SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Negotiations continue regarding incentives for the QTS data center that will be built in Van Wert and if all goes as planned, the community will soon learn how it will benefit from the project. That was the word from Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brent Stevens at Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council.
Steven said he’s hopeful that some sort of announcement on incentives and benefits to be provided by QTS will be presented to the council in mid-October or possibly late October.
“As we can all imagine, with a $10 billion project there is a tremendous amount of back and fourth with our lawyers and their lawyers,” he said.
Stevens also noted that if a community reinvestment area (CRA) agreement is required, a presentation would need to be made to the CRA board, then would have to sit with the Lincolnview school district for 14 days before being presented to Van Wert City Council for a vote. The site where the data center will be built is in the city of Van Wert, but is also in the Lincolnview school district.
During his presentation, Stevens said the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation is working to create an incentive oversight board that would work with the city and the county. The goal, he said, is to provide transparency with revenue and benefits coming into the community from the data center project.
Stevens said QTS representatives were in town two weeks ago and spoke with Lincolnview schools, Crestview, Van Wert and non-profit organizations as part of an outreach effort.
Data center groundbreaking is expected to take place this fall.
(more…)POSTED: 09/14/26 at 9:48 pm
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
During Monday night’s first meeting of September, members of Van Wert City Council agreed to table three ordinances that would revise or amend certain existing city laws.
One of them concerns door-to-door salespeople in the city. The ordinance, which was proposed by Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless several weeks ago and has been discussed at length, has undergone enough changes and amendments that Hurless himself called it “messy” and requested it be withdrawn and replaced with a “clean” version at the next meeting, a request that was granted by the rest of council. Prior to that, it was up for its third and final reading.
The remaining two ordinances that were tabled would make changes to existing noise ordinances. Questions were raised about more proposed changes, prompting Councilman At-Large Hall Block, who introduced the amendments, to request both be tabled for more revisions before a second advisory vote. The ordinances were introduced several weeks ago.
An ordinance concerning private wells in the city was tabled at a previous meeting and remained on the table.
A handful of ordinances did move forward, including two that were approved on third and final reading. One grants a 10-year franchise agreement to Ohio Power (AEP). It was originally introduced as a 50-year agreement earlier this year but was tabled while a shorter agreement was worked out. The other ordinance that was approved allows Jennings Crossing subdivision to construct single family homes with five-foot side yards.
At the request of Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming, council approved an emergency ordinance that will complete the E. Main St. water main project, from Chestnut St. to Wayne St. The ordinance allows Fleming to apply for state grant funds for the project.
He also requested legislation for a supplemental appropriation for engineering work for the Bonnewitz Ave. extension project, known as Bonnewitz Crossing, along with a similar request to extend Production Drive. Once complete, Bonnewitz will be extended all the way to Mendon Rd., while Production Drive could be extended to Dutch John Rd. The requested supplementals will be on the next agenda.
POSTED: 09/14/26 at 9:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Northwest State Community College will celebrate the opening of its new Esports Lab at the Van Wert Campus by holding an NBA 2K27 tournament from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, September 24.
The event is free and open to anyone ages 12 and over. Food and drinks will be provided, along with prizes and NSCC swag. In addition to being able to play in the tournament, attendees can try out the new esports gaming stations, explore the lab, and learn more about the growing world of competitive gaming and associated college programs.
“This new lab represents another way Northwest State is creating engaging learning opportunities while connecting with the community,” said Kyle Klinker, NSCC Esports coach. “Esports continues to grow across colleges and universities, and we’re excited to bring that experience to the Van Wert Campus.”
Community members, students, and gamers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend, compete, or simply stop by to check out the new space. Those attending will also be able to see our new esports team mascot, the NSCC Van Wert Vortex.
Use the QR code to pre-register and reserve your spot.
The NSCC Van Wert Campus is at 520 E. Sycamore St.
POSTED: 09/14/26 at 9:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has announced that officers will operate an OVI checkpoint to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week.
The county where the checkpoint will take place will be announced the day prior to the checkpoint, and the location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.
Operational support for the sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
POSTED: 09/14/26 at 9:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 25.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.16 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 11.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.30 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 31.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $6.183 per gallon.
Late last week, gas prices in Van Wert abruptly increased to as high as $4.29 per gallon for self-serve regular, before beginning a small decline over the weekend. By Monday evening, gas as some stations in Van Wert was as low as $3.89 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.49 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.69 per gallon, a difference of $2.20 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 17.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.25 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 19 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.14 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.
“Average gasoline and diesel prices rose in every state over the last week as geopolitical tensions escalated on multiple fronts, with friction between the U.S. and Iran, new hostilities in the Red Sea, and the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline all combining to jolt prices sharply higher,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “New weekend attacks also knocked two additional Russian refineries offline, further straining global refined product supplies and likely offsetting any seasonal relief. Diesel prices could climb even faster in the wake of the new refinery attacks. While most of the country transitions to cheaper winter-blend gasoline this week, the scale of ongoing geopolitical escalations makes meaningful price relief unlikely in the near term. Motorists should brace for continued volatility ahead.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/14/26 at 9:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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More than 500 area freshmen and sophomores will gather at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, September 15, for the annual Build Your Future Forward event, an interactive career exploration experience designed to introduce students to in-demand careers throughout the region.
