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Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
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History Museum announces theme for annual art show
The old Charloe Bridge over the Auglaize River is the subject of this watercolor by Jo Dunlap, in the collection of Paulding County History Museum. This year's Celebration of Arts & Artists of Paulding County will focus on the theme "Water" and will be open to all types of artistic media. Photo submitted
Submitted information
PAULDING -- The Paulding County History Museum in Paulding invites artists to submit their artwork for the annual Celebration of Arts and Artists of Paulding County exhibit this spring.
Instead of focusing on a particular medium, such as painting, this year's event has a new twist. All types of media may be submitted for the theme of "Water." Entries will be accepted for works including pottery, sculpture, textiles, wood carving, printmaking, painting, drawing, photography and multimedia.
Water is often a subject in art, through depictions of rivers, streams, beaches, waves and waterfalls, but the inspiration doesn't end there. "Water" also can include ice, rain, aquariums, underwater scenes and pools as well as swimming, boating and other activities.
"We hope this theme will inspire more artists to participate in our exhibition. It offers a wide variety of interpretations and concepts," said Melinda Krick, museum president and chairman of the Arts & Artists show. "Whether someone works in clay, glass, wood, oils or fabric, this is an opportunity to share their creativity. The museum's goal is to raise awareness about the talented people who have called Paulding County their home and increase an appreciation for the fine arts."
The exhibition is set to open May 20 and continue through June 24. Registration information will be announced soon. Current and former Paulding County artists will be invited to bring their artworks to the museum later this spring. Students ages 14-18 may enter a special youth division.(more...)
POSTED: 01/11/25 at 12:04 am
Council to meet Monday night
VW independent staff
Van Wert City Council's first meeting of 2025 will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.
For now, the agenda is light, with just one piece of legislation on it. Council members will hear the second of three readings that if ultimately approved, would raise water rates by 10 percent, effective in March. The third and final reading and vote will likely take place on Monday, January 27.
POSTED: 01/11/25 at 12:03 am. FILED UNDER: News
Local court to close for one day
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Probate and Juvenile Court and Juvenile Probation Department will be closed for training on Friday, January 17.
POSTED: 01/11/25 at 12:03 am. FILED UNDER: News
More charges filed against chase duo
VW independent staff
Multiple felony charges have been filed against a pair of Willshire residents accused of leading Van Wert Police on a short chase, then fleeing on foot last month.
According to a report from the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office, deputies served Jesse James Stemen, 35, and Alicia Funkhouser with warrants on Thursday afternoon. The warrants were served at the Van Wert County Correctional facility, where both are being held pending court proceedings.
Stemen is charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs, a first degree felony; aggravated possession of drugs, a second degree felony, and another count of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. He's currently being held for violating probation and will be sentenced on that charge February 5 in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.
Funkhouser and Stemen
Alicia Nicole Funkhouser, 36, is charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs, a first degree felony; aggravated possession of drugs, a second degree felony,; failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a third degree felony, and aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. She's currently being held on $50,000 bail.
The two were arrested December 19 after unsuccessfully fleeing Van Wert Police twice -- once by car and the other on foot. A Van Wert Police officer observed Stemen in a vehicle driven by Funkhouser and had knowledge of a warrant out for Stemen's arrest. He activated his overhead lights and Funkhouser failed to yield, then accelerated at a high rate of speed southbound on S. Shannon St. She then ran a red light while turning on to Fox Rd., causing a head-on collision with another vehicle.
The two took off on foot and tried to hide from the police in a detached building at a residence directly to the south of Taco Bell in the 11000 block of Fox Rd.
The Van Wert Special Response Team was training nearby, and members deployed a drone to locate the two. They refused to surrender, so the Van Wert County Sheriff's deputy gave commands and then released the department's K-9.(more...)
POSTED: 01/10/25 at 9:43 am. FILED UNDER: News
NWS issues Winter Weather Advisory
VW independent staff
The National Weather Service Northern Indiana has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 10 a.m. today to 1 a.m. Saturday for much of northwest Ohio, including Van Wert, Paulding, Putnam and Defiance counties. Between 2-4 inches of snow is expected and NWS said to plan on slippery road conditions, especially during the evening commute.
A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for Mercer and Auglaize counties and areas south from 10 this morning until 7 a.m. Saturday. 2-4 of inches of snow and slippery conditions are expected.
