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Friday, May 9, 2008
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INSIDE TODAY |
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Van Wert Public Television Daily Schedule (click here) |
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2008 YWCA Travel Schedule (click here) |
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Van Wert City Schools Survey (click here) |
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Lincolnview school construction link (click here) |
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Latest Obits: Ed Etzler, Patricia Gipe (5/5) |
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Sports: Kyle Holliday earns honors playing for Ohio Wesleyan (click here) |
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Church: Emmanuel Lutheran to honor organists (click here) |
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Independent Column Links: Shortcut to barbershop show/Music in Van Wert More Qs & As from the Master Gardeners 5/8 (click here) ODOT Highway Construction Report (Week of 5/12) Read The Blueprint fitness column (updated 5/8) Humor column by Laura Snyder: Laura on Life/updated 4/10 |
| Opinion: More letters published (click here) |
| Youth-Schools: Piano students have recitals, Elks help out with DARE grad party; Ford gives out scholarship (click here) |
| Lifestyles: Delphos couple has 3rd child (click here) |
| Arts/Entertainment: Local theater vets in Encore production (click here) |
| Crime Stoppers: Help deputies solve theft of road signs |
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Classifieds: Lincolnview lists auction items/Auctions-Sales Petland seeks sales manager/Employment-Help Wanted Moving sale on Hillcrest/Garage Sales |
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YWCA
offers Summer Food Program
This year, the Summer Food Program at the YWCA will be offering breakfast
and lunch during the program. The program begins Monday, June 9, and ends
Friday, August 1. The program hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will enjoy healthy meals, games, field trips, swimming, crafts, mentoring, and self esteem-building activities. All activities are well supervised by qualified mentors, supervisors, and lifeguards. The meal service portion of this program is provided without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Any one who believes they have been discriminated against should write immediately to the administrator, Food Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
The YWCA is a not-for-profit organization and is funded by the Van Wert
County Foundation, and the United Way Agency. |
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Venedocia
Lions give to senior center "The Venedocia Lions Club is a good example of the great things happening in our community," said COA Executive Director Cindy Wood. "We're very appreciative to the club, not only for its donation to our new building fund, but for the many other good works the club is involved in." The Council is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that assists area senior citizens with transportation, chore work, information and referral, and many other services. The COA also provides a daily meal site for those ages 60 and over. For more information, call 419.238.5011.
The Venedocia Lions Club is a regular contributor to charitable works in the
community. The club has also been instrumental in providing wheelchair ramps
for disabled people in the community. |
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VW Boychoir announces spring concert The Boychoir is in its fourth successful year and is directed by Brian Anders of Lima. Melissa Clay accompanies the group. A free-will offering will be taken and refreshments will be served following the concert. The Boychoir recently hosted the All-Ohio Boychoir Festival with choirs from Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Parma performing. A non-profit organization, the goal of the Boychoir is to provide an opportunity for boys of all backgrounds to participate in a quality musical, cultural, and educational experience. The group has sung for various organizations throughout the community and has performed with the Lima Symphony. The Boychoir is looking for additional members and will be hosting its third annual Boychoir Camp on August 6-8. The choir is open to any interested boy in grades 3-6. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 4-5:15 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church.
For additional information
about the Van Wert Area Boychoir, please contact Arla Allen at 419.238.6695.
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Buehrer on
transportation task force “This is a tremendous opportunity to have a hand in the future direction of our state’s transportation system and, most importantly, be a voice at the table to represent the interests of northwest Ohio in important discussions that could impact the quality of life in our region,” said Buehrer, who is Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. The 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, which was established by the Ohio Department of Transportation, will focus on several key transportation issues, including the development of a safe, reliable, multi-modal system of transport, finding a sustainable funding source for future highway projects and using the state’s transportation infrastructure to spur economic growth in our local communities. The group will be responsible for presenting recommendations to the Governor, Legislature and the Ohio Department of Transportation. “A safe, easily-accessible, well-funded transportation system is paramount to our state’s economic success, particularly the ability of rural communities to attract business investment and create jobs,” explained Buehrer. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the task force to develop a comprehensive plan for Ohio’s transportation future that is mindful of our economy, the use of taxpayer dollars and the needs of our local communities.”
