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Long criminal history earns prison time

An Indiana resident with a long criminal history got an unpleasant surprise Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court: a prison term on a relatively minor felony charge.

Brandon J. Homister, 24, of Columbia City, Ind., was sentenced to nine months in prison on a charge of complicity in forgery, a fifth-degree felony offense.

Although fifth-degree felonies usually result in a community control sentence, Judge Charles D. Steele noted that Homister’s past criminal history, which dates back to 2003 and includes felony theft and burglary charges and trespassing counts, as well as a conviction for promoting prostitution, indicated he was not amenable to community control.

In addition to the prison sentence, Homister will also have to make restitution to First Federal Savings & Loan for $326, the amount withdrawn from that financial institution via a bank debit card stolen on January 3. According to court records, Homister assisted a woman in the use of the debit card, which was originally in a purse stolen from a vehicle parked outside Hat Creek Arena.

Homister, who was given credit for time served while awaiting sentencing, was visibly upset and was weeping after the sentence was imposed.

Two others were sentenced on Wednesday and both drew community control sentences, as well as terms in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima.

Nicholas Metcalf Jr., 28, of Van Wert, was placed on three years of community control on a charge of forgery, a fifth-degree felony offense.

Metcalf was indicted in connection with the use of a credit card belonging to a relative to charge $314 worth of items and the forging of the relative’s name on a receipt. Metcalf’s attorney, W. Edward Hatcher, said his client’s underlying problem was drug addiction, and asked that Metcalf be placed in some type of rehabilitation program.

In addition to the WORTH Center term, Judge Steele also ordered Metcalf to undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any rehabilitation programs recommended. He must also make restitution in the amount of $314 to Wells Fargo Bank.

Terry Short, 38, of Lima, was also placed on three years of community control and must also spend up to six months at the WORTH Center on a charge of nonsupport of dependents, a fifth-degree felony offense.

According to records of the Van Wert County Child Support Enforcement Agency, Short owes back child support in the amount of $20,077.43. Short must also perform 200 hours of community service and remain current in his child support payments.

A deferred 12-month prison sentence was also imposed in the case.

One of four Fort Wayne, Ind., teens accused of a series of cell phone thefts pleaded guilty to a related charge on Wednesday.

Jazlyn Boykin, 18, who entered a guilty plea to a charge of complicity in theft, a felony of the fifth degree, was one of four teenage girls apprehended for the theft of cell phones from Centennial Wireless in Van Wert. The total value of the phones stolen was placed at $1,377.96.

A presentence investigation was ordered in the case and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 12 (click here for more plea changes).
7/2

Shown are (from the left) Dr. Shad Foster, DDC; Deb Russell, executive director of United Way of Van Wert County; and Dr. Adam Osenga, DDC. (photo submitted)

FFC announces United Way promotion

Foster Family Chiropractic Center is holding patient specials for both new and existing patients.  All proceeds from these patient specials will be donated to the United Way of Van Wert County.

 “We are looking forward to donating all proceeds from these patient specials to our local United Way – especially in these trying economic times when our local United Way program has a projected deficit,” stated Dr. Shad Foster. “It is important to us to be able to provide our patients with such a great deal, while also helping a local organization.”

For new patients, the special will be held from July 13-18. Each new patient will receive case history, medical exam, x-rays (if medically necessary) and coordination of care for a $20 donation to United Way.

Existing patients of Foster Family Chiropractic Center who schedule their appointments for Tuesday, July 14, will receive adjustments for a donation of $20 to the United Way. Medicare and Medicaid patients are not permitted to participate due to federal law.

For more information about these patient specials and more on chiropractic care, call 419.238.6686 or visit www.fosterfamlychiropractic.com.  Please call to schedule an appointment and help out the United Way.
7/2

Blood donations also American tradition

Helping to save lives through blood donation is as much a part of summer as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie.

 “You can make a huge difference and help save a life this summer through the simple act of giving blood,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Every day, someone’s mother, father, child or friend needs blood for their very life.  Your blood donation has the potential to impact others when they need it most.”

Hospital patients need blood year-round for ongoing and emergency care. But that need compounds in the summer when vacation-related travel and activities increase the chance of serious accidents that require blood for lifesaving care. A person injured in an automobile accident, for instance, may need up to 40 units of blood.

 “It’s critical for blood to be there when it’s needed,” said Whitman. “In some cases, blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death.”

