SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
For the second time, the Van Wert County Commissioners have voted to reduce inside millage, meaning property taxes throughout the county should decrease.
In Ohio, inside millage is an unvoted property tax rate that local governments and school districts can levy without a direct vote from the public.
Appearing on this past Sunday’s Commissioners Corner/Mayor’s Conference program on radio stations 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM, Commissioner Stan Owens explained the latest cut, which was approved in late October. It took the inside millage from 1.8 to 1.3 mills. The initial cut, which came approximately two years ago, was from 2.4 to 1.8 mills, which resulted in savings of about $400,000. The latest cut, according to Van Wert County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger, should result in collective property tax savings of close to $600,000.
“We’ve cut that to pass tax savings back to our residents, along with what we did with the homestead exemption,” Owens said on the radio program. “We’ve reimplemented it (the homestead exemption) for another year to benefit our elderly people and lower fixed incomes with the high cost of food, heating and gas and so forth.”
“The bottom line is these tax dollars are the people’s money and we need to be responsible to where we can maintain our obligations of funding for operations in the county,” he added. “If we have an excess, we need to get that back to the people. One of the things that’s allowed us to do this is our sales tax – it’s been strong because people are shopping locally and compared to last year we’ve had one down month so far this year.”
(more…)POSTED: 11/11/26 at 9:31 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
Van Wert High School welcomed local veterans, their families, and community members to its annual Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Coffee and snacks were served in the lobby before the program, which included student-created videos and performances by the high school choirs. The choirs sang the National Anthem and an America medley featuring “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful.”
Guest speaker Colleen Wiley, a 1987 Van Wert High School graduate, spoke about her years at the former high school on Crawford Street and the teachers, friends, and community that helped shape her. She and VWHS secretary Shelley Smith joined the military together in November 1989, attended boot camp together, and both served in the Army Reserves.
Wiley said she did not fully understand the sacrifices behind her freedoms as a student. She encouraged students to help others, show respect, and be responsible citizens.
“You don’t have to wear a uniform to honor veterans,” she said.
Principal Chuck Rollins thanked Wiley, Mrs. Switzer for organizing the assembly, the student speakers, Ms. Bloomfield and the choirs for their performances, and Mrs. Baer and the media arts classes for producing the videos. He asked students to appreciate their freedoms and find ways to serve others throughout the year.
“To all of our veterans, on behalf of the entire Van Wert High School family, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy,” Rollins said.
POSTED: 11/11/26 at 9:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Crestview Elementary held a Veterans Day celebration Wednesday morning and leading up to this event, fifth grade students worked hard planning and organizing the event. Two Character Council groups created videos to teach all elementary students how to be respectful during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. They also created a video on how to appropriately shake someone’s hand to show respect and gratitude. Elementary students were encouraged to invite veterans they knew to attend the breakfast and program. Families were asked to submit “bricks” for any past or present service members to be displayed as part of a Wall of Honor. In total, 82 community veterans or service members attended the breakfast, 91 veterans were celebrated at the program, and 210 “bricks” were on display for all to enjoy. It was a meaningful event in which students were able to interact with these valuable members of the community. Photo submitted
POSTED: 11/11/26 at 9:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Due to holidays, the Pleasant Township Trustees have rescheduled the November 25 regular meeting to 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, at the Township House, 10507 Old Tile Factory Road, Van Wert.
POSTED: 11/11/26 at 9:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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History comes alive as Van Wert Civic Theatre prepares for an incredibly unique, epic regional theater event. Director Doug Grooms is holding Youth Theatre auditions for The Battle of Boat, a brilliant, cinematic musical masterpiece written by the acclaimed British duo Jenna Donnelly and Ethan Lewis Maltby.
It’s 1916, and while the world is at war, a group of courageous children is determined to find their own way to help. Frustrated by being left behind, they embark on a heartwarming adventure to prove that you’re never too young to make a difference. Featuring a sweeping, cinematic score and an all-youth cast, this is a timeless story of hope, bravery, and the unbreakable spirit of friendship.
Casting requirements for this grand production call exclusively for an all-youth ensemble of approximately 10 to 20 performers aged 8-18. There are absolutely no adult characters in the show, meaning the youth carry the entire story. Grooms is looking for young actors and singers who can handle a sweeping, emotional, and epic vocal score. Key roles include Charlie, the determined leader; William, his resourceful friend, and Grierson, the neighborhood bully.
Auditions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, November 16-17 running from 4-6 p.m. each day at the Van Wert Civic Theatre at 118 S. Race St. The audition sign up link is available at vwct.org in the “Current Season” tab. Parents and young performers can access character descriptions here. You can also listen to audio tracks and look over show details here, or check updates at vwct.org.
POSTED: 11/11/26 at 9:28 pm. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment, News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
If all goes as expected, Van Wert city employees will pay a smaller share of health insurance premiums next year.
Currently, the city pays 87 percent of health insurance premiums for its employees, with the workers covering the remaining 13 percent. During Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, a resolution was introduced to establish rates for employee contributions in the city’s healthcare program and Health Savings Account (HSA) program for calendar year 2027. The resolution includes a reduction in employee contributions, from 13 percent to three percent.
“The biggest complaint I have gotten since I’ve been here the last four years is insurance,” City Auditor Erika Blackmore explained to council members. “I crunched the numbers, I looked at it (and) with the amount of people that take the insurance versus what we’re paying for insurance, it really wasn’t that much more to go employer-pay 97 percent, employee pay three percent. So it’s one thing that in administration we decided to do to give back to our employees because we don’t want to lose what we have – we have a very good workforce right now.”
