After months of planning, grand celebration is near

Local parade, fireworks information

VW independent staff

It’s a question that will be asked many times today and Saturday – when does the parade start in Van Wert?

The answer is 11 a.m. Saturday. The Independence Day parade will begin at the YWCA on E. Main St. and will travel west to the YMCA on W. Main St. Various other offerings are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in the Fountain Park area, including a 7 p.m. Friday concert by classic rock group Super Hawk, and a 7:30 p.m. Saturday concert by country music singer Pete Schlegel, a native of Paulding. Both concerts are free.

The city’s July 4 fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Saturday at Van Wert High School. If weather causes a postponement, the fireworks show will be held at 10 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

Twirl Catz ready to dazzle parade watchers

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A brand new local baton club will make its official debut during Saturday’s Navy Club Ship 726 Independence Day parade in downtown Van Wert.

The Van Wert Twirl Catz club was formed in the spring. It began with just a few people and has since grown into a small, fun, welcoming group ranging in age from three years to adults. The club was founded by local resident Jamie Crippin.

“When my daughter decided she wanted to learn baton twirling, we searched for a local club but couldn’t find one,” she explained. “Since I previously owned a baton club and dance studio, we decided to start one ourselves. We began meeting at Franklin Park in May and invited anyone who wanted to join us.” 

The Twirl Catz held their final parade practice Thursday night and Crippin said the group is excited to make its debut on Saturday.

The Twirl Catz will continue to meet weekly at Franklin Park and anyone who wants to give it a try is welcome to attend.

“We meet every Wednesday from 6:15 to 7 p.m. and the club is completely free for anyone who would like to participate,” she said. “Our goal is simply to bring baton twirling back to the area and give people of all ages a fun way to learn, stay active, and be part of something together.”

More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page, Van Wert Twirl Catz.

Historical Society holding July 4 event

VW independent staff

It’s become a local July 4 tradition – the Van Wert County Historical Society’s Holiday at Home celebration.

This year’s free event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Historical Society, 602. N. Washington St. It will feature music, vendors and fun family activities. The music will be provided by the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band at 12 p.m. and by Scott Turner at 1 p.m. There will be a special Flat Isaac kids zone with games and activities, drone demontrations by Vantage drone instructor Dan Joyce. In addition, Dave Kirchenbauer will have his 1924 Van Wert fire truck on display and all museum buildings will be open to explore.

The Van Wert County Historical Society will be serving food, including shredded chicken sandwiches, walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, ice crea, brownies, soda pop and water.

Prior to all of that, registration for the annual Firecracker Bike Tour will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Jubilee Park, rain or shine.

Fire Marshal: be safe with home fireworks

VW independent staff/submitted information

Anyone planning to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks is reminded to always follow state laws. Since 2022, the Ohio Fire Code has permitted the use of 1.4G consumer-grade fireworks (indicated on the packaging) on certain dates, including July 3-5 from 4 to 11 p.m., unless prohibited by local ordinances. In Van Wert County, there are no laws against the use of 1.4G fireworks. However, state laws will be enforced.

Adults who plan on making a last-minute shopping trip for fireworks should only purchase them from reputable and licensed retailers. A retailer’s license can be verified by searching for them on the Division’s online database here. Consumers should never buy, tamper with, dismantle, or attempt to manufacture homemade fireworks, as they are extremely dangerous and illegal.

Fireworks in general cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage each year in Ohio. From December 31, 2024 to January 3, 2026, there were approximately 110 fireworks related incidents in Ohio with over $400,000 in property loss.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday and to let your guard down when it comes to safety,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Unfortunately, that’s the root cause behind many visits to the emergency room this time of year. Fireworks are not toys and they should only be handled by adults who understand how to safely use them.”

For those planning to use fireworks, the National Safety Council recommends the following safety tips:

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hand.
• Never light fireworks indoors.
• Only use fireworks away from people, homes, and flammable materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light only one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite fireworks inside a container.
• Do not attempt to re‑light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that fail to go off or in case of fire.

Even trick or novelty fireworks, such as items that smoke, sparkle, snap, or snake, pose risks when not handled properly. The Division encourages the following safety guidelines:

• Only use trick and novelty devices under close adult supervision.
• Understand the hazards associated with each type of device.
• Carefully read and follow all package instructions.
• Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from yourself and others.
• Sparklers should only be used by individuals aged 12 or older.
• Immediately place used sparkler wires in a bucket of water, as they can remain hot for several minutes.

Crews ramping up to build roundabout

VW independent staff

Preliminary work is expected to begin on Monday, July 6, for the U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway roundabout project, along with preliminary work for a nearby bridgework and a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT).

