2007 Day of Caring event going well
The first day of the United Way’s 2007 Day of Caring went well, officials said. United Way Executive Director Deb Russell said she felt the Food Drive at The Salvation Army brought in more food than last year. Looking around the food-filled sorting area, Russell pointed out areas where food items were up – sometimes in quantity, sometimes in size, sometimes both -- over last year. Russell noted, for example, that there were a number of large jars of peanut butter this year, while there was mostly regular size jars in 2006. The Blood Drive, held in Trinity Friends Church’s Family Life Center, also was looking better than expected earlier in the week. On Monday, there were only about 65 people signed up to give blood. With blood supplies traditionally down in the summer, Red Cross and United Way officials were hoping to get close to the Day of Caring goal of 400 units of blood. By early afternoon, Blood Drive numbers were at 143 donors, with a number of those “double red” donors giving two units of blood. Blood Drive officials were hoping then that, with several hours yet to go, donated units would total 300 or more. Today, several companies and organizations will partner with United Way agencies on Day of Caring projects. One of the larger projects involves two United Way agencies partnering with each other. The Van Wert area Girl Scouts are partnering with the Van Wert County Community Action Commission to collect of winter coats and gently used sports gear and equipment. The winter coats will be distributed through the CAC Clothing Exchange, at no cost, to eligible families. The sports gear and equipment will be distributed to youths in need of specific items such as ball gloves, running shoes, skates, etc. The Girl Scouts will man collection barrels from 10 a.m. until noon today at various locations. Collection barrels can be found at the US Bank office in Convoy and the following Van Wert locations: Save A Lot, 1022 S. Shannon St.; Super Wal-Mart, 301 Towne Center Blvd.; and the County Annex, 114 E. Main St. Other projects include Trinity Lutheran Youth Group’s washing and waxing the local Red Cross chapter’s ERV and van; a “Buddies” project between Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class; Van Wert County Hospital employees washing and waxing the Buckeye Youth van; Braun Industry employees helping paint and landscape the current Habitat for Humanity house at the corner of Sycamore and Wayne streets; Greif Brothers helping rearrange the County Crime Victims Services’ office in the County Annex; and Central Insurance employees painting and cleaning at Wee Care Learning Center on Van Wert-Decatur Road. On Friday, Vantage Career Center’s Student Ambassadors painted rooms and the fence at the YWCA’s My Sister’s House next to the YW on East Main Street. Since its inception a few years ago, the two-day Day of Caring event has been the kick-off to the year’s United Way fundraising campaign and this year is no exception.
Photo captions: Top -- Things were bustling in Trinity Friends Church’s Family Life Center early Friday afternoon during the United Way’s Day of Caring event. Bottom -- United Way Executive Director Deb Russell smiles as she counts up food items brought to The Salvation Army offices on Friday as part of the Day of Caring Food Drive. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/29

'Pitbull' Rife sticks 'Letterman' jump
He could hardly have made it much more exciting if he had planned it. After grazing a taxicab and damaging the rear end of one of his two ATVs, Van Wert’s  Henry “The Pitbull” Rife took the other ATV, named for Howard Stern, and stuck the remaining practice jumps and the official jump on camera over six taxicabs seven hours later for a triumphant appearance tonight on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Plans for the jump changed a bit after Rife and friend Russ Belt arrived at the jump site on Broadway, between 51^st and 8^th streets and outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre where “Letterman” is filmed. For one thing, instead of the 150 feet they originally planned to use as a jump approach, they found themselves with just 60 feet – a fifth of the space Rife normally has to make similar-size jumps. That was increased to a little more than 100 feet after Rife damaged “Bubba,” his favorite ATV. In addition, “Letterman” cameramen cut the number of taxis to be jumped down to six – although Rife still jumped the length of seven taxicabs. “It was incredibly dramatic,” Belt said of the final jump. As a side benefit, Rife got a hug from actor-comedian Jamie Foxx, shook hands with actor Jimmy Smits and got a wave from Paris Hilton outside the theater. One thing he didn’t get to do was meet Letterman himself, who spoke to Rife on camera prior to the final jump. “He was very funny on camera with Letterman,” Belt said of Rife. Security in the area was also very tight, Belt noted – another complication to making the jump -- largely because the Iranian ambassador was staying nearby. The result of the day’s jumping will be seen tonight on “Late Night with David Letterman. The show begins at 11:30 p.m., but Belt said he didn’t know for sure when Rife’s segment will air during the show.
Photo captions: Top -- Henry "The Pitbull" Rife grazes a taxicab on his first practice jump. The local resident would later stick a jump over the distance of seven taxicabs that will be aired on "The Late Show with David Letterman" tonight. Bottom -- Henry "The Pitbull" Rife meets Jamie Fox while filming a jump for the David Letterman television talk show on Monday.At right is Rife's friend and jump coordinator Russ Belt. Photos by Tom Dunlap for the Van Wert independent
9/28

Hospital again hosts kids' health fair
Van Wert County Hospital once again hosted a Pediatric Health Fair for more than 450 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from Van Wert City Schools and St. Mary’s Elementary.  A fire truck, an ambulance, a Fun Run and many other activities were all part of the action packed day. Dr. Matthew Miller, one of the event coordinators for the Kids’ Health Fair, was on hand to answer questions and distribute information about many child and adolescent health and safety topics, including nutrition, injury prevention and playground safety.  “The purpose of the fair is to reinforce the idea that kids can be responsible to take care of their bodies and do it in a fun setting,” states Dr. Miller.  More than 50 volunteers from the community also contributed their time and efforts to help teach and staff information booths.  Students participated in sessions that included: exercise, posture, bike safety, dentistry, not smoking, playground safety, anger management and hand washing. They also participated in a Fun Run and were served a healthy lunch modeling good nutrition that was provided by the hospital.  After returning to their classrooms, students will participate in a health quiz to see how well they remember what they learned at the fair.  One top scorer from each class will be awarded a bicycle helmet. Van Wert County Hospital was proud to help sponsor the annual event, along with Van Wert Medical Services Ltd., Dr. Jerry Burgei, Dr. John Eversman, Cooper Farms, Rambler’s Roost, Wal-Mart, Wendy’s, CVS Pharmacy, Van Wert Bicycle Shop, Central Mutual/Purmort Insurance Agency, Westwood Car Wash and P&R Medical Connection.
Photo captions: Top -- Exercise can be fun, as these local schoolchildren demonstrate during Thursday's Pediatric Health Fair held at Van Wert County Hospital. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent Bottom -- Members of the Van Wert Fire Department talk to children about fire safety during Thursday's Pediatric Health Fair at the hospital. (VWCH photo)
9/28

From Thursday
Chimney rescue
Van Wert firefighters (above) look to see what can be done to free local resident Greg Caldwell from the chimney he’s trapped in at 109 S. Washington St. Caldwell had apparently fallen into the chimney while repairing the roof of the building (click here for more photos and a story). Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/27

From Wednesday
Woman guilty of causing traffic death
A woman charged in connection with the traffic death of a 2-year-old girl pleaded guilty to a reduced charge on Tuesday. Sannita G. Coil, 22, of Paulding, entered a guilty plea to a charge of attempted vehicular homicide, a fifth-degree felony offense. Coil had originally been indicted on a charge of vehicular homicide, a fourth-degree felony, in connection with a fatal accident on July 9. According to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Coil was driving along U.S. 127 when she struck a semi-trailer truck and then a second vehicle. Witnesses to the accident said Coil was talking on a cell phone just before the accident occurred. In addition, Coil’s driver’s license was suspended at the time of the accident. Anaya Hernandez, 2, was killed in the crash, while Coil and an 8-month-old baby were both treated for injuries sustained in the accident. Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing in the case for 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 7. Also Tuesday, Lyda Gaskill, 30, of Van Wert, was sentenced to two one-year prison terms on felony charges of non-support of dependents and a one-year prison term on a charge of failure to appear. Gaskill had originally been indicted on the non-support charges, but failed to appear for sentencing and was then indicted on the failure to appear charge. The two 12-month prison sentences for non-support will run at the same time, while the 12-month sentence for failing to appear will begin after the other sentences had been completed, for a total of two years. Other cases heard Tuesday include the following:

• Jill C. Parsons of Lima entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of non-support of dependents. The indictment was issued in April 2006.

