Van Wert County News

Lindsay McCoy Times Bulletin News Writer VAN WERT - Although the area's peonies are no longer in full bloom due to the unusually warm weather this spring, this weekend marks the annual Van Wert County Peony Festival.

By ED GEBERT Times Bulletin Editor VAN WERT - Retail sales in Van Wert County jumped again, according to the May 2012 sales tax collection report obtained Thursday by the Times Bulletin.

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will present the 2012 annual Golf Classic on Wednesday, July 18 at Hickory Sticks Golf Club, 12083 St Rt 127, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

Information submitted Just in time for the Peony Festival and ArtRageous on Main, new banners are springing up on the light poles on Main and Washington streets in Downtown Van Wert.

Buckeye Youth a United Way Agency and non-profit local youth organization will be serving their fresh made donuts during the Peony Festival at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Information submitted VAN WERT - The 5th Annual Van Wert City 5K Run will be held on Saturday, June 2, beginning at 8 a.m. Runners will leave Smiley Park, turn west on Leeson Avenue, north on John Brown Road to Woodland Avenue.

David Pratt listens as his sentence is read in Van Wert County Court of Common Pleas.

A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Dutch John Rd. and Dixon-Cavette Rd. that occurred at 11 a.m. on Friday sent five people to the hospital including one by Samaritan Helicopter.

Van Wert County Adult Probation Officer Frank Bowen enjoys a laugh while Court Reporter Dennis Kimmet speaks with well-wishers on Friday.

Since career and volunteer firefighters are required to have the same level of certification training, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal created a grant program to reimburse individual departments.

Van Wert, OH -The Middle Point Fire Department in Van Wert County was paid a visit Thursday morning by the Ohio State Fire Marshal not for a reprimand but to give an award.

Information Submitted VAN WERT - The Van Wert County Tennis Association is pleased to announce the introduction of a new tennis complex located behind Van Wert High School.

Chad Neuman, 27, Van Wert was sentenced to 12 months in prison on Wednesday morning in Van Wert County Court of Common Pleas for trafficking in drugs.

Registration for the upcoming summer swim session at the YMCA of Van Wert County is going on now through May 31.

By ED GEBERT Times Bulletin Editor VAN WERT - The news is good again for local counties including Van Wert County as unemployment rates took a tumble in April.

By ED GEBERT Times Bulletin Editor CELINA - Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Gray announced yesterday that arrests have been made in the home invasion case near Mendon, but the charges are only for one incident.

The exemption provides a real eslate tax reduction for persons who are 65 years old or disabled.

Back by popular demand, the YMCA of Van Wert County will once again be offering Yoga on the Beach this summer.

The Van Wert County Department of Job and Family Services announces the TANF Summer Youth Employment Program.

Information submitted VAN WERT - The Van Wert County Engineering Department is pleased to announce the addition of Kory E. Thatcher to serve in the position of Assistant County Engineer under current County Engineer Kyle J. Wendel.