SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
NEW ALBANY — Local media representatives traveled to central Ohio on Wednesday to get a firsthand look at data centers.
Representatives from the VW independent, the Times Bulletin and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM made the trip to New Albany to see a massive industrial park that is home to 40 data centers, with 28 more currently under construction. Wednesday’s trip was organized by Van Wert Area Economic Development Executive Director Brent Stevens. It was similar to last week’s trip by local elected officials, including members of Van Wert City Council, and others from community. That trip was also organized by Stevens, who said the purpose of the trips was to provide a better understanding of a data center, which has become a hot button topic in Van Wert.
“I wanted to bring people down so they can see just how beautiful the buildings are,” Stevens said. “There’s so many people that think that it’s going to be a chicken coop with these fans outside and are really noisy. I wanted to bring people down to show how responsible these data center people are with the looks of the building, the grounds and how they keep them kept up and then also bring you guys down so you can see what can happen to community when the revenue starts to come in for the property tax and pilot payments and those types of things.”
(more…)POSTED: 04/29/26 at 9:06 pm
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
An Ohio City man facing a number of sex charges has changed his plea and now awaits sentencing.
During a hearing held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, Seth Marbaugh, 34, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty to sexual battery, a felony of the third degree. Judge Martin D. Burchfield ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. June 17.
Prior to the plea change, Marbaugh was charged with four counts of rape, all first degree felonies; three counts of sexual battery, third degree felonies, and three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, third degree felonies. He was also facing a charge of tampering with evidence, and was scheduled to stand trial May 18-20.
Court records show the alleged crimes occurred between May of 2023 and October of 2024, and the alleged victim was between 13-16 years of age.
Three other plea changes occurred on Wednesday.
Daniel Green, 50, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. June 10.
Robert Johnson, 38, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted tampering with evidence, 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 also ordered to pay court costs.
(more…)POSTED: 04/29/26 at 9:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The 2025-2026 high school basketball season is in the rear view mirror but the Lincolnview boys basketball program and the school board spent some time reminiscing about the season Wednesday night.
The board lauded the team for a 22-5 season that included NWC, sectional, district and regional titles, along with an appearance in the Division VI state semifinals at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. Six members of the team were at the meeting, along with head coach Brett Hammons and his assistants.
“It was a fun ride and one that will always be remembered as a special season,” Hammons said. “It was one of the best seasons we’ve ever had and that’s special.”
“I think it definitely woke up the Lancer community,” said senior Gavin Evans, a key player for Lincolnview.
During his monthly report to the board, Jr. High/High School Principal Brad Mendenhall said a junior high career day will be held this Friday and he noted the annual senior awards program will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Marsh Foundation. Graduation will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17. He also said scheduling for next school year is progressing and he provided a surprising stat about next year’s junior class.
“Our current sophomore class is one of the smallest classes we have in our district, with 52 students, 30 of which will be attending Vantage, so that will leave us with 22 students in the junior class at Lincolnview every day,” he explained.
Elementary Principal Nita Meyer noted a mobile dentist paid a recent visit to the school and she said 58 children recently went through kindergarten screening.
Later in the meeting, Superintendent Jeff Snyder reminded the board that a safe school drill will be conducted next Wednesday, May 6.
(more…)POSTED: 04/29/26 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Optimist Club is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Service Award Scholarship.
Recipients include two Crestview seniors, Ellieana Ward and Lulu Ross. Ward plans to attend Rhodes State College and major in Dental Hygiene and Ross plans to attend the University of Toledo on a pre-med track majoring in biochemistry. The third recipient is Lincolnview Senior, Delana Rank, whose post-graduation plans include majoring in pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Findlay.
Each winner will each receive $2,000 to use at their discretion in pursuit of higher education.
Service Award Scholarships are granted by the local Optimist Club to graduating seniors from Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert high schools based on hours of volunteer community service provided through a nonprofit organization or group.
The Optimist Club of Van Wert is a volunteer service club dedicated to the community, friendship, fun, service to youth, and the promotion of optimism as a way of life. For more information visit optimistvw.com.
POSTED: 04/29/26 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
He’s seen it all — tornadoes, floods, wind storms, a powerful derecho and other types of emergencies and now, after 35 years and six months, Van Wert County Emergency Management Agency Director Rick McCoy is stepping away from the job. His last official day will be this Thursday as he heads off into retirement.