• Dawn Wallace, 40, of Van Wert, admitted to violating her community control sentence by consuming alcohol on September 19. Wallace was resentenced to a year of community control, with an additional 30-day jail sentence to be served at a time to be determined by her supervising probation officer.

• Eric Bowers, 21, of Van wert, admitted to violating conditions of his bond by testing positive for the use of marijuana. Bowers was released on condition he seek treatment for his drug problem.

9/26

From Wednesday
Woman guilty of causing traffic death
A woman charged in connection with the traffic death of a 2-year-old girl pleaded guilty to a reduced charge on Tuesday. Sannita G. Coil, 22, of Paulding, entered a guilty plea to a charge of attempted vehicular homicide, a fifth-degree felony offense. Coil had originally been indicted on a charge of vehicular homicide, a fourth-degree felony, in connection with a fatal accident on July 9. According to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Coil was driving along U.S. 127 when she struck a semi-trailer truck and then a second vehicle. Witnesses to the accident said Coil was talking on a cell phone just before the accident occurred. In addition, Coil’s driver’s license was suspended at the time of the accident. Anaya Hernandez, 2, was killed in the crash, while Coil and an 8-month-old baby were both treated for injuries sustained in the accident. Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing in the case for 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 7. Also Tuesday, Lyda Gaskill, 30, of Van Wert, was sentenced to two one-year prison terms on felony charges of non-support of dependents and a one-year prison term on a charge of failure to appear. Gaskill had originally been indicted on the non-support charges, but failed to appear for sentencing and was then indicted on the failure to appear charge. The two 12-month prison sentences for non-support will run at the same time, while the 12-month sentence for failing to appear will begin after the other sentences had been completed, for a total of two years. Other cases heard Tuesday include the following:

• Jill C. Parsons of Lima entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of non-support of dependents. The indictment was issued in April 2006.

• Dawn Wallace, 40, of Van Wert, admitted to violating her community control sentence by consuming alcohol on September 19. Wallace was resentenced to a year of community control, with an additional 30-day jail sentence to be served at a time to be determined by her supervising probation officer.

• Eric Bowers, 21, of Van wert, admitted to violating conditions of his bond by testing positive for the use of marijuana. Bowers was released on condition he seek treatment for his drug problem.

9/26

County gets grant for MRDD housing
The state Controlling Board has approved the release of $14.5 million to improve housing opportunities for adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities across Ohio. Specifically, more than $6.3 million will be used to help reimburse counties for the purchase of housing for adults with developmental disabilities. In July 2005, as part of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities’ (MRDD) community capital assistance housing program, 55 counties in Ohio applied and were approved for financial assistance to expand housing options for MRDD adults in their communities. The program calls for each county to receive 75 percent of the average cost of a home in that county.  State Senator Steve Buehrer noted that several counties in the 1^st District are slated to receive funding as part of this package, including:

• Auglaize County - $103,043

• Defiance County - $74,981

• Henry County - $78,077

• Van Wert County - $95,005

• Williams County - $83,066

In addition, the Controlling Board approved the release of more than $8.1 million to assist counties with the acquisition and/or renovation of property that will house adults with developmental disabilities who are receiving an Individual Option (IO) waiver as part of the Martin v. Strickland settlement. An IO waiver is a home and community-based Medicaid waiver that provides federal reimbursement for certain Medicaid services in non-institutional settings. In October 2006, a settlement was reached in the federal class action case of Martin v. Strickland, which sought to give Ohioans with developmental disabilities the option of receiving care in a home-based setting as opposed to the traditional institutional setting. Under the settlement, the state will fund an additional 1,500 IO waivers over the next two fiscal years for individuals who are currently in an institution and choose to move, or who will be at risk of being institutionalized but who would choose to be served in a community setting. “This program is more than an effort to provide Ohio’s MRDD community with greater freedom to choose were they live and receive care, it is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Ohio’s home and community-based care system, which has the potential to save Ohio taxpayers millions each year,” said Buehrer. “It is also a positive way to improve infrastructure in our communities.”
9/26

Homecoming candidates
Van Wert High School Student Council is pleased to announce this year’s 2007-2008 Homecoming Court.  Homecoming ceremonies will take place this Friday, September 28, at Eggerss Stadium at 7 p.m. Senior queen candidates are (seated, from the left) Kara Thomas, Heather Farr, and Heather Easley.  Class attendants include (back row) sophomore Megan Freeman, junior Morgan Stemen, and freshman Katie Bono (click here for a larger version of this photo). (Shutterbugg photo)
9/26

From Tuesday
N. Washington St. nears completion
Van Wert City Council got mostly good news Monday during its meeting Monday night in Council Chambers. Perhaps the best news came from Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming, who announced the North Washington Street project should be completed the week of October 15. That’s 15 days ahead of schedule, if weather or other problems don’t result in additional delays. Having to cut the street base deeper in one section moved the project back a few days, but the project was still far enough ahead of schedule to absorb that delay. Fleming said curbs were being poured this week on the last section of the street to be done, from Second Street to the railroad tracks, with paving to come as soon as feasible after that. The safety-service director also noted that work on placing stones along the interior walls of the new reservoir was beginning. Water and Sewer Committee Chairman Chris Wilson had good news for city utility customers. Wilson noted that, because funding sources are adequate to pay for construction of the new reservoir, water and sewer rates should only increase about 3 percent, just enough to cover cost-of-living increases. City Council also adopted seven pieces of legislation on Monday, including supplemental appropriations to fund a couple of city projects. A total of $16,000 was appropriated from excess police and fire pension funds to pay the cost of demolishing the former Van Wert Greenhouse building in the 900 block of George Street, while another $140,000 was appropriated for design and engineering related work on the South Shannon Street reconstruction project. A third appropriation of $115,000 was placed in the wastewater repair and maintenance fund to replace funds used on the Burt Street sewer project. The supplemental appropriations were passed on first and final reading. Also adopted on its first reading was legislation to accept annexation of 1.103 acres in Pleasant Township owned by Trina L. Louth, also known as Trina Miller, and an ordinance appropriating $3,500 for a contract with Burgess & Niple to prepare an application for a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assessment and Cleanup Grant. The money will come from unused funds in the mayor’s account that would have been used to apply for a state Jobs Ready Site grant. However, since attempts to get options on the city’s original 1,900-acre development site failed, that money was never used. Council also passed two measures on third reading. Those included a resolution to accept tax figures as determined by the Van Wert County Budget Commission and certifying those figures to County Auditor Nancy Dixon’s office and an ordinance authorizing Fleming to bid and award contracts on the Bonnewitz Avenue Lift Station project. Council also heard good news from Third Ward Councilman Gary Corcoran, a member of the County Regional Airport Authority, who said federal legislation related to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should have much less of a negative impact on local airport operations. “That’s good news for us locally,” he said. President Bush’s administration had wanted a bill that included large tax increases on aviation fuel and airport user fee hikes. Corcoran said the version passed by the House of Representatives drastically cut fuel tax hikes and also axed the airport user fees. The original bill would have threatened the existence of small airports such as Van Wert’s. The Senate will now begin its debate of the bill. Corcoran also told Council that the Ohio Department of Development had approved the city’s request to expand the boundaries of its Community Reinvestment Area, per discussion earlier this year. Mayor Don Farmer told Council he would be introducing salary legislation for non-union employees before the year is up and also noted that a public records policy was being formulated for the city. The mayor, noting that Monday was National Thank You Day, presented four keys to the city during his administrative report. Corcoran received the first key in tribute to all the work he does for the city. “I really don’t know how you find the time to do all the things you do,” the mayor told Corcoran, who said his efforts were only possible because of cooperation from fellow Council members and the administration. Fleming also received a key for his efforts on behalf of the city, while media outlets were given the other two. Ed Gebert was given a key on behalf of The Times-Bulletin, while Dave Mosier received the last key as a representative of The Van Wert independent and WERT/WKSD radio.
Photo caption: Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer (right) shakes Third Ward Councilman Gary Corcoran's hand prior to presenting him with the key to the city. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/25

