s CEO. “This business has been on our acquisition target list since 1998.” Volldal noted that the combined company will become a $1.5 billion operation, joining the top 100 automotive supplier club and a market leader in that area. “We are pleased with the transaction, and especially that a well-respected industry player such as Kongsberg Automotive is the acquirer of GMS,” said Teleflex Vice Chairman John Sickler. “We believe that Kongsberg will be able to utilize GMS’ full potential, making the new group a leading automotive supplier.” What impact the purchase, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will have on the Van Wert plant, which has more than 450 employees, has yet to be announced. GMS develops, produces and markets gearshift, seat comfort and fluid systems. Purchase price is an estimated $560 million.
10/18

From Wednesday

Dated C'view building needs upgrade
When it comes to school facilities, 15 years can make a big difference. In 1992, Crestview had what was essentially a brand new K-12 school building, constructed with financial assistance from the state, while the other county schools’ newest facilities were decades old. Today, Crestview’s 15-year-old building is becoming one of the older facilities in the county. With Van Wert, Lincolnview, Wayne Trace and Parkway all having built, or are building, new facilities, the westernmost Van Wert County school district will soon have the oldest high school-junior high school in the county, and an elementary school that’s showing its age, from a facilities standpoint. That’s especially true when compared to cross-county Lincolnview Local School District, which constructed a new elementary school in 1999 and is now totally renovating that building, adding air conditioning and upgrading technology, while also building a state-of-the-art high school-junior high school. Like Lincolnview and most area districts – and like 15 years ago – Crestview hopes to receive financial assistance from the state to bring its facilities back up to snuff. Puchta said part of the facilities’ physical problems stem, ironically, from well-intentioned attempts by then-school board members to spend as little of taxpayers’ money as possible when constructing the facility 15 years ago. “Corners were cut,” he said, citing the leaking elementary school roof as one of those cut corners. The Ohio School Facilities Commission has approved using $8.2 million in state funding for the  $14.2 million project, with the remaining $6 million funded from local tax dollars. Major components of the renovation project include upgrades to the school’s heating system and the addition of air-conditioning ($2.16 million), electrical system ($1.12 million), general building finishes ($1.65 million), technology ($1.387 million) and lighting ($867,000). The project also includes $2.4 million in “soft” costs that include such items as the cost of a construction manager (required by the state), and design and architectural fees. While some people may think air-conditioning is a luxury, Puchta said its benefits are not just providing a comfortable learning environment for students and staff during the warm fall and spring months. The Crestview superintendent said air-conditioning would vastly improve air quality in the school building, while also providing a temperature-controlled environment for new technology. Treasurer Laura Metzger added that current school board members are doing everything they can to keep the project’s costs reasonable, while also maintaining current millage levels. Crestview’s board of education has worked hard, Metzger said, to ensure current millage rates would not change. By saving the annual payments received the past few years from an abatement agreement related to the Robert P. Mone Power Plant, which was completed in 2002, school officials have squirreled away approximately $1.3 million that can be used to pay off the building’s current bond indebtedness. Money from the power plant fund will also be used to pay approximately $700,000 of the $6 million local project cost and also pay the cost of any locally-funded initiatives (LFIs) included in the project. Since power plant funds alone can’t fund the project, Metzger said the board is hoping voters will support tax issues that, while not raising district tax millage, would extend a 4.6-mill bond issue and a half-mill maintenance levy for an additional 23 years. From its test scores and state report card ranking, Puchta has said, it’s obvious that Crestview is a school district that believes strongly in providing a quality education to its students. That’s also evident in the fact the district has a significant number of students who “open enroll” from adjoining school districts. Open enrollment is also a financial benefit to the district, providing approximately $300,000 in additional revenues each year. However, having a school facility that lags behind area counterparts in technology, safety and (a definite no-no in today’s world) security, could affect the present situation, he warned. That’s something that concerns Superintendent Steve Puchta. Noting that he has been in most of the area school facilities, Puchta said it is obvious that improvements are needed at Crestview. “Crestview once had the nicest facility, it was the apple of the eye, in the area, but now it’s not,” Puchta said. “We still have a beautiful facility, but it does not have the components within it … that would allow us to maintain the pace with the other schools.” Puchta hopes district taxpayers will see it the same way. If the tax issues are defeated, Crestview might have to go to the back of the line again – and could even lose funding entirely – if tobacco funds are exhausted before the district is ready to participate. Even more importantly, construction costs will almost certainly continue their upward spiral, making the project more expensive in the future. Those additional funds would likely have to come from district taxpayers as well.
10/17

U.S. Army band, chorus well-received
The parking lot at the new Van Wert High School-Middle School complex got a major challenge last night, with both a packed house for the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio and two District II sectional volleyball tournament matches in the high school gymnasium. Surprisingly, there were parking spaces left. A capacity crowd of 1,200 showed up to hear the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus perform. Few could have left disappointed – especially when they got in free.  The band and chorus performed an eclectic mix of music that included classical fare (Overture from Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance No. 5”); stirring marches, including Sousa’s “Royal Welsh Fusiliers” and “Stars and Stripes Forever”; patriotic music (“Armed Forces Salute” and a Patriotic Prologue); Broadway favorites (“One More Day” from Les Miserables); and a frenetic xylophone composition aptly titled “Mallet Mayhem.” A number of local high school musicians got the opportunity to play with the band on the Brahms piece. Those included Daniel Lape, tuba; Ethan Weldy, trumpet; Keith Thompson, percussion; and Emily Dull, flute, from Lincolnview; Tim Schlemmer, alto sax; and Chris Wood, trombone; from Parkway; Sarah Scott, flute; and Amanda Newlove, alto sax; from St. Marys Memorial; and Chaise Carter, clarinet; Katie Sidle, trumpet; and Alex Cucciarre, French horn, from Van Wert. The concert was thoroughly entertaining – and the price was right as well.
Photo captions: Top -- Lt. Colonel Beth Steele conducted the U.S. Army Field Band during last night's concert in the NPAC. Middle -- Trumpeters Katie Sidle (Van Wert) and Ethan Weldy (Lincolnview) play with the U.S. Army Field Band. Bottom -- The Soldiers' Chorus performs. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/17

From Tuesday
Council panel acts on CVB request
Van Wert City Council’s Finance Committee had a busy agenda for its meeting on Monday. The committee first heard a request from Larry Lee, director of the Van Wert Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for additional funding to offset a budget shortfall, partly caused by unexpected expenses from the first-ever Van Wert Rib Cook-Off. While the rib cook-off drew thousands of people, Lee said, it actually lost money because the event was put together fairly quickly, which resulted in fewer sponsorships and in expenses, like children’s inflatables, which won’t be rented in the future. Advertising, which totaled more than $3,000, was also higher because it was the event’s first year. Lee said the CVB was also hurt by lower-than-expected hotel-motel tax revenues, from which the agency gets most of its funding. With North Washington Street torn up, CVB funding from the hotel-motel tax is just $15,000 so far this year, compared to $23,000 last year and $29,000 the year before. Having a part-time director has also resulted in additional expenses, Lee noted, but added that the community is also getting more exposure, including through the CVB website, which was brought online this year. Councilmen agreed to recommend payment of $1,800 as the city’s share of the CVB’s 2007 budget shortfall for this year and also decided to research whether an additional 5 percent in hotel-motel tax funding could be transferred from the Van Wert County Economic Development Office to the CVB. Currently, 72.5 percent of the tax goes to economic development efforts, 25 percent to the CVB and the remaining 2.5 percent is administrative costs. Lee said other CVBs receive a higher percentage of that tax money. Recently, a representative of the Economic Development Office told Lee that that office could give up 5 percent of the hotel-motel tax, but in scanning Ohio law on the subject, there was a question whether state law would allow allocating more than 25 percent of the tax to the CVB. That issue was tabled until the city’s legal counsel could research the issue. Also Monday, the Finance Committee recommended that the city go ahead and make fund transfers for Fiscal Year 2007 similar to those made this year for FY 2006. The transfers relate to a state audit finding that questioned the way certain city employees were paid from the street, water and sewer funds. A total of $89,000 would be transferred back into those three funds, which shouldn’t be a problem, since the city is likely looking at having a $1 million-plus carryover at year’s end. That’s more than $350,000 over what was originally projected. The Finance Committee also approved a recommendation to tie non-bargaining unit city employees’ raises to the Consumer Price Index and also agreed to an additional $2,500 in funding for the Van Wert County Regional Airport to help pay for repairs to cracks in the runway. Although plans are to resurface the runway in 2008, runway cracks still need to be repaired if the airport is to be used the remainder of this year. “It’s a safety issue,” Finance Chairman Gary Corcoran said.
Photo caption: CVB Director Larry Lee speaks to City Council's Finance Committee while Brent Kohn, treasurer of the organization, looks on. Dave Mosier/Van Wert  independent

