SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
In case you’re wondering – leaf pickup in Van Wert will begin the week of November 24 and will last approximately four weeks. During Monday night’s Van Wert City Council meeting, Mayor Ken Markward noted the service is a little later this year because leaves are late in falling, and said more information will be included in November water bills.
A pair of funding requests were heard at the meeting. One was for $26,500 for Main Street Van Wert. Before making the request, Executive Director Mitch Price shared a brief rundown of events offered this year and he said planning is underway for next year. He also noted the annual request is $500 less than last year. The request is expected to be considered during upcoming budget discussions.
The other request was from the YWCA of Van Wert County for a one-time contribution of $15,000 for the ongoing capital campaign. The agency plans to build a new facility on Lincoln Highway, with construction scheduled to start next summer. CEO Kim Laudick said the YWCA has outgrown its facility on E. Main St. and needs space to expand programming and serve more people. She outlined the project and listed other funding sources.
(more…)POSTED: 10/27/25 at 8:44 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
The magic of the holidays is coming to life once again in downtown Van Wert as the Holiday Market on Main returns for the 2025 season. The fun community event will take place across four festive Saturdays – November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to shop local, celebrate community, and soak in the holiday spirit.
Hosted in the heart of downtown Van Wert, the Holiday Market on Main features a rotating lineup of local makers, artisans and small businesses showcasing handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, boutique finds and delicious treats. Each market day will bring its own unique atmosphere with local vendors, cheerful music, and cozy small-town charm.
“Holiday Market on Main is all about bringing people together and supporting these incredible vendors and downtown businesses,” said Channing Wannemacher, Event Organizer with Main Street Van Wert. “It’s becoming an annual experience that really reflects who we are at Main Street Van Wert. Supporting local businesses, bringing community downtown and making Downtown Van Wert the place to be during the holiday season.”
Visitors can expect a festive mix of shopping, dining, and community fun as downtown storefronts and pop-up vendors transform Main Street into a winter wonderland of holiday magic. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or simply want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, the market offers something special for everyone.
Event Details
- Downtown Van Wert
- Fridays: November 29, December 6, December 13 and December 20
- Times: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Free admission – all are welcome
For more information, vendor inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Main Street Van Wert at channing@mainstreetvanwert.org.
POSTED: 10/27/25 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
CONVOY – “An Afternoon of Roots, Rock and Blues #5” on stage with the Gonzo Band will be presented by the Village of Convoy Historical Society from 2-4 p.m. this Sunday, November 2. The doors will open at 1 p.m. Admission is free and there will be a 50-50 raffle, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks.
The month of December will be a busy one in Convoy. 2025 Christmas in the Village is planned for December 5-7, with the Festival of Trees, Kris Kringle Market & Sandwich Shop, Santa, pinata, kids face painting, cookie decorating, a pet parade, adult doormat painting, horse drawn wagon rides, a gingerbread house display, train displays, a fry pie sale, cookie walk, the O Holy Night children’s candlelight parade, Christmas music, downtown shopping and dining.
A Daryl Wayne Dasher Christmas Show will be on stage at the Convoy Opera House from 6-8 p.m. Sunday December 14. The doors will open at 5 p.m. Presale tickets are $20 and are available by calling Dave Thomas at 260.639.2083. Food and drinks will be available.
The Village of Convoy Historical Society is looking for volunteers to help at the Opera House, Annex & Museum in 2026. Opportunities Include general repair, maintenance and painting, moving and rearranging, museum attendant, general cleaning, lift operation, and event assistance.
If you need a venue for a birthday party, reunion, graduation party, wedding events and more, the Opera House and Annex are available to rent. Contact Dave Thomas at 260.639.2083 or Rose Wherry at 419.513.1092 for more information.
The Village of Convoy Historical Society will be working on a project in 2026 to replace the Opera House Roof and add a secondary exit on the second floor to be installed at the rear of the Annex building.
The estimated cost for the two projects is $75,000. Grant requests will be made to the state, local, private, non-profit and federal funding sources. Additional donations from individuals and organizations are needed to help complete these necessary improvements. Anyone who would like to donate to the Village of Convoy Historical Society or enjoy 2026 membership, the cost is $30 for member; $60 for patron; $100 for sponsor, and $200 or more for Robert Nesbit level. Donations may be mailed to the Village of Convoy Historical Society, PO Box 605, Convoy, OH 45832.
POSTED: 10/27/25 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
First United Methodist Church is issuing a critical call to action for the Van Wert area and surrounding communities, families and local businesses to help pack life-saving rice meals for the people of Haiti. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, November 22, at the Goedde Building Gym, located on W. Crawford St., Van Wert.
“This effort is exceptionally urgent, as escalating gang violence has plunged Haiti into a crisis believed to be larger and more devastating than the 2010 earthquake,” Director of Outreach Teresa Shaffer said. “A State of Emergency has been declared as the nation faces surging kidnappings, murder, and starvation. FUMC feels that God has positioned us ‘or such a time as this’ to serve our brothers and sisters who are in desperate situations—people who are starving, being murdered, unable to get medical care, or denied an education.”
The resulting meals are nutritionally packed, containing rice, a dehydrated vegetable blend, vegetable protein powder, and vitamin powder with 21 essential nutrients. They will be distributed through Mission of Hope, which has a proven 26-year distribution and ministry model that successfully reaches over 500 schools and orphanages in Haiti, even amidst the traumatic events on the ground.