Every day, patients across the U.S. need an average of 38,000 pints of blood. And while the need for blood doesn’t go away during the summer, blood donors sometimes do. Donors become busy with seasonal activities and may overlook donating blood. High school and college students, too, are on break and may not have the opportunity to give. About 15 to 20 percent of the blood supply is donated by students through drives scheduled at schools, colleges or universities.

 “We’re asking students and all eligible donors to make donating blood part of what they do this summer,” said Whitman. “Wherever your travels take you, chances are there’s an American Red Cross blood drive close by.”

Through September 7, donors who give blood through the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross will be entered to win a weekly drawing for a $500 Meijer gift card.

Click here to see a list of upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in the area. 
7/2

License bureaus have holiday closings

There are a number of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle Deputy Registrar locations across the state that may be closed due to the Fourth of July holiday. While many agencies will be closed Friday, July 3, approximately 80 agencies will be open around the state, but may have limited hours. Saturday, July 4, all agencies will be closed.

Customers should call ahead to their local deputy registrar to verify that location is open on July 3. A list of deputy registrar locations and phone numbers can be found online at: http://bmv.ohio.gov/county/cnty_lst.htm. Deputy registrars are contracted agents that offer driver license, state identification card and vehicle registration services in each county of the state for the BMV.

Those customers with questions regarding BMV service issues are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.bmv.ohio.gov or call the customer service line at: 614.752.7500.
7/2

2009 OFFD celebration offers lots to do

This is a big week for celebrations. Not only will the Holiday at Home Fourth of July celebration be held this weekend, but Old Fashioned Farmers Days is also on tap, starting today and running through Sunday, July 5.

Old Fashioned Farmers Days will include a number of events and activities, including a quilt show, blacksmith Bob Bowlby, chainsaw sculpting by Chuck Sclipen, plenty of entertainment, including the Sound Wave barbershop chorus, popular Banjo, Fiddle and Harmonica Contest, The Bavarian Brass Polka Band and Harmonica John and Nancy (click here for a full schedule of events).

There will also be adult and kiddie tractor pulls, a quilt and needle arts show, a car show, music and games from the 1950s, a cow milking demonstration, antique car races, the Draft Mule and Draft Horse Show, Animal Land, a Mule and Donkey Show, and a children’s pet show.

“Hot Shot the Clown” will also be on hand each day of the four-day festival, held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, while there will also be a trading post and flea market, free barrel rides, gas engines, threshing demonstrations, a sawmill, daily music and other entertainment, corn shredding and a number of food vendors.

A garden tractor display will also be featured this year.

Admission prices are as follows: Single admission – $3 per person; 3-day pass – $7 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Passes are sold in advance at the Fair Board office on the fairgrounds.

Those wanting to camp at the fairgrounds during Old Fashioned Farmers Days can do so at a rate of $5 a day during the event (including electricity) or $14 a day before and after OFFD.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the fairgrounds during the event.
Updated 7/2

Chamber sets 2009 Golf Classic date

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2009 Golf Classic will be held at the recently refurbished Hickory Sticks Golf Club. One of Van Wert’s favorite golf outings, the Golf Classic brings together area business professionals for 18 holes of competitive golf, contests, and prizes. 

The Classic will be held Wednesday, July 15, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. Rain date is Wednesday, July 22.

 “We have an exciting and competitive Golf Classic planned for this year,” said Chamber President Kate Gribble. “The committee has worked hard to add a few new and fun dynamics to this year’s event. We’re looking forward to bringing area business professionals together on the new and improved Hickory Sticks golf course.”

All players of any skill level are welcome to compete. The Golf Classic is only open to the first 144 players, so early registration is encouraged. The outing format will be “best ball scramble” and will include a variety of contests including longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin and a Hole-in-One contest sponsored by Greve Chrysler.  Additionally, Fantasy Golf Cards will be played, there will be Mulligans for sale, a “Beat the Pro” contest will take place and there will be a competition for skins.

 “Plans for this year's Golf Classic are progressing well and the Chamber Golf Committee is looking forward to a fun and successful event,” said Shonda Vorst, Golf Committee chair. “The Van Wert business community has been very responsive regarding donations and sponsorships and we appreciate the support.  We’re looking forward to playing on the improved Hickory Sticks course and we've added some fun new contests.  We encourage businesses to register their team early so they don't miss out on the fun!”