10/16

Crestview holds project info meeting

Residents of the Crestview Local School District got a chance to ask questions and comment on a proposed school renovation project and two school issues that need passed to provide local funding for the project. About 25 district residents attended a public information meeting on the subject held in the school auditeria. Brad Garmann of Garmann/Miller Associates, the district’s architectural firm, first gave a presentation on the particulars of the project and school officials talked about how they feel the project can be funded without increasing the district’s current millage level. To do so, district taxpayers would need to extend both a 0.5-mill maintenance levy and a 4.6-mill bond issue past their current 2013 expirations. Those issues will be voted on during the November 6 general election. One woman noted that air-conditioning would increase operating costs, and wondered how those increases would be handled. While not directly answering the question, Garmann justified inclusion of air conditioning by first noting the state requires it in new and renovated schools and adding there were two good reasons to have it. First, air-conditioning extends the usability and comfort of schools. Second, it also improves air quality – something that has been an ongoing issue in the Crestview school building, the architect said. County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy said he supported the security improvements that would be part of the project, noting that incidents such as the one this past week in Cleveland further heighten security concerns for students. Some wondered whether it would be better to wait and seek the Ohio School Facilities Commission funding later on. Garmann said that could be done, but noted that construction costs would almost certainly increase, making the project more expensive and increasing the amount of local money needed for the project. A second public meeting will be held October 24 on the subject. During its meeting prior to the public meeting, the Crestview board first heard a presentation on American History projects from students of teacher Owen Pugh, and then took a number of personnel actions. Those included approving Jared Owens as a district school bus driver, effective October 1; accept the resignation, due to retirement, of custodian Sam Brown; approved Rachel Flickinger for the supplemental position of freshman basketball cheer advisor; authorized four volunteer coaches – Tim Bolenbaugh (bowling), Mike Knueve and Greg Owens (FFA basketball) and Dan Miller (boys basketball); and granted 12 months of Family and Medical Leave to Ron Kessler, effective October 12, due to a medical condition. The board also approved bowling as a club sport in the district and heard reports from school administrators and board representatives to Vantage Career Center, the Liaison Committee, and Athletic Board.
Photo caption: Architect Brad Garmann of Garmann/Miller Associates of Minster presents information on the district's proposed school renovation project. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/16

VWHS students earn AP recognition
Thirteen Van Wert High School students have been recognized by the College Board for their exceptional achievement on the Advanced Placement exams. Ashley Cox and Leah Thompson were named Scholars with Distinction, Jordan Pelton was designated an AP Scholar with Honor, while Jason Cleckner, Courtney Dery, Sarah Easley, Thomas Gilligan, Noor Hamdi, Katlin Knodel, Darci Long, Megan Rupert, Alex Service, and Cody Zeigler qualified as AP Scholars. The Advanced Placement Program at Van Wert High School offers students the opportunity to take challenging college level courses while still in high school.  About 18 percent of more than 1.4 million high school students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar. Van Wert High School offers six Advanced Placement courses, including chemistry, language, literature, calculus, psychology and government. Students took AP exams in May 2007 after completing challenging college level courses at their high schools. Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Ashley Cox, daughter of  David and Janice Cox, and Leah Thompson, daughter of Randy and Kelli Thompson.  One student qualified as an AP Scholar with Honor by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams, Jordan Pelton, son of Michael and Mary Pelton.     AP scholars earn distinction by completing three or more AP examinations with grades of 3 or higher.  Earning recognition as AP Scholars are Jason Cleckner, family member of Doug and Terisita Cleckner, Courtney Dery, daughter of Conrad and Lisa Dery, Sarah Easley, daughter of Jeff and Michelle Easley, Tom Gilligan, son of Tom Gilligan and Rhonda Myers, Noor Hamdi, son of Bashar and Shagaf Hamdi, Katlin Knodel, daughter of Brad and Pam Knodel, Darci Long, daughter of Scott and Kathy Long, Megan Rupert, daughter of James and Cheryl Rupert, Alex Service, son of Gordon and Virginia Service and Cody Zeigler, son of  Alan and Dawn Zeigler.
10/16

From Monday
Public takes tour of Central facilities
The Central Insurance Companies’ maintenance crew was working overtime this weekend to keep things clean as thousands of people toured the company’s recently completed facilities project. Interest has built over the past 2½ years while the Van Wert-based regional insurer completed a multimillion construction and renovation project that added 172,000 square feet of new construction (345,000 square feet of total building space) in three wings surrounding the original 1931 building (Colonial Hall) and 1976 addition (Centennial Hall). The north wing (Heritage Hall) houses the company’s Information Technology and Facilities departments, the South Wing (Independence Hall) houses the Van Wert Regional Office, the east wing, known as The Commons, provides dining and banquet facilities and training/education rooms. The project used 612,000 Belden “Belcrest” face bricks, 2,370 pieces of cast stone panels, copings, sills and trim, 370,000 pounds of Halquist limestone and 1,500 tons of steel. Inside are 23,500 square yards of carpet, 21,000 feet of rubber base, and 12,000 square feet of vinyl and rubber floor tile. There is seating for 420 in The Commons area, with private dining facilities also included. Outside, 13,589 new trees were planted and 525 parking spaces were created on the Central campus, along with four bridges: two footbridges and two vehicular bridges. Approximately 1.133 million feet of wire (nearly 215 miles) was used, there are 536 windows in the complex and electrical generators have a capacity of 4 megawatts of available power – enough to power 133 average homes. While between 2,000 and 2,500 employees, former employees, spouses and children toured the facility on Saturday, hundreds of local residents came out for the public open house Sunday afternoon. The tour included 16 stations and started in the Central Regional Office in Independence Hall, named to honor Central’s relationship with its more than 400 independent agencies in 19 states. Other stops included a computer training room and the murals in The Commons area; Informational Technology, with its main computer room; a large training room on the third floor of The Commons; the breakout area and its adjoining balcony; Centennial Hall, including the leaded glass window that now can be seen from both the 1931 and 1976 additions; Friendship Hall, where the offices of several of Central’s top executives – including President Bill Purmort’s – are located, in addition to the “war room,” a conference room with a large map showing Central’s various regional offices and agency partners; the upper staircase landing of Colonial Hall, with its wallpaper showing Revolutionary War scenes (including the capture of Major John Andre by Isaac Van Wart, John Paulding and David Williams), ornate chandelier and plasterwork; Central’s Fire Museum, now back on the campus and 1,200 feet bigger; and, last but not least, the mail inserter room, where the company’s inserter machine and mail staff handles an average of  8,000 pieces of mail a day. Tour groups ended up in The Commons for light refreshments before heading home properly awed at the scope and vision of the project, which is expected to take care of Central’s facilities needs for the next 25 years.
Photo captions: Top -- Central Insurance Companies President/CEO Bill Purmort's desk and office were on the tour given to the public on Sunday (click here for more photos). Middle -- A window that originally was located on the rear exterior wall of the original 1931 building now provides a view to and from the 1976 addition. Bottom -- One of two footbridges that cross Town Creek on the Central campus. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/15

Burned truck driver dies of injuries
A Delphos truck driver badly burned in a one-vehicle accident on U.S. 127 north of Dixon-Cavett Road October 8 has died of injuries received in that crash. The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, noted that John P. Steiner, 58, died Saturday at St. Joseph Regional Burn Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. Steiner had just picked up a load of turkey hams from the Cooper Farms Cooked Meats plant north of Van Wert on U.S. 127 and had only gone about 3 miles north of the plant when his semi veered off the right side of the highway, hit several power poles and plunged into Pottawotamie Creek. The truck then ignited, badly burning Steiner, who was partially trapped in the truck’s cab. He eventually was able to free himself and passersby helped drag him away from the burning truck rig until EMS units from Scott and Van Wert arrived on the scene to treat him. A Samaritan helicopter was also called in and flew him to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, where some of his injuries were treated, and he was later transferred to the St. Joe Burn Center for treatment of second- and third-degree burns over most of his body. He had been listed in critical condition at the burn center since his arrival there the day of the crash.
10/15

Area farmer killed in tractor rollover
A Paulding County farmer was killed Saturday afternoon when the tractor he was driving flipped over on him. Paulding County Coroner Dr. Larry Fishbaugh pronounced Mark L. Stoller, 56, of rural Paulding, dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred at about 2:20 Saturday afternoon. According to crash investigators, Stoller was operating an International 1066 tractor that was pulling a three-point mounted furrow opener. Investigators believe Stoller was attempting to turn the tractor in the driveway of the family farm when the furrow machine caught in the stones of the drive, rolling the tractor onto its top and trapping Stoller. Assisting deputies at the scene were Paulding Fire and EMS personnel and Scott EMS and fire personnel. Parkview's Samaritan helicopter was also on scene. The investigation into the accident remains open at this time.
Updated 10/15