VWCS faces future funding shortfall
The financial news wasn’t good for the Van Wert City School District, which District Treasurer Mike Owens says faces a projected funding shortfall of more than $3.5 million over the next five years. Owens, in his last official board meeting as district treasurer, told the three school board members present – Ken Markward, Brent Crone and Linda Owens – that the phasing out of the state’s tangible personal property tax, coupled with rising personnel costs would leave the district with a revenue shortfall of $3.65 million by the year 2012. Personnel costs alone are expected to increase nearly $3 million in that period. Property tax allocations should increase approximately $1 million over the next five years, but that is offset by the loss of an estimated $1.4 million in tangible personal property tax revenues. Owens said it is critical that the current income tax levy be renewed or replaced, since the nearly $2.3 million the levy generates would be needed if the district were to stay in the black. Superintendent Ken Amstutz’s administration provided two options to the board Monday related to the income tax levy. The first option would be to renew the current 1 percent income tax levy, while a second option would replace that levy with one that affects only “earned income” from district taxpayers. However, to generate the estimated $2,263,000 the 1-percent income tax levy brings in, an “earned income” levy would have to have an income tax rate of 1.25 percent. Amstutz said a district advisory committee was being formed to help decide which option would be best for the district. The levy would likely be placed on the March 2008 primary ballot. Also Monday, the school board passed a resolution adopting a new accumulated leave plan that would save the district money when employees quit or retire. Nancy Lautzenheiser was  also hired as an assistant to the school nurse, effective September 17, while a resolution was also approved abolishing part-time evening custodians in the elementary buildings and reorganizing evening custodial work in the elementary schools (click here for more board action).
Photo caption: Van Wert Treasurer Mike Owens (right) sits with his replacement, Mike Ruen, during Owens' last official board meeting as treasurer. Owens is retiring. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/25

Man 'critical' after crash with semi
A Celina man is in critical condition after the sports utility vehicle he was driving went left-of-center and hit a semi head-on on Ohio 118 in Liberty Township early Monday morning. Gregory E. Trego, 35, was driving a 1994 Chevrolet Tracker south on Ohio 118 about 2:30 this morning when he apparently drove left-of-center and hit a northbound 2000 Freightliner semi-tractor truck belonging to Jet Express Inc. of Dayton and driven by Robin D. McKenzie, 36, of Riverside. According to deputies investigating the accident, the semi apparently locked its brakes trying to avoid the crash and slid off the road and into a ditch on the east side of the highway after impact. Trego’s Tracker went off the west side of the roadway and came to rest in front of 14942 Ohio 118. Trego was taken from the scene by the Ohio City EMS squad to Van Wert County Hospital, and was later life-flighted to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind., by Samaritan Medical Helicopter. Parkview officials listed Trego in critical condition as of 3:30 Monday afternoon. Deputies cited Trego for failure to control a motor vehicle.
Updated 9/25

From Monday
Dallas Brass, bands open PAC in style
The opening concert for the first full season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio set a high standard for those that follow. The Dallas Brass put together a marvelous concert, mostly of music on the group’s American Musical Journey CD. From the moment the group walked on stage playing Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” The Dallas Brass had the audience enthralled. Group members – founder Michael Levine on trombone, trumpeters Brian Neal and D.J. Barraclough, Chris Castellanos on horn, Nat McIntosh on tuba and drummer Jeff Handel – put their own inimitable stamp on an incredibly wide-ranging repertoire that included a Sousa march (“Semper Fidelis”), Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther” theme, early jazz standard “12^th Street Rag,” Harold Arlen’s “Over the Rainbow,” Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” a medley of Tijuana Brass songs, music from the John Wayne movie, The Cowboys, and the poignant “Gabriel’s Oboe.” There was even an ultra-modern, hip-hop style piece played on, of all things, the tuba. A favorite of mine was Bennie Goodman’s  “Sing, Sing, Sing,” first of Goodman’s “hot jazz” compositions to take the world by storm in the 1930s. Neal did an outstanding job of replicating Goodman’s soaring clarinet on a piccolo trumpet, Barraclough played trumpet ala Harry James and Handel also did a good Gene Krupa imitation on the drums. Perhaps the climax of the evening, though, was the stirring “American Tableau,” played with members of the Van Wert and Lincolnview bands with a red, white and blue backdrop and flying streamers to accentuate its patriotic theme. Throughout the concert, Dallas Brass members were stunning in their virtuosity while keeping the audience thoroughly immersed in the music. Their sly sense of humor was also evident on many occasions, and kept the audience laughing much of the evening. It was obvious that the group, which had performed a few years ago at the Marsh Foundation Auditorium as part of the Community Concert series, hadn’t lost a step in the intervening years. If anything, the Niswonger enhanced Dallas Brass’ musical efforts with its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. All in all, an extremely satisfying concert; those who weren’t there will regret that absence – perhaps for years.
Photo captions: Top -- The Dallas Brass perform with local musicians from Lincolnview and Van Wert high schools during the season-opening concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Bottom -- The Dallas Brass (from the left) Chris Castellanos, D.J. Barraclough, Jeff Handel (on drums), Nat McIntosh, Brian Neal and founder Michael Levine. (click here for a photo page of the concert). Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/24

Hard work pays off
Even though he had never marched in a football game – ever – Lincolnview High School graduate Zach Profit had a dream: to be one of the Ohio State University Marching Band’s Sousaphone section (above). That dream came true this month for Profit (click here for a feature story and photos).
9/24

New doctor, nurse practitioner feted

Patients and other area residents recently had the chance to meet two new members of Dr. Scott Jarvis’ medical practice. A reception hosted by Dr. Jarvis and Van Wert County Hospital welcomed internal medicine specialist Dr. Muhammed R. Al-Fawakhiri and Certified Nurse Practitioner Chris Ulrich to Van Wert. Dr. Al-Fawakhiri, who prefers to be known as “Dr. Al,” received his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine at Damascus University in Syria, graduating second in a class of 800. Since then, he completed his residency at Fairview General Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic Health System, in 2004 and ran a successful internal medicine office and in-hospital practice in the Cleveland area. He had also served on the Biomedical Ethics Committees in the Cleveland Clinic Health Care System and also had worked as a general practitioner/volunteer in an outpatient setting in the ACCESS Community Health Center in Dearborn, Mich. Both Dr.  Al and Ulrich are now seeing patients at the Van Wert Medical Health Center on Fox Road.
Photo caption: Nurse Practitioner Chris Ulrich (left) and Dr. Muhammed Al-Fawakhiri are welcomed by Georgie Nungester, head of ancillary services at Van Wert County Hospital. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/24

