Council unanimously approves data center legislation

Council forced to do the ‘council shuffle’

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

There was some shuffling done ahead of Van Wert City Council meeting on Monday.

Mayor Ken Markward was absent from the meeting due to a previously planned vacation. That shifted Council President Thad Eikenbary into the role of acting mayor, and Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless, who chairs the Judicary and Annexation Committee, into the role of council president pro-tem. In addition, Council Clerk Stephanie Phillips was absent from the meeting, which prompted City Auditor Erika Blackmore to handle those duties, which included reading ordinances and taking roll.

In addition to approving three pieces of legislation that pave the way for a $10 billion data center (see story above), council members heard the second reading of two ordinances setting speed limits along Ervin Road/Van Wert Decatur Road. One sets the speed limit at 35 miles per hour from South Shannon Street to Elks Drive, while the other sets it at 50 miles per hour from Elks Drive to U.S. 224. Both measures will have their third and final reading at the next council meeting.

Another ordinance on second reading was passed as an emergency – it’s a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement with True North Partners Holdings LLC, for a new Hampton Inn.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming informed council that 25 mile per hour speed limit signs have been placed at Dickinson’s Landing.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next meeting of Van Wert City Council will be delayed by two days, to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.

VWHS holds 2026 Senior Convocation

Submitted information

Van Wert High School recently held its Senior Awards Convocation for the Class of 2026 in the Saltzgaber Music Hall of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Seniors were honored and recognized for their academic and co-curricular achievements earned over the past four years, and more than $2.1 million in scholarship opportunities were acknowledged during the awards program.

Van Wert High School announced the following students and award recipients:

• Central Insurance Companies Educational and Charitable Foundation Scholarship: Trevor Dotson and Maria Parrish
• L.G. Purmort Black Inc. Scholastic Achievement Award: Trevor Dotson
• Military Enlistment Recognition: Evan Beining and Felicia Martz
• Wally Grimm Education Scholarship Award: Bella Behm and Jillian Sempkowski
• Cooper Farms Scholarship: Jasmine Brown, Allison Geib, and Nova McName
• Career Connections of Van Wert County Scholarship: Johan Gemmer and Katie Kramer
• Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center Scholarship: Brenna Kimmet
• Melissa and Gary Clay Scholarship: Maria Parrish
• Makerspace Maker of the Year Award: Trey Dotson
• WTLW Scholarship: Katie Kramer
• PFC Christian Gurtner Memorial Scholarship: Johan Gemmer
• Margaret Shaffer Maney Memorial Music Scholarship: Delani Knoch
• John Fox Maney Memorial Business Scholarship: Trey Dotson
• The CHURCH Scholarship: Maria Parrish
• Rotary Scholarship: Brenna Kimmet and Katie Kramer
• Grand Lodge of Ohio Free Mason Scholarship: Johan Gemmer
• Van Wert Band Parents Scholarship: Delani Knoch, Grace Spieles, and Emma West
• Schrader Realty Scholarship: Bella Wise

• YWCA Scholarship for Young Women: Maria Parrish and Katie Kramer
• Gaylord Leslie Golf Scholarship: Carter Wright
• This Is Me Scholarship: Grace Spieles
• Van Wert Cougar Athletic Booster Club Award: Johan Gemmer and Katie Kramer
• Outstanding Achievement in Art Award: Natalie Rayman and Allison Saam
• 4-H Endowment Scholarship: Maria Parrish
• John and Leander Wentz Scholarship: Grace Spieles
• Chuck Thompson Scholar-Athlete Award: Trevor Dotson and Katie Kramer
• Braun Industries Project Lead the Way Engineering Scholarship: Johan Gemmer
• FCCLA Award: Cole Story
• Brandon Burlsworth Character Award: Briggs Wallace
• Van Wert Service Pack Scholarship: Maria Parrish and Katie Kramer
• Finalists for the R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award were Evan Beining, Trevor Dotson, Trey Dotson, and Grace Spieles. The award winner was Gabriel Malachi Spradlin.
• The Van Wert Federation of Teachers Anita Zuber Future Teacher Scholarship is given to students entering the field of education. This year’s recipients were Bella Behm, Allison Geib and Jillian Sempkowski.
• American Red Cross Award: Kylee Ball, Nick Edwards and Bella Wise
• The Shirley Johns Hart Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Shirley Anne Johns Hart by her family. Mrs. Hart was a graduate of Van Wert High School, Class of 1953. The scholarship is based on academic achievement and financial need and is chosen by the Faculty Committee on Awards. Allison Krugh and Alexis Ruposky were selected to receive this award.
• The Adolph & Letitia Weck Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two students who rank scholastically in the top third of their class. Students complete an application and are selected by the Van Wert High School Faculty Committee on Awards. This year’s recipients were Maria Parrish and Grace Spieles.