From Saturday
They really did it!
Central dedicates expansion project
It was the culmination of 5 years of planning and 2½ years of actual construction as Central Insurance Companies, with a little help from their friends, officially dedicated their $48 million-plus building project on Friday. “We did it!” shouted Jan White, Central vice president of human resources, echoing the triumphant words of Reese Witherspoon’s character, Elle Woods, in the movie Legally Blonde. As in the movie, White’s statement was a shout of celebration … that the project, which the company hopes will provide room to grow for the next 25 years, was finally completed. Central President and CEO Bill Purmort first received a key to the city from Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer and later cut the ribbon on the project, which added three new wings to the central complex, in addition to a new maintenance building and renovations to the company’s 1931 and 1976 structures. While Purmort was honored by the mayor, Central’s top executive singled out another man, Wayne Kilton, as the person who deserved the most credit for overseeing the project from before its groundbreaking on April 12, 2005, until the last state occupancy certificates were received earlier this week. “Every team has a superstar, and Central’s team is no different,” Purmort said. Kilton thanked his Central colleagues for their help and patience on the project, while giving a special thanks to his wife, Mary, for putting up with him through the long construction process. Like Thursday’s unveiling of a spectacular three-story mural by artist Robert Barnum, the dedication ceremony was held in The Commons, Central’s newest addition that provides spacious dining/reception facilities, as well as training/education facilities on the upper floor of the wing. And with many people likening the Central project to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio for its beauty and importance to the community, it was appropriate that Scott Niswonger and his wife, Nikki – who became friends with Bill and Kim Purmort while working on the PAC project – were also on hand for Central’s dedication. Representatives for architect Flad & Associates, and primary contractors Weigand Construction and Dilling Mechanical Contractors Inc. also spoke during the dedication, with Richard Dilling especially appreciative of the way his people were treated by Central employees during the project. “We’ve never been treated better, with more integrity or more fairness…” he said. Retirees and guests were given tours of the new facility following the dedication ceremony, and later treated to lunch in The Commons. Members of the Van Wert High School choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” to begin the dedication ceremony after the flags were presented by the color guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803 in Van Wert. Rev. William Haggis II of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church gave the invocation, noting beforehand that  he was  especially interested in the Central project since its start coincided with the Haggis family’s move to Van Wert 2½ years ago. The general public will get its chance to view Central’s new and renovated facilities from noon-5 p.m. this Sunday (click here for some quick facts on Central).
Photo captions: Top -- Central Insurance President/CEO Bill Purmort cuts the ribbon on the company's multimillion expansion project on Friday morning (click here for more photos). Middle right -- Central President/CEO Bill Purmort speaks during the company's dedication of its new expansion project. Middle left -- Company employees, retirees and guests dined for the first time in The Commons area. Bottom -- Scott and Nikki Niswonger (second and third from the right) join Kim Purmort and others on a tour of the new and renovated facilities. Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent
10/13

From Friday
Central unveils huge mural
Not many people have three-story murals in their family room, but that’s what makes Central Insurance Companies unique. Central President/CEO Bill Purmort unveiled a series of 12 mural panels that encompass nearly 2,300 square feet and depict the theme of “Struggle and Security” during a special ceremony attended by nearly 500 people in the company’s new commons area. The unveiling of the commissioned work, by noted artist Robert Barnum -- a professor of art and artist-in-residence at Ferris State University in Michigan -- was part of the dedication ceremonies for Central’s recently completed expansion and renovation project (see a separate, related story on the project linked to this page). Calling the impressive and spacious commons area Central’s “family room,” Purmort added: “I really wanted a space where we could get together, whenever we wanted, to celebrate things, to share things, to relax, to enjoy each other, to entertain our guests, to be proud of, to show to our families, and this is what we came up with.” Prior to unveiling the artwork, Purmort joked about his lack of artistic talent: “I think it’s fairly ironic that I’m the one standing up here talking about artwork,” Purmort said, noting that a career development assessment early in his career noted that he was “artless.” However, Purmort had the foresight to hire someone who did know about art – Sharon Eisbart of Sharon Eisbart Corporate Art in Fort Wayne, Ind. -- who chose nearly all the artwork in Central’s home office complex and came up with the idea of getting Barnum to do the mural project. The mural concept, Purmort said, came from the painted wallpaper in the main lobby of the 1931 building, a Central tradition that has been cleaned and refurbished as part of the renovation of that building. The Central president noted the size of the mural project, which fills the entire west wall of the commons, and said it was something that “had to be appreciated by the legs” because of the need to move around to view the entire project. Barnum, in explaining the artwork, called the style “social naturalism,” adding that the idea of motion was incorporated into the paintings. The paintings, seen in total, relate to Central’s role in helping people victimized by accidents and disasters. Eight of the mural panels depict people victimized by natural disasters, including storms and flooding – both of which have devastated area residents the past few years – and fire. Barnum used equipment included in Central’s fire museum -- which has been closed during the building project, but now has a new, larger home -- as “models” for a part of the panels depicting fire fighting. The other four mural panels show values -- “Hope and Dreams,” “Belief and Visions,”  “Grow and Learn,” and “Love and Faith” -- that people draw on in recovering from disasters. Local residents will be able to view the mural and commons area, as well as other areas of the home office buildings complex noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Photo captions: Top -- Artist Robert Barnum (standing at podium) talks about the mural titled "Struggle and Security" he painted for Central Insurance Companies as part of the dedication ceremonies for Centrals expansion project (more photos in tomorrow). Bottom -- Barnum (left) and Central Insurance President/CEO Bill Purmort after the unveiling of Barnum's artwork. Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent
10/12

WBESC board OKs appropriations
The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board approved a number of personnel and other items related to a computer cooperative the board manages and also approved appropriations as presented by Treasurer Linda Clark. Appropriations total $11,602,119.64 and include $5.47 million in grant money, as well as funds from the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative (NOACSC) – which provides computer services to more than 50 school districts in northwest Ohio. The WBESC board acts as fiscal agent for the cooperative. The board also approved hiring Rhonda Burroughs as a speech language pathologist on a one-year contract, while designating Clark and Assistant Treasurer Kristine Smart as the WBESC employees who will attend public records training. A Family Medical Leave was also approved for Rosanah Foster from October 8 of this year through January 4, 2008, while the board also accepted the resignation of Sharon Lawley, for the purpose of retirement, effective November 30, and then rehired her as NOACSC manager of office/fiscal services at an annual salary of $70,000.
In other action, the board:

• Approved the final NOACSC budget as presented.

• Approved a NOACSC fund transfer of $90,000.

• Authorized a NAOCSC agreement with the law firm of Womble Carlyle Sanndridge for $3,500 for Erate consulting.

• Approved a NOACSC agreement with Jeff Wyant for local DASL development support as a cost of $45 per hour.

• Accepted the resignation of Nik Landaurer fro DASL State Support, effective September 24.

• Employed Jennifer Simon for the NOACSC position of student services liaison-DASLL state support, effective September 24.

• Approved the NOACSC information technology security and data retention policies, as presented.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the WBESC Governing Board will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 8, in the Paulding ESC office.
10/12

Day of Caring results better than 2006
The 2007 United Way of Van Wert County Day of Caring was held on Friday and Saturday, September 28-29. The blood drive and food drive took place on Friday, while 15 agency projects were completed that Saturday. The American Red Cross reported that 314 productive units of blood were collected. Of those donating, 21 donors were first time donors. Donations were up 15 percent over the 2006 Day of Caring. Even though the goal of 400 units was not met, Chris Hursh, Red Cross donor recruitment supervisor, stated her organization was very pleased with the turnout and thanked everyone for their time and donation, as blood supplies are critically low. The food drive netted 22,355 food items for The Salvation Army Food Pantry. This number was up from 18,000 items collected in 2006, but still short of the 25,000 goal. Van Wert Service Club won the Service Club Challenge, with the most number of food items donated per club member. Log on to www.vanwert.com/unitedway for complete information concerning the Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring Committee wishes to thank the entire Van Wert community for the commitment and support of this annual event.
10/12

Minimum wage to go up in January
Ohio’s minimum wage will increase on January 1, 2008, to $7 an hour for non-tipped employees and to $3.50 n hour for tipped employees, plus tips. Ohio’s current minimum wage is $6.85 per hour for non-tipped workers and $3.43 an hour for tipped employees, plus tips. On January 1, the new law will apply to employers who gross more than $255,000 per year. Currently, Ohio’s minimum wage law applies to employers to gross over $250,000 a year.  The constitutional amendment passed by voters in November 2006 states that Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 of each year by the rate of inflation. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers for the prior 12-month period, as of September 30. The CPI rose 2 percent from October 1, 2006, to September 30 of this year. The amendment also states that the wage rate shall be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. The state’s minimum wage applies to applies to all Ohio workers, except for 14- and 15-year-olds and employees who work for employers who currently gross less than $250,000 a year or below $255,000 after January 1, 2008. The federal minimum wage law applies to these employees. More information on Ohio’s minimum wage law as of January 1, 2008, is available at www.com.state.oh.us/laws/pub/MinumumWage.pdf. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Labor & Worker Safety administers Ohio’s minimum wage law, as well as the state’s minor labor and prevailing wage laws. The department’s web address is www.com.ohio.gov.
10/12