From Saturday
ATV thrill jumper to be on 'Letterman'
A few years ago, it seemed like the only breaks ATV thrill jumper Henry Rife could catch were to bones shattered in a couple of unsuccessful jumps. In fact, after his sister died from an embolism, his father had a serious heart attack and his brother committed suicide, the 1986 Van Wert High School graduate quit doing what he loved – jumping cars, mobile homes, just about anything -- and stuck to his day job: driving a semi for Dedicated Fleet Logistics in Van Wert. However, they don’t call Rife “Pitbull” for nothing. That nickname, picked up during a stint in the Army, describes the feisty, compact, ultra-competitive 38-year-old to a “T” -- both physically and mentally. His full name, John Henry Rife, also leads to a comparison with the “steel-driving man” of legend. With his trademark tenacity, Rife eventually picked up the pieces and, this year, got back into thrill jumping. His luck also seems to have changed with an invitation to jump eight New York City taxicabs on the “Late Show with David Letterman” this coming week. “I keep pinching myself over and over,” Rife said Friday. “This is surreal.” Letterman’s stunt coordinator first learned of Rife’s thrill jumping prowess when he saw a YouTube video of a jump Rife made over 10 autos -- and two young girls -- during Ohio City’s Lambert Days celebration this past summer. That led to a call to an at-first disbelieving Rife and then to two months of preparation – and waiting – while the “Letterman” people got the necessary permits for the jump from New York City officials. Rife had help on the jump planning from local resident Russ Belt, a longtime friend and fellow thrill seeker who spends his spare time, and spare change, building midget sprint cars and racing them at area dirt tracks. Belt built the jump ramp Rife still uses a decade ago and he’s obviously fond of his friend. It’s also obvious, from the way Rife talks about it, that the Letterman jump is a big deal to him. “Not many people get the opportunity to realize their … realize their dream,” Rife said through tears of emotion. “It’s been a long road.” He added, though, that no matter how the Letterman jump goes, he’ll continue doing the thrill jumps he loves. With the number of phone calls he’s been receiving lately, though, it appears as if the local man could be quitting that truck driving job in the future. Rife’s love of jumping goes back a long time: three decades in fact. A faded photo of an 8-year-old Evel Knievel wannabe – dressed similarly to the legendary thrill jumper with a photo of Knievel in his hand -- is just one image of Rife on his MySpace website. Like his idol, Rife started out on motorcycles, but switched to ATVs a decade ago. “I’m going to be the Evel Knievel of ATVs,” Rife said. He’s got a good start, since most of the rest of the hundreds of photos and videos on his MySpace site show some of the approximately 20,000 jumps the self-described “adrenalin junkie” has made over the past 20 or so years. One photo that elicits more than a wince from visitors shows Rife soaring over a mobile home nearly horizontal while his ATV slowly drops away from him. It’s the worst crash Rife has had, leading to serious injuries and weeks of rehab. What was he thinking about while he was – literally – flying through the air? “What was going through my mind was how to save my life,” Rife explained. He not only saved his life, but saved the ATV as well. Surprisingly, considering the number of jumps Rife has made, only a handful were what he calls serious – requiring hospitalization. Meanwhile, the jump he’ll make during a taping session on Monday night will be one of the technically more challenging of his career, mostly because of the relatively small space he’ll be doing it in. The length of the portion of the street near the Ed Sullivan Studio – home of the Letterman show – he’ll be jumping on gives him only about the length of a football field to accelerate to nearly 100 mph, make the 80-foot leap, and then stop before hitting Belt’s trailer, which will be placed at the terminus of the jump to keep Rife’s ATV from barreling into Manhattan traffic. The amount of space is half of what Rife would like to have, but he notes he’s worked out the details about to make a successful jump. If things go as planned, the jump will air on Letterman’s show Friday night. Although nervous – “I haven’t slept in the last week” -- Rife is confident he’ll stick the jump. “I’m not going there to fail,” he said. That doesn’t mean he’s unaware of the risks he takes every time he jumps. “Sure, it’s risky, but life’s a risk,” Rife said. “You can die in your bed.” That’s not for him. “I’m not going to die in bed … I’m not going to die on an ATV either,” Rife added. “I’m going to die an old man … with lots of grandkids.”
Photo captions: Top -- An emotional Henry "Pitbull" Rife shows an inscription in his jacket that shows it was worn in an actual performance by legendary thrill jumper Evel Knievel. Rife has patterned himself after Knievel, an idol of his since he was in elementary school. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent Middle left -- Rife as a kid dressed like hero Evel Knievel with a photo of Knievel in his hand. Middle -- Rife's worst accident. Bottom -- Rife on "Bubba," one of two ATVs he used for jumping. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent (bottom photo)
9/22

Wolfcale Road bridge reopens to traffic
Van Wert County Engineer Kyle J. Wendel announced that the new bridge on Wolfcale Road, between Bergner and Dull Robinson roads, is now open to traffic.  The old steel beam structure, built in 1938, had a load limit of 14 tons and a width of 22 feet between the guardrails. The new structure consists of concrete capped pile abutments and 35-foot reinforced concrete beams manufactured by the county bridge crew.  This is the second bridge built in the county this year with a 30-foot width.  The area west of the bridge will still be under temporary closure during working hours as the county road crew is making ditch improvements along the north side of Wolfcale Road. Harrison Willshire Road remains closed for a bridge replacement between Harrison Center Road and U.S. 224.
Photo caption: This new bridge on Wolfcale Road is now completed and the road reopened to traffic. (County Engineer photo)
9/22

Buehrer seeks Gillmor's job
Democrat Weirach also announces candidacy
State Senator Steve Buehrer Thursday officially entered the race for Congress in Ohio’s Fifth District.  The Fifth Congressional District is comprised of 16 counties and is vacant due to the death of Congressman Paul Gillmor on September 5. “With the untimely passing of Congressman Gillmor, we are left with the task of picking a new person to represent this conservative region of northern Ohio,” said Senator Buehrer.  “I believe my strong conservative record and beliefs closely align with this part of Ohio.” Buehrer will face Ohio Representative Bob Latta, son of former Congressman Delbert Latta, in a special primary this November. Democrat Robin Weirach, who opposed Gillmor in the last two elections, has also announced her candidacy for the position. Buehrer, a sixth generation resident of this congressional district, is known for his tough stands against higher taxes and wasteful government spending.  He has earned the prestigious “Watchdog of the Treasury” three times and was named “Legislator of the Year” by the United Conservatives of Ohio in 2004.  He has a 100-percent pro-life voting record and has stood firmly in defense of the conservative values shared by most families in this region. “I have always stood up for the values of Ohio families,” said Senator Buehrer.  “In the United States Congress, I will continue to defend the conservative principles of this region and continue to promote positive economic growth for Ohio.” Senator Buehrer is considered one of the most knowledgeable and hard working members of the General Assembly and is known for his active presence in the district he represents. He was chosen by his peers as one of the top leaders in the Ohio House and was named “National Legislator of the Year” by state legislators from all over America.  The National Federation of Independent Business recently honored him for his strong efforts in reforming the workers’ compensation system and fighting for Ohio small businesses. A loyal Republican, Buehrer has voted in favor of comprehensive tax reform, but demonstrated his independence when he voted against Governor Taft’s massive state sales tax increase in 2003 and voted against it again in 2005. “More than ever, Ohio needs new fighters who are willing to go to Washington and protect the interests of our state.  The pressure to raise taxes and abandon the principles and values that we share is great,” said Buehrer.  “The families in my area have stood behind me when I made tough decisions in Columbus.  Now I’m asking their support so that I can continue this fight in Washington.” Senator Buehrer served eight years in the Ohio House prior to his election to the state senate.   His previous service included work as an intern in Gillmor’s district.  He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and Capital University Law School.  Senator Buehrer and his wife, Cathy, own a small business and live in Delta, where they are raising their three sons.
9/21

Comedy to open 49th VWCT season
A cast of veterans in a show about a family that can’t seem to get rid of Dad, even after he’s dead, will open Van Wert Civic Theatre’s 49^th season this coming week. Jane Jones directs A Nice Family Gathering by Phil Olsen, which is, of course, anything but nice -- at least to start out. Jack Paullus, a Civic Theatre charter member, heads the cast as Dad, who comes back from the grave to ask a big favor of his youngest son, Carl (VWCT veteran Steve Lane), who he neglected while alive in his search for the Almighty Dollar. The favor: Tell Carl’s mother that he loves her – something he never got around to doing during their 41 years of marriage. However, Dad gets hit with a new development before Carl can do the deed: Carl’s mother has brought a “date” to Thanksgiving dinner. Other cast members include Monica Campbell as Mom, Larry Keltner as Carl’s seemingly more successful older brother, Michael; Angie Lane as Michael’s wife, Jill; Laura Gorman as Carl and Michael’s sister, Stacy; and Allen Chase of Lima as Jerry, a Lundeen family friend – and Mom’s date. Jones, who is assisted by Jane Lianez and Barb East, who also plays an off-stage role as nosey neighbor Mrs. Enquist, said the Lundeen family, while dysfunctional, is probably like many families – especially by the show’s definition. “The show says that any family with more than three members is naturally dysfunctional,” Jones said, noting that the Lundeens are definitely sno exception. It’s a show about “success” and “failure,” and also how family members gradually come to understand each other better. “It’s a great comedy, but also very touching and warm,” Jones said. She also noted that she’s enjoying working with the veteran cast. “It’s a great cast and lots of fun,” Jones said of directing this year’s opening production. A Nice Family Gathering begins Thursday, September 27, and runs through that weekend and the weekend of October 3-6. All performances begin at 8 p.m. except the Sunday matinee, which starts at 2 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling the Civic Theatre box office at 419.238.9689, but Jones said those wanting to see the show better not wait. “I think this one will sell out fast,” she noted. In a switch this year, Patron’s Night will be Saturday, September 29, instead of on Thursday, as in past years.
Photo caption: Stacy Lundeen (left) threatens to “drop trou” during an argument with her family (from the left) brother Carl (Steve Lane), Dad (Jack Paullus, standing), Mom (Monica Campbell), family friend Jerry (Allen Chase), older brother Michael (Larry Keltner, standing) and Michael’s wife, Jill (Angie Lane) during rehearsals for A Nice Family Gathering, Van Wert Civic Theatre’s season-opening production. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/21

