SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
No doubt motorists who travel along S. Walnut St. between Ervin Rd. and Hospital Drive in Van Wert on a regular basis were pleased when the street was recently milled and repaved. For the first time in a long time, it was smooth sailing along that stretch of road. It was one of 16 city streets repaved earlier this month.
However, days after the street was repaved, crews returned to chip and seal, a process than involves spraying a thin layer of liquid asphalt onto the road, then putting down a layer of crushed rocks, which left things a little “rocky” and dusty. While the smooth pavement was nice, the plan all along called for the chip and seal process.
“The grinding and paving was just to get the street level,” Van Wert Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming explained on Monday. “The pavement was not uniform and the thin areas will most likely come off during the winter. The chip and seal allows the asphalt liquid to cover the entire road hopefully seal it to keep water out.”
“(We’re) just trying to get 4-5 years out of it,” he added. “After much discussion, this was the most economical way to achieve that. It’s a tough decision how much to spend just to rip it all out in five years.”
The City of Van Wert has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Small City Program for full depth reconstruction of the same part of S. Walnut St. Unfortunately, work won’t begin until 2030.
Once it does get underway, the reconstruction project will include new sidewalks, stormwater system replacement, upgraded utilities, new curbs and gutters, and enhanced pavement markings and signage.
POSTED: 10/20/25 at 8:35 pm
VW independent staff
A Scott man wanted on serious felony charges in Paulding County was arrested in Van Wert late last week.
Hunter Gile, 23, was arrested by Van Wert County Sheriff’s deputies Friday evening at Franklin Park. He was served with a warrant charging him with three counts of rape, all first degree felonies, and one count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth degree felony. The charges involve a juvenile. He was transferred to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and is being held without bond in the Paulding County Jail.
Records from Paulding County Common Pleas Court show the arrest warrant was apparently issued earlier in the day. Because the case involves a juvenile, no other information has been released.
POSTED: 10/20/25 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 17.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.93 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 10.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 2.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 3.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.591 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.25 per gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was $3.49 per gallon, a difference of $1.24 per gallon.
Prices jumped substantially, in some cases by 40 cents per gallon at some Van Wert gas stations on Monday. By the evening, prices ranged from $2.65 per gallon at Murphy USA to $3.09 at several stations in the city.
The national average is down 19.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 15.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“Gas prices have finally fallen below $3 per gallon nationally – the earliest date we’ve seen a $2.99 national average since 2020, when COVID was the primary driver of low prices,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “OPEC+ deserves much of the credit for this trend, having steadily raised oil production for much of 2025. Currently, 35 states have average gas prices below $2.99 per gallon, and GasBuddy even recorded the first $1.99 cash price at a station in Evans, Colorado, with stations in Oklahoma and Texas not far behind. Barring any major disruptions, gas prices are likely to remain slightly below year-ago levels and could stay under $3 for much of the next few months.”
Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back ten years:
(more…)POSTED: 10/20/25 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Northwest State Community College has announced plans to showcase its new Van Wert satellite campus during an open house scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Monday, October 28. Light refreshments and guided tours will be available to members of the community, including prospective students. The campus is located at 520 E. Sycamore St., Van Wert. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/20/25 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Step inside a worn-down diner on the edge of town where the coffee is always hot, the floors are scuffed, and the jukebox plays tunes as varied as the people who pass through.
This is the world of Riding the Wind of Dreams, the latest production by Lincolnview High School Theatre Department, coming to the Van Wert Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, October 25, 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26 and November 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
At the heart of the story is Chris, a restless teen dreaming of a life beyond the horizon, and his sister Alicia, whose quiet loyalty keeps the family grounded. Their father, Maurice, runs the diner with steady determination—but everything changes when Joe, a young drifter with a troubled past, stumbles into their lives. Over one unforgettable summer, humor, heart, and explosive dramatic moments collide, shaping friendships, family ties, and futures in ways no one could predict. The student cast includes Carson Cowdrick, Aaron Sawyer, Hadley Goins, Gabby Thomas, Noah Peters, Owen Dannenfelser, Marcus Kerns, Finn Howard, Destiny Breese, Ridge Huffman, Hayden Garay, and Aiden Cowdrick.
Ensemble members include Abby Price, Kyleigh Cummings, Elex Dunn, Sawyer Lindeman, Katie Kundert, Zae Dee Lippi, Maliya Hershaberger, Lillie Lane, Jessica Faller, Izzie Bowers, and Dimitri Linser.
Behind the scenes, the show is brought to life by Stage Managers Amelia Magner and Gracen Hubble, Stage Crew Emory Dickson, Bella and Lillian Mosier, and Lights and Sound by Cyrai Hammons, Abby Dannenfelser, and Aiden Cowdrick.
(more…)POSTED: 10/19/25 at 8:56 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A reminder that reservations are due no later than this Wednesday, October 22, for this year’s Veterans Day program at Lincolnview Local Schools.
The annual program will be held at 12 p.m. Sunday, November 9, in the Lincolnview Elementary School gymnasium. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. that day and the program will include a catered meal by Burtch’s Barn to Table and music by the Lancer Steel Drum Band during lunch.
Veterans may order up to four total tickets to bring their current Lancer student or students to the meal and program at no cost to them. In order to receive tickets, program coordinator Stephanie Renner is asking Veterans of current Lincolnview/Lincolnview Vantage Career students to contact her with the following information:
- Veteran name(s)
- Student name(s) and current grade (that will be attending with their Veteran[s])
- Veteran’s home mailing address
- Veteran’s phone number (in case Renner needs to contact the Veteran)
- Number of tickets, up to four maximum. Anyone with more than four current Lancer student family members wanting to attend should contact Renner, who will her best to accommodate the request.
