Winter heating bill help is available

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program will open on Sunday, November 1, offering one-time help with home heating bills to income-eligible Ohioans. The program runs through March 31, 2027.

“The Winter Crisis Program is available for families facing a shut-off or running low on fuel,” Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder said. “If you are struggling with your energy bill, assistance may be available.”

The Winter Crisis Program helps Ohioans who are facing service disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, or must pay to transfer service. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank so they can maintain service.

To qualify, a household must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $57,750.

Last year, the program helped more than 73,000 Ohio households, providing $25.5 million in benefits.

Time change occurs early Sunday

VW independent staff

A reminder – it’s the weekend we gain an extra hour of sleep as we “fall back” one hour to Eastern Standard Time. The time change will occur at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Funding to help domestic violence programs

By Susan Tebben/Ohio Capital Journal

With data showing domestic violence as the “most prevalent violent crime in Ohio,” state officials recently announced boosts to domestic violence programs, including survivor services and law enforcement training.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services found that more than half of all violent crime arrests in Ohio had a domestic violence charge as part of the case, with 70 percent of the arrests conducted on repeat offenders.

The researchers studied half a century of criminal history data in the state, including about 2 million violent crime arrests from 1974 to 2023, according to a release about the research.

The study also found that from 2014 to 2023, 54 percent of violent crime arrests involved domestic violence. That statistic went up to 56 percent in the last five years.

“Anecdotally, we suspected that domestic violence was among the most frequent violent crimes in the state, and this data confirms it,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement.

“The data also reinforces the fact that Ohio must continue to be innovative in its work to protect both domestic violence survivors and the law enforcement officers who respond to calls for help.”

Ohio had its second highest amount of deaths from domestic violence-related incidents in 2025, according to data released this month from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. The report showed 134 deaths in 101 cases.

The year before was the highest amount of deaths since the network began collecting fatality statistics 11 years ago. In 2024, Ohio had 157 deaths in 108 cases. Over the last two years of data, the network found that in 49 percent of cases, the victim was attempting to leave the situation.

“These homicides are not random,” said Maria York, the network’s director of policy and communications, when the report was announced. “They are the final act of control.”

As part of a recent announcement of funding set aside for “specific domestic-violence-related projects,” the governor’s office said an additional $1 million will be directed toward the state’s domestic violence shelters recognized by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

The 55 shelters across the state will each receive a one-time grant of $18,000 for “immediate shelter and meeting the critical needs of family violence victims and their dependents,” according to the governor’s office.

The Office of Criminal Justice Services announced another $4 million in “federal emergency shelter and supportive services grants for domestic violence victims and their dependents,” in an October 27 press release.

MSVW trick-or-treat is on Saturday

VW independent staff/submitted information

Historic Main Street Van Wert inviting families and children of all ages to celebrate Halloween with downtown trick-or-treat from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, October 31.

The annual Halloween tradition is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a fun-filled morning in historic downtown Van Wert while visiting local businesses and celebrating the holiday together.

Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes, bring their candy bags, and enjoy a morning of trick-or-treating throughout the downtown district.

Downtown trick-or-treat is more than just collecting candy. According to Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert, it’s an opportunity to bring families into the heart of Van Wert, showcase downtown businesses, and create lasting memories for the community.

“We love seeing downtown filled with families and kids enjoying themselves,” Price said. “Events like downtown trick-or-treat are what makes our community special. It’s a great way to bring people downtown, support our local businesses, and have some fun along the way.”

Historic Main Street Van Wert encourages everyone to come downtown, enjoy the Halloween festivities, and support the businesses that help make our downtown a special place.

The City of Van Wert’s annual trick-or-treat will be held later in the day, from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday.

Plans explained for barn once moved

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The news has been well received – QTS Data Centers has agreed to save a decades-old barn in Van Wert, which will allow it to be repurposed elsewhere locally.

The barn, which currently sits on Stripe Rd. property previously owned by The Marsh Foundation, will be disassembled, power washed, stored and reassembled at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, with all of those costs covered by QTS.

It’s use at the fairgrounds is in the early planning stages, but Van Wert County Agricultural Society Secretary Mike Poling said the vision is to transform the 80×120 foot structure into a visitor and event center.

“It will also house some history of the Ag Society and agriculture of Van Wert County – it will serve as an ag educational facility well,” he stated.

Current plans call for the barn to be placed at the north end of the fairgrounds, north of the Commercial Building. Poling said the Agricultural Society has hired a contractor/architect to work on possible designs and changes to the barn. He also explained the timeline is being worked out.

“The contract with the company tearing it down (states) they will store it for a year and QTS has put a timeline of having it down and off the property by March 1, 2027,” Poling explained. “It would be at least back up, erected on the fairgounds by March 1, 2028, give or take. If things go well, we could possibly have concrete sometime by late summer or early fall in 2027, which would make it possible for them to start putting it back up by the fourth quarter of 2027.”

While QTS is covering the costs of disassembly, cleaning, storage and reassembly, it will be the Agricultural Society’s responsibility to cover the cost of the new concrete foundation and changes to transform it into a visitor and event center. With that in mind, fundraising ideas are being formulated.