POSTED: 01/10/25 at 8:07 am. FILED UNDER: News
Vantage BOE holds first meeting of 2025
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Board leadership will remain the same at Vantage Career Center in 2025.
Tim Fitzpatrick (Fort Jennings), who was elected as board president in 2024, was chosen to continue in that role during the annual organizational meeting held Thursday night. Lonnie Nedderman (Crestview) will again serve as vice-president. Pat Baumle (Wayne Trace) will continue as the board's legislative liaison and Greg von der Embse (Kalida) will again be the student achievement liaison. Other board members are Becca Suever (Delphos), Brian Egnor (Paulding), Debby Compton (Van Wert), Robin Etter (Continental), Michelle Gorman (Lincolnview), Kim Wannemacher (Ottoville), Deborah Call (Parkway), and Dennis Recker (Antwerp).
Tim Fitzpatrick (Fort Jennings) will again serve as president of the Vantage Career Center Board of Education. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
The board also set meeting dates and times for the year, generally 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, with the exception of April and July. Meetings are held in the district conference room. Board members will be paid $125 per meeting.
During the regular monthly meeting, which was held after the organizational meeting, High School Director Mike Winans told the board that work continues on the next school calendar and he said there are currently two options under consideration.
"Each calendar includes 183 staff days and 180 student days," Winans explained. "The length of our school day has not changed at all for the proposed calendars as we will continue to begin school at 8:20 and end at 2:42. We plan to stay with juniors and seniors both starting on the same day -- this was adjusted in the past and allows the seniors to get an additional day at the start of the school year in hopes that we do not have to make up at the end of the year."
Winans added both calendars are similar to what the school has had over the past couple years.
He also noted sophomores from associate schools will visit Vantage Career Center on January 31.
During her report to the board, Adult Education Director Angie Fahy said the school is currently struggling with OhioHealth. She explained Van Wert Hospital is no longer doing drug tests and physicals for fire & CDL student drug tests and physicals, local fire department employee physicals, or EMT and phlebotomy clinicals. However, she emphasized it wasn't a decision made at the local level.(more...)
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Stripe Rd. public hearing to be held
VW independent staff
The future of Stripe Rd. in Van Wert will be the subject of a public hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. next Thursday, January 16.
A request to close the road came from the Marsh Foundation Trustees. The Van Wert County Commissioners will accept comments from the public for and against the idea. A decision could be made very soon after.
"I would think the decision would likely be made that day, barring unforeseen circumstances," Commission President Thad Lichtensteiger said.
The public hearing will be held in the commissioners meeting room in the Van Wert County Annex on E. Main St., Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Essay contest open to area students
Submitted information
The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to participate in the Optimist International essay contest for the 2024-2025 school year. The contest is open to all Van Wert County students who are under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024, and are not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution. There is no minimum age.
The topic for this year's competition is "How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success." The essay contest entry deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, February 14. The Van Wert Optimist Club will judge local students' essays and determine the top winners. Local winners will receive medallions, along with cash awards of $300 (first place), $200 (second place) and $100 (third place). The Club winner's essay advances to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. Plus, the Ohio District of Optimist International also awards a $1,000 scholarship.
Students wanting to participate in the essay contest can receive application information by contacting their English teacher or guidance counselor or by emailing Diana Cearns, club essay chair, at diana@1stfedvw.com. Completed applications with essays will be picked up from local schools on February 14 and home school/individual entry students should mail or drop off completed essays (address on application) to be received by 4 p.m. Friday, February 14.
The Optimist Club of Van Wert sponsors many local youth programs and conducts positive service projects. The goal of Optimist is to encourage students to bring out the best in themselves and others. To learn more about the club for membership interest contact Ray Able, secretary, at 419.238.5086.
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Honor Flight to fly again in 2025
VW independent staff/submitted information
Flag City Honor Flight has announced this year's flight schedule to Washington D.C., with flights scheduled for April 1, June 3, September 9, and October 14. Each flight will give veterans the opportunity to visit memorials built in their honor. Each trip lasts one day.
Priority will be given to terminally ill veterans, followed by others in the order their applications were received. Eligibility includes those who served from World War II through the Vietnam War. Veterans do not pay to fly.
"Exciting changes are coming in 2025 to enhance the Flag City Honor Flight experience," Flag City Honor Flight President Steve Schult said. "We remain deeply grateful to our community partners, volunteers, and donors who make these flights possible."