From Thursday
12 arraigned in Common Pleas Court
A man who faces up to 11 years in prison on theft and corruption charges was among 12 people arraigned in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Bradley D. Smith of Fort Wayne entered not guilty pleas to three counts of felony theft and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The corrupt activities charge is a second-degree felony offense, which carries a maximum prison term of eight years and a fine of up to $15,000, while the theft counts are fifth-degree felonies, each carrying a maximum sentence of a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Judge Charles D. Steele set a $15,000 cash bond in the case, as well as a $5,000 unsecured personal surety bond and scheduled a pretrial conference for Wednesday, October 24. A Scott man who damaged a door in a holding room outside the Common Pleas courtroom during an incident following his arraignment on a felony domestic violence charge was also arraigned on Wednesday. Michael Imler, 27, pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism related to a disturbance he caused outside the courtroom on September 12. Imler allegedly started yelling and kicking the door of a holding room behind the courtroom, forcing Judge Steele to call a recess so that Imler could be restrained and eventually returned to the county lock-up. A $5,000 cash bond and personal surety bond were continued and a pretrial hearing set for October 24. Joshua P. VanMeter also pleaded not guilty to one count each of burglary and complicity to commit deception to possess drugs. The counts are third- and fifth-degree felony offenses, respectively.  The charges carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to $12,500. VanMeter was released on an unsecured personal surety bond and a pretrial conference scheduled for Wednesday, October 31. A man accused of assaulting two police officers pleaded not guilty to related charges during a hearing held Wednesday. Danal Parsons was arraigned on two counts of assault on a police officer, both fourth-degree felony offenses. A $10,000 cash bond was set in the case and a pretrial set for October 24 (click here for more court proceedings).
10/11

County polling site changes listed
The Van Wert County Board of Elections announces changes to several voting locations in Van Wert County. Boards of Elections in Ohio are required to comply with the American Disabilities Act, and to assure that polling places, including path of travel, entrances, exits and voting areas of each polling location are accessible to individuals with the full range of disabilities (for example, visual impairments, including blindness; hearing impairments, including deafness; the full range of mobility impairments, including gross and fine motor impairments; emotional impairments; and intellectual impairments). In order to comply with these requirements, the following locations have been designated as polling locations:

• Van Wert City precincts – Junior Fair Building, 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert

• Jackson Precinct  --  Zion Christian Church, 3016 Converse Roselm Road, Grover Hill

• Ohio City and Liberty precincts  – Community Building, 306 Lambert St., Ohio City

• Pleasant East, West, and North precincts – Junior Fair Building (see above for address)

• Convoy and Tully precincts – Community Building, 643 N. Main St., Convoy

• York Precinct – Kingsley Church, 15482 Mendon Road, Ohio City

Any change in polling locations is the responsibility of the Board of Elections. Questions involving the recent changes should be directed to the Board office at 419.238.4192.
10/11

Ohio car insurance rates drop again
Ohio auto insurance rates have declined for the second consecutive year, according to a report released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Ohio currently has the 13^th lowest auto insurance rates in the nation. In 2004, Ohio was ranked 14^th in the United States. “Ohio has an extremely strong and competitive auto insurance marketplace, and Ohioans are benefiting from this competition,” said Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson. “Healthy competition drives prices lower, and we want to promote robust competition here in Ohio.” Ohioans are paying, on average, $668.93 in premiums for auto insurance, far below the national average of $829.17 in 2005, Ohioans paid an average of $680.14 in auto insurance premiums. Department analysts expect that rates for automobile insurance, overall, will not change significantly in 2007. Changes in automobile insurance rates can be attributed to repair costs, medical costs, weather-related claims, and the number of cars on Ohio roads. Ohioans with questions about insurance can call the Ohio Department of Insurance’s consumer hotline at 1.800.686.1526.
10/11

From Wednesday
Burn victim improves, 2nd unchanged
The condition of a Wren man burned in a residential fire has improved over the past 24 hours. Larry Harmon’s condition has been upgraded from “serious, but stable,” to “fair” at the St. Joseph Regional Burn Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. Harmon was injured when his residence was destroyed by fire early Monday morning. His wife, Jean, was unhurt. Five fire departments – Wren, Willshire, Convoy, Ohio City and Decatur, Ind. – assisted in extinguishing the fire, which rekindled Monday afternoon. The cause of that fire has not been released at this time. Meanwhile, a truck driver burned when his semi crashed and ignited on U.S. 127, north of Dixon-Cavett Road, remains in critical condition this morning at the St. Joe Burn Center. David Steiner of Delphos was life-flighted from the scene by Samaritan Medical Helicopter after his truck veered off the road, hit several power poles and plunged into Pottawatomie Creek, about four miles north of Van Wert. The semi, which had just picked up a load of turkey hams from the Van Wert Cooper Farms Cooked Meats plant, caught fire, partially trapping Steiner in the rig’s crushed cab. Steiner was able to free himself and was helped by four passersby before EMS squads from Scott and Van Wert arrived on the scene. Troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the crash, with assistance from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and the Van Wert and Paulding county EMA offices. The accident remains under investigation.
Photo caption: Samaritan Medical Helicopter takes off with accident victim John P. Steiner after he was burned and injured in a semi-trailer truck accident Monday (click here for more accident photos). Photo by Trooper Chad Spallinger for the Van Wert independent
10/10

From Tuesday
Trucker still 'critical' after semi crash
An area truck driver remains in critical condition this morning in the St. Joseph Regional Burn Center in Fort Wayne, Ind., after his semi crashed and caught fire on U.S. 127 shortly before 12:30 p.m. Monday. According to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, John P. Steiner, 58, of Delphos, was driving a semi for Ed Tech Logistics north on Route 127 shortly after picking up a load of turkey hams from Cooper Farms Cooked Meats plant when the rig veered off the right side of the highway, hit several utility poles and plunged into Pottawatomie Creek, just north of Dixon-Cavett Road. The truck caught fire, but Steiner, who was partially trapped in the truck cab, managed to escape from the burning rig. "He was severely burned, his clothes were ripped and I believe hair was on fire," said  David Amstutz, one of three passersby who first stopped to help Steiner. Amstutz covered the injured truck driver with a blanket, and he and another man first dragged Steiner down to the creek, soaked the blanket and placed it around him. The passersby then pulled him back up the other side of the creek by a cornfield and stopped. By then, a second woman showed up and was talking to the 9-1-1 operator, Amstutz said. He added that he and the other passerby had to move Steiner two more times because of smoke and flames coming from the burning semi rig. "During this entire time, John was awake and alert," Amstutz said, adding: "His eyes were open and his breathing was good." Amstutz noted, though, that Steiner's arms were "completely burned" and his head was covered in blood. The first woman on the scene moved Amstutz and the other passerby's vehicles off the road, Amstutz said, while the second woman on the scene went to pick up Steiner's girlfriend and take her to the hospital in Fort Wayne. He was later life-flighted to Parkview Hospital by Samaritan Medical Helicopter Services and later transferred to St. Joe Hospital for treatment of his burns. Scott firefighters extinguished the truck fire while Scott and Van Wert EMS personnel treated Steiner at the accident scene. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with traffic control at the scene. The rig was considered a total loss. County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy and Paulding County EMA personnel were also at the scene to determine if the creek was contaminated from leaking diesel fuel from the truck’s fuel tanks, while Red Cross workers were also on-site to provide assistance to safety personnel. U.S. 127 was closed for approximately 2½ hours while firefighters extinguished the smoldering cargo of baked turkey hams.
Photo caption: A truck full of singed turkey hams from Cooper Farms Cooked Meats lies in Pottawatomie Creek about four miles north of Van Wert after an accident that left the driver in critical condition with serious burns and other injuries. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
Updated 10/9

