Editor’s note: Last month, Dave Brumback, great-great-grandson of J.S. Brumback, shared the story of his family and his ancestor’s dream of a library that belonged to the entire county. But a dream alone does not build a public institution (see story here). This month’s article looks at what happened next: the laws, levies, negotiations, and shared commitments that turned a family gift into a living, countywide library system.
By Dave Brumback
Laws, Levies, & Learning: From Heirs’ Proposal to County Library
Turning J.S.’s gift into a county institution required more than architecture. It required argument, compromise and yes, the slow work of politics. His heirs wanted the library to serve every township, a county resource rather than only a town memorial.
That idea raised practical questions that could have sunk the project: Who would own the building? Who would pay the bills? How could remote farmhouses receive books as easily as a downtown storefront?
What followed was neighborhood politics at its best, citizens rolling up their sleeves and figuring things out. Township trustees, school boards, church groups, and farmers’ associations all had a seat at the table. Some argued for modest levies; others feared burdening farmers. They negotiated small levies and inter-town lending arrangements that spread cost and benefit. A county library also needed trained staff, standardized circulation records, and procedures for branch rooms, traveling collections, or rotating stock to serve rural borrowers.
I remember my older relatives describing those meetings like a relay race: one group proposed a compromise, the next took it further, and a legal scholar shaped it into text that would hold under changing governments.
The result wasn’t the triumph of a single mind but was an institutional compromise: private seed money planted into public soil and bound with public commitments so the work could continue long after one family or board had moved on.
Covenant in Stone: The Contract That Built a Community Anchor
(more…)POSTED: 02/01/26 at 9:57 pm
VW independent staff
Significant changes are now in effect for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously referred to as food stamps.
Healthy adults age 18-64 are now required to work, volunteer or train for at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits beyond three months in a three-year period. Veterans, those who are homeless and former foster children are no longer exempt. In addition, parents with children 14 and older must meet the requirements.
The new work requirements went into effect on Sunday, February , with recipients having to demonstrate proof of meeting work requirements starting March 1.
POSTED: 02/01/26 at 9:56 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
One of three Republican candidates who filed petitions to run for Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge has withdrawn from the race and will not seek the nod in the May 5 primary election, while another current elected official has filed petitions to run for the same seat.
Online records from the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office show Van Wert Law Director John Hatcher has officially withdrawn from the race.
“I have decided that this was not the right time for me to run for Juvenile/Probate Judge,” Hatcher said via email to the VW independent. “I have other opportunities that I want to pursue in the near term. Because of that, I decided to withdraw my petition.”
“I do plan to continue to serve the people of the City of Van Wert as Law Director,” he added. “I still view being a judge as an ultimate goal for me. I am just not ready to stop being an attorney at this time.”
Meanwhile, Van Wert County Commissioner Todd D. Wolfrum, who is serving as the commission chairman this year, filed his petitions to run for judge Friday morning and they were ruled valid, meaning he’ll appear on the May 5 primary ballot.
As it stands now, Wolfrum and Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva Yarger will square off for the GOP nod in May, with the winner moving onto the November ballot. No Democrat has filed for the seat. The filing deadline is 4 p.m. this Wednesday.
The judge’s seat is currently vacant, following the December 31, 2025 retirement of former Van Wert Juvenile/Probate Court Judge Kevin Taylor. Governor Mike DeWine must appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term, which ends February 8, 2027. He’s said to be considering three names that were submitted to his office, but it’s not known when the appointment will be made.
POSTED: 02/01/26 at 9:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Shortly after 12 p.m. Saturday the Van Wert Fire Department responded to a call of smoke coming from the attic area of the house on Burt St. Firefighters removed smoldering insulation that appeared to possibly have been caused by an electrical issue. No one was injured and the home had been evacuated before the department arrived. The Van Wert Police Department and Van Wert County CERT assisted with traffic control. Fire crews returned to the location again around 4:15 p.m. when it was reported to have started to smoke again. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 02/01/26 at 9:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
A reminder the Middle Point Lions Club is sponsoring a sandwich supper before the Lincolnview boys basketball game against Delphos Jefferson this Friday, February 6.