Following the Golf Classic, participants and volunteers will enjoy a meal catered by Willow Bend Country Club and prizes will be award for first, second, and third place teams.  

Different levels of sponsorship, including hole sponsors and silent auction sponsorships, are still available.  Call the Chamber today at 419.238.4390 or visit the Chamber website at www.vanwertchamber.com for more information.

The mission of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is to aggressively promote the interests of the business community.
7/1

Buckeye Youth announces fundraiser

Buckeye Youth Inc., a non-profit local youth organization, will be serving grilled ground chuck burgers, jumbo hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and homemade pies at the concession stand at Fountain Park this Saturday, July 4, during the car show and after the parade. 

The organization will also be serving food at the concession stand during the Youth on Fire Christian concert at Fountain Park on Saturday, July 25, from 5-10 p.m. 

Buckeye Youth is a United Way agency and receives additional funding from The Van Wert County Foundation.
6/30

Local Red Cross offers CPR/AED class

The Van Wert County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering a CPR/AED class for the professional rescuer and health care provider on Saturday, July 25. This is a two-year certification and meets the requirements for all health care students and professionals. Class times are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Call the local Red Cross chapter at 419.238.9977 to register. Class size is limited. The Red Cross is a United Way agency.
6/30

Summer Reading Program activities set

Children involved in this week’s Summer Reading Program activities at Brumback Library will go fishing on Tuesday with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, see Ice Age 3 at the Van Wert Cinemas on Wednesday and Thursday, and listen to “I am the Music Man” with the Girl Scouts and hear a presentation by “Professor Wormbog” – both of those on Monday. Preregistration is required for the Professor Wormbog presentation and to see Ice Age 3 at the Van Wert Cinemas.

All of those activities will be at the Main Library in Van Wert, while each of the library’s five branches – Convoy, Ohio City, Middle Point, Wren and Willshire – will also have a variety of activities on tap this week (click here for a full schedule of activities). In addition, children from all six library branches will have an opportunity to see Ice Age 3 at the Van Wert Cinemas.
6/29

WSU group to perform at Lake Campus

Wright State University’s Lake Campus will host the Wright State University “Fight Club” for a free outdoor concert on Friday, July 10, at 7 p.m. in the Crown Amphitheatre.  Lawn and bleacher seating is available; patrons are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. 

Performing a capella pop, barbershop and classical doo-wop songs, the “Fight Club” was created in spring 2008 when members of the WSU Men’s Chorale recognized an opportunity to bring music to local schools. This mission allowed the group to perform recently for the Lake Campus Junior Scholars.  The group, consisting of all WSU students and Men’s Chorale members recently won the Dayton Daily News/Dayton Dragons National Anthem Competition.

Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer, who collaborated with the Dayton Music Department to bring the performance to Mercer County, hopes to see more concerts in the future. 

“Our outdoor Crown Amphitheatre is just a wonderful setting – the venue overlooks Grand Lake, and the acoustics are good,” Dean Sayer said. “Plan to come to campus to hear some good singing under a beautiful summer sky!”

In the event of inclement weather. the performance will be canceled; refer to the Lake Campus website and local media for updates. 
6/29

Budget plan threatens libraries

One of the casualties of Ohio Governor Strickland’s attempts to overcome a $3.2 billion state budget deficit could very well be the first public county library in the United States.

Brumback Library – like most other public libraries around the state – is facing the most serious challenge in its 108-year-old history as the governor seeks what amounts to a 50-percent cut in the Public Library Fund (PLF). The PLF provides the majority of funding for the local library and most others in the state.

 The cuts, which would amount to $200 million over the two-year biennial budget, were called “totally unacceptable” by Michael Zedaker, president of the Brumback Library Board of Trustees.

In a letter to the governor, Zedaker criticized the governor for the depth of cuts he is proposing to the PLF.

“Since 2002, the Brumback Library, like each of Ohio’s 251 public libraries, has experienced funding freezes and cuts, but the budget proposal which you unveiled … is the most disturbing of all!” Zedaker wrote. “Considering the fact that Ohio’s libraries have already struggled to make ends meet over the course of the past few months with a 20 percent decrease in funding, it is totally unacceptable to cut the PLF by another 30 percent.”