From Thursday

Pak A Sak robbery suspect arraigned
A former Paulding County resident was arraigned in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this morning in connection with the robbery of the Citgo Pak A Sak convenience store on North Washington last fall. Christopher Golden, 24, entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment charging him with aggravated robbery. A firearm specification was also included, since a handgun was allegedly used in the robbery, and adds a mandatory three years to any sentence Golden would receive. Golden allegedly entered the convenience store, located in the 800 block of North Washington Street, on the night of October 16, 2006, brandished a firearm and demanded cash from the clerk on duty. Golden and his girlfriend also face charges in Paulding County in connection with a robbery at a State Bank & Trust branch in Oakwood. The FBI apprehended both Golden and his girlfriend in Florida in November 2006 and Golden allegedly confessed to the Oakwood and Van Wert robberies, along with several other robberies. Judge Charles D. Steele set no bond in the case, since Golden is currently incarcerated on other charges. A pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 3.
Photo caption: Former Paulding County resident Christopher Golden appeared in Van Wert Common Pleas Court for arraignment in connection with last year's robbery at the Citgo Pak A Sak convenience store on North Washington Street. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
Updated 9/20

L'view bd. deals with personnel items
The Lincolnview Local Board of Education took care of some personnel items and also heard updates on the district’s construction project during its September meeting. Superintendent Doug Fries told board members that most of the steel columns for the high school-junior high school construction project, as well as roofing materials, are now on-site. Lights have been installed in the main elementary school corridor, while concrete floors, roof decking and the setting of steel beams and exterior concrete walls are also being installed. Fries also discussed the possible use of construction fund interest to enhance the project. No decision was made on that agenda item. The superintendent also informed board members that the district athletic department was looking at increasing “all sports” passes by $5 to offset increased fees for sport officials. High School-Junior High Principal Kelly Dye reported on an anti-tobacco program sponsored by Westwood Behavioral Health Center in which the junior high was participating, while Elementary Principal Bill Kelly reported on the recent elementary school orientation, as well as the planned sixth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. Personnel action taken by the board included granting a two-year administrative contract to district maintenance supervisor/custodian Fred Fisher, effective October 1, and also approved a number of  supplemental and personal services contracts for the current school year. The board also approved modifying the student discipline policy to state the manner and timeframe in which an appeal of a suspension or expulsion can be made to the board, or its designee (click here for more board action).
9/20

Man gets prison for nude videotapes
A Van Wert man who videotaped naked young people in his apartment was given two years in prison during a hearing held Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Roger L. Weddle, 54, was sentenced by Judge Charles D. Steele to a two-year prison term on each of two counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material or performance. The terms will run concurrently (at the same time). Weddle was indicted following a Van Wert Police Department investigation that revealed he had videotaped naked young people who were under the age of 18 in his apartment in May. In addition to the prison terms, Weddle will be classified as a Tier 2 sexual offender, which will require that he register as a sex offender with the sheriff of the count he resides in for a period of 25 years. Weddle was given credit for 160 days spent in jail awaiting sentencing. A Van Wert woman who stole items from a woman living in an area assisted living facility was given a two-year community control term. Renee Triplett, 34, was charged after city police discovered that Triplett stole a small amount of cash from the room of a nursing facility patient. As part of her community control, Triplett will spend 30 days in jail, 30 days on electronically monitored house arrest, perform 200 hours of community service and is prohibited from having a job where she would be working with the elderly. A man who tested positive for drugs while on community control will be going to prison. Eric Farmer, 31, of Van Wert, had an eight-month prison sentence imposed by Judge Steele after he tested positive for drugs while returning to jail from work release. He was given credit for 41 days already served on jail on the charge. Also Wednesday, a former insurance agent pleaded guilty to theft for keeping money given him by a client for an insurance policy premium. James D. Miller, 51, of Celina, entered the guilty plea to a fifth-degree charge of theft. According to Van Wert police, Miller allegedly sold a local resident a life insurance policy in 2003, and the customer paid for the policy in full. However, Miller failed to make the full payment to his company at the time of the policy sale. Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 31 (click here for more court results).
9/20

DARE fishing derby said big success
The second bi-annual DARE Fishing Derby was a big success, said County DARE Officer Keith Allen. On Saturday, there were a total of 39 boats and, on Sunday, 23 boats. The fishing was down from the first derby held, since a weather front that came through Friday night made it a little harder to locate and catch fish. The winner from Saturday was Nick Missler, Keith Stewart, Jim Haskenship, and Tracey Miller. Sunday’s winners were Travis Ellerbrock, Roger Flint, Thanme Plumley, and Ian Bracey, with each winning $100. Allen thanked to the Middle Point Fire Department for helping out with registration and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department’s dive team for standing by. "Also, a big thanks to the Hansons for allowing the derby on the property," Deputy Allen added. "Hope to see all the fishermen back in early May and again in late September."
9/20

Walk raised $6,000 to fight hunger
Over 75 people walked to fight world hunger in the CROP Walk held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds this past Saturday, September 15. More than $6,000 was raised, a quarter of which will be contributed to local food banks. Van Wert is one of nearly 2,000 communities to join in hunger walks this year under the banner of CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty). The event is a program of global humanitarian agency, Church World Service, and was sponsored by local churches and Van Wert Cooperative Ministries. “The CROP Walk brings people together at the community level to walk and the funds are put to work by local agencies in various countries and in the USA,” said Mary Ann Tomlinson, an organizer of the Van Wert event. “It's a grassroots effort that’s all connected through the global Church World Service organization.”
Photo caption: More than 75 people walked to fight world hunger in the CROP Walk held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (photo submitted)

9/20

From Wednesday
Trac owner finally gives official word
After two weeks of silence Trac Inc. owner John Hintz finally made an official announcement Tuesday that the trucking company is out of business. “With much reluctance and sadness, Trac Inc. closed its doors on September 4, 2007,” Hintz wrote in a news release faxed from the local office. “This decision came when financial assistance, which I believed I could get, suddenly and unexpectedly fell through. To put it simply, Trac ran out of money.” Hintz said the lack of operating funds caused the company to immediately cease operations “and stop the employees from working without pay.” Hintz said the move was done under advise from legal counsel. The sudden closure also stranded some truck drivers who were on the road when the news came by in-truck email. Hintz said dispatchers were told to notify drivers that Trac could no longer operate, that they should finish delivering their loads, if they could, and then bring equipment to the nearest terminal or take rigs home like they normally do on weekends. Employees in the Wisconsin facility as well as the Van Wert terminal also have not been paid yet for the last two weeks they worked. The owner of the Menomonie, Wis.-based company added that, when the bank reconciles all receivables owed by the firm, and releases available funds, payroll will then be paid drivers and other employees for the work they did. “It is not clear at this time as to how long this will take,” Hintz wrote in the news release. Hintz stressed that no company funds have been turned over to him. “Under Chapter 11 (bankruptcy), the court will not allow that,” he noted. Hintz said he did everything he could financially to keep Trac operating, noting: “To all the faithful people that have worked for me, and for me, I am truly sorry for the hardship this has caused you.” Another Wisconsin-based company owned by Hintz, Total Quality Components Inc., also apparently ceased operations at the same time as Trac. Hintz apparently received a $100,000 Revolving Loan from the city of Menomonie in May 2005, while the Dunn County, Wis., Board of Supervisors also approved Hintz’s application for Community Development Block Grant funding. Other court actions are pending against Hintz in Wisconsin, while Trac Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Eau Claire, Wis. That case is also pending, according to Trac employees.
9/19