Council gets positive financial news
It was a unusually light agenda for Van Wert City Council, with nothing controversial to deal with. That was probably best, though, since three of the seven City Council members were absent from the meeting. Councilmen Louis Ehmer and Chris Wilson were on planned absences, while Second Ward Councilman Stephen Gehres was sick. All were excused. During Monday night’s meeting, Council received some good financial news from City Auditor Martha Balyeat. Balyeat noted that a comparison between revenues and expenditures for the first nine months of this year show revenues outstripping expenses by $52,217.93. “We’re in good shape,” Balyeat said of the city’s fiscal health. Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming noted that he’s hoping the North Washington Street project will be completed sometime next week, weather permitting, but noted he feels it should be finished by the end of October – the official deadline for the project. Third Ward Councilman Gary Corcoran said he feels the city should quickly take steps to make sure speed limits are adhered to when the street reopens. “Right from the first day we should make a very strong show,” he said of speed limit enforcement on the street. Fleming also reported that work is going well on the new city reservoir, adding that work should begin on the fishing pier today, with construction of the boat ramp to proceed after that. Mayor Don Farmer reported that a meeting was held three weeks ago with personnel from the Ohio Department of Forestry to discuss the type and placement of trees along North Washington Street. The mayor said 80 trees would be planted along the street, with the trees divided among four different species. Placement of the trees was also discussed, he noted. Council also approved a then-and-now certificate to pay $3,894.30 to the Main Street Van Wert program for administrative services for the Tier 2 grant the entity received a couple of years ago. Legislation was also introduced approving 3-percent water and sewer rate hikes for the coming year. The measure was placed on its first reading. During city officials’ reports, Police Chief Joel Hammond noted that offense reports were down seven (1,518 so far this year, versus 1,525 last year), but said adult arrests had increased 67 (624 to 557 last year), while citations were up 95 (1,037 to 942 in 2006). Accidents investigated also increased, from 249 last year to 281 so far this year, while juvenile arrests were down, from 203 in 2006 to 169 this year. Fire Chief Jim Steele noted that 977 total runs for his department this year was an increase of “a full 7-plus percent) over last year. The fire chief also noted that this week was Fire Prevention Week and said local residents need to make sure they have an escape plan from their residences in case of a fire, and that they also need to practice that plan regularly so that people are familiar with what they have to do if a fire occurs. Chief Steele told Council members that, while most people think they have 10 minutes to exit a burning home, the timeframe is actually a minute or less. Legal counsel Shaun Putman said preparation of legislation needed to vacate an alley alongside property owned by Young’s Trash Service will have to wait until he can get information for the legal description of the area from former safety-service director Warren Foy, who surveyed it.
10/9

Vantage board looks at Smart Boards
Math and technology was the message as the Vantage Board of Education met for its October meeting at Vantage. Vantage math teachers Jean Minnig, Mike Knott, Kelly Horstman and Kari Druckemiller demonstrated how they use Smart Board technology in their classrooms. Vantage Superintendent Staci Kaufman provided board members with an update on the Ohio School Facilities Commission project and a recent visit she made to Southern Hills Career Center. She also reported on the upcoming Vantage Advisory Committee meetings to be held Tuesday, October 16, and the Ohio Association of Joint Vocational Schools breakfast at the Capital Conference in November. Vantage Director Bob Vennekotter’s report included updates on enrollment figures, the Ohio Graduation Test administration, the new Vantage DVD, participation in the United Way’s Day of Caring event and the principals’ meeting to be held October 11. Principal Keith Rydell spoke to the board about Progress Book training for teachers, as well as the attendance marathon program. He also reviewed current technical and academic lessons. Adult Education Director Jim Grant reported on an upgrade to the Adult Education registration software, as well as six customized training classes. The board also approved a two-year unpaid leave of absence for cafeteria worker Linda Clay, and also went into executive session to discuss the contract between Vantage and Delphos City School District. The board also appointed Treasurer Lori Davis to receive public records training for the current board term. Board member Don Arend was appointed to receive and summarize superintendent and treasurer evaluation forms completed by individual board members (click here for more Vantage board action).
10/9

Pink Floyd Experience rocks NPAC
It’s been 40 years since Pink Floyd – or The Pink Floyd Sound, as the group was then called – issued its first album: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. That the group’s music has maintained its popularity was evident from the diverse crowd that showed up at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday to hear The Pink Floyd Experience reprise the group’s best-known songs. While Pink Floyd – first led by Syd Barrett and, in its most successful years, comprised of Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Richard Wright and David Gilmour – hasn’t played in public since 1996, Saturday’s concert audience was the most diverse seen in the NPAC to this point. Those who showed up for the concert included white-haired grandmothers, 30-year-old yuppies and a  large number of young people, some of those decidedly unconventional in both dress and demeanor.  Audience members also likely included a large number of people who purchased some of the more than 200 million albums and CDs Pink Floyd has sold over the past four decades, including 40 million of one album (Dark Side of the Moon) alone. Saturday’s concert, which emulated Pink Floyd’s complex stage shows -- including amazing, psychedelic light shows and demanding sound setup – also provided the Niswonger with its biggest challenge to date. That both The Pink Floyd Experience musicians and the NPAC were successful in recreating Pink Floyd’s concerts was quickly obvious in the enthusiastic response of the audience. Songs performed during the concert came mostly from Pink Floyd’s 1973 album, Dark Side of the Moon – which spent a record 741 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 charts – and the 1979 album, The Wall. The Pink Floyd Experience, made up of musicians Tom Quinn (band leader and lead guitarist), Gus Beaudoin (bass guitar), Graham Heath (lead vocalist), Jesse Molloy (saxophone), John Cox (keyboards), and John Staten (drums) did justice to such Floyd hits as “Money,” “Time,” “Us and Them,” “Brain Damage/Eclipse” and, of course, “Another Brick in the Wall.” The concert included the trademark laser light show, glitter balls, giant floating pig and large circular projection panel called “Mr. Screen,” while the sound was loud and pulsing. The musicians were faithful to the original Pink Floyd sound, although I felt Beaudoin might be an even better bass player than Waters, who led the group during the 1970s and early 1980s. The show included Pink Floyd's giant pig, as well as other groundbreaking visual effects that amazed fans of the original group’s stage shows. The concert was likely the first time that a large portion of the audience was exposed to the state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment in the Niswonger. If so, they undoubtedly found The Pink Floyd Experience a stunning technical achievement from the NPAC's standpoint, as well as an extremely entertaining show. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some relatively big-name hard-rock bands perform in the Niswonger in years to come. While it was a success in its own right, Saturday’s concert also proved the Niswonger could handle just about anything thrown at it. And let’s hope a lot of different things are thrown at it.
Photo captions: Top -- Pink Floyd Experience keyboardist John Cox and fellow band members are bathed in blue light as they perform in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio on Saturday night. Bottom -- Pink Floyd Experience performs as multicolored lasers flash in all directions on Saturday at the Niswonger PAC. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent

10/8

From Saturday
Latta speaks at local GOP luncheon

When Bob Latta’s father, Delbert, decided to retire after 30 years in Congress back in 1988, the younger Latta hoped to succeed him. That hope was dashed by a 27-vote loss to then-State Senate President Paul Gillmor and Bob Latta never challenged Gillmor again. But with the death of Gillmor in a fall at his Washington, D.C., apartment on September 5, Latta is again seeking the congressional seat once held by his father. The current state representative was in Van Wert on Friday to speak to fellow Republicans during the local party’s monthly luncheon at Willow Bend Country Club. Also attending were two of Latta's primary opponents, State Senator Steve Buehrer and local business consultant Michael Smitley. Buehrer will speak at the November Republican luncheon. On Friday, Latta reiterated the conservative ideas he has espoused in public life over the past 17 years – 11 years in the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives and six as a Wood County commissioner. First and foremost is the idea of public service itself – the definition of which he learned from his father. “A public servant is a person seeking to give of themselves to the people they represent, while a politician, on the other hand, sees how much they can take from the people they represent for their own benefit,” Latta said. One area he said he has tried to address during his years in the Ohio General Assembly has been “death taxes,” what most people call estate, or inheritance, taxes. While progress has been made on the issue, Latta noted, with 78 percent of Ohioans no longer having to pay estate taxes, Latta said he would like to see no one have to pay such taxes. “You have to remember that government never creates any wealth; it’s all created by the individual,” Latta said. “Government is wonderful about spending wealth your wealth, but it’s the individuals out there who work hard every day who make sure we have the dollars, that make sure the jobs are being created.” That makes it essential, Latta said, that people are allowed to safe money for the future. “…we have to make sure that people have that ability to know that, when they’re saving for the future, that Uncle Sam and the State of Ohio are not going to be reaching into their back pocket and taking that from them after they’ve passed away.” The state representative also talked about the global economy – and the pressures that brings to bear on America – as well as the need to look at alternative fuels and to become self-sufficient when it comes to fuel.  “The real question is, we’ve got to make sure this country is self-sustaining in its fuel, because we can’t be held hostage,” Latta told those at the luncheon. He also said removing troops from Iraq at this time would jeopardize those “still on the ground” in that war-torn country and said he opposes any amnesty for illegal aliens, noting that amnesty would negatively impact “those folks who have been waiting line all these years” – people who are following the rules when it comes to immigration. Latta also expressed concerns about America’s trade relations with China, noting that, with the Chinese buying up significant portions of the U.S.’s national debt, China could end up dictating to America how the U.S.’s economy should function. ”That’s something we can’t have happen,” Latta noted. “If we’re going to continue to be free, we have to control our own destiny.” Next month, the other high-profile candidate for Gillmor’s seat, State Senator Steve Buehrer, will speak at the GOP luncheon.
Photo caption: State Representative Bob Latta speaks during Friday's Republican  luncheon held at Willow Bend Country Club. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/6