Noting that the local library serves 23,000 patrons and had 1,571 children enrolled in its Summer Reading Program alone last year, Zedaker added: “The Brumback Library exists to nurture and sustain a love of reading, learning and discovery. Where would these people go, or what would they do if Ohio’s libraries disappeared?”

Local attorney Eva Yarger, who currently serves as vice president of the library board, was also deeply concerned about the situation. “Van Wert has suffered enough in this economy without having to lose our library, too,” she noted. “The library staff help people every day with their unemployment claims, cover letters and resumes for jobs.

“Also, I know people who have cut back on everything else – every other extracurricular activity – and the only thing left is the library,” Yarger added. “This is not cutting fat; the governor is cutting muscle and bone.”

Library Director John Carr said Brumback Library has already been hit by budget cuts, losing $80,000 in funding since January of this year alone, with more than $100,000 yet to follow.

“Now, with Governor Strickland’s latest proposal, our very existence is threatened,” Carr noted. “There is no possibility that our library system, or any of the state’s public library systems, can effectively keep their doors open if they lose 50 percent of their operating incomes.”

Ironically, library use is at record levels, with more and more people availing themselves of Brumback Library’s services.

Carr said that a 50-percent cut in library funding would result in the following:

• Between 7 and 9 of the library’s 17 staff members would lose their jobs

• Branch library service would experience cuts in hours and services

• Main Library hours would be drastically cut

• Up to a 60 percent decrease in the library’s materials budget, resulting in fewer new books, CDs, DVDs and other materials

• Programming, outreach services and a wide array of activities would be severely restricted

With just days left before action is taken by state legislators, Brumback Library's staff and its Board of Trustees are asking local library patrons and community residents to contact legislators immediately to voice their opposition to further cuts in library funding (click here for legislator addresses/email addresses).
6/24

Real estate tax bills due this month

Van Wert County Treasurer Beverly Fuerst has announced that real estate tax bills have been mailed and are due Wednesday, July 15.

If a property owner has not received a tax bill they should call the Treasurer’s Office immediately at 419.238.5177.  Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse failure to pay or delay in paying taxes, nor does it avoid any penalty incurred for that delay.  In the case of mailed payments, they must be postmarked on or before July 15 to avoid any penalty.

Taxpayers are reminded that credit card payments will not be accepted in the Treasurer’s office.  Those wanting to use a credit card to pay their taxes can do so by visiting the Treasurer’s website at www.vanwertcounty.org.  There will be a convenience fee charged for this service.

Fuerst encourages taxpayers to contact her office should they be interested in a monthly prepay tax installment plan or if they would like to have their taxes automatically debited from their bank account each month.  

For more information, call the above telephone number or email the treasurer at treasurer@vanwertcounty.org for more information. Fuerst also reminds taxpayers that the Courthouse will close at noon every Friday.
6/24

Auditor: House photographers coming

Van Wert County Auditor Nancy Dixon has announced that photographers will be out this summer taking photos of properties. The photos will be used over the next couple of years to assure the accuracy of the auditor’s real estate records in preparation for the revaluation of 2011.

Photographers will carry ID badges and their vehicles will be marked “County Revaluation Appraisers”, but only photos will be taken at this time.

The photography will begin in the city of Van Wert and move out into the townships. For more information, contact the Auditor’s Office at 419.238.0843.
6/23

Day camp planned for grieving youths

Community Health Professionals’ Hospice will conduct a day camp for bereaved youths on July 14-16, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at Camp Clay, 9196 Liberty-Union Road, just west of Van Wert.

 “Rays of Hope” camp is for young people ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives and will help youths gain support, friendships and a better understanding of the grief process, according to Jeanie Saum, RN, CHP Hospice coordinator. Most importantly, Saum says, the grief camp provides an environment where kids can express openly their feelings of loss; sometimes for the first time.

A variety of activities including swimming, boating, ropes course, crafts games and more will be offered. The camp is open to youths from Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties at a cost of $20 for one family member, $25 for two and $30 for three or more. No one is denied due to financial need, Saum said.

For more information about “Rays of Hope” Grief Camp, call 419.238.9223 or 800.417.9295 or go online at www.comhealthpro.org.
6/23

Middle Point now under boil advisory

The village of Middle Point is under a boil advisory until further notice due to a water main break Monday evening.
6/23

From Monday

YWCA seeks aid on sustaining campaign

After many years of providing services to low-income women and their families, the YWCA is seeking help itself to maintain the successful programs it has developed to serve the growing needs of that population (click here for an editorial on the subject).

