SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONVOY — Potential upgrades to Crestview’s athletics facilities were outlined during Monday’s brief meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education.
Superintendent Matt Dube noted the outdoor portion of the upgrades encompass moving the stadium and relocating it to a north-south arrangement, as well as moving the baseball diamond and updating the junior varsity fields and the varsity softball field. He also said the proposed project includes updating the concession stand/locker room structure at the stadium.
He also gave a brief rundown of the indoor portion of the pending improvement project, which includes the high school gym.
“The indoor project will include new bleachers and a new (gym) floor,” he explained.
He added upgrades are in the works for the locker room, including better airflow, converting the nearby small concession stand into storage space, and reconfiguring the larger concession stand. Dube also mentioned improvements to the training room just off the gym. The goal, he said, is to not interrupt the academic school day while improvements are being made.
(more…)POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:35 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert County Humane Society’s popular Bag Bingo fundraiser will return on Saturday, October 11, at the Van Wert County Jr. Fair Building. The doors will open at 9 a.m. and the first game will begin at 10 a.m.
The event features 20 games of bingo, exciting raffles, including a lottery tree packed with more than 70 lottery tickets, and concessions. Attendees will play for 20 themed bags, including a Cat Bag, Dog Bag, Travel Bag, Christmas Bag, South of the Border Bag, Coffee Bag, and Book Lovers Bag, plus many more, each filled with curated prizes. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, with extra bingo sheets available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the Humane Society shelter, 550 Fox Road, or directly from any board member.
Beyond a fun morning of games and community, Bag Bingo provides critical funding for the Humane Society’s life-saving programs. As a no-kill shelter, the Van Wert County Humane Society spares no expense to ensure every animal receives comprehensive medical care before adoption. Funds raised help cover a variety of events and expenses.
“Events like Bag Bingo make a tremendous difference for the pets and people of Van Wert County,” said Kirsten Barnhart, Board Secretary. “Every ticket purchased helps us provide essential medical treatment, offer affordable microchipping and spay/neuter clinics, and ensure every dog and cat is fully vetted before finding a loving home. We’re excited to welcome the community back for a day of fun that directly supports the animals who depend on us.”
The Van Wert County Humane Society invites animal lovers, bingo enthusiasts, and community members alike to join in the fun and help raise vital funds for dogs and cats in need.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the shelter at 550 Fox Road, Van Wert, or contact a board member.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — The Ohio State University at Lima will launch its first fully online Associate of Arts degree in January, 2026. The program begins with two concentrations: General Studies and Social Sciences, with additional career-focused concentrations planned.
This initiative reinforces Ohio State’s land-grant mission: expanding access to high-quality, affordable education that supports both student success and economic growth. This new option brings Ohio State’s academic excellence to students who need flexibility, affordability and career advancement opportunities. By meeting students where they are, Ohio State Lima is ensuring that more people have the opportunity to pursue education and achieve their goals.
“This program is a logical and necessary step for Ohio State Lima,” said Dr. Margaret Young, dean and director at Ohio State Lima. “By expanding our Associate of Arts degree online, we are opening doors for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education—and in doing so, we are strengthening both our community and the workforce of tomorrow,”
An associate degree can open doors to better job prospects and higher earning potential. This program is designed to help students advance in their careers or prepare for the next stage of their education. Nationally and in Ohio, online associate degree completions are increasing significantly, even as overall degree completions decline. This demonstrates the clear demand for flexible, online options.
Online students will receive the same advising, academic support, and faculty engagement as on-campus students. Courses are taught by experienced Ohio State faculty, with small class sizes and asynchronous learning for maximum flexibility. Ohio State Online and Ohio State Lima will partner to ensure strong academic integrity, career readiness, and personalized support.
This program is not replacing the on-campus Associate of Arts degree. Instead, it brings Ohio State Lima’s high-quality instruction and student support to new learners who might otherwise not have access. The online AA degree underscores Ohio State’s land-grant mission: to expand access to education, contribute to workforce development, and support economic growth in Ohio and beyond. By providing both in-person and online options, Ohio State is ensuring students have the flexibility to succeed on their own terms.
The application deadline for the spring term beginning January 12, 2026, is December 1, 2025.
Learn more
Associate of Arts in General Studies: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-general-studies/
Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-social-and-behavioral-sciences/
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 15.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.85 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 25.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 4.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.658 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.39 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $4.49 per gallon, a difference of $2.10 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12 per gallon on Monday. The national average is down 1.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 2.8 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.
“While gas prices fell in more states than they rose last week, the West Coast continues to face challenges, with Oregon and Washington seeing some of the largest increases due to regional infrastructure issues,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The good news is that the transition to cheaper winter gasoline begins tomorrow across most of the nation, and with improvements underway in the West Coast market, I expect that average gas prices will continue to decline in the weeks ahead in most states— assuming hurricane season remains quiet.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Nearly 500 freshmen and sophomores from schools across the region will gather at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Tuesday for the annual “Build Your Future Forward” event. The program gives students hands-on exposure to in-demand careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and the skilled trades while connecting them directly with local employers.
In the morning, students from Crestview Local Schools, Lincolnview Local Schools, and Van Wert City Schools will take part in the event. In the afternoon, Parkway Local Schools, Paulding Exempted Village Schools, Antwerp Local Schools, and Wayne Trace Local Schools will join in.
This year marks a milestone for the program, as manufacturing and healthcare activities are being included for the first time, expanding the range of opportunities for students to explore.
Participants will rotate through interactive career stations led by Vantage Career Center students and staff, who will share their own training experiences and demonstrate industry-related skills. Several local businesses and organizations are also playing a key role, including Danfoss, OhioHealth Van Wert, Paulding County Hospital, Alexander & Bebout Construction, Ayers Mechanical Group, ATR Contractors, OhioMeansJobs, Paulding Economic Development, and the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (VWAEDC).