Sandwiches will be served in the Lincolnview cafeteria from 4-6 p.m. that day and the menu will include BBQ pork sandwiches, shredded chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, cookies, brownies and Joan’s famous “scotcheroos.” Proceeds will benefit the Middle Point Lions scholarship fund.
POSTED: 02/01/26 at 9:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce recently held the first session of the 2026 Van Wert Chamber Youth Academy at Central Insurance. The program will be presented through April 2026 with each session taking place at a different Chamber business member location within Van Wert County.
“We had a great time connecting with the junior year students from Van Wert City Schools, Lincolnview Local Schools, Crestview Local Schools, and Vantage Career Center,” Chamber President/CEO Mark Verville said. “This program allows us to put our young leaders in front of professionals in our community and gives them the opportunity to network and build professional relationships. This year’s class features 33 students, a number that has increased every year since the program inception.”
The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce thanked the administration and staff of the four county schools who participate in the program as well as the Chamber business members who invest time to speak with the students.
Northwest State Community College is the exclusive sponsor of the Youth Academy program. The regional community college, which is based in Archbold, is a public two-year college that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The accreditation allows the NSCC to offer degree and certificate programs in the fields of arts & sciences, business & public services, nursing & allied health, and STEM and industrial technologies. They serve over 77,000 northwest Ohio families across a six-county service area, including Van Wert County. NSCC recently opened its Van Wert satellite campus.
To learn more about all of the Chamber programs, events and benefits, click here.
POSTED: 02/01/26 at 9:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Now’s the time for homeowners to inspect their properties for damage caused by the recent winter storm and the current freezing temperatures. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance (DIC) and the Ohio Board of Building Standards urge homeowners to look for signs of winter damage, especially ice dams, which can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked and unaddressed.
An ice dam most commonly occurs when heat from inside a home melts snow on the roof, allowing water to flow toward the colder edges where it refreezes. This creates a ridge of ice that can grow over time. When outdoor temperatures remain extremely cold compared to indoor temperatures, a home’s vulnerability to ice dams increases.
Investigation into the cause of an ice dam is necessary to determine the best course of action. The Board of Building Standards, which is within the Division of Industrial Compliance, offers the following tips:
What to watch for right now:
- Wet or damp areas inside the home near ceilings closest to the roof, especially where the ceiling meets exterior walls.
- Icicles hanging from gutters or eaves.
- Uneven snow depth on the roof, such as shallower snow over heated spaces (living areas) and deeper snow over unheated spaces (eaves, garages, porches).
Steps to Reduce Risk
- Regularly inspect and maintain attic insulation, adding insulation where needed.
- Once the snow has melted and ice has thawed, regularly inspect gutters and keep them and downspouts clear of debris and flowing freely.
- Inspect flashing along roof edges and penetrations, and repair any areas that may be damaged.
- Verify whether an ice barrier exists along eaves and roof valleys, and consider adding one if one isn’t already installed.
- Look for any gaps between the attic and conditions spaces, and seal those gaps with caulk, insulation or weather stripping. This will help to prevent any accelerated melting on the roof over those areas, which can contribute to ice dams forming.
- Consider thermal (infrared) imaging to identify and correct major heat leaks into the attic.
POSTED: 01/31/26 at 12:04 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
HAVILAND — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein announced on Friday that he is running for re-election in Ohio’s 82 House District, which includes Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and the southern half of Defiance County.
“Serving the people of northwest Ohio has been the honor of my life,” said Representative Klopfenstein said in a press release. “I’m running for re-election because there’s much more work to do. Strengthening our communities, keeping government spending and regulation in check, protecting taxpayers, growing good-paying jobs, and ensuring our part of Ohio remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family is an on-going duty and responsibility.”
According to the news release, his 2026 re-election campaign will prioritize:
- Fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes low, and ensuring accountability in state government.
