SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties have been awarded grant money that will help fight drug addiction in their respective county jails.
Each county is receiving $128,000, with the money coming from the state’s Opioid Remediation Grant Program. According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, the awards, which were announced on Friday, are part of a third round of grants to 11 jails totaling $2 million. The grants are expanding the program’s reach to 37 counties statewide. With the latest payments, the total awarded since Yost announced the first round of grants in March exceeds $5.6 million.
“These grants are supplying the tools and support for addicted inmates to overcome withdrawal, get clean and improve their lives upon release,” Yost said. “My thanks to Ohio’s sheriffs for showing that recovery is always within reach.”
In all, Yost’s office is offering $60 million in opioid settlement money over the next several years. Overdose is a leading cause of death among jail inmates in Ohio, accounting for at least 70 deaths since 2020, according to a USA Today report.
The Opioid Remediation Grant Program is awarding county jails up to $200,000 per year to hire a full-time addiction-services coordinator or contract with a company that provides such services to treat opioid and other addictions, helping inmates through detox and recovery. Additionally, any county that operates a jail can apply for a $50,000 grant to fund medications and supplies for inmates experiencing opioid withdrawal.
(more…)POSTED: 10/10/25 at 11:31 pm
Carter Wright and Maria Parrish were crowned 2025 Van Wert High School homecoming king and queen before Friday night’s game against Ottawa-Glandorf. The Cougars won the game 38-20. A full story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/10/25 at 11:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Rotary Club hosted a packed house at its recent meeting, with over 100 students and Rotarians in attendance. The annual Student Rotarian kickoff brought together students from Van Wert City Schools, Crestview Schools, Lincolnview Schools, and Vantage Career Center to learn about Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”
Each year, the Van Wert Rotary Club awards five scholarships valued at $4,000 each, paid in annual installments of $1,000, to outstanding students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community service.
Superintendents, guidance counselors, and teacher advisors from all four schools attended in support of their students and the Rotary Club’s continuing investment in youth leadership and education.
“The Student Rotarian program is one of our favorite initiatives of the year,” said Rotary President Andy Czajkowski. “Seeing so many bright, motivated students engage with our members gives us confidence in the future of Van Wert County.”
The Van Wert Rotary Club continues to champion education, leadership, and service throughout the community.
POSTED: 10/10/25 at 11:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Federal and state government offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, which is Columbus Day. Post offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery that day.
Locally, Van Wert County offices, including the Van Wert County Courthouse and Annex will be closed for the day, but the Van Wert Municipal Building will be open.
POSTED: 10/10/25 at 11:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
TIFFIN — Tiffin University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Northwest State Community College, adding the institution as the ninth “DragonNext” partner beginning this fall.
The DragonNext program allows community college students to transfer seamlessly into Tiffin University bachelor’s degree programs. Courses align between the two institutions, and students receive support from counselors at both schools. DragonNext participants also have access to career services, libraries, tutoring, athletics and student activities at each campus, as well as eligibility for grants, loans and work study programs.
Students completing an associate degree at Northwest State can finish a Tiffin University bachelor’s degree with no more than 60 additional credit hours. To qualify, students must be seeking an associate degree at Northwest State Community College and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for admission to Tiffin University.
Effective fall, 2026, students transferring into main campus programs at Tiffin University through DragonNext will be eligible for TU’s highest merit scholarship, valued at $18,000 annually. The $150 per-credit discount remains in place for Tiffin University’s online programs.
“We are excited to welcome Northwest State Community College as our newest DragonNext partner,” said Kelly Petrosino, DragonNext Program Manager at Tiffin University. “Partnerships like this create real opportunities for students to continue their education with confidence. By joining the DragonNext program, students gain access to a supportive network, guidance from dedicated advisors and resources that help them plan their next steps and achieve their academic and career goals. We are proud to expand our reach and make higher education more accessible to students across the region.”
Northwest State Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served northwest Ohio since 1969. NSCC is in the process of opening its Van Wert satellite campus.
