SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The data center and its impact on Vantage Career Center was a topic of discussion during Thursday’s Vantage school board meeting.
Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brent Stevens and Van Wert Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming were at the meeting to explain a planned road extension project that will eventually link Bonnewitz Ave. to Mendon Rd. It would require Vantage giving away some of its existing parking lot on the south side of the campus. If the board agrees to the request, Fleming said a new parking lot would be built at the main campus, one that would include 50 more parking spaces than the current lot has.
“I see this as a huge win for the school, for the community, for future economic development for a bunch of different reasons,” Stevens said of plan to connect Bonnewitz to Mendon. “Now, when the kids leave school they can only go north or south but with this, they would be able to go north, south, east or west.”
It was also noted that in 2029 or 2030, two new roundabouts will be built in the City of Van Wert, with one being part of the Bonnewitz extension. That one will be constructed at the current intersection of Bonnewitz and N. Washington St., while the other will be built just up the street on N. Washington at the U.S. 30 exit ramp.
As far as the data center itself, plans originally called for it to be built on approximately 200 acres of land at the Mega Site, but that could expand to 900 acres. Stevens said it’s expected to be built in phases over a 10-year period and will eventually employ approximately 250 workers. He added construction could begin in the third or fourth quarter of this year. However, while Thor Equities was the buyer of the Mega Site property, Stevens told the board he’s still unable to share the name of the end user.
(more…)POSTED: 02/05/26 at 10:44 pm
While snow was in this morning’s forecast, it came down a little quicker and heavier than expected in downtown Van Wert and the surrounding area. Roughly two inches of light, fluffy snow fell in about 90 minutes, leaving vehicles covered and roads a bit on the slick side. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 02/06/26 at 8:25 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
A Van Wert man wanted on an active warrant for felonious assault and who allegedly made threatening remarks about a former law enforcement officer was taken into custody without incident last night.
According to Van Wert Police Chief Doug Weigle, Devin Allen Couch, 21, was arrested after a traffic stop at W. Third St. and N. Jefferson St. at appoximately 9 p.m. Thursday. A Van Wert Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted on the vehicle and inside it, officers found what appeared to be meth.
The felonious assault charge, a second degree felony, stemmed from an incident on January 19, when Couch allegedly assaulted a male victim in the 200 block of N. Wall St. When the male retreated to his home, Couch ran after him and entered his home without being invited.
The responding officer to that incident arrived and arrested Couch at the scene and according to Weigle, Couch showed signs of intoxication. Couch’s cell phone was seized and a search warrant was obtained to extract evidence from the phone. It was discovered Couch was talking about killing a retired police officer and a family member. He also discussed shooting it out with law enforcement.
“Due to the those concerns, the Van Wert City Police Department is very happy he was taken into custody without incident,” Weigle said.
Couch remains in the Van Wert County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
POSTED: 02/06/26 at 7:34 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The Vantage Career Center Board of Education welcomed two new members during Thursday night’s monthly meeting.
Karen Grothouse is the new representative for the Delphos City Schools and Brian Donaldson is Continental’s new representative. Grothouse is filling the remainder of a three year term that was previously held by Rebecca Suever, while Donaldson is beginning a new three year term. Continental was previously represented by Robin Etter.
All board seats are filled except for one – Antwerp Local Schools. The seat was previously held by Dennis Recker and now the Antwerp school board is working to find his replacement.
During his monthly report to the board, Superintendent Rick Turner noted the school has just one full calamity day left before make-up days will need to be utilized. He also lauded the work of the school’s maintanance workers for their efforts during the winter season.
“They have worked tirelessly to ensure our parking lots and sidewalks are safe and accessible,” he said. “Their efforts are greatly appreciated.”
Turner explained that a recent bi-weekly Vantage Academy of Medical Careers construction meeting was canceled due to weather and he said the next meeting is scheduled for next week. Later in the month, Vantage officials will meet with Munger Architects to discuss repurposing space in the main building once the medical programs transition into the new facility.
“We have asked Munger to provide a few different options, including cost estimates for each. We will bring those to you for discussion following that meeting,” he stated.
Turner also reminded the board that the annual Taste of Vantage/Open House event will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. this coming Monday, along with a special 50th anniversary celebration earlier in the day. Both events were orginally scheduled for January 26 but were postponed due to inclement weather.
High School Director Ben Winans told the board that 436 applications were received from high school sophomores for the 2026-2027 school year, a slight increase from last year.
(more…)POSTED: 02/05/26 at 10:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society will host its 10th Annual Reverse Raffle on Saturday, March 28, at the Junior Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m.
This popular annual fundraiser features multiple opportunities to win prizes, including a 50/50 drawing, silent and live auction items, and more. The last ticket drawn will receive $7,000, with the second-to-last ticket receiving $3,500, the third-to-last ticket receiving $1,500, and the fourth-to-last ticket receiving $750. The evening will be catered by Gibson’s Barnyard BBQ.
Raffle tickets are $100 each, and dinner-only tickets are $30 each. Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold. Both ticket options include a catered meal, complimentary drinks and the opportunity to participate in all activities throughout the event.
Tickets are available through the Van Wert County Fair Office, at 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert, or by contacting any fair board director.