The community Rice Meal Packing event is a hands-on, three-hour volunteer effort that welcomes all ages to join. Volunteers will receive instruction on how to pack the meals efficiently.
“The output is truly jaw-dropping when the gym is filled with busy tables,” Shaffer said. “We encourage you to bring your friends, family, and co-workers; students can also receive documentation of their service hours for participation.”
Pre-registration is highly suggested to ensure enough stations and supplies are prepared. A suggested donation of $20 per person ($50 per family) is requested to cover the expense of the meal ingredients and shipping.
Sign up instantly using this link: https://tinyurl.com/ricepack.
For alternative sign-up methods or for questions, contact Shaffer at 419.238.0631 ext 307 or send an email to teresa.shaffer@vanwertfirst.net.
VW independent staff/submitted information
The United Way of Van Wert County is helping expand community support and resources for those experiencing housing insecurity and exposure to extreme weather. Thanks to a grant from Flagstar Bank, applied for by United Way Executive Director Ashley Bultemeier, Haven of Hope received funding to purchase a building at 227 N. Market St., located next to the Haven of Hope nen’s shelter.
Bultemeier collaborated with the Building Hope Housing Coalition and Haven of Hope to determine the most effective use of the Flagstar grant funds. Together, they identified the need for a community center that will serve as a warming and cooling station for anyone facing adverse weather conditions. The facility will also host educational programs focused on financial literacy, healthy living, and other life skills designed to strengthen individuals and families across the community.
In addition, the center plans to offer a weekly community meal and will be open to all genders, expanding beyond the men’s shelter’s current services.
“This new center will be a place where everyone in our community can find warmth, resources, and hope,” said Jamie Ramos, Executive Director of Haven of Hope. “We’re incredibly thankful to United Way, Flagstar Bank, and the Building Hope Housing Coalition for making this vision a reality.”
“Our donation to Haven of Hope reflects our commitment to helping individuals in Van Wert find stability, dignity, and hope,” said Kyle Luth, the Branch Leader at Flagstar Bank. “We’re proud to stand alongside Haven of Hope in their mission to provide essential resources and a pathway toward brighter futures for those experiencing homelessness or any other type of struggle they might face. This is going to be a great center for our community, and I am looking forward to future collaborations with the Haven of Hope team.”
A fundraising effort will be launched soon to support renovations and prepare the building for community use.
The planned community center embodies the shared mission of United Way, Haven of Hope, and the Building Hope Housing Coalition – to bring help, healing, and hope to the people of Van Wert County.
POSTED: 10/27/25 at 8:29 am. FILED UNDER: News
All sorts of creatures, monsters, ghosts and goblins, along with a cast of superheroes past to present lined the downtown area Saturday morning. Main Street Van Wert held its annual trick or treat event, the First United Methodist Church offered trunk or treat, and the Peony Festival Committee held a costume judging event and offered goodies at Fountain Park. The city’s trick-or-treat was held later in the day. See more pictures below. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/26/25 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Auditions for Ohio Has Talent! 2026 are set for Friday and Saturday, November 7-8 in Van Wert. Audition applications are available at www.comhealthpro.org/events-page.
The top acts selected will perform in the Ohio Has Talent! February 28, 2026 show at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert. All entertainment talents are welcome including single and group acts. Talents beyond singing and dancing are especially encouraged to audition. Contestants for this statewide talent competition have a chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250. Prize winners are based on audience votes.
Ohio Has Talent! is a benefit show for the patient care fund of CHP Home Care & Hospice, a nonprofit organization serving northwest and west central Ohio.
POSTED: 10/26/25 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAULDING — The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting local residents to join a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
In partnership with Collette Travel and Orange Grover Travel Company, the Chamber will host a 10-day “Shades of Ireland” group tour, June 19–28, 2026, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the best of Ireland in comfort and style.
The tour includes visits to Dublin, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and an overnight stay in a real castle. Optional three-night extensions in London or Edinburgh are also available. This is a premium, worry-free group travel experience designed for convenience and value. Travelers will enjoy 4-star hotels, quality dining, expert local guides, and Collette’s renowned door-to-door service—including round-trip transportation from Paulding to the airport and private transfers from the Dublin airport to the hotel upon arrival.
“Collette truly takes care of everything,” said Jill Strahley, Executive Director of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce. “You can simply relax and enjoy the adventure—no long-term parking, no complicated logistics, and a wonderful group of fellow travelers from our own community.”
Proceeds from the trip will benefit the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm established in 2023. The Foundation supports scholarships for Paulding County students and community initiatives that encourage young people to build their careers and futures locally. The Foundation will award its first scholarships in spring of 2026.
(more…)POSTED: 10/26/25 at 9:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Young trick-or-treaters and their families flocked to downtown Van Wert to load up on goodies on Saturday. Below are several pictures of the many costumed youngsters enjoying the Halloween-themed festivities. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/26/25 at 9:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Trick-or-treat opportunities are on tap later this week, including 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 30 in Delphos.
In Ohio City, there will be costume judging at 6 p.m. at the fire department, then trick-or-treat from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Halloween night, Friday, October 31.
In Convoy, trick-or-treat will be offered from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, November 1, and costume judging will take place after that at the village square. Convoy Fire & EMS will be serving food at the fire department for a freewill donation.
POSTED: 10/26/25 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
This is the weekend we “fall back” one hour to Eastern Standard Time. The time change will officially occur at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 2.
POSTED: 10/26/25 at 9:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News