By exposing students early to career pathways in high-demand fields, the event strengthens the pipeline of future workers while giving employers the chance to engage with the next generation of talent.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 3:07 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Two people were able to safely escape from an early Sunday morning fire in downtown Van Wert, but the structure itself sustained significant damage.
The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to 113 W. Main St. at 6:23 a.m. Sunday. Firefighters arrived on the scene and saw smoke coming from the building, but no visible flames.
According to Captain Craig King, one person inside escaped through a back door, while the other jumped from a second floor window and was caught by a Van Wert police officer.
It took approximately 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control, but King said the first floor sustained heavy fire and water damage, while the second floor incurred heavy smoke damage. He also said two neighboring structures sustained some smoke damage. Those buildings were unoccupied.
Multiple aid was provided by Convoy and Ohio City and King said Middle Point and Scott fire departments were paged to the scene but were told to stand down before they arrived at the scene. In addition to the Van Wert Police Department and the two village fire departments, Van Wert County CERT assisted at the scene. A portion of W. Main St. was closed until approximately 11:45 a.m., when the Van Wert Fire Department cleared the scene.
King said it appeared the fire began in a back room, but the cause is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. An investigator arrived at the scene late this morning, but information was not immediately available.
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Students at Lincolnview Elementary were recently treated to a creative and inspiring visit from children’s book author and illustrator Jonathan Miller, whose imaginative stories and unique artistic techniques captivated students from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Miller, best known for his playful books featuring an adventurous wiener dog named Sammy, shared his storytelling journey and signature paper layering technique, which gives his artwork a vibrant, three-dimensional look. His visit was coordinated by art teacher Melissa Stork, who saw the event as a way to connect literacy and visual arts.
Throughout the day, Miller presented to each grade level, read from his books and answered questions from students and teachers. Students learned how a simple idea can grow into a full story and how everyday materials can be transformed into expressive artwork.
“Students were interested by how he builds illustrations layer by layer,” Stork said. “Several classes used the same technique to create artwork spelling out their names. They learned that it takes a lot of time and attention to make the details in his work.”
“I loved how Sammy could talk and that he went to space,” said Ayelyn, a third grader at the school. “It was amazing to see how he made pictures with paper. I want to make a book about a dog now!”
The visit was part of Lincolnview’s ongoing effort to promote literacy, creativity, and career exploration in the arts. To learn more about Jonathan Miller and his books, visit www.sammydog.com.
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) has announced the launch of a new suspicious activity reporting system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to gather actionable information on potential threats of violence.
Developed by OHS and its private partner Vigiliti, the Safeguard Ohio app uses AI to encourage users to provide as much information as possible to help law enforcement investigate suspicious activity. The new app allows users to upload video, audio, and photos of an incident while giving individuals the option to remain anonymous.
The submitted information is reported in real-time to the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, which is staffed 24/7. Analysts immediately review information and notify the proper local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies accordingly.
The new Safeguard Ohio replaces OHS’s current online reporting method that requires individuals to fill out a form.
“Events that threaten the safety of Ohioans can be hard to predict, but they can be prevented with help from timely, detailed tips from the public,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “This new app simplifies the process to get information to law enforcement quickly and conveniently.”
Users can select from eight categories to report a tip, including drug-related activity, human trafficking, terrorism, school threats, and crimes against children.
(more…)POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Due to low interest, a kickball tournament scheduled for September 26-28 has been canceled. The tournament was an attempt to raise funds for Van Wert’s 2026 July 4, 2026, celebration. Navy Club Ship 726 will continue to look for ways to fund the celebration.
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:54 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Off Stage Productions Inc. has announced the cast and crew for “The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant” by Leslie Kimbell. Director Mary Blanche Hengstler has put together a cast of nine actors, eight of whom have been in previous Off Stage shows, and one making her first appearance on a community theatre stage. The cast is as follows:
- Beatrice Shelton: Stephanie Wagner
- Eaddy Mae Clayton: Karen Stoker
- Imogene Smith: Michelle Foster
- Maude Jenkins: Jennifer Rigdon
- Sam Smith: Ed Eichler
- Lurleen Dupree: Amy McConn
- Clovis Crown: Matt Krol
- Martha Parcell: Joelle May
- Hazel Dillard: Lisa Eichler
- Director: Mary Blanche Hengstler
- Costumer: Julie Lang
Synopsis: The show is a sequel to “Four Old Broads” featuring the same characters with some wacky new friends. Against her better judgement, Lurleen Dupree is throwing the seventh annual Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant. Martha Parcell is certain that it is finally her year to win. But Beatrice, Imogene and Eaddy have other plans. Throw in a tambourine-playing squirrel, dueling Elvises, and an unfortunate spray-tanning incident… and you’re in for a knee-slapping, side-splitting night of light theatre.
Location: All shows will be in the Commons at Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin Street in Van Wert. Enter Door 14 off the back parking lot where plenty of parking spaces are available.
Reservations: Reservations for members will open on Monday, September 29, and Wednesday, October 1 for members of the general public. Call the box office number 419.605.6708 on or after these days to reserve your tables and seats. Box office hours are 12-6 p.m.Monday-Saturday, no Sunday calls, please. All shows require reservations.
(more…)POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert Fire Department was summoned to the 100 block of W. Main St. in downtown Van Wert early this morning after a blaze broke out in one of the buildings. Mutual aid was provided by Ohio City, Convoy and Middle Point. Check back later for more information. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 11:22 am. FILED UNDER: News
