SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The majority of Wednesday’s meeting of the Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education consisted of presentations and monthly reports.
Two of the presentations during the nearly two hour meeting were about upgrades to existing facilities – the elementary playground and the high school baseball and softball diamonds.
Elementary Principal Nita Meyer shared a number of renderings showing how a new playground could look. It was noted the equipment at the current playground was installed in 1999 and board members were told that while the maintenance staff has done a good job with upkeep, the equipment is nearing the end of its lifespan.
The renderings displayed by Meyer from Ohio-based Mid States Recreation showed various types of traditional playground equipment such as slides, swings and various games, along with newer concepts including a climbing mound, a rock wall and a rotating ride called the “Witch’s Wheel.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/17/25 at 9:02 pm
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
While much of Wednesday’s Lincolnview school board meeting consisted of presentations and reports, the board handled a number of other items on the agenda.
In addition to presentations on a new elementary playground and artificial turf baseball and softball infields, board members heard a presentation from Kelly Hy, director of curriculum and instruction, on the district’s state school report card. Overall ratings are based on performance in six different components: achievement, progress, gap closing, early literacy, graduation and post-graduation readiness. On its report card, which was released on Monday, Lincolnview earned a four-star rating out of five, meaning it exceeded state standards.
“There are many great things happening here,” Hoy said. “Overall, our report card is very impressive. We know, no excuses, the bar keeps raising, the (report card) rules keep changing and life keeps changing as well but we’re still consistently doing wonderful.”
During her monthly report, Treasurer Kaitlyn Edelbrock informed the board that the state has made changes to the timing and requirements for school and district financial forecasts.
“Rather than submitting five-year projections of operational revenues and expenditures, school districts will now be required to submit appropriations, revenue, and fund balance assumptions contained in the budget adopted by the board for that fiscal year and projections of expenditures, revenues, and fund balance for the three succeeding fiscal years,” she explained. “School districts may think of this change as a shift to a four-year submission (current budget year plus three forecast years), rather than a five-year forecast.”
She also explained the due dates for forecast submissions have changed and are now due on or before August 31 and the last day of February. The initial fiscal year 26 submission due date is October 15. Previous deadlines were May and November. Due to the earlier deadline, Edelbrock requested a special meeting to approved next forecast. That meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 9.
Edelbrock also noted that Lincolnview staff members just completed the 2025-2026 United Way annual fundraising drive and raised $6,991, compared to $5,548 last year). Staff participation was 56 percent, compared to 45 percent last year.
(more…)POSTED: 09/17/25 at 9:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
This is National Roundabouts Week when transportation officials across the country tout the safety improvement that follows where they’re implemented.
Roundabouts are a proven safety tool for decreasing crashes and virtually eliminating crashes that result in serious injuries or deaths. ODOT analyzed crash data from 76 intersections that had been converted to roundabouts, including one in Van Wert County. The data showed that single lane roundabouts decreased injury crashes by 69 percent while multi-lane roundabouts resulted in a 25 percent decline.
“Safety is the driving force behind every decision we make, and the results are clear, roundabouts are very effective at reducing crashes and saving lives,” said Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn. “Our goal is to continue to support our local, county, and state partners by providing funding for roundabouts.”
In July, Governor Mike DeWine announced an additional $137 million for 55 traffic safety projects across the state. Of those projects, 25 include installing roundabouts, with three of them slated for Van Wert County.
One of the best safety success stories attributed to roundabouts can be found in Clark County. The intersection of Ohio 41 and Ohio 235 had a long history of serious crashes. Over the past several decades, ODOT installed several countermeasures like rumble strips, multiple stop signs, and flashing beacons. In 2000, a traffic signal was installed. While the signal reduced overall crashes, deadly and serious injury crashes went up. Finally in 2014, a roundabout was installed. In the 11 years since, there has not been a single fatal crash. The lone serious injury crash occurred in 2023 and involved a motorcycle with the rider impaired by drugs and without a helmet or motorcycle endorsement on their license.
(more…)POSTED: 09/17/25 at 9:00 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has completed a $3.15 million expansion of its pharmacy, nearly doubling its size and strengthening the hospital’s ability to deliver safe, efficient, and advanced care for patients.
Unlike a retail pharmacy, this pharmacy operates behind the scenes inside the hospital. It plays a vital role in supporting patients during their hospital stay or visit.
“Our pharmacy team is responsible for filling the critical needs of our patients – whether that’s oral medications, injectables, or compounded IV treatments,” said Renee Jacquemin, pharmacy manager at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “With our expanded space and upgraded clean rooms, we can deliver medications more efficiently and focus more of our time where it matters most – on patient care.”
