Data center questions, discussion dominate meeting

Council talks about snow removal, more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

While discussion of the data center took up much of Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, there was other business and discussion.

A reminder was given to residents and businesses to clear sidewalks after snow comes down and Councilman At-Large Hall Block asked Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming about snow emergencies for downtown parking. Currently, no legislation exists that requires cars be removed from downtown streets after a snow emergency, but Fleming said the city is in need of it. He said parking by downtown tenants during the recent snow made it difficult for the city to clear the streets in that area.

“I tried to make a request to see if we could get them to move,” he said.

“I’m very (much) in favor of towing people who just sit there in the street and especially if they’re tenants of specific buildings, they can’t be parking on Main and Washington anyway,” Block said. “That’s in our code so I hope the people in charge know that.”

Fleming also said in half-jest that he wishes the city could pass an ordinance asking everybody to put their cars in their yard or the driveway when 2-4 inches of snow falls.

“The number of cars that we bury and are still buried today and the aggravation is causes us to try to weave around them – it’s quite frankly kind of ridiculous,” he said. “It happens that way all over town.”

Fleming acknowledged legislation requiring the removal of cars downtown because of snow won’t be ready in time for the remainer of this winter.

On a different topic, Van Wert’s Reservoirs are at 10 and 11 feet respectively, putting both above 50 percent, according to Fleming. He said those levels should rise with snow melt and perhaps a February rain.

Proposals sought by Leadership Class

Submitted information

The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class is seeking proposals for community-focused projects to make a real difference in Van Wert. This group of local professionals is dedicated to improving our city and invites community members and organizations to submit project ideas. Projects should address key needs, offer measurable outcomes, and be achievable within a six-month timeframe. Proposals must be submitted by Friday February 20, using this link. Anyone with questions should contact Sara Mesing at sara.mesing@thrivent.com

Northwest State Community College is the exclusive sponsor of the Leadership Van Wert County program. The regional community college based in Archbold, Ohio recently opened a Van Wert campus and is a public two-year college that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation allows the College to offer degree and certificate programs in the fields of arts & sciences; business & public services, nursing & allied health, and STEM and industrial technologies. They serve over 77,000 northwest Ohio families across a six-county service area, including Van Wert County.

Taste of Vantage!

Vantage Career Center’s Taste of Vantage/Open House event was held Monday night and it was a big success. Black Angus Catering Company, Moose Landing, Saisaki Van Wert, Vantage Culinary Arts, R Place Stone Grill and Millie’s Cafe served up tasty food and parents and potential students had the opportunity to see what Vantage programs of study are available. Photos submitted

Staas IV to serve as acting prosecutor

VW independent staff

Assistant Van Wert County Prosecutor Dillon Staas, IV will be sworn in as acting prosecutor during a brief ceremony scheduled for this Thursday afternoon. He was appointed by the Van Wert County Commissioners and will remain in the role pending an appointment by the Van Wert County Republican Central Committee.

Staas is stepping in for Eva Yarger, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to replace retired Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge Kevin Taylor. Yarger will be sworn in Thursday afternoon and will officially begin her new duties on Tuesday, February 17. 

Vantage CC celebrates 50th anniversary

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

50 years is considered a milestone worthy of a celebration and that’s just what happened at Vantage Career Center on Monday.

The Van Wert-based career center opened in 1976 as “Vantage Joint Vocational School” has expanded in more ways than one over the years, with the size of the campus growing and the addition of adult education classes. The school was officially renamed Vantage Career Center in 1999.

Vantage officials and others gathered on Monday to mark the school’s golden anniversary. During remarks to those in attendance, Superintendent Rick Turner said the leaders of the community, Van Wert and other counties had a bold vision.

“They didn’t just see a school building, they saw an economic engine,” he said. “They envisioned a place where hands-on training met future demand, where a student could graduate not just with a diploma, but with a marketable skill and a direct path to a meaningful career. They didn’t just build a center for career technical education—they created an anchor for our region’s workforce development.”

For five decades, Vantage has been an essential pipeline feeding a skilled labor force into northwest Ohio’s economy,” he continued. “From electricians and welders who literally build our infrastructure, to nurses and healthcare aides who care for our loved ones, to the marketing specialists and IT experts driving innovation, to our service programs that feed us and care for our children – alumni are everywhere. They are the entrepreneurs who start businesses, the employees who drive efficiency, and the leaders who mentor the next generation.”

Turner noted while Vantage has been around for 50 years, the school hasn’t stood pat but instead, has adapted with the times and the needs of businesses and employers.

“Over the past 50 years, the world of work has changed dramatically,” Turner stated. “We have moved from typewriters to AI, and from simple tools to complex machinery. Vantage has never stood still. We have continually updated our programs, embraced new technologies, and ensured that our curriculum reflects the cutting edge of industry demand. That ability to pivot, to innovate, and to stay relevant is what guarantees the next 50 years will be even stronger than the last.”

Crestview BOE holds monthly meeting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

CONVOY – A pair of presentations highlighted Monday’s monthly meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education.

