VW independent staff
14 criminal defendants appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between March 5-11. Five the defendants are charged with domestic violence and/or strangulation, while four others are facing drug charges. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Plea changes
David Lowe, 55, of Sturgis, Michigan, changed his plea to guilty to three counts of gross sexual imposition, all third degree felonies. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 2:30 p.m. April 28.
Crystal Robison, 38, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty go an amended indictment of strangulation, a fourth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. April 22.
Shane Neuman, 42, of Delphos, changed his plea to guilty to an amended indictment of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. He was sentenced to one year of probation, 30 days in jail at a later date, was ordered to have no contact with the victims, and was ordered to pay court costs.
Daniel Craig, 44, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty of an amended indictment of domestic violence, a fourth degree felony. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. April 22.
Arraignments
Cainan Burnett, 28, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to aggravated possession of drugs and aggravated trafficking in drugs, both second degree felonies. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 1.
(more…)POSTED: 03/11/26 at 11:03 pm
VW independent staff
Felony charges have been refiled against a Van Wert man suspected of causing the death of a man in late 2024.
Joshua D. Sargent, 44, was served with a Van Wert County Common Pleas Court warrant charging him with involuntary manslaughter, a first degree felony, and corrupting another with drugs, a second degree felony.
He pleaded not guilty during arraignment on Tuesday and was released on a surety bond. He’s due back in court April 1.
The charges are tied to the early October, 2024 death of KC Kerns, 43, of Van Wert. His body was found in the wooded lot of the old reservoir at the corner of Blaine St. and Anderson Ave. The indictment alleges Sargent supplied drugs that resulted in the death of Kerns.
Sargent was originally charged in early May, 2025. He pleaded not guilty and according to Van Wert County Prosecutor Dillon Staas, the case was later dismissed due to the availability of a witness. Staas said the witness is now available, which led his office to refile the charges.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The YWCA of Van Wert County has begun taking orders for its annual geranium sale, with orders accepted through noon on April 24. These hardy, easy-to-care-for geraniums arrive just in time for Mother’s Day, making them a perfect gift while also adding vibrant pops of color to flower beds, patios, porches, and business storefronts.
The annual flower sale is a significant fundraiser that supports the YWCA’s work throughout the year, including Youth Development and Survivor Services programs.
A variety of products are available for purchase, including:
- Individual 4-inch pots for $4 each
- Bulk flats of 15 pots of the same color for $55
- 10-inch hanging baskets for $25
Geraniums are available in seven colors: red, lavender, fuchsia, pink, light salmon, tangerine, and white (white not available in hanging baskets). Porch delivery within Van Wert County is available for an additional $5.
Order pickup is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the parking lot across the street from the YWCA at 408 E. Main St. A limited selection of cash-and-carry items will be available beginning at 11 a.m. that day. Buyers are encouraged to place pre-sale orders to guarantee product availability and receive discounted pricing. Cash-and-carry prices will be $5 per pot and $27 per hanging basket.
Multiple payment options are available, including credit card, debit card, cash, check, and Venmo. Buyers are encouraged to place orders through the YWCA website at https://ywcavanwert.org/events. Paper order forms are also available in the YWCA lobby on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., may be printed from the website, or requested by email at julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org.
The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and receives partial funding from The Van Wert County Foundation.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Society, in partnership with the Brumback Library, have announced a new event coming next year. in partnership with the Brumback Library.
Mark your calendars for April 24, 2027, for the Once Upon a Market Indie Author & Book Bazaar, to be held in the Jr. Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. The brand-new event will bring together families, book lovers, and authors for a unique literary marketplace experience. Attendees can explore a variety of independent authors, book-themed vendors, and literary-inspired goods — all in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere designed to celebrate storytelling and creativity.
Vendor applications are now being accepted. Authors, book-themed creators, and literary vendors interested in participating can visit vanwertcountyfair.com for more information and to apply. Additional details regarding event activities, featured authors, and attendance information will be announced soon.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The sounds of gospel music will soon fill the Family Life Center/Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert as the 25st Annual Gospel Music Expo kicks off on March 20, 21 and 22.
Cheryl Burk and Kim Mason make up the gospel group Trinity and it was their vision, along with founding member Gary Adams, to bring a singing convention to Van Wert back in 2001. After singing for similar events across the country,the trio began to pray about it and then approached Trinity Friends Church for the use of The Family Life Center.
What began as a one night sing, grew to a two night event in 2002, then a Sunday night finale concert was added in 2004 as The Booth Brothers took the stage. Since that time some of the top Southern Gospel Artists in the country have joined Trinity for the Finale. In 2006 a Thursday night was added to feature local Christian artists and the four night format continued until 2017 and then returned to a three night event. As planning began for this special anniversary, Trinity began to count the different groups and soloists who have been part of the Gospel Expo and they are at 107 and still counting. “It’s not about us, it’s all about Him” is the foundation of the Expo.
On Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 the music will begin at 5 p.m. with gospel groups and soloists from Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania,West Virginia, Michigan, New York and Kentucky. A gospel group or soloist will take the stage approximately every 13 minutes throughout the evening. All of the ministries will have product tables set up around the gymnasium where you can chat with your favorites, purchase their music or book them for an upcoming service or event.
(more…)VW independent staff/submitted information
Northwest State Community College’s new new Esports Lab is opening at the Van Wert Campus and to celebrate, NSCC is holding an inaugural Mario Kart tournament from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the Van Wert Campus, 520 E. Sycamore St.
