Council takes 1st step to resurrect charter ballot issue
Van Wert City Councilman Bill Marshall discusses the issue of junk and unregistered vehicles during Monday night’s Council meeting.
Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
DAVE MOSIER/
independent editor
Van Wert City Council took a first step toward putting the charter government issue back on the November 2 general election ballot, while also making changes to legislation that provides tax incentives to companies that create new jobs during its meeting on Monday.
The six Council members present Monday (First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler was absent and excused) prepared and introduced legislation that would seek voter approval to form a charter commission, as well as approve the idea of creating a city charter government. Plans are to adopt the legislation in time to place the issue on the November ballot.
SCOTT TRUXELL/
independent writer
The Haven of Hope homeless shelter in Van Wert has an important new plaque hanging on one of its walls.
It reads “Space Reserved for Veterans, providing for those men and women who have provided for us all. Your service and sacrifices will never be forgotten, and can never be repaid.”
The plaque was presented by Van Wert Municipal Court Judge Jill Worthington-Straley to Haven of Hope Treasurer Jim Nelson Friday afternoon. Chief Probation Officer/Veterans Court Officer John Wiley and Veterans Treatment Coordinator Carli Boroff were also present during a brief ceremony at the North Market Street facility.
Spot reserved for homeless veteran at Haven of Hope Friday, May 7, 2021 3:15 PM Officials from Van Wert Municipal Court toured the Haven of Hope facility on Market Street Friday afternoon. Carli Boroff and Chief Probation Officer John Wiley look on as Judge Jill Worthington presents a plaque reserving a bed for a homeless veteran to Jim Nelson at the facility. (DHI Media/Sherry Missler) Municipal Court Judge Jill Worthington and Haven of Hope Treasurer Jim Nelson pose with the plaque designating a bed for a homeless veteran. (DHI Media/Sherry Missler) • •
smissler@timesbulletin.com
VAN WERT Van Wert Municipal Court officials, Judge Jill Worthington, Carli Boroff,
Young people were among those who read The YWCA Stand Against Racism Pledge on Wednesday evening.
photos by Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
DAVE MOSIER/
Judge Worthington
It’s been more than a year since the YWCA’s last Stand Against Racism event, and Director of Advocacy Kelly Houg knew that, compared to a pandemic, a little rain wasn’t going to stop this one from happening.
Following a last-minute switch from the Wassenberg Art Center’s Art Park to the center itself, Houg welcomed the approximately 100 masked area residents, both old and young, who attended the event, which was held in conjunction with the YWCA’s mission that it is dedicated to “eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”