The Transportation Priorities Task Force held its inaugural meeting on May 7
at the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Central Office in Columbus.
Buehrer noted that the committee will also hold six regional public meetings
across the state in the coming weeks to gather public input and discuss
ideas, including a meeting on June 10
at the University of Toledo. For more information, visit
http://transportationfortomorrow.ohio.gov. |
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'Healthy Minds' exceeds expectations “We were hoping for 30 children, and we far surpassed our goal,” says Tonia Verville, co-coordinator of the event. “We are so glad that the Van Wert community sees the value of promoting positive emotional health in their young children.” Westwood providers administered several screening tools, including the Parenting Stress Index, Conner’s Behavior Rating Scale, and Devereux Early Childhood Assessment. Also on hand for the day was Cheryl Stauffer of Help Me Grow, who provided the Ages & Stages Social and Emotional screening questionnaire. Vantage Career Center students enrolled in the Early Childhood program were on hand to help distribute materials, popcorn, cotton candy, and crafts. There was plenty to keep children busy while their parents were completing screenings, including a bounce house and several carnival games. Westwood hopes to make this an annual event, designed to aid families in identifying the strengths and any areas of need with the mental health and behavior of their young children. If you missed the event and would like a free mental health consultation for your birth to six year old, please call Westwood Behavioral Health Center at 419.238.3434.
The Early Childhood Mental
Health Initiative, through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the
local Tri-County Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Services Board, funds
the fair and consultations. |
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Homestead Exemption deadline set |
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Latta
opposes housing market bills “The two housing market bills considered by the House today punish American taxpayers who have paid their mortgages on time with a $3 billion tax increase brought on by predatory lending. Part of this massive tax increase will provide cash payments to housing groups who foster this type of behavior, and Congress has the responsibility to put an immediate end to this waste of taxpayer money.”
“Meaningful housing market reform must start with stricter enforcement of
laws to prevent irresponsible lending and better financial education to
consumers. It should also provide a boost to the housing market with
market-based initiatives that have been introduced by my Republican
colleagues.” |
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From Thursday |
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Westwood earns 3-year accreditation
Westwood Behavioral Health
Center is a contract agency of the Tri-County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and
Mental Health Services Board, an agency that serves Van Wert, Paulding and
Mercer counties. |
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Senate
Dems introduce energy bill |
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Vets groups plan chicken BBQ dinner
Proceeds from the dinner will
be used to support 2008 Van Wert County Fair Veterans Day events on Friday,
August 29. |
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VW native part of popular TV show
Jodi Hattery of Van Wert, owner and designer for PNC Boutique, joined with ABC’s “Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition” for the remarkable room transformation for ‘’Princess Abby Usea’’ of Westwego, La. Abigail is the daughter of Brad and Laura Usea, who’s home was badly damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Even worse off was Brad’s mother and two brothers, who were left homeless in the devastating hurricane. The Usea family welcomed them into their single family home, and Abigail gave her Tinkerbell room to her grandmother. Ty Pennington and the ‘’EMHE” crew built not one, but three new homes for the family
on the existing lot, giving them all the space and independence back that they need.
Four-year-old Abigail received a castle inspired room and was gifted with a
dress up box of delights from PNC Boutique (www.pncboutique.com)
by Jodi Hattery. The box contained some of the beautiful items PNC has to
offer, including a rose petal filled tutu, floral halo, and dress up wings,
along with many more goodies.