“We are in early conversations with some folks about finding additional funding for that,” Poling said. “It’s exciting, it’s a great opportunity for the Ag Society to bring something to the grounds that will enhance the grounds and be here for a long time to come, but it’s going to cost some money to make it happen.”

Unique bench in place outside library

Submitted information

The Brumback Library has announced the addition of a large butterfly bench to its historic grounds in downtown Van Wert, creating a beautiful new space for visitors to enjoy, take photos, and make memories.

The bench was made possible through a generous donation from Sue Sakers in memory of the Farlow Family, honoring her immediate family and the many memories they made at the library when they were younger. Additional funding was provided through the estate of Dennis Williams, who generously bequeathed his estate to the library upon his passing.

Earlier this month, stamped concrete was poured to create a dedicated space for the bench near the peony bed in the library’s front yard. Now, the butterfly bench is officially in place and ready to welcome visitors. Students from Goedde School were on hand to help move the bench into position, with equipment provided by NAPA Auto Parts assisting with the installation.

The Brumback Library is grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life. This beautiful new addition enhances the library’s historic grounds while providing a welcoming spot for families and visitors to gather, take photos, and create new memories at a place that has been part of the community for generations.

Thank you to Sue Sakers and the Farlow Family, the estate of Dennis Williams, Goedde School, and NAPA Auto Parts for their generosity and support in making this project possible.

Early in-person voting numbers are up

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It’s accurate to say that Ohio’s early voting period has been brisk locally and throughout the state.

Van Wert County Board of Elections Director Pam Henderson said as of mid-afternoon Thursday, 3,662 registered voters had cast early in-person ballots at the Board of Elections Office.

“Early voting for this election is already above numbers from 2022, which was 3,220,” Henderson said.

She also noted absentee mail voting is down compared to four years ago. According to Henderson, in 2022 there were 1,467 mail-in ballots sent out and this election, only 950 were sent out. 

Statewide, as of mid-day Thursday, nearly 840,000 voters had cast early in-person ballots, while more than 550,000 of nearly 738,000 ballots requested by mail had been turned in.

She reminded registered voters that there are still three more days of early voting left: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

“Voters like the convenience of early voting,” Henderson noted. “In 2022, there was a 50 percent voter turnout. It would be great to see the numbers increase for this election to 55-60 percent voter turnout.”

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3 and regardless if you’re voting early or on Tuesday, a valid photo ID is required to cast a ballot.

Elks honor Eagle Scout…

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for William Vaughn, a member of Boy Scout Troop 31 in Van Wert. Vaughn was presented an American flag and an Eagle Scout certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge. For his Eagle Scout project, Vaughn worked at the Council on Aging to repair some low areas in their parking lot. These were dug out with a heavy stone base installed, tamped down and repaired. Pictured with Vaughn is Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison. Photo submitted

Rockford Lions holding Bag Bingo event

Submitted information

ROCKFORD — The Rockford Lions Club’s annual Bag Bingo fundraiser event is set for Saturday, November 7, at the Rockford Community Building. Doors will open at 12 p.m. that way, with bingo play beginning at 1 p.m.. Packets are available for $25 each.

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Vendor partners will be announced later.

All proceeds benefit the Rockford Lions Club and its community service programs. The Lions Club is dedicated to serving the Rockford area and supporting local initiatives that make a difference in the lives of residents.

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, contact Lee Ann Frank at 419.953.2634.

The Rockford Lions Club meets from September through June on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Village Offices on E. Columbia St.

BOE takes care of business at meeting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A number of routine business and personnel matters were tended to during Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education.

The board approved the recommendation of the Van Wert Area School Insurance Group for the 2027 plan year premiums, which include an eight percent increase for health insurance premiums and a two percent increase for dental premiums.

“The staff has been informed and they’ve held meetings to inform them what that means,” Board President Anthony Adams said. “Rate increases are not always fun but we all understand that healthcare costs have crept up.”

Assistant Superintendent Bob Priest updated transportation numbers and noted on average, the district transports approximately 850 students every morning and afternoon and he added buses travel an average of 612 miles per day. Priest also said the BusRite school bus tracking app has been rolled out and has garnered nothing but positive reviews from parents.

“It just helps people plan and be prepared,” he said. “We’re very pleased with how BusRite is working for us.”

During his report to the board, Treasurer Troy Bowersock said the final cost of the massive Eggerss Stadium renovation project will be $8.4 million and he gave a breakdown of how the cost was covered:

• $5 million from a bond issue approved by school district residents
• $1.9 million from private donations
• $1.3 million largely from the district’s capital projects fund

In personnel matters the board:

• Approved a supplemental contract for Evan Sroufe, high school marching band support staff.
• Accepted the resignation of head nurse Natasha Kline, effective October 31.
• Rescinded approval of Matthew Warnecke, Angie Myers and Marty Hohman as coordinators of student rewards, then approved Warnecke was sixth grade RTI manager, Hohman as seventh grade RTI manager and Myers as eighth grade data manager.