Vantage BOE hears construction update, other info

Post 178 to host Veterans Day program

VW independent staff

Van Wert American Legion Post 178 will hold its annual Veterans Day at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, at Memorial Park, 631 W. Main St. There will be a brief ceremony and lunch will be served after the service. In case of bad weather, the service will be held inside the Post hall.

FOP holiday donations…

Van Wert FOP Lodge 62 is once again proud to support the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office’s “Christmas with Kids” program with a $3,000 donation, along with a $500 donation to Main Street Van Wert’s “Holiday at Home.” Pictured above are FOP Chaplin Richard Shobe, Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach and FOP Treasurer Adam Wehage. Pictured below are Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price,Wehage, Breann Sudduth and Shobe. Lodge officials said they’re honored to be able to assist with making the holidays a little brighter for children and their families, and they thanked all of FOP fundraiser supporters for their generosity. Photos submitted

“Y Not Get Spooked” a big success

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert YMCA recently hosted its new “Y Not Get Spooked” event – a free community night that brought laughter, light scares, and lasting memories to more than 200 families. The family-friendly Halloween celebration provided local children with a safe and entertaining way to enjoy the spooky season, complete with themed rooms, crafts, movies, and interactive fun.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors Ohio City Express, Brent’s Place, and Engrave to Shine, families enjoyed a night full of excitement and imagination. The YMCA community also came together online to vote for the evening’s feature films, selecting Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2, which were screened throughout the event for guests to enjoy.

The spooky setup was brought to life by an incredible team of volunteers who transformed the Y into a Halloween wonderland. April Miller hosted the “Creepy Doll Room” and helped with set up alongside Makayla Gillum, and Audrey Coil filled the space with giant spiders and creepy crawlies in her “Bug Room.” Millie Heath gave guests a fright with her “Dead Corpse Room,” Brittney Boaz displayed the “Guts and Organs” experience, and Jen Rozelle Trinosky brought the decorations and crafts to life. Nikki Williams and Skylar Sherry set up the maze and props that made the event so immersive.

‘The YMCA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered, donated, and participated,” said Marketing Coordinator Jaz Sandhu. “The event’s success was truly a community effort, showing the Y’s ongoing mission to bring families together in spirit, creativity, and fun. The Van Wert YMCA looks forward to making next year’s “Y Not Get Spooked” event even more spooktacular.”

Chamber seeking Leadership applicants

Submitted information

The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Van Wert County cohort. The program will be presented from January-September of 2026 with each session taking place on the first Wednesday of each month at a different location within Van Wert County. In addition to the monthly sessions, the cohort will be responsible for finding, funding and facilitating a community service project. Tuition for the program is $600. The program is open to employees of Chamber members.

Northwest State Community College will continue as the exclusive sponsor of the 2026 Leadership Van Wert County program. The regional community college, which is based in Archbold, 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 and sciences, business and public services, nursing and 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.

“Our mission is to provide access to education, and we remain committed to serving Van Wert and surrounding communities by launching a full-service facility in the near future,” NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez noted.

To learn more about the program or if interested in being a part of the 2026 cohort, click here to apply.

Lancer Pride!

Lincolnview Local Schools recently wrapped up its 2025–2026 United Way Campaign, with staff contributing $7,141, an increase from last year, to support the 32 local partner agencies funded by United Way. Lincolnview continues to be a dedicated supporter of United Way, taking part in the annual campaign and several community initiatives. Staff and students once again showed tremendous generosity through their food donations for the Vantage Day of Caring Food Drive, and have proudly participated in Rivals United week each year since 2016 to help raise funds for the community. Photo submitted

VSC offering holiday food vouchers

VW independent staff

In lieu of a holiday brunch this year, the Van Wert County Veterans Service Commission is offering $50 holiday food vouchers to eligible veterans.

Veterans must meet eligibilty for VA benefits and:

• Be honorably discharged from active duty service
• Actively serving National Guard and Reserve
• A surviving spouse (not remarried)
• A veteran in receipt of payment from the VA.

In addition, a DD214 must be on file with the Van Wert County Veterans Service Commission or bring in a DD214 and complete the required information. Veterans must reside in Van Wert County and provide proof of residency, and vouchers must be picked up by a veteran or surviving spouse. Vouchers must be used by Wednesday, November 26.