The YWCA is currently in the midst of its first-ever sustaining campaign that officials of the organization hope will provide money to help fund its highly successful housing and Summer Food programs, as well as provide a replacement for a 16-year-old van and help with repairing the Van Wert facility’s roof.

Jennifer Jackson, executive director of the YWCA, said with needs for its programs at an all-time high, the budget of the nearly 100-year-old non-profit agency is being strained to the maximum providing services to needy women and children in the area.

“I’m not talking about an operating budget to give myself or anyone else a raise,” Jackson said, noting that the YWCA has not raised its rates since 2006 in an effort to keep its services affordable to low-income area residents.

The local YWCA has borrowed the theme of the national organization’s 150-year anniversary this year: “Strong Alone, Fearless Together” – a phrase that aptly describes the commitment of the YW in helping those in the community who are often unable to help themselves.

Two programs that especially stand out as examples of the YWCA’s commitment to those less fortunate in the area are its housing and Summer Food programs.

The housing program, which has been in existence since George Marsh spearheaded efforts to build the facility back in 1914 (Marsh’s own daughter was one of the early residents), has seen an unprecedented increase in population, with women from neighboring counties also being served, since those counties have no comparable programs.

“We are seeing a tremendous increase in the need for our housing program,” Jackson said, adding that the program currently has a waiting list for women and children with serious housing needs.

The Summer Food Program now underway is, if anything, even more successful. Now in its 14th year, the program is one of the most successful Ohio programs fighting childhood hunger.

“Last year we had 283 children in the program and served 8,956 meals,” Jackson said, noting that she expects those numbers to increase “by at least 25 percent” this year, after seeing a 30 percent increase last year over 2007.

In the first three days of the program, 800 meals were served, with Jackson estimating that 11,000 meals will be served by the time the program ends in August. And all that is done in the YWCA’s 1930s-era kitchen that doesn’t even have a dishwasher.

Not only does the program feed children, it nurtures them as well, providing mentoring and recreational activities to the children. Activities for children include swimming in the YWCA’s multi-level swimming pool and a water slide, as well as K-9 demonstrations, 9-1-1 education, fire safety programs, bowling, nutrition programs from the Ohio State University Extension-Van Wert County office, financial literacy for children, arts and crafts and field trips to the Brumback Library, Van Wert Cinemas, Starr Commonwealth and Olympic Lanes.

While the U.S. Department of Education funds the cost of the meals and the United Way pays for mentors for the program, Jackson said there are lots of other costs associated with the program that the YWCA must fund on its own.

“We’re not complaining, we’re going strong,” Jackson said, while also noting there is an ever-growing need that is being served by the YWCA’s programs and activities.

Neither program is self-sufficient, Jackson added, but said they are critically important to the community and the YWCA is committed to maintaining them as long as possible.

The executive director commended her board members for all their efforts and the time and hours they spend in service to the YWCA and their commitment to its programs.

“We really want to have people say about the YWCA, ‘that is an organization that, when times are tough, I can go there and they will treat me right,’” Jackson said.

She’s also hoping the community will recognize the non-profit agency’s need and help out, even such bad economic times.

Those wanting to give can call the YWCA at 419.238.6639 or stop by at the organization at 408 E. Main St.
6/22

Holiday at Home activities announced

"Holiday at Home” is a Fourth of July celebration that takes place in the Van Wert community.  Stay right at home, enjoy the festivities, and have a great time! There’s something for everyone (click here for a full schedule of events).

This year's activities will begin Friday evening, July 3, in Fountain Park with the Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra and its annual “Star Spangled Spectacular”. 

The Fourth of July celebration begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, located at the corner of Jackson and Shannon streets.  From there, area residents can either take a bike ride (Bob Stanley 419.238.3501) by participating in the Firecracker Bike Tour leaving Jubilee Park at 7:30 for a ride in the county, or take a 1-mile fun run (Dan Brandt 419.238.3615) at 10:30 leaving from behind Brumback Library and traveling down Main Street.

The morning continues at 9 with the DARE Car Show on South Jefferson Street (Keith Allen 419.238.1702). Venture on down to the Van Wert County Historical Museum (Jeanne Zeigler 419.238.4047) on North Washington Street from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and view the crafts and flea market items or have an antique appraised at the “What’s in Your Attic” event in the barn. 