A key feature of the project is the addition of specialized clean room spaces. The previous pharmacy had only one clean room for non-hazardous medications. The new facility now includes:
- A clean room for non-hazardous medications
- A clean room for hazardous medications
- Expanded space for receiving and storage
These improvements mean medications can be prepared in safer, more controlled environments, improving both efficiency and patient safety.
“This renovation represents an investment not just in our hospital, but in our community,” Jacquemin said. “By keeping care local, patients and families can trust they’re receiving high-quality treatment close to home – now and for years to come.”
POSTED: 09/17/25 at 8:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Nine criminal defendants appeared for various hearings in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Bond/treatment in lieu violations
Zachariah Williams, 40, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond and treatment in lieu by failing to report to probation. Bond was continued at $50,000 cash or surety and Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. November 26.
Brandon Zuppardo, 38, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by violating a no-contact order. He was released on a surety bond along with electronic house arrest and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. October 15.
Arraignments
Jordan Jackson, 31, of Lima, entered a not guilty plea to three counts of theft, fifth degree felonies, and two additional counts of theft, first degree misdemeanors. Jackson was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8 a.m. October 15.
Larry Wilson, 56, of Convoy, pleaded not guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony; possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and driving under suspension or in violation of a license restriction, a first degree misdemeanor. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. October 15.
Zachariah Germann, 37, ofVan Wert, pleaded not guilty to grand theft, a fourth degree felony; two counts of receiving stolen property, a first degree misdemeanor, and attempted grand theft, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8 a.m. October 15.
Bond modification
Bond was modified to a surety bond for Ashley McCarthy, 42, of Van Wert in order for her to attend treatment. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. October 22. She’s facing one count each of possession of heroin and aggravated possession of drugs, fifth degree felonies.
(more…)POSTED: 09/17/25 at 2:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Hundreds of high school freshman and sophomores from Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties spent some of school day on Tuesday at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, getting hands-on exposure to a number of in-demand and skilled trades through the fourth annual “Build Your Future” program.
Van Wert, Crestview, Lincolnview, Wayne Trace, Paulding and Antwerp rotated through interactive career stations led by Vantage Career Center seniors who explained and demonstrated industry-related skills they’ve learned to this point, then had students try their hand at the various stations. Van Wert County schools and Parkway attended the morning session, and the Paulding County schools were at the afternoon session.
“The purpose is to gain some exposure for these kids to see what’s really out there, to find out about skilled trades that they hear about,” Van Wert High School Careers Counselor Kerry Koontz said. “This gives them an opportunity to get hands-on experience and to get a sense of what might be a future for them. Vantage does a great job coordinating with the economic development office and providing this event our students.”
Among the businesses and organizations that participated were Danfoss, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, Paulding County Hospital, Alexander & Bebout, Ayers Mechanical Group, ATR Contractors, OhioMeansJobs, Paulding Economic Development, and the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation.
“It starts with Vantage Career Center and economic development offices in Van Wert County and Paulding County,” said Lauren Buchanan, Workforce Development Manager with the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation. “We were able to bring in other businesses and for the first time we were able to bring in healthcare stakeholders and Danfoss, the largest employer in the county, so this is great exposure for those places as well to network and meet their future workforce essentially.”
“It’s well organized and the feedback is such that the kids lock in and they start looking ahead and want to attend Vantage for welding or carpentry or what have you,” Koontz added. “We have great buy-in from our businesses here.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:16 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By DAVE MOSIER
Van Wert Civic Theatre is opening its 2025-26 season with the musical version of Bonnie & Clyde, and it’s a banger of a show.
The Tony-nominated musical, with book by Ivan Menchell, lyrics by Don Black and music by Frank Wildhorn, tells the story of Texas-born bandits Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, from their days as youngsters — Bonnie a waitress who longs for stardom and farm boy Clyde a juvenile delinquent who likes guns and fast cars — through the murderous crime spree that made them front-page news in Depression-era America.
The play opens with Bonnie and Clyde dead after being shot in a bloody ambush in Louisiana and then uses flashbacks to show how they ended up that way.
Wildhorn’s music is an eclectic mix of blues, gospel and “rockabilly”, and includes some tuneful production numbers, while Black’s lyrics provide a window into America during the Depression and the rural Texas values that spawned a pair of gangsters like Bonnie and Clyde.
