SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Voters throughout the City of Van Wert have decisions to make at the polls.
That’s because five people are running for three Van Wert City Council at-large seats, including two incumbents and three challengers. The names on the ballot are current council members Judy Bowers and Jana Ringwald and the challengers are Hall Block, Dewaine Johnson and Kirby Kelly. Incumbent At-Large Councilman Jeff Kallas chose not to seek re-election to council.
All five of the candidates gathered Wednesday night for “Meet the Candidates Night” at the First Federal Lecture Hall at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The event was sponsored by the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce. Each of the candidates had five minutes to introduce themselves and explain why they chose to run for office.
Judy Bowers
Judy Bowers is seeking her third term on Van Wert City Council and she told those in attendance that when she first ran for council, she did so reluctantly.
“Through the coaxing of my family and friends and my church, I decided to run the first time and it’s been a real learning experience for me,” she stated.
Bowers described herself as “old school” and said she’d rather speak to people in person.
“I can learn more by personally talking to them, seeing their expression, their body langauge and knowing where they’re coming from rather than looking at something on Facebook or something like that, because you can misunderstand things that are said there,” Bowers said. “I do a lot of talking to people at the grocery store, at the bank or wherever I happen to be.”
Bowers also stated she does a lot of research and admitted it can be slow at times and she added she tries to vote for the people of Van Wert.
(more…)POSTED: 10/15/25 at 10:16 pm
VW independent staff
Two out of town men entered guilty pleas at their respective arraignments in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. The two arraigments were among eight total hearings recently held before Judge Martin D. Burchfield.
Arraignments
Cody Fugate, 38, of Wolcottsville, Indiana, entered a not guilty plea to passing bad checks, a fifth degree felony, and grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony. Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. November 19.
Michael Melvin, 35, of Mansfield, pleaded guilty to theft, a fifth degree felony. He was then sentenced to 180 days jail to run concurrent with his current prison term from Mercer County. He was ordered to pay restitution to Walmart in the amount of $4,828.70 and court costs.
Melvin Moore, 41, of Lima, pleaded guilty to theft, a fifth degree felony. He was sentenced to 180 days jail to run concurrent with his current prison term from Mercer County. He too was ordered to pay restitution to Walmart in the amount of $4,828.70 and court costs.
Bond violation
Mason Imler, 19, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by consuming alcohol and having police contact. He was released on a surety bond to go to sober living treatment, and he signed a time waiver. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. November 19.
Plea changes
Larry Wilson, 56, of Convoy, changed his plea to guilty to driving under suspension, a first degree misdemeanor. He was then sentenced to 60 days electronic house arrest to begin October 22. His driver’s license was suspended for one year retroactive to June 19, and he was ordered to pay court costs.
(more…)POSTED: 10/16/25 at 8:00 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Ohio’s early in-person voting period began last Tuesday and figures supplied by Pam Henderson, Director of the Van Wert County Board of Elections, 151 registered voters cast ballots between October 7-10. In addition, 26 ballots were mailed out.
Here are the remaining early in-person voting dates and hours:
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 16-17, 20-24
- 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. October 27, 29, 30, 31
- 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. October 28
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 1
- 1-5 p.m. November 2
Ballots may be cast at the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office, 1362 E. Ervin Rd., Van Wert. A valid ID is required to vote. For a complete list of races and issues in Van Wert County, click here.
POSTED: 10/15/25 at 10:16 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Repaving work is Van Wert is winding down. Workers with the Shelley Company spent some of Wednesday putting down new asphalt on Second St., between Walnut St. and N. Washington St. Work is expected to be complete by tomorrow. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 10/15/25 at 10:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
This single vehicle accident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at Shannon and Ervin Road sent the driver to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. A witness said it appeared the driver went unconscious and the vehicle went forward at a low speed and struck a utility pole. Van Wert EMS personnel removed the driver and transported the person to the hospital. Very little damage was visible to the vehicle. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 10/15/25 at 10:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
CONVOY — There are just two weeks left in the 2025 high school football regular season and after two straight road games, the Crestview Knights will return home Friday night to face Spencerville. It’s also this year’s homecoming game for the Knights and their fans.
The 2025 Crestview homecoming court will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Friday prior to the 7 p.m. and this year’s king and queen will be crowned before kickoff.