- Supporting agriculture and protecting Ohio’s great farming heritage.
- Backing businesses and job creation across the region.
- Public safety and support for law enforcement and first responders.
- Investing in future generations, workforce development, and career opportunities.
“When I first took office, I pledged to preserve and protect the shared core values of faith, family, and freedom the people of my district hold so dear,” Representative Klopfenstein said. “There is not a day that goes by that I do not see the importance of that pledge and what it means to our children and grandchildren.”
Representative Klopfenstein serves as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee where he has been leading productive, common-sense initiatives that support and advance Ohio’s top industry of agriculture and encouraging future generations of Ohio farmers. He has also been serving on the House Energy, Local Government, and Transportation committees.
(more…)POSTED: 01/30/26 at 11:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine issued the following reprieves of execution on Friday:
- Gerald Hand, who was scheduled to be executed on June 17, 2026. The new date of execution has been moved to April 18, 2029. Hand has been on death row since 2003.
- Danny Lee Hill, who was scheduled to be executed on July 22, 2026. The new date of execution has been moved to July 18, 2029. Hill has been on death row since 1986.
- Cleveland R. Jackson, who was scheduled to be executed on July 15, 2026. The new date of execution has been moved to June 13, 2029. Jackson has been on death row since 2002.
As he has done with a number of previous reprieves, DeWine blamed ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), pursuant to DRC protocol, without endangering other Ohioans. Other states have continued carrying out death sentences via lethel injection, while others have changed methods, including the use of a firing squad or nitrogen gas.
Since DeWine took office in 2019, there have been no executions in Ohio.
POSTED: 01/30/26 at 11:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
CONVOY — A lecture and discussion titled “Thomas Payne and the Power of Words” will be hosted by James Lautzenheiser at 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Convoy Opera House, a perfect setting for exploring Paine’s fiery rheotic and its impact on the American Revolution.
The presentation was originally scheduled for Sunday, January 25, but it was postponed for one week due to severe winter weather.
The lecture and discussion will be the first in a series of America 250 events and Lautzenheiser will be helping lead throughout the year. He will have packets of primary and secondary sources ready for everyone for a lively and thoughtful conversation, so bring your highlighters, pens, and plenty of questions.
POSTED: 01/30/26 at 11:56 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Central’s Educational and Charitable Foundation will be accepting applications for its scholarship program until March 27. This program rewards and supports graduates seeking careers in the property and casualty insurance industry.
“Our scholarship program is an investment in the next generation of insurance professionals who will drive innovation, demonstrate excellence, and uphold the strong relationships and integrity that define our industry,” said Jena Wierwille, Vice President of Human Resources at Central.
The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per student, renewable for up to three years while enrolled. Additionally, recipients can connect with seasoned professionals in their field of interest at Central Insurance.
The scholarship is available to graduating high school students from Van Wert, Mercer, Putnam, or Paulding counties, Delphos City Schools, and Vantage Career Center with a home association to one of the eligible schools. Dependent children of current Central Insurance employees or retirees planning to graduate high school in 2026 are also eligible. Students must plan to attend an accredited two or four-year post-secondary educational institution on a full-time basis by the end of 2026, majoring in a degree with specific use towards a career position within the insurance industry.
Applications and additional information are available on the Central Insurance Companies Educational and Charitable Foundation website at cicecf.org or through their high school guidance counselor. Completed applications and required materials should be submitted through the applicant’s high school guidance office.
This scholarship will be awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic testing results, marital status, religious beliefs, age, or disability.
The public may contribute to Central’s Educational and Charitable Foundation, understanding that these contributions will be used to support the scholarship program or specific charities.
The Central Mutual Insurance Company was founded in Van Wert in 1876 and has since evolved into Central Insurance, a property and casualty insurance carrier providing coverage for hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses across the country. Central remains based in Van Wert and operates regional offices in Boston and Atlanta, with a satellite office in Columbus.
POSTED: 01/30/26 at 11:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