From Tuesday
Bus driver arraigned in Muni Court
A Thomas Edison bus driver who allegedly left a functionally disabled woman unattended on his bus for approximately 4½ hours was arraigned in Van Wert Municipal Court on Monday. Gerald E. Miller, 53, of 1054 S. Walnut St., entered a plea of not guilty to one count of patient endangerment, a first-degree misdemeanor offense. The charge carries with it a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Judge Phil W. Campbell set a $5,000 unsecured personal surety bond in the case, with the added restriction that Miller have no contact with the alleged victim, and scheduled a pretrial hearing for 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 2. According to a Van Wert Police Department investigation, Miller reportedly picked up the 36-year-old disabled woman from her home the morning of September 4, but allegedly left her on the bus from about 9:30 a.m. until 2 that afternoon. The woman was unable to alert anyone to her situation because she can’t speak and is wheelchair bound due to her physical disabilities. Miller reportedly discovered what he had done when he went to the woman’s classroom to pick her up and was told by instructors she hadn’t come to the center that day. Miller then apparently took the woman home at the regular time as if nothing was wrong. Thomas Edison officials found out what happened when the woman’s family called to ask why the alleged victim had not been given her medications that day. Officials at Thomas Edison then reported the incident to police. Officers tried to contact Miller to question him about the incident, but could not find him. Miller’s family later provided the address of a residence in Logan County where he could possibly be found, and sheriff’s deputies there found Miller at that house in a “distraught” condition. He had apparently realized his mistake after going to the classroom and finding out the woman was not there. After discovering she had been left on the bus for a lengthy period, the family of the alleged victim took her to Van Wert County Hospital for a medical check-up, and she was later released.
9/18

C'view moves ahead on OSFC project
The Crestview Local Board of Education was given a presentation on a web-based instruction program called Study Island that helps students improve their proficiency test scores and also unanimously approved a resolution of acceptance to participate in the Ohio School Facilities Commission Classroom Facilities Assistance Program. Teacher Brett Cordy gave a presentation on the web-based Study Island program while student Logan Rayer -- who used Study Island last year, the program’s first year at Crestview – helped demonstrate how it worked. Mr. Cordy noted that the Study Island program has a number of pluses, including the fact that it teaches skills related to the state’s proficiency tests, with questions written in the style of the Ohio Achievement and Ohio Graduation tests, while also allowing students to access it either at school or at home and to work at their own pace. Study Island also gives teachers a way to monitor how their students are doing: where they’re improving, as well as where they need help. In addition to the Study Island presentation, board members heard Superintendent Steve Puchta talk about a series of meetings he has planned with various district groups, including township trustees, the Convoy Lions Club and Convoy Village Council, to explain the bond issue the district will be trying to pass in connection with the OSFC renovation project. Public meetings will also be held, including a meeting following the next school board, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, at 7:30 that evening

. Also on Monday, the board accepted the resignation of bus driver Marcia Etzler, who is retiring effective October 1, and also extended a one-year bus driving contract to Allan Rhoades, effective September 17.
In other action, the board:

• Approved the following supplemental contracts: Ali Sawmiller, softball head coach; Mike McClure, JV softball coach; Lori Hammons, eighth-grade softball; Scott Etzler, seventh-grade softball; Carl Etzler, softball assistant; Jim Wharton, baseball head coach; Gregg Mosier, baseball assistant; Brad Perrott, head track coach; Brett Cordy and David Ray, track assistants; Scott Fleming and Cody Rucklos, junior high track coaches.

• Approved the following volunteer coaches: Karen McClure and Mike Hammons, softball; and Jamison Ellis, cross country.

• Authorized an overnight trip for the FFA to go to the national convention in Indianapolis, Ind., from October 23-26 with advisor Paul Pohlman.

• Approved the replacement “public records” board policy, as presented.

• Accepted the treasurer’s report and financial reports, as presented, and also adopted permanent appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008.

• Heard a report from board member Lonnie Nedderman, Crestview’s representative on the Vantage Career Center board, on Vantage’s renovation project.

Photo caption: Crestview student Logan Rayer demonstrates the use of the Study Island Internet study program from a computer in teacher Brett Cordy's classroom. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent

9/18

From Monday
2007 Health Aware Fair well attended
A good crowd was at Van Wert County Hospital Saturday morning for the annual Health Aware Fair sponsored by the hospital, the Van Wert County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Van Wert Rotary Club. There were lots of exhibits in the hallways of the hospital, as well as various health screenings available at reduced cost. This year, a blood chemistry profile was available for $45, for those who pre-registered, or $55 at the door. The Red Cross also prepared a healthy breakfast in the hospital cafeteria, while there were also screenings for osteoporosis, diabetes, and blood pressure, and a mole assessment related to melanoma (skin cancer). Those participating could also get a CT scan for cardiac scoring, lung cancer or chest/abdomen/pelvis screenings, while Doppler screenings were also available, with a physician’s referral. In addition to the screenings and tests, there were also a number of booths providing information on a variety of health-related concerns.
Photo captions: Top -- It's  not everyone who can see what their inner ear looks like. Bottom -- Georgie Nungester (left), vice president of ancillary services at the hospital, explains some of the new technology to an attendee of Saturday's Health Aware Fair. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/17

From Saturday
Family gives to NPAC project
Dave Taylor has already made an important contribution to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio with the creation of the beautiful stained-glass window that graces the north entrance to the NPAC. Now, he and his family are making another important donation, a monetary one this time, to further improve Van Wert’s premier performance venue. Taylor and his wife, the former Nan Pflum, were in town Friday to give a check for $10,000 to NPAC Executive Director Paul Hoverman. The donation, made in memory of the late Clara, Richard and Jim Bebout, and the late Searle Taylor and family, was given by Dave and Nan, Dave’s brother, Robert, and sister and brother-in-law Ann (Taylor) and Bill Edler. Dave Taylor said the money was a distribution of Clara Bebout’s estate, through the generosity of Clara’s sister, and his mother, Elsie Taylor. According to the Taylors and Hoverman, the contribution will be used as match money to help purchase professional acoustic panels for the Central Insurance Stage in the Van Wert County Foundation/Saltzgaber Music Hall. The panels would provide a more natural sound – without the need for microphones -- for orchestras and other instrumentalists who perform on the stage. Hoverman said the panels could cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000. The donation was made in the offices of the Van Wert County Foundation, which is also a beneficiary of Dave Taylor’s creativity. Taylor made, and donated, the stained-glass artwork that hangs in the front window of the foundation’s office on East Main Street.
Photo captions: Top -- Dave Taylor (center) hands a check for $10,000 to NPAC Executive Director Paul Hoverman as Taylor's wife, Nan, looks on. Bottom -- The stained-glass logo Dave Taylor created for The Van Wert County Foundation shines in the window of the foundation's offices on East Main Street on Friday night. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
9/15

Man dies when mobile home collapses
A Scott area man who was tearing a mobile home down died Friday morning when the roof collapsed on him. Dr. Jeff Easley of the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office pronounced William L. Burnett Sr., 62, of 12623 Dixon Cavett Road, dead at the scene.  The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department received a 9-1-1 call at 10:54 Friday morning advising that Burnett was trapped under a mobile home. Deputies arrived on the scene and found Burnett dead under the collapsed mobile home. Also arriving on the scene were Scott Fire & EMS personnel and Dr. Easley. The initial investigation indicates that Burnett was taking the mobile home apart when the roof collapsed on him, causing his death. Dr. Easley ordered that the body be taken to Lucas County Coroner’s Office for further examination and Brickner Ambulance Service transported the body to Toledo.
Updated 9/15