The information should be sent via email to Renner at srenner@lvlancers.com or by phone, 567.259.6583.
POSTED: 10/19/25 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Several trick-or-treat opportunities will be available to area children this Saturday, October 25.
Main Street Van Wert’s annual trick-or-treat event will be held in downtown Van Wert from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The City of Van Wert’s trick-or-treat will be held from 4-6 p.m. Saturday. Residents giving out candy should leave their porch light on.
Middle Point’s trick-or-treat will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday and Willshire will hold trick-or-treat from 4-6 p.m., with costume judging to follow.
In addition to those offerings, Several trunk-or-treat events will be offered, including one from 12-2 p.m. in the parking lot of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. Community members are invited to bring their children wearing costumes and enjoy decorated trunks, sweet treats and festive fun with OhioHealth associates and volunteers. It’s free and open to the public, and parking will be available on site.
The Van Wert Peony Festival Committee will hold a Halloween event that is free and open to the public. It’s a halloween costume contest called “Creep It Real in the Park.”
It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert, with judging starting at 12 p.m. Categories will include most original, scariest costume, best face paint/makeup, best inflatable costume, best overall costume, most creative costume, funniest costume, best homemade costume, best group costume and cutest costume. There will be prizes for winners in each category. All ages are welcome.
In addition, a variety of games will be available and food and drinks will be available at the concession stand.
POSTED: 10/19/25 at 8:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is reminding Ohioans during National Disability Employment Awareness Month that free employment services are available through every OhioMeansJobs Center and OhioMeansJobs.com. These resources are designed to help individuals with disabilities find and succeed in meaningful careers.
“For 80 years, National Disability Employment Awareness Month has recognized the talents and potential of individuals with disabilities,” ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder said. “We are proud to continue supporting that effort and helping all Ohioans as they pursue meaningful careers and employers as they grow their teams.”
ODJFS also oversees OhioMeansAccessibility, an accessible online resource tailored to the needs of job seekers with disabilities. The site offers many of the same services as local centers, plus additional tools to support financial independence, workplace accommodations, and overcoming barriers to employment. Job seekers who post resumes on the site can also choose to be referred directly to employers committed to hiring individuals with disabilities.
Both OhioMeansJobs.com and OhioMeansAccessibility give Ohioans access to more than 100,000 job openings statewide, along with helpful tools such as:
- Resume builders and raters
- Budget calculators
- Skill and interest assessments
- Online tutorials and free GED/college entrance practice tests
- Special sections for veterans, students, unemployment claimants, and workers with disabilities
“At OOD, we are dedicated to creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities throughout the year,” Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin L. Miller said. “The theme ‘Celebrating Value and Talent’ inspires us to promote workplaces where everyone is empowered to contribute their best work.”
OOD will offer a free webinar for employers, “Disability-Inclusive Workplaces: Attracting Diverse Talent” at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 22. This session will offer actionable steps for businesses to attract and include applicants with disabilities who are seeking employment. More information, including the link to join, can be found on OOD’s webinar webpage. OOD is the state agency responsible for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. www.OOD.Ohio.gov.
POSTED: 10/19/25 at 8:51 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Just two of the 15 issues on the November 4 ballot in Van Wert County are countywide issues, and both are senior citizen levies.
The Council on Aging has placed a pair of replacement levies on the fall ballot – a .25 mill levy and a .20 mill levy, with Delphos Senior Citizens receiving 16 percent of the .20 mill levy.
Appearing at this week’s Meet the Candidates event, sponsored by the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce, COA Executive Director Kevin Matthews noted the private, non-profit agency is in its 50th year and he said it was originally funded through the Older Americans Act. However, those funds ceased within a couple of years, meaning a new source of revenue was needed to continue offering services to older adults.
He said the agency’s current annual budget is approximately $525,000 but this year the current levy brought in $303,000, all while the COA deals witn inflation and increased needs. Overall, about 60 percent of COA’s budget comes from levy dollars, with the remaining amount generated via fundraisers and contributions. The Council on Aging does not receive any funding from the county or the city and no direct funding from the state or federal government.
Van Wert County’s population totals approximately 28,000 and just under 8,000 are senior citizens.
“A lot of those people come to us, they need transportation services, we operate the senior center, we have chore services in the home, outside chore services and Medicare assistance,” Matthews explained. “We don’t charge for services and a lot of people ask why we don’t charge – if we put in place a fee for services, it really just excludes the primary group of people that we assist, which are just seniors that are struggling to get by.”
(more…)POSTED: 10/18/25 at 12:31 am. FILED UNDER: News
2025 Crestview homecoming queen Ellie Ward is crowned by last year’s queen, Adalyn Figley during Friday night’s ceremony before the Crestview-Spencerville game. Brentyn Rodriguez was crowned king. Pictured below is the entire homecoming court. The Knights held off the stubborn Bearcats for a 33-27 homecoming win. A game story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/18/25 at 12:30 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The U.S. 30 entrance and exit ramps in both directions between the cities of Van Wert and Delphos will have lanes narrow and/or short-term closures during the week of October 20 for pavement repairs. The ramps that will be impacted include:
- U.S. 30 at Lincoln Highway
- U.S. 30 at Middle Point Wetzel Road
- U.S. 30 at Ohio 66
POSTED: 10/18/25 at 12:29 am. FILED UNDER: News
