SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Lincolnview’s steel drum band has only been in existence for just two years but the unique band has already been selected for a high honor.
During Wednesday night’s monthly meeting, band director Mike Archinal told the Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education the band will travel to Columbus in January to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) state convention, the third largest such convention in the country. Each year, the best of the best are chosen to perform for high school and college music educators from around Ohio. Between 200-300 applications, including audio recordings, are submitted each year and of those, 30 are picked for the honor.
According to Archinal, of the 30 bands selected, 16 are comprised of college students, 11 public schools and two are percussion only. Of the 11 public school bands chosen, the steel drum band was the smallest school picked to perform at the convention.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we could be selected,” Archinal told the board.
Approximately 3,700 music educators are expected to attend the convention at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the steel drum band will play for about 45 minutes.
“For something I didn’t know very much about, to see what our students have done with Mr. Archinal’s leadership – it’s just been incredible,” Superintendent Jeff Snyder said. “We now have the advanced steel drum group, a varsity and JV group, and a junior high and sixth grade group. So many kids want to be part of it. It’s been incredible for our students to have another appreciation of music a iittle bit different than a typical concert, pep or marching band.”
“I’m growing with them, I’m growing with the excitement and I’m growing with the community who wants to hear our kids play,” Archinal said.
(more…)POSTED: 12/18/25 at 9:39 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
Many churches throughout the area have special services planned to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Most of those services will be held on Wednesday, December 24. Here is a list of services as submitted by local churches.
First United Methodict Church, 113 W. Central Ave., Van Wert, will host its traditional Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. The evening will officially begin with prelude music at 6:30 p.m. The main service will feature the beloved tradition of scripture, carols led by the Chancel Choir, and candle lighting.
The service will culminates in the poignant moment of candle lighting, where the congregation shares a collective light, symbolizing the hope and peace of Christ’s birth. Following the service, the church will offer Family Communion from 8-8:45 p.m. All who wish to stay and take communion together with their family are welcome to participate in this intimate offering.
First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert will worship on Christmas Eve with a candlelight service at 7 p.m. in the church Sanctuary. Traditional carols, prayers, and musical offerings by the Chancel Choir and Westminster Ringers will celebrate the Birth of The Child.
The Grover Hill Community Christmas Eve service will begin at 7:30 p.m. December 24, at the Zion Community Church. The service is a collaboration of the Middle Creek United Methodist, Roselms Community, and Zion Community churches. Zion Community Church is located at the corner of 1st and Harrison Streets in Grover Hill.
St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, at the corner of N. Washington St. and Sycamore St. in Van Wert will hold a Holy Communion Service at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, and a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m.
St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Rd, Ohio City, will be holding their candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. The service is open to the public and is a great way to kick off your family Christmas celebration. That evening will feature many of your favorite Christmas Carols and a message entitled ” God Had A Plan.” The service will conclude with Holy Communion and a candlelight service.
Trinity Global Methodist Church, 220 S. Walnut St., Van Wert, will have special music at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, followed by a worship service and Communion at 8 p.m. The service will conclude with Silent Night in candlelight.
An extra layer of security is coming to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital with the installation of metal detectors at the main entrance and the emergency room entrance. OhioHealth is installing metal detectors and bag and purse checks at all 26 of its hospitals to expand weapons-free screening as part of a systemwide effort to prevent workplace violence. Officials said the screening process will take just a few moments and will not delay patient care. Health care workers face a increased risk of violence nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in health care are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries. VW independent file photo
POSTED: 12/18/25 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced a $4.25 million multistate settlement with Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer Menards over allegations of deceptive rebate advertising.
An investigation by Ohio and nine other states found that Menards’ advertising often gave shoppers the impression that they would get an immediate discount at the register, but the savings actually came later in the form of in-store merchandise credit.
“Fine print shouldn’t cancel out big promises,” Yost said. “If a deal isn’t an immediate discount, companies need to say that plainly so consumers can make informed choices.”
The states raised several concerns with Menards’ marketing and sales practices, including allegations that the company:
- Advertised “11 percent off ” or “11 percent off everything” in a way that suggested an instant price cut, even though customers received only a rebate to use on future purchases.
- Listed prices that already reflected an 11 percent discount, reinforcing the idea that shoppers were saving money at checkout.
- Failed to clearly explain important limits of the rebate program, burying key details in fine print.
- Told customers that “Rebates International” was a separate company handling rebates, even though it is operated by Menards itself.
As part of the settlement, Menards has agreed to change how it advertises and runs its rebate program by:
(more…)POSTED: 12/18/25 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Four defendants facing various charges appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Jason Tallman, 43, of Venedocia, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. January 21.
Brandon Cooper, 28, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. February 4.
Cyle Black, 39, of Van Wert, signed a time waiver in open court and requested additional time to prepare his case. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. January 28. Black is charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs, a fourth degree felony; trafficking in a fentanyl related compound, a fifth degree; aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and possession of a fentanyl related compound, also a fifth degree felony.
Nicholas Fitzsimmons, 24, of Van Wert, signed a time waiver in open court and requested additional time to prepare his case. A pre-trial conference was set for 9 a.m. January 28.vHe’s charged with failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony; OVI, a first degree misdemeanor, and driving under financial responsibility suspension, a fourth degree misdemeanor.