Founded in 1888, Tiffin University offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
POSTED: 10/10/25 at 11:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Van Wert Elementary, Middle, and High Schools successfully conducted a full-scale, state-mandated reverse evacuation drill on Thursday, simulating a severe weather emergency. The coordinated effort demonstrated the district’s strong commitment to safety, preparedness, and student well-being.
Students in grades 1-12 responded quickly, quietly, and responsibly, allowing the drill to proceed smoothly and efficiently.
“We’re incredibly proud of how our students and staff handled the drill,” said Van Wert City Schools Assistant Superintendent Bob Priest. “It was a true team effort.”
School officials extended sincere thanks to the many individuals and agencies whose ongoing support and partnership were essential to Thursday’s success, including administrators, teachers and support staff the Van Wert City Schools Safety Team, the Van Wert Police Department, the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Van Wert County CERT, and the Van Wert County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
“This drill showcased the power of community collaboration and the shared responsibility we all have in keeping our schools safe,” Priest added.
POSTED: 10/10/25 at 11:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Due to delays beyond the control of Van Wert City Schools, the elevator to Tyler’s Landing remains out of service and will not be accessible for tonight’s game against Ottawa-Glandorf. Guests needing accessible seating are encouraged to use the designated platform in the northwest corner of the stadium. Photo submitted
POSTED: 10/10/25 at 2:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
FINDLAY — Flag City Honor Flight is preparing for its 33rd mission on Wednesday, October 14, to take 77 veterans, primarily from the Vietnam War era to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built in their honor.
The organization relies on community donations and flight sponsorships to continue the mission. As a 100 percent volunteer-led organization, every dollar received goes directly toward honoring and thanking veterans for their service.
The fourth honor flight of the year will departfrom Toledo Express Airport in the morning, and veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Air Force Memorial, Navy Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard. Veterans do not pay to fly.
Flag City Honor Flight ensures that all veterans, from World War II through Vietnam, have the opportunity to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C., honoring their service and sacrifices for America’s freedom.
General flight details
- 5:30 a.m. — Veterans and guardians arrive at Eugene F Kranz Toledo Express Airport
- 6:30 a.m. — Depart for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- 9:15 a.m. – Tour Marine Memorial
- 10:30 a.m. – Attend Changing of the Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
- 11:45 a.m. – Tour Air Force Memorial
- 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and tour Navy Memorial
- 2 p.m. — Tour WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials
- 4:30 p.m. – Dinner and tour Military Women’s Memorial
- 8 p.m. – Depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- 9 p.m. — Arrive at Grand Aire Hanger and welcome home celebration
Flag City Honor Flight Inc. is a 100 percent volunteer-run 501c3 organization dedicated to providing veterans in northwest Ohio and surrounding areas with the opportunity to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost. Van Wert County is served by Flag City Honor Flight and by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. Annual flights are supported by charitable donations and an enduring commitment to honoring America’s heroes.
POSTED: 10/09/25 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will host “Meet the Candidates Night” from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, at the First Federal Lecture Hall at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.
The vent is an opportunity for the local community to engage with local and regional candidates running for office and learn about their platforms, and hear from organizations with proposed tax levies on the ballot. The objective of the event is to foster open communication and an informed electorate in the upcoming elections.
Attendees will have the chance to hear directly from the candidates during structured presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session. This event is free and open to the public, and the Chamber encourages all residents to attend, participate, and make informed decisions for the future of Van Wert.
POSTED: 10/09/25 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Crestview Elementary recently named its September Students of the Month, sponsored by Van Wert Cinemas. Students who make the Knight Leader Board each month are put into a drawing for a free 30-day pass to the movie theater for their entire family. Van Wert Cinemas September Students of the Month are: Lucian Hutchison, Eddie Diener (first grade); Goldie Kill, Uli Covarrubias (second grade); Etta Schaffner, Branch Springer (third grade); Nat Mueller, Savanna Miller (fourth grade), and Skyler Pontiuse (fifth grade). Photo submitted
POSTED: 10/09/25 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Past Van Wert High School homecoming queens waved during Wednesday night’s annual homecoming parade. After the parade and rally at Fountain Park, things shifted to Eggerss Stadium for the annual Powder Puff game. Check the Sports page to see which team – the juniors or seniors – won the game. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/08/25 at 10:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