L'view students named 'AP Scholar'
One student at Lincolnview has earned the designation of “AP Scholar” by the College Board in recognition of her exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.4 million high school students in more than 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar. Students took AP exams in May 2007 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. One Lincolnview student qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholar is Victoria Dickman. Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a full year’s credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades. In 2007, 37 AP exams were offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving or oral response) questions (except for the Studio Art exam, which evaluates students’ original artwork). The College Board is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves 7 million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Program (AP). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.
10/6

PD K-9 team does well at competition
A local police K-9 dog handling team performed exceedingly well at a national competition held in Indiana September 26-28. Van Wert K-9 Police Officer Rob Black and his dog, Tacco, finished fourth overall among 65 dog teams from as far away as Florida and including teams from a number of federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and National Security Agency (NSA). Officer Black and Tacco placed second in residential drug searches and third in vehicle searches as well. The competition was held at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., the same kennel that did the initial training for the police department’s K-9 animals. Officer Black said Officer Steve Boroff and his dog, which missed this year’s competition, are also hoping to compete next year in the event.
Photo caption: Van Wert K-9 Police Officer Rob Black and Tacco. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/6

From Friday
Cows & Plows starts fall tradition
Van Wert County elementary students got a first-hand look this week at the county’s largest industry -- agriculture -- when the annual Not Just Cows & Plows Day event moved from its traditional time in April to October. As it has been for several years, the theme for the Cows & Plows event was “Farm Pizza,” showing the various agriculture products that go to make a pizza. Fifth-graders from Van Wert City, St. Mary’s Catholic, Lincolnview and Crestview elementary schools traveled between eight stations where presenters provided information on soil and water conservation, marketing history and processing, livestock production, crops, agricultural machinery and the Global Positioning System and how it relates to farming. Presenters included Cathy Hoile of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau, OSU Extension Agent Andy Kleinschmidt, Jason Menchhofer of the Van Wert County Health Department, Matt Barricklow of Cooper Farms, retired vocational agricultural teacher Earl Gerdeman, livestock producers Mike and Robin Schumm, Jim Lopshire of the Paulding County Extension Office, Jim Bonifas of Kennedy Kuhn Inc. and Ken Kottenbrock of the Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District. For lunch, students maintained the event’s focus by eating slices of pizza donated by East of Chicago Pizza. Other donors for the program included the Farm Bureau; Kennedy-Kuhn; Lincolnview Young Farmers; Mercer Landmark operations in Middle Point, Ohio City and Elgin; the Ohio Soybean Council; Prairie Farms Dairy; Save-A-Lot; the Van Wert Solid Waste Management District; Wells Fargo Bank; Wrenco Trophy & Sportswear Company; the Lincolnview and Crestview FFA chapters; the women of the Farm Bureau; as well as a grant from The Van Wert County Foundation. A committee made up of representatives of local agricultural entities and educators organize the annual event. The decision to move the event to October was made to avoid the many springtime scheduling conflicts. As in years past, fifth-graders got the chance to get up close and personal with animals and a combine, and also learn about the various impact soil and water issues, GPS and marketing issues have on local farmers. One of students’ favorite stations is the agriculture history display put together by Gerdeman, who was Lincolnview’s vo-ag teacher for many years.  Gerdeman demonstrates the use of sickles and scythes and other equipment no longer used by area farmers. Although he may look like the Grim Reaper while demonstrating the use of a scythe, Gerdeman’s light and face-paced presentation provides students with a look at how farmers used to raise and harvest their crops. At the opposite end of the ag spectrum is Kottenbrock’s presentation on GPS, the satellite system that allows farmers to more precisely use fertilizer and herbicide, for instance. In between is a lot of information on how crops and livestock are raised, processed and marketed. Cows & Plows Committee members include Dave Matthew of the SWCD, coordinator of the event; Chris Feichter of the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center; Julie Buggle of the Van Wert SWCD; Hoile; Crestview Elementary Principal Kathy Mollenkopf; Carol Trice of the OSU Extension-Van Wert County Office; Kottenbrock of the SWCD; George Brake of the Van Wert Solid Waste Management District; Gary Weck of the SWCD; and VWCS Assistant Superintendent Peg Schilb.
Photo captions: Top -- Ohio State Extension Agent Andy Kleinschmidt talks about soil quality to Crestview fifth-graders during this fall's Not Just Cows and Plows event held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Bottom -- Looking a little bit like a character in a "slasher" movie, Earl Gerdeman wields a sickle during Thursday's Not Just Cows & Plows event at the fairgrounds. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/5

New YWCA director likes challenge
Although there are lots of challenges to face, new YWCA Executive Director Jennifer Jackson is excited about what lies ahead for the 93-year-old organization. The Findlay native, who began her new job at the YW this past Monday, has a background in wellness and nutrition, with a bachelor’s degree in that area from Bluffton University. While in college, Jackson made her first “Van Wert connection” through instructor Brenda Roethlisberger, a former Van Wert YMCA staff member and the mother of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “She was kind of my first mentor,” Jackson said, adding that she still keeps in contact with Mrs. Roethlisberger, who lives in Findlay where most of Jackson’s family still resides. After stints in the corporate fitness/wellness area with Honda of America and Nationwide Insurance’s home office in Columbus, Jackson got married and she and her husband, Mike, and young children Jadelyn and Angelo, came to Van Wert two years ago to work at The Marsh Foundation. Soon afterwards, Jackson got involved with the local YWCA when she began teaching fitness classes there and, a year ago, took a full-time staff position as new services director. Before taking on her new job, the YWCA executive director said she received some excellent training from former YW director Ellen Sneed, as well as interim director Sandy Markert, a retired YWCA director in Kokomo, Ind. “Ellen was wonderful,” Jackson said. “I really learned a lot from her.” She said she also received valuable tips from Markert, whose 35 years as a YWCA executive gave her a good handle on how to streamline operations at the Van Wert YW. “She is just fantastic,” Jackson said of Markert, noting that the interim director has been very helpful. Meanwhile, the new executive director said she is pleased with where the YWCA is now, as well as excited about its future. “We have so many things here; we are a plate, a dinner that has every component needed for a healthy meal,” Jackson said, speaking like the nutritionist she is. Jackson cited the YWCA’s excellent travel department, My Sister’s House homeless shelter, the fitness program, Summer Food Program and daycare as just a few of the programs offered at the YW. In the future, Jackson said she hopes to develop more programs that empower women – an important part of the YW’s mission statement – while also increasing the number and quality of the YWCA’s youth and community support programs. As with most non-profit organizations, Jackson said there is always a challenge to find enough funding to pay for existing and new programming. She said some new funding could come from “philosophical memberships” – aimed mostly at women who may not use the YW, but support its emphasis on empowerment and its community support. “We’d want to strive to have every woman in Van Wert County support our programs,” Jackson added. Meanwhile, she said she’s just happy to be in a community – and organization – she enjoys. “Van Wert has been great for our family, and everyone has just been fantastic,” Jackson said. YWCA Board President Jill Leatherman is equally enthusiastic about the YW’s new executive director. “I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with Jen,” Leatherman said. “She is energetic and filled with wonderful ideas for our Y.”
Photo caption: New YWCA Executive  Director Jennifer Jackson at her desk. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/5

Deer-vehicle accidents rise in county
With deer-vehicle accidents on the rise here in Van Wert County, motorists are advised to use caution, especially during the next few months – when deer accidents are most prevalent. According to the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII), deer-vehicle accidents increased a moderate 3.3 percent over the past year, while Van Wert County deer-vehicle collisions are up 8.8 percent. This county saw a total of 188 deer-vehicle collisions in 2006, with more than half of those occurring from October through December – the deer-breeding/migration season. While most deer-vehicle accidents don’t involve human injuries, a recent collision between a deer and a motorcycle in Paulding County that left a man in critical condition show injuries are possible. With vehicle collisions of all types averaging $3,000, hitting a deer could also be expensive. However, the OII reported that most deer-related injuries occur when drivers attempt to avoid hitting a deer, rather than actual deer-vehicle collisions. The institute says it’s often better to hit a deer while keeping a vehicle under control, than to hit another vehicle or a tree or utility pole while swerving to avoid a deer collision. The OII offers the following tips concerning deer-vehicle collisions:

• Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs.

• Most crashes occur in the months of October up to January, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, followed by the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

• Deer usually travel in groups. If you see one deer on or near a roadway, expect that others may follow. Slow down and be alert.

• After dark, use high beams when there is no opposing traffic. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater motorist reaction time. Don't rely solely on high beams to deter collisions.

• Always wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions.


• Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer seems probable, then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. The alternative could be even worse.

• Stay alert. Deer are always unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metropolitan areas.


• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours.