Vouchers may be picked up between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. November 12-21 at the Veterans Service Commission Office, 121 E. Main St., Room 101 (Van Wert County Courthouse), Van Wert. No appointment is necessary. Anyone with questions can contact the Veterans Service Commission Office at 419-238-9592.

Voter turnout, candidacy interest low

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

As expected, voter turnout in Van Wert County for Tuesday’s election was light. Of the 19,901 registered voters in the county, 4,303, or 21.7 percent, cast ballots early in-person, by mail or at the polls on Tuesday. 

Turnout wasn’t the only thing that was light – interest in elected positions was light in many areas of the county. While there was a five way race for three Van Wert City Council at-large seats, those running for seats in wards 1-4 and council president, along with Convoy Village Council were unopposed. Three people ran for three seats on the Lincolnview and Van Wert school boards, and there were just two trustee races in the county’s 12 townships.

No one filed petitions to run for mayor of Elgin, Elgin Village Council, third or fourth ward council seats in Delphos, or Wren Village Council. Scott Village Council and Willshire Village Council each had just two people run for four open seats. 

According to Pam Henderson, Director of the Van Wert County Board of Elections, the remaining council members in each municipality have 30 days to make recommendations and fill the seats.

All 15 issues on the ballot were approved in Van Wert County, most by a very substantial margin, including Vantage Career Center’s continuing 0.7 mill property tax renewal for permanent improvements, 8,357-3,243, or 72-28 percent in Van Wert, Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Paulding and Putnam counties.

“We are very appreciative and I’m very happy with the results of the levy,” Vantage Career Center Superintendent Rick Turner said. “It’s very important for our mission for us to be able to keep our equipment and our buildings up to date so that we can train our students, both high school and adult. Being up to date provides opportunities for our students, as well as meeting the needs of the businesses in the community and this money is essential in order to make that happen. Just a heartfelt thank you to all of our voters and our communities for the outstanding support.”

Bond violation, other hearings held

VW independent staff

Five criminal hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Friday, October 31, and Wednesday, November 5. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Bond/probation violations

Ernie Ginter, 24, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing a drug screen. Judge Burchfield revoked his prior bond and set new bond at $10,000 cash or surety. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 26. Ginter is charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony.

Mary McVicker, 37, of Payne, admitted to violating her probation by failing to appear to the probation department and failing to engage in treatment. She was sentenced to 90 days jail and was given credit for 16 days already served.

Jordan Jackson, 31, of Lima, admitted violating to his bond by failing to attend a court hearing. He was released on a surety bond, then signed a time waiver in open court. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. December 10. Jackson is charged with three counts of theft, fifth degree felonies and two additional counts of theft, both first degree misdemeanors.

Change of plea

Chloe Morefield, 21, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to an amended indictment of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. She was then sentenced to one year of community control, 90 days of electronic house arrest with an alcohol monitor and 30 days in jail at a later date. She must undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment; and was ordered to pay court costs.

Competency hearing

Tabatha Thornsberry, 37, of Van Wert, was found competent to stand trial after an evaluation at Court Diagnostic in Toledo. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 26. Thornsberry is charged with harassment with a bodily substance, a fifth degree felony, and assault, a felony of the fourth degree. 

Ohio House passes House Bill 433

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) have announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 433, legislation to modernize the state’s amusement ride inspection fee structure.

“This legislation isn’t about raising fees,” Rep. Klopfenstein said. “It’s about making sure every operator pays their appropriate share so that Ohio’s amusement ride safety program can continue to operate effectively and efficiently.”

Under current law, all amusement rides, regardless of size, complexity, or inspection time, are charged the same permit fee. As a result, small operators of inflatables and portable rides have been subsidizing the cost of inspecting larger, more complex attractions such as roller coasters and major amusement park rides. House Bill 433 establishes a new fee structure that more accurately reflects the time and cost required to inspect each ride type, ensuring a fair and sustainable system for both regulators and operators.

House Bill 433 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

Honoring veterans…

As part of their Senior Capstone Project, Mrs. Switzer’s senior English classes at Van Wert High School placed 300 flags at the entrance to the school campus to honor Van Wert County’s veterans, active-duty forces, and first responders.  Members of the VFW post 5803 Auxiliary were in attendance to pass out R.A.P. (random act of patriotism) cards and patriotic bookmarks. Photos submitted