Grab a sandwich or piece of pie at the Van Wert Rotary Club food stand and wander up to Main Street and find a good location to watch the annual Fourth of July Parade (Linda Stutz 419.238.4192), which proceeds on Main Street from Cherry to Shannon. 

After the parade, join the Heart Land Patriots at the Gazebo in Fountain Park for a celebration of the founding of America. Wassenberg Art Center will open its doors from noon-5 p.m. for an exhibit of photography by former resident Susan Miller-Cormier. 

Smiley Park will be alive with activities, from 10 a.m. with a Wiffleball Tournament for three age divisions (Charlie Witten 419.238.9707).  At 4 p.m., the Van Wert Firefighter’s Association with be serving mouthwatering barbecue chicken dinners and carryout will be available. While eating the chicken, enjoy the music of “Shade & Shannon,” with country and rock and even some Elvis music, from 5-7 that evening.  From 7-9 p.m., enjoy the music of local group “One A Chord” and wind up the evening from 9-10:30 with DJ Rich.

CJ’s Shaved Ice, Wistner’s Hot Dog Cart, plus popcorn and beverages will also be served to curb one’s hunger.

Don’t forget to look for a committee member to purchase Duck Race tickets (held at 7:30 p.m. at the Smiley Park pond – John McVay 419.238.4194) Tickets are $2 for adult and $1 for children. Raffle tickets are also available.  Raffle prizes are a “Weekend Staycation” November 28 with a room at the local Holiday Inn Express, dinner for two at Willow Bend and two tickets to the “Spirit of Christmas” performance at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio; second prize is two bicycles – one for him and one for her, while the third prize is golf for four at Hickory Sticks Golf Club.  Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 (Sue Heppeard 419.238.9121 or Linda Stutz 419.238.4192).

End the Fourth of July holiday enjoying the fireworks (made possible by a grant from The Van Wert County Foundation. The colorful display is set to go off at approximately 10 p.m.  Fireworks will be shot from the Van Wert County Regional Airport with parking available at Smiley Park and Woodland Cemetery off Old Tile Factory Road. 
6/20

Summer Reading Program events listed

A pianist and a visit from the Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s Artmobile are highlights of this coming week’s Summer Reading Program activities at Brumback Library.

Pianist Dick McCobb will perform on the grand piano at the Main Library at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, while an origami workshop will also be held that day, starting at 1:30 p.m.

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s Artmobile will roll into town on Wednesday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m., while participants in the Summer Reading Program will also be able to make Creative Collages that afternoon, beginning at 2.

There will also be a variety of crafts program, while the Girl Scouts will be at the library Monday morning for Miss Spider’s Tea Party.

There will also be a full schedule of events at the library’s five branches, located in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire and Wren (click here for a full schedule of Summer Reading Program events for next week).
6/20

CHP plans garage sale/auction fundraiser

Community Health Professionals is having a garage sale/auction on Saturday, June 27, at the Commercial Building on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. The garage sale begins at 9 a.m., while the auction by Bee Gee Realty and Auction Company begins at 10 a.m.

Items in this year’s auction include a red 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a white 1996 Cadillac Eldorado and a new All-Terrain Vehicle sized for a youngster. Other sale items include antiques, collectibles, dishes and glassware, Vera Bradley bags, Vera Bradley bags, a Singer sewing machine, entertainment center, bicycles, toys, craft supplies, a washer-dryer combination, a dishwasher, and more.

Cash, checks (with proper ID) and VISA/MasterCard accepted. Proceeds benefit Community Health Professionals’ Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center building project.
A 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (above), 1996 Cadillac Eldorado and a new ATV (below right) are among the items for sale at the CHP garage sale/auction on June 27 at the Commercial Building on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. (CHP photo)
6/20

Garden club to tour Indiana gardens

The Gardeners of Van Wert County will be taking a day trip to Bluffton and Fort Wayne, Ind., on Thursday, June 25.  Club members will meet at the edge of the Walmart Supercenter parking lot at 8:30 that morning.  Maps will be provided and participants should bring a sack lunch or pick up something along the way. 

Diana Herman’s large perennial garden near Bluffton, Ind., will be the first stop. Gardeners will then travel into Fort Wayne to meet again at the perennial gardens in Foster Park. Lakeside Park’s beautiful rose gardens will be the next stop. One of these parks will provide a perfect setting for lunch, so bring a lawn chair. 