The event is free and open to all ages. 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 school’s 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. You’ll also be able to see the school’s new Esports team mascot, the NSCC Van Wert Vortex.
Use the QR code to pre-register and reserve your spot.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Van Wert, Mercer, Auglaize, and Putnam counties, along with Wells, Adams, Grant, Blackford and Jay counties in northeast Indiana until 12 p.m. today.
According to the NWS, scattered thundertorms may become strong to severe, with large hail, gusty winds, tornadoes and flash flooding possible.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 6:23 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine entered the House Chambers at the Ohio Statehouse to deliver his final State of the State speech on Tuesday. Due to term limits, DeWine will leave office at the end of this year.
During the hourlong speech, he touted past accomplishments, including the start of Science of Reading in Ohio’s public schools and the OhioSEE program to provide eyeglasses for young students in low income areas of the state, cell phones in schools and more. He also focused on key priorities for the rest of the year.
Reading
Since Governor DeWine began his first term, First Lady Fran DeWine has made it her mission to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library across Ohio. With 70 percent of households with children under five participating, Ohio continues to have the highest number of children enrolled in the nation. With the support of the Ohio General Assembly, the Science of Reading is required to be taught in every classroom in Ohio, from preschool programs to high school.
He noted Ohio is starting to see results in the state’s youngest learners, thanks in part to the Science of Reading. This past fall, kindergarten readiness statewide improved to 8.3 percent, equating to an additional 7,300 Ohio children.
Governor DeWine announced additional actions to ensure Ohio’s children are being taught the right way.
- The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) will create regional “Science of Reading Instructional Implementation Teams.” The teams will be made up of trained experts whose sole focus will be on helping K-12 schools to fully execute the Science of Reading in their classrooms. These teams will also be available to assess schools that have already implemented the Science of Reading to ensure they have effectively implemented the program.
POSTED: 03/10/26 at 8:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Van Wert will hold a public hearing at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in Council Chambers, 515 E. Main St. regarding a proposed amendment to the zoning map of the City of Van Wert. The amendment is tied to the data center (see story here).
The application seeks to zone certain territory petitioned to be annexed to the City of Van Wert to “I-2 General Industrial” District, together with any conditions voluntarily offered by the property owner. The property is generally located east of U.S. 127, east and south of U.S. 224, north of U.S. 30 and west of Mendon Road, and consists of a total of 773.565 acres and 128.133 acres.
Interested persons may appear and be heard at the hearing.
POSTED: 03/10/26 at 8:51 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — Crestview FFA recently concluded another highly successful strawberry fundraiser, continuing a tradition that has become a favorite within the community. This year, the Crestview FFA chapter sold more than 850 flats of strawberries, making it the second-highest total in chapter history.
The strawberries are sourced through the Florida Farm Bureau, ensuring fresh, high-quality fruit that supporters look forward to each year. Members were especially pleased with the improved quality of the strawberries this season, which led to positive feedback from customers and strong repeat sales throughout the fundraiser.
The annual strawberry sale serves as one of the chapter’s largest fundraisers, helping support leadership development activities, competitions, state convention travel, and other educational opportunities for members. The success of this year’s sale reflects the hard work and dedication of FFA members who spent weeks promoting, organizing, and delivering orders to the community.
Several members achieved impressive individual sales totals, including Emily Lichtle, who set a new personal and chapter record by selling 150 flats. This accomplishment broke her previous record of 134 flats sold last year, demonstrating her continued commitment and strong work ethic.
Crestview FFA is excited to see where this year’s total places them in the state rankings, which will be announced at the State FFA Convention. Crestview FFA has been first in the state for the past three years hoping this year would make it four.
The Crestview FFA thanked Dalton Boroff for helping unload strawberries from the truck to make it an easier process. The chapter is grateful for the ongoing support from the community and looks forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.
POSTED: 03/10/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Tickets are still available for the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Van Wert on Tap Craft Beer Festival at the Junior Fair building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m. Saturday April 18. Those attending will be able to enjoy unlimited tastings of selected wine and craft beer from some of the best breweries in the region.
Premier Sponsor of the event is First Federal Van Wert. Also sponsoring are Central Insurance, Tekniplex, Tenneco, Inc, Laudick’s Jewelry, Danfoss, and Bridgemill Private Wealth.
Returning breweries include Moeller Brew Barn, Buffalo Rock Brewing Co., Brewing Green, Second Crossing Brew Co., Findlay Brewing Co., Twenty One Barrels Hard Cider, False Chord Brewery, 4KD Crick Brewery, and Brewing Green. New breweries this year include Juniper Brewing Co., Oncore Brewing, and Old Route 69 Brewery. Smashdogz, Drop Zone Pizza and Fat Pig BBQ will be on site to offer food for purchase.
General admission tickets (unlimited tastings, commemorative cup and entry at 6 p.m.) are $30 per person and VIP tickets (unlimited tastings, commemorative cup, and entry to the 5-6 p.m. VIP hour) are $50 per person, Click here to get your tickets.
The Chamber thanked Premier Sponsor First Federal Savings and Loan as well as Tenneco, Inc., Sister’s Embroidery, Bridgemill Private Wealth, Laudick’s Jewelry and Tekniplex for their support of the event.
For questions about sponsorship or ticketing, contact Mark Verville at the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce at 419.238.4390 or email mark@vanwertchamber.com.
POSTED: 03/10/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