Cheyenne Weber and Ashton Szabados are perfect as the ill-fated lovers and gangsters in Director Jerry Zimmerman’s and Music Director Terri Spenser’s VWCT production of the musical. Both have plenty of stage presence, and the first meeting between Szabados’ cocky young gangster and Weber’s bored waitress who idolizes “It” girl Clara Bow starts awkwardly, but warms up quickly. Both do a fine job with the music as well, with Weber’s throaty vocals well-matched to showcase Bonnie’s frustrated passion and sexuality and Szabados’ mix of high, clear vocals and menacing growls portraying the romantic and criminal sides of Clyde’s character.
The stars are ably supported by Nick Long as Clyde’s brother, Buck, and Hannah Davis as Buck’s wife, Blanche. Long, a VWCT veteran, is wonderful as Buck, a good old boy who loves his Bible-thumping wife, but is also tempted by the fame and notoriety his brother’s exploits have brought him. His duet with Clyde on “When I Drive” is a rollicking masterpiece.
Davis’ Blanche is caught up in religion and works to persuade Buck settle down and avoid the fate she sees ahead for Bonnie and Clyde. In the end, she is the dutiful wife who follows her man, even when it goes against everything she believes. Her voice is perfect for portraying a religious woman torn between her beliefs and the man she loves, while also contrasting well with Weber’s on the love song “You Love
Who You Love.”
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The cause of an early Sunday morning Van Wert fire in downtown Van Wert is undetermined, according to a report from a State Fire Marshal investigator who was at the scene.
The call to the two-story building at 113 W. Main St. came in at 6:23 a.m. Sunday, and the Van Wert Police Department was the first to arrive at the scene.
“They observed a juvenile female resident standing on the south side first floor awning overhang,” the report states. The juvenile had broken the south side second floor south bedroom window and jumped down onto the first-floor awning overhang. She then jumped off the awning overhang into an awaiting police officer’s arms.”
She was later transported by the Van Wert Fire Department EMS to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for lacerations she received when crawling out of the window. According to the report, the adult male owner/resident sustained burn injuries to his face and left shoulder. He was evaluated by Van Wert Fire Department EMS, and he refused additional medical treatment.
The investigator said the blaze began in a first floor office area.
“Upon the fire department’s arrival, thick gray smoke was observed venting from the open front exterior entrance door,” his report said. “They entered the front exterior entrance door and observed thick black smoke from the ceiling to several feet above the floor. The firefighters located fire in the office and used a handline to extinguish the fire.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The seventh annual Harvest Moon Festival is back and better than ever, and will transform Main Street in downtown Van Wert into a celebration of all things fall this Saturday, September 20.
Thanks to Cooper Farms, this year’s lead sponsor, the festival will once again bring the community together for a night of music, food, and fun – all set against the backdrop of the courthouse and the beautiful autumn moon.
Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. with over 10 food trucks and more than 20 market vendors ready to serve up incredible eats and unique finds. Families won’t want to miss the Kids Zone, open from 4-8 p.m. featuring pumpkin painting, face painting, and bounce houses for hours of fun.
As the sun sets, the City Lights Band will take the stage at 6 p.m., rocking downtown until 10 p.m. with crowd favorites. Guests can also enjoy a car show, Kids Zone and seasonal treats throughout the evening – the perfect recipe for a small-town fall night.
Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price thanked all of the sponsors who are making the traditional festival possible: Cooper Farms, Van Wert County Foundation, Greenway Bank, OhioHealth, State Farm, Citizens National Bank, Tekni-Plex, First Financial Bank, Superior Credit Union, and Danfoss.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
An informational meeting for parents/guardians of Van Wert County juniors and seniors regarding financial aid will be held from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, in the First Federal Lecture Hall at the Niswonger Peforming Arts Center at Van Wert High School/Middle School.
Tony Dickman, Coordinator of Financial Aid at Ohio State-Lima will explain the step-by-step procedures for completing the FAFSA form and answer questions regarding the financial aid process. Additionally, representatives from the Van Wert County Foundation will explain the requirements and application procedures for securing grants.
Attendees should park on the middle school side and enter through the side or front doors.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAULDING — The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal traffic accident that occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 123, north of County Road 126 in Paulding County’s Jackson Township.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Chevrolet Camaro, operated by James A. Hasch, 50, of Paulding was traveling southbound on County Road 123 when he attempted to pass a southbound vehicle to the right.
While attempting to pass, the Camaro struck a southbound 1998 Mercury Sable operated by Curtis W. Gawronski, 62, of Paulding. After contact, the Chevrolet Camaro continued off the right side of the roadway striking a utility pole and overturning, ejecting Hasch from his vehicle.
Hasch was pronounced dead at the scene and Gawronski was not injured in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, Paulding County Coroner’s Office, Paulding Putnam Electric, and J & R Towing.
The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol serves Van Wert and Paulding counties.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 3:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