At 1:30 that afternoon, the final planned stop is a guided tour of the Master Gardeners’ display on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne.

Anyone, whether a garden club member or not, is welcome to join the group for the day. Fort Wayne is justly proud of its lovely park gardens and local gardening aficionados will be able to get many ideas from the tour. Bring a camera and the flowers will pose.
6/20

Crossroads Festival coming in August

Come join in the celebration of Van Wert’s Crossroads Festival weekend at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

The 127 Yard Sale will begin the weekend events, starting Wednesday, August 5, in the Commercial Building. This sale will continue until Saturday, August 8.  Those with items they would like to sell and who would like to rent a table, should contact Ann Marshall at 419.238.4551 or the Fair Board office at 419.238.9270. Sale hours for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Saturday hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. This is an opportunity to get a jump on the Highway 127 and Lincoln Highway yard sales.

Along with the yard sale, a craft show will be held featuring local and area crafters. The craft show will be held in the Junior Fair Building during the same hours as the yard sale. Various local food vendors will be available Wednesday through Friday. 

The Van Wert County fairgrounds will also be the site of a “truck war” event on Saturday evening, August 8.

The Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to remind the community that there will be a multitude of activities taking place that week in Van Wert County.  In addition to the Yard Sale/Craft Show at the fairgrounds, the Lincoln Highway Yard Sale will also be taking place across Van Wert County on the historic route.  The Lincoln Highway Yard Sale days are Thursday through Saturday.

On Saturday, August 8, the third annual Van Wert Rib Cook-Off will be held at the fairgrounds from noon to midnight. This year’s event will include seven rib vendors, live evening entertainment and a cornhole tournament sponsored by First Bank of Berne with a guaranteed $500 first place prize.

The second annual Wheel-N-Wings Festival will also be part of this weekend. A car show will be held at the fairgrounds and an air festival will take place at the Van Wert County Regional Airport.  More information about this event will be released soon.

The Van Wert Historical Society will hold its third annual Antique Tractor Ride on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kennedy-Kuhn Equipment.  This event is open to any pre-1970 rubber-tired tractor.  Tours and lunch are part of this event.

More information about any of these activities can be obtained from the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 419.238.9378 or at their office located at 136 E. Main Street.
6/18

Holiday at Home parade entries sought

The Van Wert “Holiday at Home” Committee extends an invitation to all to participate in the 26th annual celebration.

The “Holiday at Home” parade will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 4.  Awards will be given for the “Best Marching Unit,” “Best Commercial Entry,” “Best Non-Commercial Entry,” “Best Non-Commercial Entry,” “Best Theme” and “Best Church Entry.”

The parade will begin at Cherry Street and proceed down Main to Shannon Street, disbanding at Jackson Street.

The theme for this year’s parade will be “Honoring Our Veterans – Young and Old”.  Any type of patriotic display will honor the celebration of America’s birth.

All entrants will be notified of line-up times and position numbers prior to July 4.  Any questions should be forwarded to Parade Chairman Linda Stutz at 419.238.4192 before 4 p.m. and at 419.238.2901 after 4:30 p.m. (click here for a parade entry form).
6/17

Animal Protective League has pets

The following pets are available for adoption through The Animal Protective League:

Cats

Mixed breed female, 1 year old, black and white, spayed, shots.

Mixed female, 2 years old, spayed, declawed

Yellow tiger female, tortoise color, 4 years old, fixed, shots

Mixed breed female, 1 year old

Kittens

Mixed-breed female, 2 months old, tiger, black.

Mixed breed male, 6 weeks old, tiger, gray.

Mixed breed males and females, 2 months old, tiger, gray, three black

Dogs

Bear, a 4-year-old make German shepherd.

A 2-year-old male Labrador retriever.

Pebbles, a 1-year-old rat terrier, shots.

Bell, a 9-year-old female Dachshund, fixed, shots.

Malachi, a 1-year-old male Lab-Husky mix, shots, black/Husky color.

Jack Rat, 5-year-old male, neutered, black and white.

 For more information on these pets or for those in need of finding a home for their pets, contact the Animal Protective League from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 419.749.2976. Anyone looking for a pet not listed should call to be put on a waiting list in case something becomes available. 