POSTED: 12/18/25 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Students at the Van Wert School at the Goedde were able to showcase their food preparation abilities and teach a bit of history Wednesday evening.
The Van Wert City Schools Board of Education held its monthly meeting at the school and the students presented a chuckwagon spread that was second to none, plus a replica chuckwagon.
A Goedde student, Zeke, shared the history of the chuckwagon and explained it was invented in 1866 and was a “kitchen on wheels” used to store and transport food and cooking equipment for large cattle drives. Other students helped prepare the food that was on the chuckwagon, which was parked in the hallway outside of the conference room at the school. Meats included ribs and tomahawk steaks that were cooked to varying temperatures, cowboy beans, regular and jalepeno cornbread, rolls, potatoes, roasted vegatables consisting of carrots, green beans, mushrooms, red and orange peppers and broccoli. Dessert was offered as well – peach cobbler and cherry cobbler.
After the presentation, board members happily filled metal plates and conducted the remainder of the meeting while enjoying the food.
Five retirement-resignations were accepted by the board – custodial/maintenance Scott Pollock, effective December 31; assistant to the director of technology Richard Kreischer, effective January 31; social worker John Basinger, effective at the end of the school year, and school psychologist Doug Grooms, effective at the end of the school year.
(more…)POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Wednesday evening’s meeting of the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education was the final one for one of its members.
After serving three four-year terms, Scott Mull chose not to seek re-election in November. While reflecting on his time as a board member, Mull said some of his fondest memories including watching the progession of the district and the focus on each and every student.
“I had a really small part in helping that come together and looking back and seeing what we’ve accomplished over the 12 years has been really amazing,” Mull said. “It’s been very rewarding for me.”
He also said leaving the board is bittersweet to him.
Superintendent Mark Bagley had nothing but praise for Mull and his contributions to the district.
“I was hired right during COVID and Scott and I had some very candid conversations that were really good,” Bagley said. “What I love about Scott is he’s challenged the board, he’s challenged me to get better, to keep working and make Van Wert City Schools the best. He’s not status quo, he’s not ‘we’ve always done it this way,’ and he really pushed our district hard for 12 years and I saw that as a middle school principal and as a superintendent.”
“Talk about exemplary board members and I think Scott fits that bill,” he added. “He takes it very seriously, he works at it, he’s been our board president and I just can’t say enough good things about Scott. We’re really going to miss him.”
Board President Anthony Adams echoed Bagley’s sentiments.
(more…)POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
LIMA — The Ohio State University at Lima will host the Northwest Conference Scholastic Bowl Tournament starting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
High school teams from around the Northwest Conference will go head-to-head in an exciting round-robin scholastic bowl tournament. Varsity and junior varsity teams are expected from Allen East, Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Crestview, Delphos Jefferson, Fort Loramie, Lima Central Catholic, Lincolnview and Spencerville. More than 95 students are scheduled to compete.
Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m. in the Perry Webb Student Life Building. Competition rooms are in Galvin Hall and lunch is in the Webb and Galvin Commons from 11:10-11:55 a.m. Trophy presentations will start around 1:30 p.m. in the Cloyd Student Commons in Galvin Hall lower level.
Awards will include Varsity Tournament Champion and Runner-up and First Place and Runner-up for JV.
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Fairgrounds will host the popular Bang for Your Buck Raffle on Saturday, January 31 at the Jr. Fair Building. This exciting evening offers great food, games, and the chance to win big prizes — all for one ticket price.
Tickets are $100 each and include one person’s entry, a meal, and a chance to win throughout the night. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the raffle will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Participants must be present to win or have a representative attending on their behalf. All winners must be able to pass a background check.
One of the evening’s highlights will be the opportunity to win the “Mystery Safe,” along with games and prizes happening all night long.
Tickets are available for purchase at the Van Wert County Fair Office or through any Fair Board Director. The more tickets sold, the more prizes will be added.
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The Office of Criminal Justice Services has announced over $3.9 million in federal grants to reduce violence against women in Ohio.
One of the recipients of a Violence Against Women Act grants is the YWCA of Van Wert County, which has been awarded $51,765.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants assist local governments and non-profit community-based organizations in administering justice for and strengthening services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
“This funding will be used to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking through survivor services, preventing efforts, and advocate support,” YWCA President/CEO Kimberly Laudick said. “The funding will strengthen advocacy and access to safe housing to improve the safety and long-term stability for individuals and families impacted by violence.”
OCJS administered the competitive VAWA grant by soliciting proposals from victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts throughout Ohio. In total, OCJS awarded 81 grants to local agencies in 45 counties.
VAWA funds also enhance the capacity of local communities to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
ROCKFORD — The Rockford Police Department is asking for help in identifying three individuals getting into multiple vehicles in the village early Wednesday morning.
According to Police Chief Bryan W. Stryker, the three were dressed in all black and entering vehicles at around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, mainly on the side of the village.
The Rockford Police Department is asking homeowners to check their surveillance cameras for any activity from 2 a.m. until approximately 3 a.m. Anyone who spots any activity that may be suspicious should contact the Rockford Police Department at 419.363.3032 option No. 2.
Chief Stryker said as a reminder, do not leave anything valuable inside your vehicle and always lock your doors. If you witness suspicious activity in progress, please contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 419.586.7724.
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 2:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