In the event of a deer-vehicle collision, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt a person or further injure itself. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, the police should be called immediately.
10/5

From Thursday
Man gets jail term on drug charge
Five people were sentenced during hearings held Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Angel B. Quevedo of Van Wert was given a six-month jail sentence on a charge of drug possession, a fifth-degree felony offense. Judge Charles D. Steele cited Quevedo’s extensive criminal record in handing down the sentenced, but ordered that he serve the sentence in the local jail so that he could continue a drug treatment program. City police responding to a domestic incident his past May found cocaine on Quevedo. The defendant was given credit for three days served awaiting sentencing. Chad Fowler of Van Wert was given a community control sentence that includes up to six months in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima. Fowler was sentenced on a charge of drug trafficking, a fourth-degree felony offense. Fowler sold the prescription drug Propoxyphene to an undercover agent in January while near a school. As part of the community control sentence, Fowler must perform up to 200 hours of community service and undergo substance and psychiatric assessments. Aaron L. Thomas will serve up to six months in the WORTH Center and 30 days in jail on one count each of attempted trafficking in a controlled substance, which was downgraded from trafficking in a controlled substance during plea negotiations, and burglary. The drug charge is a fifth-degree felony, while the burglary count is a third-degree felony offense. Thomas will have to undergo substance abuse assessments and also perform up to 200 hours of community service. Jason J. Lamb was given three years of community control and must spend 60 days in jail on a charge of trafficking in a controlled substance. Lamb allegedly sold heroin on June 26 to an undercover agent. Lamb received a six-month driver’s license suspension as part of his sentence. Shawn M. Thomas of Van Wert was given three years of community control and 30 days in jail on a charge of attempted trafficking in drugs, a fifth-degree felony offense. Thomas sold Oxycodone to an undercover agent on November 11, 2006. In other court news:

• Christopher M. Golden, 24, formerly of Paulding County, was also back in court to waive his right to a speedy trial. Golden agreed to the waiver to allow his attorney more time to prepare his defense. Golden was charged with robbery in connection with the robbery of the Pak-A-Sak convenience store on North Washington Street on October 16, 2006. Golden and his girlfriend were captured in Florida in November of last year. He is also a suspect in a robbery at the State Bank & Trust branch in Oakwood. He is currently incarcerated on other charges.

• Alisha Slaght, 26, of Van Wert, had her bond revoked after she was caught with drugs in her possession. She was indicted earlier on one count each of trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine. Although jailed, Judge Steele made Slaght eligible for work release.

• Katherine L. McCracken was granted treatment in lieu of conviction after psychedelic mushrooms were found in her possession on June 15. Judge Steele placed her under the authority of the Adult Probation Department during her treatment period.

10/4

From Wednesday
Lancer band to play at Ohio State
The Lincolnview Lancer Band has been selected to march in Ohio Stadium on Saturday, October 6, when the famed “Horseshoe” will be the site of the Buckeye Invitational. Dr. Jon Woods and Jon Waters, directors of the Ohio State University Marching Band, and The Ohio State University, host the event. The invitational is a rebirth of the Buckeye Invitational that was held in Ohio Stadium over a decade ago, but was dropped when the OSU Athletic Department went from turf to natural grass for the playing surface. They switched back to a new type of synthetic turf this year. The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) sanctioned contest will host 31 bands from across the state. Bands will range in size from 40 members to over 200 members. The format will follow the exact format used at OMEA contests from around the state. Each band is given a 15- minute time period to preset, perform and clear the field. While they are performing, band members are adjudicated by a panel of 11 judges. The Lancer band will perform at 11 a.m. Lincolnview will be followed at 11:15 by the already state-qualified band from Kalida, a very good Putnam County band. These two small, non -football schools will be competing in Class C. “It is a thrill to be able to take our kids to perform in such an awesome venue. It will be a very special memory for this group,” said Lincolnview Band Director Elmer Broecker. “It will also be a very special day as we watch The Ohio State University Marching Band perform the famed ‘Script Ohio’ and the Buddy Rich Show from the Akron game.” Broecker added that Lancer band members will also be trying to spot 2007 Lincolnview grad Zach Profit on the field when the OSU band performs. Profit is a 2007 Lincolnview alumnus who plays sousaphone in the Buckeye marching band. The Buckeye Invitational begins at 9 a.m., and the Ohio State Band performs at 4:30 p.m. The last group of Class AA bands of the afternoon will be feature some of the largest and best competition bands in the Ohio. Tickets are $7. Anyone wanting more information should contact the Lincolnview Band Office at 419.238.1289.
10/3

Commissioners view sewer project
Van Wert County Commissioners Gary Adams and Clair Dudgeon visited the construction site for sewer work being done on the outskirts of Delphos on Tuesday. The commissioners were interested in viewing the first work being done in connection with a long-standing mandate by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. “It’s moving right along,” said Adams. “This is the first progress on the EPA deal and we wanted to see how it was progressing.” Work is currently being done on Southward Street, with completion of the actual sewer work projected for early December, Adams noted, although street repaving, which is also part of the project, may not be completed until spring. The work is being done through an agreement with the Ohio EPA and is the first work to be done on unsewered areas of the county. Other unsewered areas, along Ohio 118, U.S. 127 and Richey Road and the Overholt Addition, will also eventually need sewer upgrades as part of the agreement. Adams said he and his fellow commissioners have mixed feelings about the project, mostly because of the cost of the work. “We not excited about having to do it, but we’re excited about getting it done,” he said.
10/3

Wounded Marine continues to improve
 “Adapt and overcome”!  When Marine Lance Corporal Brian McGonagle was seriously wounded in Iraq last April, his family knew it would take two things to get him through this time of tremendous adversity: prayer and his positive attitude.  Brian has plenty of both as evidenced by this recent picture of him surfing at Pismo Beach, Calif.  Still a patient at the Center for the Intrepid at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Brian was among a group of 15 wounded warriors invited to a West Coast resort to learn a new sport.  “Keep in mind that Brian wears a prosthesis for a right foot while his left is permanently damaged,” said his mother, Linda McGonagle. “Despite what he has been through, Brian lives by the ‘adapt and overcome’ philosophy he learned in the Corps.  He’s not lying around feeling sorry for himself.  He asked that we put these pictures in the paper to show everyone who prayed for and supported him that he continues to move forward with his life.” While Brian has always loved the water, he never surfed before, his mother said.  “As he was putting on his wet suit, he called home to make sure I was worrying, “ Linda said, laughing.  “He joked that if a great white shark came after him, he’d offer it his titanium leg.  Brian has always been agile but learning to balance himself on a surfboard with a prosthesis was obviously difficult.  He didn’t give up when he initially struggled.  He kept at it and was a full-fledged surfer in no time.” The Marine lance corporal continues to work with therapists at CFI on his gait, his damaged left foot, and his right arm that still does not completely straighten. Nevertheless, he and wife, Ashley, are starting to discover what a normal life is. The couple is currently transitioning into an apartment near the base and welcomed a dog into their home.  Ashley enrolled in a local university to continue working on her business degree. As exciting as it was for Brian to learn to surf, what he looks forward to the most is the return of his platoon from Iraq at the end of this month.  Brian and Ashley will travel to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to meet them.  The platoon will land at a nearby airstrip and take a bus onto the base to greet their families who haven’t seen them in more than six months.  Plans are for Brian to be taken directly to the landing point so he can ride the bus with his “brothers” back into the camp. “Brian has made a lot of progress in healing his body, but his heart and soul have been in Fallujah,“ Linda McGonagle said. The couple continues to enjoy hearing from the community.  The McGonagles’ new address is:  Lcpl. Brian and Ashley McGonagle, 3333 Oakwell Court, Apt. 106, San Antonio, TX  78218.
Photo captions: Top -- Van Wert native Brian McGonagle doesn't let the loss of a foot in Iraq stop him from learning something new. McGonagle, a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, surfs a wave in Pismo Beach, Calif.  Bottom -- Brian McGonagle with his surfboard ready to hit the waves. Photos by Dez and KK Cobb  for the Van Wert independent
10/2

MPFD has new mascot
Middle Point Fire Chief Craig King and the rest of the Middle Point Fire Department recently welcomed a new member to the ranks: the department’s mascot, Firepup. Firepup, along with Safety-Prevention Coordinator Ken Myers, will promote fire prevention through talks and school visits throughout the year. Firepup was made possible through donations from a number of businesses and organizations. They include the Van Wert Wal-Mart, Devin Sheets of American Family Insurance, Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency, Steve Bailey of State Farm Insurance, Leland Smith Insurance, Thatcher-Kulwicki Insurance, Rhoades Insurance and the Middle Point Fire Association. A “name the mascot” contest will be held in the near future at Lincolnview Elementary School. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/2