Treasurer/CFO Ashley Whetsel explained in detail the district’s current financial outlook for the next five years. She noted there is uncertainty due to property tax reform, along with an effort to abolish property taxes altogether. She also noted that decreases and cuts in state funding will have a financial affect on the district, but Whetsel added the district is projected to have a positive cash balance through fiscal year 2030.

Board members also heard a brief presentation from gifted intervention Alicia Perrott about Camp Invention, which had 83 campers, 15 leaders in training and nine high school helpers.

The board accepted the retirement-resignations of three employees – elementary intervention specialist Jennifer Bowen, who has served 18 years with the district; high school social studies teacher Michael Bowen, who has served 30 years with the district, and district administrative assistant Lori Orsbon, who has served the district for 28 years. Those resignations will take place June 30 and July 31. The board also accepted the resignations of custodian Marsha Mathew, effective at the end of the current school year, and food service worker Sue Duncan, also at the end of the school year.

Board members approved a 71-day contract to Krysten Stone and a 67-day contract to Kandi Ryan as food service workers, and Courtney Grote as a volunteer coach for the middle school program.

The board also approved membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2026-2027 school year and accepted a handful of monetary donations.  

Before adjourning for the evening, the board went into executive session to discuss the employment and/or compensation of employees, but no action was taken afterward.

The next meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, in the multipurpose room.

Training scheduled…

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting Active Threat and Rescue Task Force training from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday of this week at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Ohio 49 in Convoy. The Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Van Wert Fire Department, and the Van Wert Police Department will also participate. Active Threat and Rescue Task Force (RTF) training is an integrated, multi-agency response model designed for law enforcement, fire, and EMS to enter “warm zones” of active shooter incidents. It focuses on rapidly treating and evacuating victims with tactical medical care under police protection, significantly reducing mortality. The Sheriff’s Office thanked Redeemer Lutheran Church for the use their facility for this event. Photos submitted

Business Boot Camp to begin in March

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation reported a strong increase in participation following Saturday’s Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, with attendance growing from seven participants last year to more than 20 attendees this year.

The workshop served as the kickoff to 2026 Business Boot Camp, a free six-week program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners develop a strong, actionable business plan.

Saturday’s workshop featured a panel of local professionals and business owners who shared practical guidance and real-world experience with attendees. Panelists included Rob Slusser of GreenWay Bank, Alex Brown of Truitt Law Offices, Amber Davis of Red Oak Realty, Kyle Strawn of Leland Smith Insurance Services, Stacey Baer of Shultz Huber + Associates, Inc., and local business owners Mike Lichtle of Laudick’s Jewelry and Shana Mosier of TAG Clothing.

“The turnout we saw this year is a clear sign that interest in entrepreneurship is growing in Van Wert County,” said Brent Stevens, executive director of VWAEDC. “Business Boot Camp is about giving people the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to turn ideas into viable businesses, and we’re excited to build on this momentum as the full program begins.”

The 2026 Business Boot Camp courses will be held at Northwest State Community College’s Van Wert campus on E. Sycamore St. from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from March 3 through April 7. Each session will go in-depth on key considerations needed to craft a strong, competitive business plan.

Participants will have the opportunity to submit completed business plans to the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation by April 17, with final presentations scheduled for April 21. During the final presentations, participants will compete for a range of prizes designed to support new or expanding businesses.

Prizes for the 2026 Business Boot Camp from generous sponsors and community partners include cash awards, a free Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce membership, free booth space at a Main Street Van Wert event, and one month of free rent in a downtown Van Wert space provided by the Van Wert County Foundation.

Anyone with an interest in starting or growing a business in Van Wert County is encouraged to register for the free, six-week Business Boot Camp by calling the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation at 419.238.2999.

Huddle up!

Van Wert boys basketball coach Jeremy Best (center) gives the Cougars instructions during a timeout. Van Wert hosted St. Henry Saturday night and the Cougars got off to a fast start but lost 57-48, which snapped a six-game winning streak. A game recap can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

Property taxes due this Wednesday

Submitted information

A reminder that the due date for property taxes in Van Wert County is this Wednesday, February 11. The Treasurer’s Office in the Van Wert County Courthouse is open on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to  5 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The office accepts payments in the form of check, cashier’s check, money order and credit or debit cards. A 2.5 percent fee will be charged for all card payments by the credit card processor and an electronic check payment is available for a fee of $1.50. You can pay up to ten parcels for a single fee with your account and routing number with the electronic check. If you prefer to pay in cash, you may take your bill in its entirety, along with payment, to The First Bank of Berne, at 102 Christopher Crossing, Van Wert, next to Walmart. The First Bank of Berne will accept payments through the due date of February 11. Partial payments will not be accepted.

Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments may be made online by visiting the county website at www.vanwertcountyohio.gov and clicking on Treasurer’s Office, then clicking on Payment Options. If you would like to make a payment over the phone, call 844.419.0200. You will need your parcel number, which is located on your bill, for all phone payments.

Anyone with questions about their property tax bill should call the office staff between the above business hours at 419.238.5177.