“It used to be you’d work for the government because the benefits outweighed the pay but you can’t really say that anymore with the pay not up with standards,” she continued. “Benefits aren’t really there so I figured it’s just one more way to make it more intriguing.”
Councilwoman At-Large Jana Ringwald asked how employee healthcare contributions compare to other municipalities, and Blackmore used a similar sized, statutory city – Upper Sandusky – as an example.
“They actually pay 100 percent of their premiums, 100 percent of their maximum out of pocket and 100 percent of their deductibles,” Blackmore stated. “That’s just one community but it’s very common for municipalities…they’re very generous with their healthcare.”
(more…)POSTED: 11/10/26 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
It’s called a “Galsgiving Market” and just in time for the holiday season, it’ll feature handmade good, gifts and food items from 31 local vendors.
The YMCA of Van Wert County will host the Galsgiving Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 21, at the YMCA, 241 W. Main St., Van Wert. The market is free and open to the public.
“It is inspiring to hear how each of these businesses came about, and the challenges the owners have worked through to get where they are today,” said YMCA Membership Director Jaz Sandu. “This market gives the community a chance to see that passion up close and to share in the gifts these owners bring. The YMCA is proud to host an event that supports stay-at-home moms, grandparents, parents, young people with an entrepreneur mindset, and many others building something of their own.”
Behind each table stands a home-based business with its own story — owners who bake, sew, pour, paint, and build their products locally, many while raising families and working other jobs. The market gives those businesses a room full of customers, and it gives shoppers a way to work through holiday lists while keeping their spending in Van Wert County.
All 31 vendors are local, home-based businesses. Shoppers will find baked goods, breads, cake pops, and mini cakes; handmade soaps and lotions; crochet work and beaded accessories; jewelry; floral arrangements; wood decor and glass art; custom tumblers and gifts; specialty drinks, and hand-painted ornaments and holiday décor.
No registration is needed. Community members are invited to attend, browse the vendor tables, and enter the donated gift basket raffle.
POSTED: 11/10/26 at 9:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Crestview High School will present Shrek the Musical this Friday through Sunday. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Shown above are Hudson Perrott (as Shrek), Caleb Thomas (as Donkey) and Evvy Lamb (as Fiona) prepare for this weekend’s shows. Tickets are general admission and available in the high school office. They are $10 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. Tickets will also be available at the door. Photo submitted
POSTED: 11/10/26 at 9:32 pm. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment, News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — As previously reported, data centers weren’t exactly popular on last week’s ballot. Of the 21 Ohio data center initiatives on last Tuesday’s ballot, all 21 garnered more votes against than for.
While voters voiced their displeasure with data centers, a new study commissioned by the Ohio Department of Chamber of Commerce Research foundation shows the state’s data center industry contributed approximately $9.1 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2025, supporting nearly 69,600 jobs through ongoing operations, construction and related economic activity.
“Data centers represent a significant economic development opportunity for Ohio, bringing investment, jobs and new opportunities for businesses across the state,” said Ohio Chamber President and CEO Steve Stivers. “As this industry continues to grow, it’s important that policymakers and local communities have reliable information to help them make informed decisions and ensure this investment can best support Ohioans. This research provides a valuable foundation for understanding the opportunities, weighing the policy considerations and ensuring communities are positioned to benefit from responsible development.”
The State of Ohio Data Centers in 2026: Economic Contribution, Tax Policy, and Community Benefits was prepared by SRC EvalMetrics, an Ohio-based economic consulting firm. The report examines the industry’s economic contributions, the cost and effectiveness of Ohio’s sales and use tax exemption, local property tax implications and opportunities for communities to negotiate benefits from data center development.
(more…)POSTED: 11/10/26 at 9:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings. But what about the seasons when life takes an unexpected turn? The Van Wert County Ministers invite the region to an evening of encouragement, worship and gratitude at “I’m Going to See a Victory: A Thanksgiving Celebration,” on Sunday, November 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert. The event is free, and everyone is welcome, regardless of church affiliation.
Gary, Sierra and Parker Wynk of Celina will share their family’s journey of faith and gratitude following a life-changing football injury. Parker, the Celina High School quarterback, suffered a severe spinal injury this season. As he continues his recovery, the family has leaned on their faith, the prayers of their community and the hope that carries them forward.
Mark Dellinger of Calvary Evangelical Church will also share his testimony. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Russian language interpreter, worked with the Defense Intelligence Agency, and has served as an elder in a Messianic Jewish congregation and as a coordinator for Voice of the Martyrs. Several years ago, a stroke left him partially paralyzed. His message, “Thankful When Things Don’t Go Your Way,” offers a personal perspective on gratitude when life looks nothing like we imagined.
The evening will also feature special music and local pastors from churches throughout Van Wert County.
“Thanksgiving isn’t just about being grateful when everything is going right. Sometimes the most meaningful gratitude comes in the middle of life’s hardest moments,” said Paul Hoverman, Van Wert County Ministers representative. Our hope is that everyone who joins us leaves encouraged, uplifted, and reminded that God is faithful through it all.”
Whether you’re walking through a difficult season, celebrating answered prayers or looking for a meaningful way to begin Thanksgiving week, there is a place for you. Come as you are, bring your family and invite a friend.
VW independent staff
WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) has won the race to serve as House Minority Leader as Republicans prepares for a new role in the minority.
Jordan, who serves as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, defeated Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana 106-73 in a secret-ballot election of Republicans who will serve in the next Congress.
Jordan, 62, represents Ohio’s 4 Congressional District, which in 2027 will include Van Wert and Mercer counties.
POSTED: 11/10/26 at 9:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