Students from Crestview Local Schools, Lincolnview Local Schools, and Van Wert City Schools will participate in the morning session from 9-11 a.m., while students from Parkway Local Schools, Paulding Exempted Village Schools, Antwerp Local Schools, and Wayne Trace Local Schools will attend in the afternoon from 12-2 p.m.
Throughout the day, students will rotate through 7-minute hands-on career stations focused on healthcare, manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, and other high-demand industries. Vantage Career Center students and staff will help lead interactive activities, demonstrate industry-related skills, and give participating students a firsthand look at career-technical education and the skills needed in today’s workforce.
Healthcare and manufacturing career stations will return this year following positive feedback from last year’s event, providing students with even more ways to discover careers available close to home.
Local employers and community organizations will also play an important role in bringing career exploration to life. Participating partners include Danfoss, OhioHealth Van Wert, Paulding County Hospital, Alexander & Bebout Construction, Ayers Mechanical Group, ATR Contractors, InSource, OhioMeansJobs, Paulding Economic Development, the Van Wert County Foundation, and the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (VWAEDC). Insource, located in Paulding County, joins this year’s event for the first time to showcase manufacturing careers and help students learn more about opportunities within the industry.
By introducing students to high-demand career pathways early, Build Your Future Forward helps students make more informed decisions about their education and future while connecting them directly with local employers and industry professionals. The event also supports regional workforce development by helping employers engage with the next generation of talent and showing students that rewarding career opportunities are available in their own communities.
POSTED: 09/14/26 at 7:45 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The YWCA of Van Wert County is continuing its series of articles answering a simple but important question: Why is the YWCA building a new facility?
The answer is found in the people the YWCA serves every day.
While the new 30,000-square-foot facility will expand the organization’s services across all three areas of focus – Survivor Services, Youth Development, and Advocacy & Education — one of the greatest opportunities for growth will be in Youth Development.
For more than 30 years, the YWCA has provided free programs designed to help children learn, grow, stay healthy, and build the skills they need to succeed. Programs such as the Summer Food Program, Erin’s Law Abuse Prevention, Van Wert Middle School Cougar Leaders, and Run Jump Throw provide children with opportunities to experience healthy activities, positive relationships, leadership development, and meaningful support.
“I loved how the lessons were delivered and the hands-on activity each time. Very kid friendly but did not tip toe around the issues.” — VWCS teacher response to Erin’s Law lessons.
The impact Is measurable
This summer marked the 31st year of the YWCA Summer Food Program, and the numbers tell an important story:
- 4,587 meals served
- 524 weekend food bags distributed
- 54 hygiene bags provided
- 154 children registered
- 246 free books distributed
- 37 children participated in Run Jump Throw
“My grandchildren had an amazing time at the Summer Food Program and had nothing but good things to say when I picked them up.” — Grandparent of Summer Food Program participant.
(more…)POSTED: 09/13/26 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
DELPHOS – The City of Delphos is currently accepting letters of interest for the position of mayor. The deadline to submit is 4 p.m. this Friday, September 18. Interviews will be conducted on the evening of Monday, September 21.
To be considered, an applicant must be a resident of Delphos (Van Wert County or Allen County side) for at least six months, must be a registered voter in Van Wert County or Allen County and have voted in the last two elections.
The person chosen will fill the remainder of the term, which expires on December 31, 2027.
Letters of interest and/or resumes may be submitted to the Administrative Assistant’s Office at the Municipal Building, 608 N. Canal St., Delphos, or via email at adminassist@cityofdelphos.com.
Former Mayor Andre McConnahea stepped down September 4 to focus on his family’s small business. He was elected as a write-in during the November, 2023 election. Delphos City Council President Mark Clement has assumed mayoral duties temporarily.
POSTED: 09/13/26 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Historical Society has an events-filled week this week. From 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 17, the Historical Society will hold its final walking historical cemetery tour, Heroes of Van Wert. This program will highlight eight men who made a big impact on Van Wert – John S. Brumback, George Marsh, Charles Wassenberg, Lt. Isaac Newton Alexander, Dr. Phillip John Hines, Davis Johnson, John Strandler and Alonzo Conant. This is a walking tour where eight community members will share the heroes’ stories at their resting place. It will be approximately one mile of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. If the weather does not cooperate the event will be postponed until late spring. If it’s necessary to postpone the event, it will be posted on the Brumback Library and Historical Society’s Facebook pages. The event is co-sponsored by the Brumback Library and Woodland Cemetery Trustees and staff.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, September 20, the Van Wert County Historicial Society will expand on one of the cemetery tour Civil War heroes. Harrison Frech as Lt. Colonel Isaac Alexander and Lucus Minnick as First Lt. Caleb Roberts of the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry will tell their stories based on their diaries and letters preserved and housed at the VWCHS.
Both events are free and open to the public.
POSTED: 09/13/26 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Denver Bierman of the popular Denver and the Mile High Orchestra will perform this Sunday night in Van Wert. He’ll perform at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St. No tickets are required. A freewill offering will be received. Photo submitted
Submitted information
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Union Township Trustees on at o 8 p.m. Thursday, September 24, has been rescheduled to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, at the township building.
POSTED: 09/13/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