Unique shopping experience to be offered

Submitted information

The Urban Boho Market is set to return to the Van Wert County Fairgrounds this weekend, bringing a vibrant and unique shopping experience to the community with a completely sold out vendor space lineup.

Shoppers can explore a wide variety of handcrafted items, boutique finds, home décor, apparel, gifts, and more from talented local and regional vendors throughout the event. Event hours are:

• 4-9 p.m. Friday, May 15
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Admission is just $2 at the door. Guests can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from on-site vendors including DeafDog Coffee and Bare Bones BBQ while they shop and explore the market atmosphere.

Gasoline prices decrease, could rise again

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 17.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.69 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. However, it may not last.

Prices in Ohio are 82.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.73 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 0.2 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.623 per gallon.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.59 per gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was $6.09 per gallon, a difference of $2.50 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 5.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.48 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 37.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.40 per gallon higher 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.

Locally, gas prices ranged between $4.39 and $4.79 early Monday afternoon.

“Average gasoline prices declined in just six states over the last week, led by the Great Lakes region, where motorists in states like Michigan and Ohio saw prices fall sharply, while Indiana experienced even steeper relief after the state temporarily waived both its excise and use taxes on gasoline,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Those declines helped pull the national average lower by roughly eight cents over the last several days after oil prices eased mid-week on optimism that the U.S. and Iran could reach a deal. However, that optimism has since largely unraveled, with talks appearing to stall and President Trump signaling the latest proposal is unacceptable, helping push oil prices higher again in Sunday electronic trade. As a result, many states could see another round of price cycling in the days ahead, potentially sending the national average toward the $4.65-per-gallon mark if oil continues climbing.

“In addition, diesel prices across much of the Great Lakes region are nearing new record highs as ongoing refinery issues continue to disproportionately impact diesel production,” he added. “Should geopolitical tensions escalate further, fuel prices could rise even more sharply in the weeks ahead.”

Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back five years:

May 11, 2025: $2.96/g (U.S. Average: $3.08/g)
May 11, 2024: $3.52/g (U.S. Average: $3.61/g)
May 11, 2023: $3.54/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)
May 11, 2022: $4.30/g (U.S. Average: $4.41/g)
May 11, 2021: $2.87/g (U.S. Average: $3.00/g)

Seniors set to graduate starting Saturday

VW independent staff

The month of May brings with it commencement ceremonies at school districts throughout Ohio, with diplomas being passed out to high school seniors with family, friends and others in attendance.

Locally, this year’s first graduation ceremony will take place this Saturday morning, May 16, at Delphos Jefferson. The area’s final graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at Van Wert, Spencerville and Wayne Trace. Here is the schedule for area schools.

• Saturday, May 16 – Delphos Jefferson (9 a.m.)
• Sunday, May 17 – Parkway (1:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, May 17 – Lincolnview (2 p.m.)
• Sunday, May 17 – Delphos St. John’s (3 p.m.)
• Sunday, May 17 – Wayne Trace (2:30 p.m.)
• Saturday, May 23 – Crestview (6 p.m.)
• Sunday, May 24 – Van Wert (2 p.m.)
• Sunday, May 24 – Spencerville ( 2 p.m.)

Seniors at Vantage Career Center will receive their diplomas at their home school, but will be honored during the annual Senior Awards program at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, in the Van Wert High School gymnasium.

Fifth graders to gather at fairgrounds

VW independent staff/submitted information

Career Connections of Van Wert County will hold its annual Let’s Get Down to Business event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

This interactive educational event will bring together over 250 fifth-grade students from Crestview, Lincolnview, Van Wert, and St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parochial School to explore businesses and careers in a series of hands-on learning stations and engaging displays.

“This event introduces hundreds of students and volunteers to experience the goods and services that businesses and organizations in Van Wert County have to offer, as well as introducing a variety of career options associated with those industries,” Career Connections Board President Brad Harsha said.

Throughout the day, students will rotate through four stations:

• Jobs Station – Local professionals will share insights into job qualifications, résumé tips, and interview strategies.
• Consumer Station – Students will simulate real-world budgeting by earning “income” and managing expenses like childcare, car payments, and taxes.
• Economic Station – A deep dive into Van Wert’s economy and local resources, including Van Wert Works.
• Business Showcase – Local companies and organizations will offer demonstrations, displays, and interactive activities across various industries such as finance, manufacturing, non-profit services, and law enforcement.