The
seven-day build will be shown on May 18 at 8 p.m. on ABC, on the two-hour
season
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as
Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its fifth season on ABC. The
program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise
Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of
Endemol USA. |
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Patrol to conduct vehicle inspections |
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City school board sets special meeting 5/7 |
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Red Cross offers CPR/first aid classes
The Van Wert American Red Cross will be giving an adult CPR/AED and first
aid class on Saturday, May 17. The class will be held at the American Red
Cross office, 208 E. Main St. in Van Wert. The CPR session will be from
8:30-11:30 a.m. The first aid session will be from noon-2 p.m. Call the
office at 419.238.9977 to register. The Van Wert American Red Cross is a
United Way supported agency. |
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Search for the Buckeye Contest This is the third year for this contest, which highlights a tree on public or school property somewhere in the county that can be found through clues given each week
during May. The end of the contest is Friday,
May 23. Clue for Week No. 1 I'm a Buckeye Ohio's state tree You'll find me living Among other trees Clue for Week No. 2 I’m a stately tree Standing tall and proud. My quiet school grounds Are never too loud. |
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YWCA
announces membership special |
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VWCT Play
Review
For
The Van Wert independent
One again, the cast and
crew of Nunsensations deserve congratulations for a unique and
fun-filled show. |
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VFW sets Buddy Poppy sales days Auxiliary, and VFW Men’s Auxiliary will be having their annual Buddy Poppy Sales. The
event will take place 10
a.m.-noon on May 9 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 10.
Poppies will be available, for a donation, during the above listed times.
The funds collected will go into a general Veterans Fund. This fund is used
to support any and all veterans or their families who are in need of
assistance. The VFW will accept any size donations that are given. |
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DAV schedules election of officers
The
Van Wert County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 54 will be holding its
annual chapter election of officers. They will take place at 7:30 p.m.,
Tuesday, May 20. Elections will be held at the monthly chapter meeting,
located at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, 111 N. Shannon St. in Van
Wert. Nominations will be for the following positions: · Commander · Senior Vice Commander · Junior Vice Commander · Treasurer · Adjutant · Trustee (three-year term) 5/2 |
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Senate OKs Healthy Start legislation “Healthy Start is essential in helping our nation’s most disadvantaged children survive infancy and live longer, healthier lives,” Brown said. “Healthy Start does more than just help pregnant women cope with pregnancy; it is there for women regardless of their financial or living situation. This bill advances the public health and promotes the common good.” The Healthy Start program began in 1991, however its authorization lapsed at the end of FY 2005. The legislation introduced by Brown and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) reauthorizes the program for five years and updates the funding level to better reflect current needs. Healthy Start operates in 97 communities in 37 states and has been successful in reducing infant mortality. Healthy Start programs exist in areas where the infant mortality rate is above 150 percent of the national average. This legislation would include new projects to accelerate progress in reducing infant mortality. The bill would include a 20 percent increase in funding for the Healthy Start program, authorizing it at $120 million. While the U.S. is the wealthiest nation in the world, it ranks 28th among industrialized nations for infant mortality, cites the World Health Organization. Low birth weight is one of the main contributors to infant mortality and disproportionately affects low-income communities. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, high rates of infant mortality disproportionately affect African Americans, where there are 14 deaths for every 1,000 infant births, compared to 5.7 deaths for every 1,000 births among whites.
Healthy Start is rooted in a community-based approach to address infant
mortality including initiatives that engage social workers, medical
providers, and members of the entire community. One of the main goals of
Healthy Start is to help ensure women receive prenatal care during the first
trimester of pregnancy. |
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CHP offers support group for diabetics
The
meeting will be an open forum for those with diabetes to ask questions,
voice concerns and share information. |
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Red Cross
plans additional blood drive |
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Master
Gardeners to host lunch event |
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Locals may have unclaimed funds Treasurer Fuerst has the complete list in her office of residents whose unclaimed amount is $50 or more, as well as those whose amount is less. She suggests that the fastest and easiest way to see if a county resident or a family member might be listed is to go to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds, website at www.unclaimedfundstreasurehunt.ohio.gov.