Members of the court include freshman attendant Kaylee Owens, sophomore attendant Delanie Balliet, and junior attendant Ava Motycka, along with senior queen candidates Caroline Marks, Ellie Ward and Peyton Hoffman. This year’s homecoming court also includes freshmen Tate Lichtensteiger, sophomore Evin Brincefield and junior Will Sheets, plus senior king candidates Brentyn Rodriguez, Hayden Perrott and Liam Putman.
Homecoming spirit week is being celebrated with dress up days for students throughout the week. The homecoming parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and will conclude at the school where the junior and senior boys will compete in the BuffPuff volleyball game in the gym. Admission is $1.
The annual homecoming dance for all high school students will take place from 8-11 p.m. Saturday evening at the school. Tickets are required for admission.
POSTED: 10/14/25 at 9:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
One thing is for certain – there won’t be a lack of Halloween-themed activities for children in Van Wert on Saturday, October 25. Several events are planned for the day in the city, including a popular downtown event and citywide trick-or-treating.
Main Street Van Wert trick-or-treat
Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. October 25, it’s the Main Street Van Wert trick or treat. Youngsters can dress up and collect goodies from stores and offices in the downtown area.
Peony Festival gets in the act
In an effort to remain involved in the community year-round, the Van Wert Peony Festival Committee will holdi a Halloween event that is free and open to the public. It’s a halloween costume contest called “Creep It Real in the Park.”
It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fountain Park, with judging starting at 12 p.m. Categories will include most original, scariest costume, best face paint/makeup, best inflatable costume, best overall costume, most creative costume, funniest costume, best homemade costume, best group costume and cutest costume. There will be prizes for winners in each category. All ages are welcome.
In addition, a variety of games will be available and food and drinks will be available at the concession stand.
Trunk-or-treat
Several trunk-or-treat events will be offered, including one from 12-2 p.m. in the parking lot of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. Community members are invited to bring their children wearing costumes and enjoy decorated trunks, sweet treats and festive fun with OhioHealth associates and volunteers. It’s free and open to the public, and parking will be available on site.
Van Wert trick-or-treat
If all of that wasn’t enough, the city of Van Wert’s trick-or-treat will be held from 4-6 p.m. October 25. City residents who want to participate should leave their porch light on.
POSTED: 10/14/25 at 9:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Principals and counselors from Lincolnview, Crestview, Vantage, and Van Wert City Schools, as well as local college representatives, will host an informational meeting for parents/guardians interested in learning more about the College Credit Plus program.
The meeting, scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, will consist of a general session giving more information on College Credit Plus, as well as individual meetings with respective schools. There will be several colleges and universities in attendance.
The Ohio Department of Education began the College Credit Plus program for all students enrolled in Ohio schools. College Credit Plus has two fundamental positions:
- Students (grades 7-12) must be an Ohio resident enrolled in a participating college of choice.
- Students can earn transcripted college and high school credit upon successfulcompletion of the course.
Eligible students may need a qualifying college entrance exam score that places them in courses above a remediation level to participate.
Any parent or guardian who has a student who might be interested in earning college credit during their time in high school should plan on attending the meeting on November 5. Anyone with questions prior to the meeting can contact the Student Services Office at 419.238.2180 or Van Wert High School at 419.238.3350.
POSTED: 10/14/25 at 9:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONVOY — The Crestview Local Schools Board of Education has taken another step toward a project designed to improve the district’s athletic facilities.
During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the board voted to hire Wapakoneta-based Peterson Construction Company as the Construction Manager at-Risk for the pending facilities renovation project.
“The goal by using the CMR model will allow us to better value engineer and utilize local contractors as much as possible,” Board President Brad Perrott explained.
The project includes relocating the football stadium, installing new bleachers, new lights and artificial turf, relocating the varsity baseball diamond and making the existing diamond the new field for junior varsity baseball, upgrades to the varsity softball diamond, and improvements to the gymnasium, including new bleachers.
“Moving them (the football stadium and baseball diamond) makes the most sense for the long term and the cost differential is low enough to justify it,” Perrott said. “Once moved, the fields will be properly aligned and will allow for improved safety and visibility for the fans.”
The price tag for the entire athletics renovation project is currently estimated at approximately $13 million, but Perrott noted the numbers will become more clear once the board gets into final drawings and the bidding process.
Superintendent Matt Dube said new bleachers will need to be ordered by the end of this month, exterior lights for the football stadium by the end of next month, and artificial turf by the end of the calendar year. The renovations, including the relocated football stadium, are expected to be complete in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
Dube briefly reviewed the district’s grade on the most recent state school report card. Crestview scored four out of a possible five stars.