Students will also have the chance to earn tickets throughout the day to enter raffles for exciting prizes.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we have some fantastic prizes and giveaways,” Harsha said. “Many participating businesses are also providing swag items to make the experience even more memorable.”

The event was made possible through a grant from the Van Wert County Foundation. Career Connections of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County.

BGHS student wins art competition

VW independent staff/submitted information

BOWLING GREEN – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) has announced that Sarah Mathey from Bowling Green High School as the winner of Ohio’s Fifth District 2026 Congressional Art Competition. 

Mathey’s winning artwork, titled “Hometown,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Tunnel for one year. Three honorable mention winners will have their artwork displayed in one of Latta’s congressional offices for the year. 

Honorable mentions include Caine Margison from Upper Sandusky High School, Abby Kurtz from Carey High School and Amyalin Salone from Galion High School.  

57 high school students from 13 high schools participated in this year’s competition. Latta hosted a reception at Bowling Green State University on to honor all participants and to showcase each individual work of art. 

“We have incredible talent across Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District,” Congressman Latta said. “Congrautlations to Sarah Mathey on her winning piece, ‘Hometown,’ which beautifully showcases her artistic talent and creativity. As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, it is important to reflect on where we come from and the meaning our hometowns hold for us, and Sarah captured that message beautifully through her work. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees and everyone who participated in the Congressional Art Competition.”

Latta represents Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, which currently stretches from Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties all the way into Lorain County in northeastern Ohio. In all, the district is comprised of all or parts of 12 counties. Latta serves as a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He is Chair of the Energy Subcommittee and is a member of the Communications & Technology Subcommittee, where he previously served as Chairman, and the Environment Subcommittee.

Memorial Day service information needed

VW independent staff

Local and area veterans organizations and other groups planning Memorial Day ceremonies and/or services are encouraged to submit information for publication. Please include the date, time, location and any pertinent information, including speakers, luncheon, etc.

The information should be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. It will be published free of charge.

County’s jobless rate continues to decline

VW independent staff

Unemployment in Van Wert County during the month of March was lower than the statewide average, according to figures released earlier this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The county’s jobless rate came in at 3.4 percent, while Ohio’s average was 4.0 percent. The local March employment rate dipped from February, when it was 4.1 percent and it’s notably lower than March, 2025, when it was 5.0 percent. ODJS said Van Wert County had an available workforce of 14,200 in March, with 13,700 employed.

Most other surrounding counties came in under the statewide average as well. Paulding County matched Van Wert County at 3.4 percent, Putnam County was at 3.5 percent and Auglaize County’s March unemployment rate was 3.0 percent. Mercer County’s jobless rate was 2.7 percent, second lowest in Ohio. Allen County was just above Ohio’s average, 4.1 percent.

Among the state’s 88 counties, March unemployment rates ranged from a low of 2.6 percent in Holmes County to a high of 6.1 percent in Noble and Ottawa counties. From February, unemployment rates decreased in all 88 counties.

22 counties had unemployment rates at or below 3.5 percent in March. Along with Holmes and Mercer counties, those counties were: Auglaize and Union, 3.0 percent; Delaware, 3.1 percent; Hancock, Warren, and Wyandot, 3.3 percent; Franklin, Paulding, Shelby, Van Wert and Wayne, 3.4 percent, and Champaign, Defiance, Fairfield, Greene, Licking, Madison, Medina, Preble, and Putnam, 3.5 percent.

Nine counties had jobless rates at or above 5.5 percent in March. The counties with the highest rates, other than Noble and Ottawa were: Pike, 6.0 percent; Meigs, 5.8 percent; Adams and Monroe, 5.7 percent; Huron and Trumbull, 5.6 percent, and Morgan, 5.5 percent.

Brush pickup to begin on Monday

VW independent staff

The City of Van Wert’s first official brush pickup of the year is set for Monday, May 11. Brush must be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. that day. Place the brush by the curb and do not place it near poles, trees, etc.

• The city will not pick up limbs larger than four inches in diameter or more than 10 feet long.
• The city will not pick up brush that has been left behind by a professional tree trimmer or private contractor. If a homeowner utilized a trimming service, they are responsible for disposing of the tree.
• Brush placed in bags or boxes will not be picked up.
• The city will not be picking up leaves during brush pick up.
• Do not place brush by trees, poles, manholes, catch basins, water meters, fire hydrants or parked vehicles, must be visible from street.

Additional brush pickup dates are scheduled for July 13 and September 14.