His long career was celebrated by a steady stream of people at the EMA office Tuesday afternoon. Friends, family, county officials, well-wishers and many others poured into the building to congratulate him on his retirement. Van Wert County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum, State Representative Roy Klopfenstein and other elected officials presented him with proclamations. The man who hired McCoy as EMA Director, George Ropp, shared a few kind words and wished him the best in retirement.
National Weather Service Northern Indiana Warning Coordination Meteorologist Dustin Norman was present and praised McCoy, noting he was instrumental in creating the Syracuse, Indiana office, which serves 37 counties, including eight in Ohio.
“Out of our 37 counties, I’d like to say you’re one of our more engaged ones,” Norman said. “We can always rely on you to send damage pictures and storm reports.”
National Weather Service Director Ken Graham also lauded McCoy via a video hookup and wished him all the best in retirement.
While reflecting on his career and his upcoming retirement, McCoy noted it’s a bittersweet time for him.
“I’ve looked forward to it but it’s sort of tough walking away,” McCoy said. “A lot people work their entire lives and sometimes they’re not real thrilled with the job or it’s just a job to them to get that salary. For me this was sort of a passion that I’ve really enjoyed.”
Without a doubt, the biggest event during McCoy’s watch was the November 10, 2002, F-4 tornado that barreled through Van Wert County. The twister, which packed winds of 207-260 miles per hour killed two county residents, injured 19 others and left behind tens of millions of dollars in damage. Afterward, it was designated as the worst tornado in Van Wert County history.
(more…)POSTED: 04/28/26 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Five area boys have been selected as finalists for the 2026 R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award, according to Anthony Adams and Keri McClure, co-chairpersons of the Van Wert Service Club’s selection committee. In its 56th year, the program provides cash awards to Van Wert County High School seniors who best exhibit the trait of self-reliance. These awards are designed to seek out and honor the student who does the best with what he has.
This year’s boy finalists include Evan Beining, son of Brad and Angie Beining; Trevor Dotson, son of James and Staci Dotson; Trey Dotson, son of James and Staci Dotson; Wyatt Polley, son of Ryan and Kristin Polley, and Gabriel Spradlin, son of Nick Roxo.
Evan Beining is a senior at Van Wert High School at the Goedde where he enjoys participating in many service projects including the 1,000 meal giveaway, veterans breakfast, leaf raking, the Boutique and the Probation Garden. In a desire to continue his love of service, Evan is a Marine Corp poolee and will join the Marine Corps following graduation.
Trevor Dotson is a senior at Van Wert High School where he is a member of National Honor Society and Service Pack. Trevor is also the student council vice-president, a team lead on the VW Robotics Team while also competing on the Cougar football team. Volunteer activities include work with the Council on Aging and Main Street Van Wert in addition to being an active member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church. Following graduation, he plans to attend the University of Toledo majoring in computer science and electrical engineering. Work history includes time with Subway and McDonalds as well as experience at Millwork Brands Inc as a part of the CEO program.
Trey Dotson is a senior at Van Wert High School where he is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school, Trey is the founder of Dotty’s Designs which creates custom items through the use of laser engraving and UV printing. He has leveraged his small business to not only generate revenue for himself but also provide items for various group to use in their fundraising efforts. Following graduation, Trey plans to attend Ohio University majoring in business and entrepreneurship while continuing to expand his small business. Work experience includes time with Millwork Brands Inc as a part of the CEO program.
(more…)POSTED: 04/28/26 at 9:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Lincolnview Local Schools will be conducting a safe school drill in conjunction with area law enforcement, on Wednesday, May 6, during the morning portion of the school day. Law enforcement vehicles and others will be present at the school and in the surrounding area as part of the school safety simulation.
The planned exercise will prepare students and staff with procedures for a proper evacuation in the event that there is a serious threat to the safety of students on campus. This drill functions as an opportunity to ensure that all people are prepared if an emergency situation arises and is required to be conducted by law.