(more…)POSTED: 10/13/25 at 9:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Street paving is progressing well, according to Van Wert Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming.
Fleming updated Van Wert City Council Monday night and said paving work on Cherry St. should be complete today. Crews from The Shelley Company will then shift their attention to Second St., Biltmore Ave., Green St., Gay St., and Temple St. Fleming said all work should be wrapped up by the end of this week.
He also told members of council that the city flipped the lanes on Bonnewitz Ave. last Friday, so the thru-lane is now a thru-lane/left turn lane and he said the change is working well.
Mayor Ken Markward shared the final figures on the city’s trasher voucher program. Vouchers were made available to city residents, one per household, to take a large item to Young’s Waste for disposal during the month of September. He noted twice as many were used this time compared to the last time the city offered the vouchers (2021) and the tonnage was nearly three times more than before. 297 vouchers were used last month, compared to 153 four years ago, and the tonnage was 69.96, substantially higher than 2021, when 25.86 tons came in via the vouchers.
“We’ll continue to evaluate how that goes, whether we can continue to be able to do that next year and improve on it,” Markward said.
A bit later in the meeting, council approved a “then and now” invoice to Young’s Waste in the amount of $14,694.75 to cover the amount of trash taken via the vouchers.
(more…)POSTED: 10/13/25 at 9:24 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
42 outstanding Vantage Career Center seniors were recently inducted as members of the Vantage chapter of the National Technical Honor Society during a special candlelight ceremony held at the school.
Vantage students who achieved a 3.75 grade point average or better, while maintaining a 95 percent attendance rate, both their junior and senior year, were eligible to apply for membership. In addition to submitting a resume and writing an essay stating why they would like to be a part of the NTHS, the students were also required to obtain three teacher recommendations.
Here is the list of 2025 Vantage National Technical Honor Society inductees: Ryan Aldrich (Fort Jennings), Xander Bartley (Paulding), Zion Bertsch (Lincolnview), Jayci Blue (Van Wert), Lily Boyd (Wayne Trace), Abigail Bullinger (Ottoville), William Burgei (Wayne Trace), Landon Calvelage (Fort Jennings), Audrey Dougal (Wayne Trace), Cole English (Continental), Lydia Etzkorn (Delphos St. Johns), Bela Fiedler (Ottoville), Chase German (Fort Jennings), Alexander Groch (Delphos Jefferson), Haiven Harsh (Continental), Zaria Harter (Lincolnview), Jackson Hoersten (Delphos St. Johns), Zachary Hohlbein (Ottoville), Grady Holdgreve (Delphos St. Johns), Damien Iliff (Paulding), Jaelynn Karcher (Van Wert), Brooklyn King (Paulding), Griffin Kosch (Antwerp), Layla Kremer (Paulding), Jason Luersman (Kalida), Felicia Martz (Van Wert), Cora Meyer (Crestview), Lucas Morehead (Wayne Trace), Annelise Price (Kalida), Macie Pugh (Lincolnview), Eric Reinhart (Wayne Trace), Rileigh Sanders (Paulding), Colten Sargent (Antwerp), Dylan Schaefer (Fort Jennings), Cruse Schroeder (Ottoville), James Schroeder (Fort Jennings), Myleigh Sheets (Wayne Trace), Reilly Stegaman (Fort Jennings), Drew Ulm (Delphos St. Johns), Henry Walpole (Delphos St. Johns), Riley Wenzlick (Delphos St. Johns), and Caroline Winans (Wayne Trace).
NTHS membership is the highest recognition for excellence in career-technical education and serves as a respected indicator of achievement, skill, and leadership in the workplace. Students are selected for membership as a reward for exceptional performance in workforce education, to help develop self-esteem and pride in work, and to encourage them to reach for superior levels of academic and technical success.
The National Technical Honor Society also promotes business and industry’s core workplace values; knowledge, skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.
During the ceremony, each of these workplace values was represented by a candle lit by an inductee, symbolizing their commitment to uphold these guiding principles:
- Knowledge – Mr. Ben Winans
- Skill – Brooklyn King
- Honesty – Riley Wenzlick
- Service – Annelise Price
- Responsibility – Dylan Schaefer
- Scholarship – Abigail Bullinger
- Citizenship – Eric Reinhart
- Leadership – Zaria Harter
POSTED: 10/13/25 at 9:20 pm. FILED UNDER: News