From Friday
TRAC closing leaves workers in dark
The sudden and mysterious closing of a Wisconsin trucking company and its local terminal has left employees of the company and local government officials with more questions than answers at this point. The closing of TRAC Inc. last Tuesday stranded truck drivers around the country and left the company’s nearly 100 employees without health benefits and still looking for their last two-week paychecks. According to a Van Wert truck driver, who asked that his name not be used, employees were sent home last Tuesday “without any information or further instructions concerning the company’s demise.” According to the local driver, other TRAC drivers in North and South Carolina and Georgia were sent home that day without any instructions on how to complete final paperwork or what to do with tractors and trailers. A sign was put in the window of the Van Wert terminal at 1180 Kear Road informing employees the company was now closed. No one is answering the telephones at either the Wisconsin or Van Wert facilities, and calls made to Hintz and other company officials have not been returned. Like officials in Wisconsin, those here in Van Wert were also not given notice of the sudden closing of the company, as well as the local TRAC terminal, which was opened by the Menomonie, Wis.-based trucking firm in December 2005. “We knew they had filed (Chapter 11) bankruptcy about a year ago, but they (TRAC executives) didn’t think Van Wert would be affected by that,” said Van Wert County Economic Development Director Nancy Bowen. “I’m totally surprised by this.” Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer said last week he was “disappointed” that TRAC company executives didn’t give local officials advance notice of the company’s closing. Meanwhile, efforts to find out what’s ahead for drivers and other company employees are running into a brick wall. Drivers operating out of the Wisconsin facility are filing an unfair labor practices complaint against TRAC with that state’s labor authorities over the sudden closing and the failure of the company to provide final paychecks and accrued vacation pay. Wisconsin drivers are also meeting on September 22 to decide how to proceed against their former employer. However, while the company’s closing appears to be the final act in the nearly 30-year-old trucking company’s history, it certainly isn’t the only problem employees have had with the firm over the past year. Last year, in May, June and July, at least some employees received notices that their health insurance premiums through AFLAC hadn’t been paid. While premiums were finally paid in July, employees in Wisconsin learned from that state’s Insurance Department after the company closed its doors that TRAC owner John C. Hintz had switched the company’s insurance coverage to a self-insured plan without employees’ knowledge. The move apparently leaves employees without insurance coverage at this point. Disgruntled TRAC workers have also contacted legislators for help in resolving the outstanding pay and other issues. According to information found on TRAC’s website, the company, founded by Hintz in 1979, served 200 freight accounts and had 146 trucks operating in the Midwest and most continental states in the U.S.
9/14

WBESC board learns status of grants
The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board learned of the status of two grant applications during its September meeting Thursday. Superintendent John Basinger updated the board on two recently submitted grant applications. The first grant applied for was an Ohio CORE grant designed to train local mathematics teachers. That grant has been awarded to WBESC and will be rolled out this school year. The second grant is an Ohio Department of Education Dual Credit grant that was written for the Region 1 Advisory Council that covers a 13-county area of northwest Ohio. Basinger also reviewed personnel items with board members and budget changes that were on the meeting agenda. The board approved a number of personnel items, including a contract with Linda Krauskopf as the coordinator of the CORE and Black Swamp grants, effective retroactively to July 30. Personnel hired include Ashley Shepherd as preschool administrative assistant and 21^st Century Grant coordinator; Jeff Tomlinson as an intervention teacher; Brett Hammons and Ryan Strickler as full-time paraprofessionals and Sherray Elliott as a part-time paraprofessional; and Mark Holtsberry (supplemental contract) for the position of job coach/cleaning service. The board also approved budget revisions for the Fiscal Year 2007 and 2008 competitive applications for the 21^st Century Grant and accepted and approved appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2008 Ohio CORE Grant in the amount of  $150,000. Board members learned that Michele Berry was advanced on the salary schedule to the master’s degree step and increased Matthew Krites and Karla Treece’s contract days to 195 and 160 days, respectively. The WBESC serves local school districts in Van Wert and Paulding counties, including Lincolnview, Crestview, Antwerp and Wayne Trace. The next WBESC Governing Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, October 11, in the Van Wert ESC office on West Lincoln Highway.
9/14

From Thursday
City invests in future of local company
An increasingly successful company that is providing a livelihood for more and more area residents got a little help from its friends at city hall on Wednesday. Phil and Charma Braun, owners of Braun Industries, received a Revolving Loan Fund check for $150,000 from Gary Corcoran, chairman of the RLF Committee, in Council Chambers Wednesday morning. The money comes from a Community Development Block Grant the city received from the Ohio Department of Development and is to be used by Braun to purchase a Cincinnati Autoform Press that will help in the company’s manufacture of quality ambulances. In return for the loan, Braun committed to creating six new jobs, with 51 percent of those coming from low- and moderate-income households. The company has done nothing but grow since its beginning as a pattern shop in the town of Lithopolis near Columbus in 1961. In 1972, Braun turned its hand to making quality, single-body construction ambulances and, three years later, relocated to a larger facility in Oakwood. After nearly 30 years in Oakwood, Braun again outgrew its facilities and decided to build a modern, state-of-the-art facility where all its production could be under one roof. The site they chose was Van Wert’s Vision Industrial Park, where the company built a 76,000-square-foot facility and began production in early January 2001. Ten months later, the plant was damaged by the F-4 tornado that swept through Van Wert County on November 10 of that year. Even though large portions of the facility’s roof were torn off by the tornado, Braun hardly missed a beat, quickly getting its plant back under roof and restoring full production in a matter of days. A couple of years later, the company constructed a new addition to the plant to increase production and better consolidate operations, Braun also recently received an option to purchase more ground adjacent to the plant for future expansion. From past history, it’s a good bet the company will need it.
Photo caption: Phil and Charma Braun (at left) sign documents for a $150,000 Revolving Loan Fund while Darlene Myers (standing) of the Van Wert County Economic Development Office and Gary Corcoran, chairman of  the Revolving Loan Fund Committee, look on. (photo submitted)
9/13

New mandates for sheriff candidates

Anyone wanting to run for county sheriff will need to file soon because of recent changes to the statutory requirements for that office. According to Van Wert County Probate-Juvenile Court Judge Rex Fortney, merely filing a petition is not sufficient any more for sheriff candidates. Now, candidates for that office must have their qualifications for the job certified by the administrative judge of the County Court of Common Pleas. In Van Wert County, that person is Judge Fortney. Ohio law now establishes a number of requirements for the office, including law enforcement training and supervisory experience. Candidates must also be fingerprinted and undergo a background check – a requirement that also means candidates need to move quickly. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI), an investigative/laboratory agency that’s part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, is responsible for processing both the fingerprints and background checks. However, since the filing deadline for the March 2008 primary election is January 4, 2008, BCI is requiring that sheriff’s candidates have fingerprints and a request for a background check to that agency by October of this year. Judge Fortney said Wednesday that anyone interested in being a candidate for sheriff needs to contact him as quickly as possible. Potential candidates can stop in at the Probate Court, 108 E. Main St., or call 419.238.0027.
9/13

Wife-beater given prison sentence
A city man who beat his wife won't be able to do so for nearly a year. Van Wert County Common Pleas Judge Charles D. Steele sentenced Carl L. Miller, 61, of Van Wert, to 12 months in prison on Wednesday on a fourth-degree felony count of domestic violence. According to a Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department investigation, Miller allegedly assaulted his wife, Jackie, on June 15 of this year. Mrs. Miller was allegedly treated for head injuries at Van Wert County Hospital. In sentencing Miller, Judge Steele first ruled that he was not amenable to community control and that prison was appropriate. Miller was given 74 days credit for time served. Meanwhile, another man charged with felony domestic violence allegedly caused a disturbance just outside the courtroom and had to be forcibly placed in the court’s detention room. Michael D. Imler, 27, of Scott, involved himself in a disturbance with two sheriff’s deputies in the hallway just outside the courtroom following a pretrial hearing with his attorney. After being placed in the detention room, Imler also allegedly damaged a door to the holding facility. Imler will face possible charges for the damage done to the detention room, as well as possible assault charges for tussling with the deputies, who were on court security duty at the time. Imler is presently being held on a domestic violence charge related to an incident where he reportedly injured a family or household member on August 3. Neither deputy sustained injuries in the incident and Imler was later removed from the holding facility by Sheriff Stan Owens and Chief of Corrections Tom Riggenbach and taken back to the county jail. Six people were also arraigned Wednesday – five of them on indictments handed down during the September session of the county grand jury this past Friday. Those arraigned included two men charged with stealing computer, cable or telecommunication usage, one domestic violence case and three people indicted on drug-related charges. John D. Giessler, 40, of rural Convoy, and Matthew S. Patten, 37, of St. Marys, both entered not guilty pleas to charges of unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunications property. Both men’s alleged offenses took place between March 5 and March 8 of this year. Giessler and Patten were released on $5,000 unsecured personal surety bonds and will appear for pretrial conferences at 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 19. Also arraigned were the following:

• Joe B. Quevedo, 42, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of domestic violence, a third-degree felony offense. Quevedo allegedly caused or attempted to cause harm to a household or family member and the charge was upgraded to a third-degree felony because he has two or more previous convictions for domestic violence. Quevedo was released on an unsecured personal surety bond, on the condition he have no contact with the alleged victim in the case. A pretrial conference was set for 8 a.m. September 19.

• Demetrius Shurelds of Lima pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony offense. The indictment also includes a specification that Shurelds had $5,500 on him when arrested that was derived from the sale of drugs. The Lima man was arrested as a result of a traffic stop made by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on June 23. Shurelds was also released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 3.

• Jennifer Fleming, 29, of Fort Wayne, Ind., entered a not guilty plea to a charge of possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony offense. Fleming was arrested after she was found with cocaine in her possession on September 3, 2006, and had originally been indicted by the December 2006 session of the grand jury but was just recently apprehended in Fort Wayne. She was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference set for 8 a.m. October 3.

• Tara Renee Beougher, 22, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony offense. Beougher is charged with illegally possessing Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, on July 30 (click here for more court information).

9/13

From Wednesday
Council on Aging looks at HM building
While there’s some interest from the Van Wert County Council on Aging in the former Horace Mann Elementary School building, there are a number of bridges to cross before that scenario becomes reality, with the most important being that the building is not currently for sale.  Members of the CoA Executive Committee met with the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of relocating the county senior center in the school building. Commission President Gary Adams said the CoA had a survey done on whether it would be better to build a new center on the site of the now-closed city-county swimming pool or buy an existing building such as the Horace Mann building. There was apparently support for both of those options, and Adams said the CoA board itself was nearly evenly divided on whether to purchase the Horace Mann building or pursue another option. The discussion centered on a number of potential problems related to purchasing the former school building. Potential problems include the need to redo the heating system and add air conditioning, as well as having to update the building to bring it up to state building codes, if major work is done. Sue Piper, CoA director, told the commissioners that it might be as long as two years before any action is taken on a new facility, since the CoA board wants to have most of the money needed raised before it makes a final decision on the project. Adams said the fact that the building is not currently up for sale is also a concern, while other entities, including a couple of churches, have also expressed some interest in purchasing the former school building. The CoA will research the possible cost of renovations to the school building, as well as try and ascertain what a new facility would cost. The commissioners will continue to receive updates on the status of the CoA facility project.
9/12

Buehrer officer of government group
State Senator Steve Buehrer (R-Delta) was recently elected by his fellow legislators to serve as an officer of the Executive Committee of CSG Midwest, the regional branch of the Council of State Governments.  The election was held at the Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference annual meeting during the last week in August. Specifically, Senator Buehrer was chosen to serve as second vice chair of the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) in 2008. As part of the MLC’s team of officers, he will provide leadership and guidance for the organization. His election as an officer also puts him in line to serve as vice chair in 2009, and ultimately, as chair of the Midwestern Legislative Conference in 2010.  As chair of MLC, he will preside over the 65th Annual Meeting in Toronto. “I am very honored to have been selected to a position of leadership by legislative leaders from across the region,” said Buehrer. “Some of the highest recognition one can receive is being chosen to be a leader among your peers.  I am deeply humbled by this unique honor.” The Council of State Governments is a national, nonpartisan organization that has championed excellence in state government for more than 70 years by sharing innovative solutions to common problems across state borders. CSG Midwest includes legislators from 11 Midwestern states, and three Canadian provinces. Throughout his tenure as a state legislator, Senator Buehrer has been highly active at both the Midwest and national level of CSG. At the Midwest level, he has served on the Midwest-Canada Relations, Radioactive Materials Transportation, Resolutions, Annual Meeting and Innovations Committees. In addition, he earned the honor of attending the Bowhay Leadership Program. On the national level, Senator Buehrer has served on the Executive Committee, the International and Suggested State Legislation committees and attended the Toll Leadership Program. “CSG is a great organization that provides timely and scholarly information to key decision makers,” said Buehrer. “I hope to continue to build on this strong tradition as a leader in the organization.”
9/12

From Tuesday

Council cuts losses on auditor ruling
In a split vote, Van Wert City Council decided to cut its losses and move on from a finding by the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office that would result in a $111,000 repayment to four funds – three of those repayments from the General Fund. In a 5-2 decision, Council approved supplemental appropriations totaling $98,644 from the General Fund to the Street, Water and Sewer funds, and a supplemental appropriation of $13,727 from the Street Maintenance fund to the Street Construction fund. The finding relates to a salary distribution whereby money from the above four funds was used to pay the salaries of the law director, law director’s secretary, the mayor’s secretary and the building inspector. Rationale for doing so was that the four positions did work for those departments, so their salaries should come from the related funds. However, the Auditor of State’s office did not agree, noting that documentation was needed establishing the amount of time each position actually worked on items related to the departments in question, and rejecting documentation provided by the city administration, through legal counsel Shaun Putman, as insufficient. Primary opposition to making the supplemental appropriations came from Second Ward Councilman Steve Gehres, under whose term as mayor the salary division was implemented. Gehres, a longtime trial attorney, said he felt that, while proponents of the appropriation had “reasonable grounds” for their action, he felt the issue, which he called “a dispute between attorneys” – the city’s and the state’s – should to a judge for a decision. “I guess I’m a litigator; that’s my background,” Gehres said as his reason for forcing the matter into a courtroom. However, since the salary division goes back several years – while the state only issued findings for last year, many Council members apparently feared that taking the matter to court risked having a judge decide that the city needed to repay money from all years where the salary division existed. The only other Council member voting against the legislation was Councilman At-Large Chris Wilson, who had not voiced opposition to the measures in the past, but sought to table action on the legislation at Monday’s meeting. Third Ward Councilman Gary Corcoran advised Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming, who represented the administration in the absence of Mayor Don Farmer, that documentation should be compiled for the rest of this year to avoid having a similar finding next year for that portion of time. Corcoran did note, though, that such a finding was likely for the portion of this year from January 1 until such documentation can be developed. In a related matter, City Auditor Martha Balyeat suggested that, while state officials rejected paying the four administrative positions from non-General Fund areas, the city could likely justify paying a large portion of Fleming’s salary from other funds, since he spends a considerable amount of time doing work for the Street and utility departments.
9/11

Council discusses downtown district
Main Street Van Wert Director Jane Jones came to City Council on Monday with a request to adjust the boundaries of the downtown development district, so that areas where businesses are not participating in downtown development could be excluded to increase the percentage of participation in revitalization projects – something that would help the city’s chances of getting a highly-competitive Tier 2 Community Development Block Grant for downtown development. In addition to excluding non-participating areas, Jones wanted to add a portion of North Washington Street where two businesses, Best Auto and Collins Fine Foods, were interested in participating in the downtown revitalization program. The city is one of a number of communities seeking just two Tier 2 grants to be awarded in 2008, Jones said, noting that one of the other communities applying has an 80 percent participation rate. Adjusting the district boundaries would give the city a 49 percent participation rate, which Jones said would also significantly improve its chances at getting one of the grants. However, City Council balked at excluding the former Home Guard Building from the district, with members noting tha