From Monday
Old MASH buddies reunite in Van Wert
“Radar” was there, but Hot Lips and Hawkeye couldn’t make it as members of a Korean Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit reunited for the first time in 50 years here in Van Wert. Five of the members came to Van Wert from other states: Ken Peterson from Gibraltar, Mich., Lou Celone from Fort Westhaven, Conn., Jerry Vance from Midland, Mich., David Lessley from Burbank, Calif., and Dewayne Herron (the farthest) from Wenatche, Wash. However, the linchpin of the group is undoubtedly Van Wert resident Bill Hughes, 73, a retired letter carrier who fulfilled mostly that same function as postal clerk of the 44^th MASH unit, located “halfway between Seoul and the DMZ” in South Korea. Hughes, who the others likened to company clerk Radar O’Reilly of “MASH” book, movie and television fame, even resembles Gary Burghoff -- Radar in the movie and on television -- in old photos taken back in Korea. All but one of those who showed up at Hughes Inn bed and breakfast on South Washington Street, which is operated by Hughes’ son, Tom, and Tom’s wife, Sherry, had been trained as combat medics at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Of course, since they arrived in Korea a few years after the “police action” ended in 1953, none of them actually had to do that job. Most of them were clerks of some type in Korea, with some exceptions, such as Jerry Vance, who worked as a lab technician for the 100 members of the MASH unit. It’s appropriate that Hughes, who was postal clerk for the medical unit during the 15 months he spent in Korea between 1956 and 1958, would be the one to keep in contact with the others. After all, he had the addresses of group members from the mail he delivered daily from Seoul during the time they spent in Korea following the “police action” in that country. Moreover, Hughes is the tie-in for the other five, since he was the one who sent Christmas cards and other correspondence to each of his old Army buddies. One man, Dewayne Herron, 73, who spent 14 years as a milkman and another couple of decades in the food industry in Washington state, hadn’t even met the other four before Saturday, since he came to the 44^th MASH after they had rotated back to the States. Nevertheless, it was like they had been seeing each other daily when they got together to reminisce about their service time in Korea and catch up on what each of the others had been doing the past 50 years. Most had gone into non-medical fields after their service time was up. Only two, Vance, who had been a lab technician for several years in Arkansas before moving to Michigan and eventually becoming a computer programmer, and Peterson, 75 (the oldest of the group), who was a retired pharmacist, pursued medical-related fields in civilian life. In fact, Lessley, an urban planner for the City of Los Angeles who now lives in the suburb of Burbank, said his experiences in Korea actually turned him away from a planned career as a hospital administrator. “So it served a purpose,” Lessley said, laughing. Celone, 71, worked in the music business with Atlantic Records. Vance said the MASH unit they all a part of was eerily like the unit portrayed in the television series. “It was just like that, except we had Quonset huts instead of tents,” said Vance, at 69 the youngest of the group. Of course, since the war was over by the time they got to Korea, none of them had to “bug out” --- move the unit – other than in training. What they did have to watch out for was sticky-fingered Korean civilians who would steal anything – even the main electrical generator for the camp – that wasn’t nailed down. The get-together had been planned as a Father’s Day gift for Hughes by his daughter, Angie. However, schedule conflicts moved things back to September, and Angie finally told her father about it a month  before it happened. “I’m sure glad she did,” Hughes said. The month gave Hughes a chance to spiffy up the inn, and put together a display that included old photos and even an old uniform he could almost wear. Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer also showed up to thank the vets for their service to their country. And, while most preferred not to talk about the war in Iraq, one did liken it do the tar baby in Uncle Remus stories told by Joel Chandler Harris, noting that America seemed to be stuck with the problem, with no way to get rid of it. One thing’s for sure, it won’t only be Hughes who stays in touch after this. Vance probably summed it up best when he said it “seemed like yesterday” that they had all been young men in Korea. “This has been a lot of fun,” he added.
Photo captions: Top -- Van Wert resident Bill Hughes (left) hosts five of his old Army buddies (from the left) Ken Peterson, Lou Celone, Jerry Vance, David Lessley and Dewayne Herron. Middle right -- Bill Hughes (left) and Lou Celone pose with a photo of the pair taken in Korea during the 1950s. Middle left --The old photo of Hughes and Celonne. Bottom -- Hughes tries on his old uniform shirt from Korea. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
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VW man joins busy Congressional race
Mike Smitley officially announced his campaign Saturday for the Republican Party nomination to fill the vacancy in Ohio’s 5^th Congressional district.  Addressing the public in front of the Van Wert County Courthouse, Smitley opened his statement with a comparison of the current federal government to the vision of our founding fathers. “The founding fathers of this country…had a unique and powerful vision for America.  Because of that vision, it became the heart of freedom in the world,” said Smitley. “I know the government we see today has strayed from that vision and by announcing my candidacy; it is my intention to restore the founders’ vision and do my part to make this country as great as it once was or better!” A special election to nominate the Republican Party’s candidate will be the same day as the regular general election on Tuesday, November 6. “Many of the folks I’ve spoken with are upset about the current state of politics and government; the encouragement I received was overwhelming,” Smitley said of deciding to run. “I am running for Congress to take this district’s representation away from special interests and to return.” Sounding  a lot like Paul Gillmor, who was killed earlier this month in a fall at his Washington, D.C., apartment, when it comes to immigration, Smitley said, “Have no doubts about it: as congressman, I will take a hard-line stance on immigration and oppose any bill that provides amnesty of any kind for illegal immigrants.  To provide amnesty would be rewarding millions of people who broke the law in the first place to come here.”  Smitley said he would support any, and all, reasonable measures to improve the nation’s border security, but noted that the work cannot stop there.  “We must initiate a major overhaul of America’s loosely-run welfare system and remove the incentives for abusing it,” the candidate said. Smitley is a sixth-generation native of the 5^th District.  He received the prestigious Latta Scholarship while attending Bowling Green State University to study criminal justice and is currently a business consultant for The Cobalt Group providing economic consulting to Volkswagen of America and Audi of America’s dealer base. Smitley has been linked to the Libertarian Party, but is running as a Republican because the Libertarians don’t have ballot access in Ohio.  He also decided not to run as an independent because of the more stringent petition requirements: 2,300 signatures rather than the 50 needed to run as a Republican. He and his wife, the former Sarah Fetter of Sylvania, have been married for almost nine years.  They reside in Van Wert with their 1-year old daughter, Mylah. More information about Smitley’s campaign is available on his campaign website, www.smitleyforcongress.com.
Photo caption: Van Wert resident Mike Smitley announces his candidacy for the congressional seat vacated by the death of Paul Gillmor. Dave Mosier/Van  Wert independent
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Motorcyclist 'critical' after hitting deer

The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a motorcycle-deer accident that seriously injured an Indiana man Sunday evening. Rod Kirby, 48, of New Haven, Ind., was listed in critical condition at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. According to troopers at the scene, Kirby was riding his 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle west on Ohio 111, just east of Ohio 49 in Paulding County, about 7:57 p.m. Sunday when a deer ran in front of his motorcycle. Kirby hit the deer and was thrown from his motorcycle. He was treated at the scene by Antwerp EMS personnel until he could be life-flighted from the scene by Samaritan Medical Helicopter Service. The motorcycle received moderate damage. Kirby was not wearing a helmet. The Patrol was also assisted at the scene by Antwerp Fire Department personnel and deputies from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department.
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Local accountant helps flood victims
The Internal Revenue Service requested the help of the Ohio State Society of Enrolled Agents (OSSEA) to represent them at the FEMA sites in the Ohio counties named by the President as disaster areas.  Because Frances E. Foust is an Enrolled Agent, a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and a member of OSSEA she was asked to assist.  Foust went to the FEMA site in Ottawa to assist the flood victims.  Mrs. Foust helped the victims individually to understand their losses and the different choices they can make in claiming their losses.  Many of the flood victims do not have flood insurance.  If their casualty loss is more than their income for the year they may have a Net Operating Loss that could be carried back to a previous year.  If they do not have a Net Operating Loss they have the choice of claiming the loss on either their 2006 or 2007 return.  They may amend their 2006 return now to claim the loss so that they can get some cash in their pocket sooner.  If they can wait until they file their 2007 return to make the decision between claiming the loss in 2006 or 2007 then they can compare at that time which will benefit them more, claiming the loss on either the 2006 or the 2007 return.  Disaster victims quite often need additional funds so Mrs. Foust suggested that they may want to reduce their Form W4 withholdings through their employer in order to have more take-home pay in their wages.  Another suggestion for individuals who qualify to claim the Earned Income Credit at the end of the year is that they may want to apply for the Advanced Earned Income Credit now. Foust has been an enrolled agent for 22 years.  She also serves as a board member of the Ohio State Society of Enrolled Agents and is the Chairperson for the Ohio Liaison Tax Forum that meets in Dublin four to six times a year.  Foust presented a seminar on Dependent Exemptions at the recent joint conference of the Ohio State Society of Enrolled Agents/Ohio Chapter NATP. This conference is attended by attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, and other tax professionals mainly for continuing education.  For more information on enrolled agents, visit the web at www.naea.org or www.ossea.org.
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