The student body will leave campus to reconvene at established student reunification sites. All activities related to the safety drill will take place during the school day and students will return to the Lincolnview Local Schools campus following the drill. These prepared exercises are part of the district’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
POSTED: 04/28/26 at 9:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The only mention of a possible data center on Monday’s Van Wert City Council agenda was a reminder about a public hearing scheduled for next Monday. Nonetheless, discussion of a proposed data center dominated the the one hour and 15 minute meeting.
Public comments
Many of those in attendance at the meeting had comments, shared concerns or had questions about the proposed data center and related legislation.
One resident asked why there seems to be a rush to pass data center-related legislation, specifically emergency legislation.
“If a business wants to locate somewhere they want things to move quickly,” Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless explained. “They’ve got their own deadlines – if they don’t meet those deadlines, they could be out tens of millions of dollars depending on the business, so when a business comes to a city wanting to locate in that town and they’re asking for an expedited process, we have a balacing act of protecting our constituents, doing our due diligence to research the changes that might come about with the zoning or code. Yet, we also want to make sure we do things in a timely manner.”
“I’ve done exhaustive research on data centers and AI (artificial intelligence) – I hear about it every day at my job,” he continued. “We’ve known about this coming for quite some time. I feel that we’ve done our due diligence and still continue to do it.”
Another audience member questioned why the data center wasn’t put on the ballot for residents to decide, but it was noted that residents don’t vote on incoming businesses.
Recent trip to central Ohio data center
Hurless, other council members and city officials recently toured a data center park in New Albany, which is home to 40 data centers with 28 more under construction. He said the group learned things good and bad.
(more…)POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
If you need to gas up, you may want to do it sooner rather than later.
Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 22.1 cents per gallon in the last week and more pump price increases are expected this week.
According to GasBuddy’s weekly survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio, gas averaged $3.89 per gallon on Monday. Prices in Ohio are 3.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 94 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 9.2 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.408 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.99 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.69 per gallon, a notable difference of $2.70 per gallon.
Meanwhile, the national average price of gasoline has risen 7.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.04 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 5.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 94.3 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“Average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week, with the national average moving higher, while diesel prices declined in most states, offering a brief divergence at the pump,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, that divergence may prove short-lived. Oil prices have been climbing again as markets react to renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran. As a result, gasoline prices are set to rise further this week, with diesel expected to follow. Many inland states, including those in the Great Lakes and Plains, could see average gas prices climb to their highest levels since 2022, while price-cycling markets may also experience another round of hikes in the next few days.”
Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back five years:
April 27, 2025: $2.95/g (U.S. Average: $3.10/g)
April 27, 2024: $3.50/g (U.S. Average: $3.65/g)
April 27, 2023: $3.52/g (U.S. Average: $3.61/g)
April 27, 2022: $3.88/g (U.S. Average: $4.14/g)
April 27, 2021: $2.80/g (U.S. Average: $2.88/g)
POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Strong winds rolled through Van Wert Monday evening and took down a couple of small trees and large branches. Traffic was stopped in both directions on S. Washington St. for several hours as a large tree limb came down and took down utility lines, and a medium size tree came down in the 200 block of N. Jefferson St. Van Wert County CERT assisted in managing Washington St. traffic around the blockage. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:25 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District encourages you to think about your personal responsibility to be a good steward of natural resources during its annual Stewardship Week celebration. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has proclaimed April 26-May 3, as Stewardship Week, marking the 71st year of the national event. The 2026 Stewardship Week is themed “Soil. Where It All Begins”, which celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms.
The Van Wert SWCD was formed to assist people in Van Wert County to protect and conserve the natural resources for all residents by providing technical, educational, and financial assistance.
During Stewardship Week, the Van Wert SWCD provided a Red Maple tree seedling to each fourth grade student in the county along with a presentation regarding the importance of planting trees. Van Wert SWCD Education Coordinator Tammy Campbell visited schools to give presentations on the importance of being a good steward in their community. Through the generous grant received from the Van Wert County Foundation, the SWCD has been able to provide these tree seedlings and provide classes with the book “Jump Into Science: Dirt” along with other supplies for area students.
Van Wert SWCD is a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts which oversees the Stewardship Week program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. NACD represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, which were established to encourage resource conservation across the country.
Additional information about Stewardship Week is available on the NACD website at www.nacdnet.org.
POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:24 pm. FILED UNDER: News