Donations and correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 321, Van Wert, OH 45891.
Updated 6/15

County offices to close at noon Fridays

A number of Van Wert County offices will be closing for a half-day each Friday, starting this week, following the signing of a resolution by the county commissioners last week authorizing a voluntary  "furlough" plan that would result in county employees paid through the General Fund working -- and getting paid -- nine days during each 10-day pay period.

Among the offices affected by the closing are most of those in the Courthouse, including the Treasurer's, Auditor's, and Recorder's offices, Clerk of Courts office, including the title office, the Elections Board, commissioners and Probate-Juvenile Court offices.

Offices not closing this Friday that are under the General Fund would be any court that has cases already scheduled, although the courts will begin scheduling around Friday afternoons after current cases are off the docket. The only General Fund department that has decided not to honor the voluntary furlough, at this time, is the Veterans Service Office, whose board made the decision to maintain staffing, but to take only appointments only on Friday afternoons.

Sheriff Stan Owens is scheduling a half-day off for his deputies, who are cooperating in the furlough event though they are members of the Teamsters Union and have a contract. Those days off will not necessarily be on Friday, however. County Correctional Facility corrections workers, whose staffing levels are mandated by state law, will not take time off, but administrative staff in both the sheriff's department and jail will do so.

Departments not affected by the office closing are the County Department of Job and Family Services, Engineering Department, Community Action Commission, Regional Planning Commission, and Victims of Crime agency, none of which receive a majority of their funding from the General Fund.

County officials are hoping the plan, in conjunction with other cost cutting, will help balance the General Fund budget by the end of the year.
6/9

YMCA sets summer day camp schedule

The YMCA has a series of weekly day camps on tap for this summer for youngsters ages 6-12, starting this coming Monday.

Those youths participating will enjoy a different theme each week, and participate in a number of daily activities, including organized games, arts and crafts projects, field trips and swimming.

According to YMCA Program Director Mitch Price, many of the activities will focus on the YMCA character values of “respect,” “responsibility,” “honesty” and “caring.”

Weekly day camp themes are as follows:

• July 6-10 – Water Works

• July 13-17 – Move, Run, Jump, and Play

• July 20-24 – Girls Camp

• July 27-31 – Super Hero Camp and Hannah Montana Camp

The camps will each run from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Weekly cost is $60 for YMCA members, $70 for YMCA program members and $80 for non-members. In addition, those who sign up for three camps, will get the fourth for half price.

Those interested in signing up for a camp should contact Price at 419.238.0443 or register anytime during the camps.
6/4

Arts-crafters sought for Community Days

The 2009 Convoy Community Days Craft & Vendor Show will be held Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Edgewood Park under the tent.

A two-day fee of $25 payable to Convoy Community Days and mailed to Jason Dettrow at P.O. Box 642, Convoy, OH 45832 by July 1 is required to participate.

For further information, call Dettrow at 419.749.4181. Due to the size of the show, there is a limit of one vendor per product being offered. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. 
6/6

Day of Caring participants sought

What is the Day of Caring? Day of Caring is an annual United Way event that enables people in the community to give back and help those in need. 

The event kicks off with a food drive that aids in stocking The Salvation Army’s food pantry and supplying food to families in need throughout the year. There is also an all-day blood drive held at Trinity Friends Church. 

Finally, on Saturday, United Way agencies team up with organizations and businesses who volunteer their time and work to paint a fence, or take kids on a hike, and other projects that would not get done during the 9-to-5 work day.  

This year’s food and blood drives are being held on Friday, September 25, with projects set for Saturday, September 26. 

For more information or those interested in doing a project, contact Deb Russell at 419.238.6689 or Meghan Dicke at 419.238.6655.
6/5

Wren Wiffleball Tourney photos sought

With the 2009 Wren Homecoming celebration – and its increasingly popular Wiffleball Tournament – just a couple of months away, organizers are asking for photos from past Wiffleball tournaments that area residents are willing to share. The tournament committee is looking for team photos, action shots, photos of fans … whatever people will share. The photos can be recent or “blasts from the past.”

Organizers cannot return photos, so those with photos to share should made copies and send them, with a description, to: Wiffleball Memories, P.O. Box 223, Wren, OH 45899

Photos can also be sent by email (smallest size possible) to jmdavis@woh.rr.com.
6/5

Paulding sheri