The preliminary work is expected to have no impact on traffic. The actual schedule of work and closure dates will be announced soon by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Along with building a roundabout at the U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway intersection, crews will rehabilitate the U.S. 224 bridge over the railroad between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway, including replacing the deck, abutments and painting the bridge over the railroad. Construction of a restricted crossing U-turn at the intersection of U.S. 30 and John Brown Road will occur as well.

Auditions to be held for VWCT musical

Submitted information

Ready to chase your dreams across the globe? The beat goes on at Van Wert Civic Theatre as open auditions are called for the spectacular musical comedy Catch Me If You Can. Featuring a book written by Terrence McNally and a swinging 60s score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this show is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International and is directed by Jerry Zimmerman.

Fly high with Frank Abagnale, Jr. in this high-energy musical comedy based on the hit film and incredible true story. From pilot to doctor to lawyer, follow the world’s most charming con artist as he out runs the FBI in a globe-trotting chase filled with glamorous sets, spectacular dance numbers, and a swinging 60s score. Can the law catch him, or will Frank fly away with it all?

Casting for this big, bright spectacle requires a large multi-generational cast of strong singers, exceptional dancers, and sharp comedic actors. Key principal roles include Frank Abagnale, Jr., a charismatic teenager with a massive vocal range; Carl Hanratty, a seasoned, straight-laced FBI agent with great comic timing; Frank Abagnale, Sr. and Paula Abagnale, Frank’s smooth-talking father and glamorous French mother; and Brenda Strong, a sweet, young nurse with a powerhouse vocal solo. Additionally, a highly energetic ensemble of singers and dancers is needed to play pilots, flight attendants, doctors, nurses, and agents who carry the swinging 60s show-stopping production numbers. High school performers are highly encouraged to try out as they are an ideal age match for many of the roles. More character information can be found here.

Auditions will be start promptly at 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, July 12-13. All hopeful actors should report to the Van Wert Civic Theatre at 118 S. Race St. in Van Wert. Show dates are September 17, 18, 19, 20,  24, 25, 26, and 27. 

Fuel tank falls off…

Traffic at the intersection of N. Washington St. and Sycamore St. was slowed this morning after a fuel tank fell off a semi-truck. Van Wert Police, fire, and city crews were dispatched shortly after 7:30 a.m., after the tank fell off of a semi in the middle of the intersection. City workers responded with a front end loader to move the loaded fuel tank. The fire department plugged the broken fuel line fitting by driving a tapered wooden dowel plug into the fitting. Fire and city crews spread absorbent materials on the spilled diesel fuel which was reported to be less than five gallons. All spilled fuels were contained to the road surfaces and no fuel entered any drainage systems. In the meantime, city police were busy directing traffic through the accident area. Fire crews were on the scene for about 30 minutes. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Local heat index soars past 100 degrees

VW independent staff

Exactly how hot has it been in Van Wert County so far this week? Pretty darn hot.

According to Van Wert County EMA Director Matt Saunier, Monday was bearable, with an official high of 84 degrees. Tuesday’s high was 93 and Wednesday’s official high made it to 95 degrees. Saunier also said the highest official heat index value recorded so far locally is 109 degrees.

He also said June had an average temperature of 71.4 degrees, making it the 44th warmest June for Van Wert out of 110 years. 4.78 inches of rain made it the 35th wettest June on record in 110 years.

HEAP assistance available to help stay cool

Submitted information

With sweltering summer weather here, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission are once again offering assistance to help families stay cool during the hot summer months.

Now through September 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP).

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with a household member age 60 or older and/or a household member with a documented medical condition. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of up to seven members, and 60 percent of the state median income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $57,750.

Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 55,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $12.4 million in benefits.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 419.219.4641.

Defendants appear for court hearings

VW independent staff

Five criminal hearings took place in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Thursday, June 25 and Wednesday, July 1. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Plea change

Justin Wright, 29, of Delphos, changed his plea to guilty to failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony. He then requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and his case was stayed pending completion of the treatment program. He was ordered to pay court costs.

Sentencing

Andrii Osoba, 30, of Warren, Michigan, was sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for eight days already served for criminal trespass, a first degree misdemeanor. He was ordered to pay court costs.

Probation/bond violations

Michael Whisman, 35, of Van Wert, denied violating his probation by driving under suspension. Judge Burchfield set a further hearing for 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 8.

Abbey Eutsler, 39, of Van Wert, admitted to violating her bond by failing to appear at probation. New bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 29.

Daniel Green, 50, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing to attend a treatment facility. Judge Burchfield set new bond at $50,000 cash or surety and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 8.