Van Wert County currently has
more than 3,000 names with a total of $442,874.77 in unclaimed funds. For
more information, contact the treasurer’s office at 419.238.5177 or stop at
the office, located in Room 200 of the Courthouse. |
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Rotary seeks 4 for foreign exchange Through the programs, teams of young professionals from two different countries exchange visits. For four weeks, team members experience the way of life, customs, and vocational practices of another country, while sharing information about their homeland. The purpose of the Group Study Exchange program is to promote international understanding and goodwill through personal connection. While abroad, team members stay in Rotarians’ homes and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts. They also give presentations to Rotary Clubs and other groups about their home country. The Rotary Foundation pays for round-trip airfare, and Rotary club members in the host country provide meals, lodging and group travel in their district. Team members pay for personal and incidental expenses. Young adults between the ages of 25 and 40 who are interested in applying should be employed full-time in a business or profession. Applicants must live or be employed in northwestern Ohio.
For an application, contact
Stan Agler in Van Wert at 419.238.5585. Applications are due by May 15. |
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C'view sets dual credits info meeting This meeting will discuss Crestview’s working relationship with Wright State University-Lake Campus for the 2008-2009 school year and the opportunity to earn college credit while taking classes at Crestview.
A representative from Wright
State University will be available to answer questions and enroll students
in the program. |
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Nursing
scholarships now available |
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With disasters looming, give blood now
of 10,000 thunderstorms,
5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes and an average of six deadly hurricanes. |
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Relay for
Life events announced Many teams are working on local fundraising and events to kick off Relay weekend. Lincolnview Local Schools is kicking off its mini-Relay week with a vendor fair on Monday, May 5, from 5-8 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Other events planned include onsite entertainment, food sales, massages, a performance by Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks dancers and the TRSS Drum Corps, a survivors’ walk, and a Kids for a Cure lap. The firefighters union is selling tickets for chicken dinners (those can be purchased at the Van Wert fire station in the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.), all night scrapbooking and duck races. Mark the calendar and plan to support these great events!
For more information, contact Amy Schroeder, event chair, at 419.203.2268,or
Amber Davis, co-chair, at 419.203.3957. |
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DARE
officers team up with Wizards |
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Road
portion closed for bridge work |
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VW Legion post now has own website |
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YWCA offering college scholarship |
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SWCD
offering college scholarship |
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Convoy
Preschool taking registrations |
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Foundation has list of college grads |
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Rep. Latta establishes district offices U.S. Representative Bob Latta has announced the locations of three district offices in the 5th Congressional District. The offices, located in Bowling Green, Defiance and Norwalk, provide constituents with easy access to Latta and his district staff. “I am excited to announce the opening of my district offices,” Latta said. “With three locations throughout the Fifth District, I will be even more accessible to constituents to provide assistance with federal agencies, military academy appointments, and casework.” The district office addresses are as follows:
Latta also released an
Ohio toll-free telephone number for constituents to call. That number is
1.800.541.6446. |
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Ohio City improves village website |
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Former C'view
supt.'s condition better |
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APL Pets for Adoption |
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The Animal Protective League has available for adoption the following pets: CATS :Morris, a 1-year-old male orange cat. Kita, a 2-year-old female Akita. Ava, an 8-month-old female coon dog/Labrador mix. Chief, a 14-month-old neutered male boxer/collie mix. For more information on these pets
and others not listed call 419.495.2392, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
weekdays (NO CALLS BEFORE 9 a.m. OR AFTER 5 p.m.). Correspondence should be directed to: The Animal Protective
League, P.O. Box 321, Van Wert, OH 45891. |
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Stories for May 2008 (click here) |
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Stories for April 2008 (click here) |
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Stories for March 2008 (click here) |
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Stories for February 2008 (click here) |
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Stories from January 2008 (click here) |
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Stories from December 2007 (click here) |
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Stories from November 2007 (click here) |
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Stories from October 2007 (click here) |
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Stories from September 2007 (click here) |
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Stories from August 2007 (click here) |
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