By Ed Gebert • Times Bulletin Editor

VAN WERT - There will be no tax abatement for an Indiana man who proposed turning the abandoned Van Wert Inn at 820 N. Washington St. into an assisted living facility and restaurant. Further investigation into Louis Lengacher's finances has revealed he owes money to the state for unpaid unemployment taxes, making him ineligible for a Community Reinvestment Area abatement.

Despite the lack of an abatement and serious financial issues for Lengacher, he is still considering doing the renovation project anyway. Whether it happens or not, the City of Van Wert has nothing to lose.