"Our board works tirelessly year-round to make these flights a reality,' Flight Director Allison Quinlan said. "This year, we are proud to host four flights, honoring hundreds of veterans who will join us on this unforgettable journey."
Involvement Opportunities:
* FCHF has created a sponsored package to promote corporate and personal flight sponsorships.
* Community members are invited to donate via the website or by check.
* Individuals or groups interested in volunteering at welcome home celebrations or hosting third-party fundraisers can connect with the organization throughout the year.
Veteran application
Guardian application
Third-party fundraiser application
Flag City Honor Flight, Inc. is a 100 percent volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing Veterans in Northwest Ohio and surrounding areas with the opportunity to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost. Flag City Honor Flight, along with Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana serve Van Wert County. Supported by charitable donations, the annual flights honor America's heroes and their sacrifices for the nation's freedom.
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Beekeeping group to gather next week
VW independent staff/submitted information
ST. MARYS -- The Greater Grand Lake Beekeepers Association's first meeting of 2025 will be held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, at the St. Marys Community Public Library, 140 S. Chestnut St., St. Marys.
Ohio State Beekeepers Association President Jamie Walters will address the club on the topic "backyard queen rearing." In addition, the club will hear reports from those who attended the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, and a survey will be distributed to find out what members thought of last year's programs and what they would like to see as as the GGLBA plans for 2025.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded at the end of the meeting. Visitors are always welcome.
Greater Grand Lake Beekeepers Association meets regularly on the second Tuesday of the month. GGLBA supports beekeeping in the Grand Lake area with members from Mercer, Auglaize, Van Wert, Allen, Hardin, Darke, and Shelby counties.
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Judge Waldick chosen as presiding judge
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA -- Juergen A. Waldick, Judge of the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals has been designated as presiding judge of the court for 2025. In this capacity, Judge Waldick calls and presides over oral arguments presented by the parties to a case, decides procedural motions, conducts meetings of the judges to discuss and resolve any administrative matters, and is responsible for the daily administration, docket and case management of the court among other duties.
Judge Waldick was elected to the Third District Court of Appeals on November 8, 2022. He holds college degrees in criminal justice and judicial administration from Montgomery College and American University in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the Claude W. Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University in 1985.
Judge Waldick
Prior to becoming a judge, Waldick served several terms as the Allen County Prosecutor in Lima, having initially been elected to that office in 2004. Judge Waldick has extensive experience as a trial attorney and, as Allen County Prosecutor, oversaw and participated in the prosecution of thousands of felony cases. Judge Waldick also worked in the City of Lima Prosecutor's Office and in the Putnam County Prosecutor's office prior to being appointed as an assistant county prosecutor in Allen County in 1998. Waldick served as the Delphos City Law Director from 1991 to 1996, and was engaged in the private practice of law from 1985 to 2005.
Judge Waldick additionally worked as an adjunct professor of law at Ohio Northern University, served as a faculty member for the National District Attorneys Association's National Advocacy Center, and was a certified instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Academy. Waldick was also active in the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, where he held several positions, including that of President.
Judge Waldick has long been involved in community and church related affairs, and has been a member of several service and professional organizations. Judge Waldick was previously a board member of Crime Victims Services in Lima and an Executive Committee Member of the Allen County Republican Party. He has served as a church trustee, was the charter president of the Delphos Optimist Club, and was a coach and co-founder of the Delphos Soccer Association.
The Third District Court of Appeals is comprised of 17 northwest Ohio counties, including: Allen, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Logan, Marion, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Shelby, Union, Van Wert and Wyandot.
The other judges serving on the Third District Court include William R. Zimmerman (Shelby), Mark C. Miller (Hancock), and John R. Willamowski (Allen).
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 3:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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analysis of article text
propaganda analysis
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text of article used for CRITICAL ANALYSIS, under FAIR USE provisions of the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. § 107, et al.
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(video)
EXP - explicit prohibition propaganda (explicit_propaganda)
GRP - hated group (propaganda_theme1)
MAD - madness, violence, illness (propaganda_theme2)
SOC - survival of society (propaganda_theme3)
USE - gateway, use is abuse (propaganda_theme4)
KID - children (propaganda_theme5)
WAR - demonize, war, epidemic (propaganda_theme6)
TOT - total prohibition (propaganda_theme7)
DIS - dissent opposed (propaganda_theme8)