POSTED: 02/05/26 at 10:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Ohio Department of Transportation oversaw approximately 290 projects that added significant highway infrastructure or improved the safety or condition of area highways in northwest Ohio during 2025. Approximately 90 contract projects totaling $327 million were managed in 2025 and another 200 or so were completed by ODOT’s own forces throughout the 16-county region. Notable local highlights include the opening of reconstructed rest areas along U.S. 30 in Convoy and chip sealing 24 lane miles of U.S. 30. Photos submitted
POSTED: 02/05/26 at 10:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
A reminder the Middle Point Lions Club is sponsoring a sandwich supper before tonight’s Lincolnview boys basketball game against Delphos Jefferson. Sandwiches will be served in the Lincolnview cafeteria from 4-6 p.m. and the menu will include BBQ pork sandwiches, shredded chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, cookies, brownies and Joan’s famous “scotcheroos.” Proceeds will benefit the Middle Point Lions scholarship fund.
Tomorrow (Saturday), Convoy Fire & EMS will hold its 47th annual Pancake and Sausage Day. Pancakes, sausages, coffee, milk and orange juice will be served from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Building at Edgewood Park on Ohio 49. All meals are by donation. Proceeds will be used to purchase new fire and EMS equipment.
POSTED: 02/05/26 at 10:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
In terms of local races and issues, the May 5 primary ballot in Van Wert County will be very light. Wednesday at 4 p.m. was the deadline for partisan candidates to file nominating petitions to appear on the primary ballot. The same deadline applied to local issues.
Three Republican races will be on the countywide ballot.
One of them pits Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva Yarger against County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum in the race for Juvenile/Probate Court Judge. Van Wert Law Director John Hatcher also filed petitions to run but later withdrew from the race. The winner will be unopposed in November because no one else filed petitions to run. The race does have a twist. Earlier this week, Governor Mike DeWine appointed Yarger to fill the now-vacant seat that was held by Judge Kevin Taylor, who retired December 31, 2025. She’ll take the bench on February 17 to fill the unexpired term, which ends February 8, 2027. The winner of the primary will serve February 9, 2027 to February 8, 2033.
Incumbent Van Wert County Auditor Jami Bradford is seeking her second term in office. She’s being challenged by Arica Wermer, deputy auditor for the City of Van Wert. The winner in May will be unopposed in November.
The third race spans 10 counties that comprise Ohio’s First Senate District – Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Williams counties, and the northern portion of Logan County. Current State Representative Jim Hoops and former State Representative Craig Riedel are seeking seat currently held by State Senator and Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. The winner will be unopposed in the November election.
(more…)POSTED: 02/04/26 at 9:56 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A third person has entered the race in Ohio’s 82nd District seat in the Ohio House of Representatives.
According to Putnam County Board of Elections Director Karen Warnecke, David Plant of Defiance filed before Wednesay’s 4 p.m. deadline as a write-in candidate on the Democratic Party ticket. On Tuesday, Christopher Elder of Paulding filed petitions to run as a Libertarian and last month, incumbent Republican Roy Klopfenstein filed petitions to run for a third term in office.
The 82nd District includes all of Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties, and the southern portion of Defiance County.
All three are unopposed in the May primary, meaning they’ll all appear on the November ballot.
POSTED: 02/04/26 at 9:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has released a list of partisan candidates who submitted petitions to run for statewide office in the May 5 primary election.
“Public service is a patriotic calling, and I want to recognize these candidates for having the courage to get in the arena, as Teddy Roosevelt described it, LaRose said. “Our team at the Secretary of State’s office will now work with the county boards of elections to carefully review every petition signature and determine whether each candidate qualifies to appear on the primary ballot.”
The following candidates filed petitions by Wednesday’s 4 p.m. deadline to run for a statewide office as a partisan candidate.
For U.S. Senate:
- Sherrod Brown (D)
- Jon Husted (R)
- Jeffrey M. Kanter (L)
- William B. Redpath (L)
- Ron Kincaid (D)
For Governor and Lieutenant Governor:
(more…)POSTED: 02/04/26 at 9:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Four defendants changed their respective pleas during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Zachary Craig, 46, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. He was then sentenced to three years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date. In addition, he was ordered to stay in the Team Recovery Ohio program, undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, and was ordered to pay court costs.
James Jones, 38, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of assault, a first degree misdemeanor. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. March 18.
Matthew Daisy, 46, of Rockford, changed his plea to guilty to grand theft of a motor vehicle, a felony of the fourth degree. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. March 18.
Corbin Cornelius, 25, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. He was then sentenced to 170 days in jail to run concurrently with his sentence from Van Wert Municipal Court. He was also ordered to pay court costs.
In addition to those hearings, Derek Eland, 33, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by consuming alcohol. He was released on a surety bond, but if released on a prior charge, he’ll be on electronic house arrest. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 25.
Anthony Diaz, 23, of Defiance requested and was granted a bond modification. He was released on a surety bond. He also signed a time waiver in open court and requested additional time to prepare his case. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 25. Diaz is facing a charge of domestic violence, a fifth degree misdemeanor.
POSTED: 02/04/26 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
