SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Hundreds of high school freshman and sophomores from Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties spent some of school day on Tuesday at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, getting hands-on exposure to a number of in-demand and skilled trades through the fourth annual “Build Your Future” program.
Van Wert, Crestview, Lincolnview, Wayne Trace, Paulding and Antwerp rotated through interactive career stations led by Vantage Career Center seniors who explained and demonstrated industry-related skills they’ve learned to this point, then had students try their hand at the various stations. Van Wert County schools and Parkway attended the morning session, and the Paulding County schools were at the afternoon session.
“The purpose is to gain some exposure for these kids to see what’s really out there, to find out about skilled trades that they hear about,” Van Wert High School Careers Counselor Kerry Koontz said. “This gives them an opportunity to get hands-on experience and to get a sense of what might be a future for them. Vantage does a great job coordinating with the economic development office and providing this event our students.”
Among the businesses and organizations that participated were Danfoss, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, Paulding County Hospital, Alexander & Bebout, Ayers Mechanical Group, ATR Contractors, OhioMeansJobs, Paulding Economic Development, and the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation.
(more…)POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:16 pm
By DAVE MOSIER
Van Wert Civic Theatre is opening its 2025-26 season with the musical version of Bonnie & Clyde, and it’s a banger of a show.
The Tony-nominated musical, with book by Ivan Menchell, lyrics by Don Black and music by Frank Wildhorn, tells the story of Texas-born bandits Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, from their days as youngsters — Bonnie a waitress who longs for stardom and farm boy Clyde a juvenile delinquent who likes guns and fast cars — through the murderous crime spree that made them front-page news in Depression-era America.
The play opens with Bonnie and Clyde dead after being shot in a bloody ambush in Louisiana and then uses flashbacks to show how they ended up that way.
Wildhorn’s music is an eclectic mix of blues, gospel and “rockabilly”, and includes some tuneful production numbers, while Black’s lyrics provide a window into America during the Depression and the rural Texas values that spawned a pair of gangsters like Bonnie and Clyde.
Cheyenne Weber and Ashton Szabados are perfect as the ill-fated lovers and gangsters in Director Jerry Zimmerman’s and Music Director Terri Spenser’s VWCT production of the musical. Both have plenty of stage presence, and the first meeting between Szabados’ cocky young gangster and Weber’s bored waitress who idolizes “It” girl Clara Bow starts awkwardly, but warms up quickly. Both do a fine job with the music as well, with Weber’s throaty vocals well-matched to showcase Bonnie’s frustrated passion and sexuality and Szabados’ mix of high, clear vocals and menacing growls portraying the romantic and criminal sides of Clyde’s character.
The stars are ably supported by Nick Long as Clyde’s brother, Buck, and Hannah Davis as Buck’s wife, Blanche. Long, a VWCT veteran, is wonderful as Buck, a good old boy who loves his Bible-thumping wife, but is also tempted by the fame and notoriety his brother’s exploits have brought him. His duet with Clyde on “When I Drive” is a rollicking masterpiece.
Davis’ Blanche is caught up in religion and works to persuade Buck settle down and avoid the fate she sees ahead for Bonnie and Clyde. In the end, she is the dutiful wife who follows her man, even when it goes against everything she believes. Her voice is perfect for portraying a religious woman torn between her beliefs and the man she loves, while also contrasting well with Weber’s on the love song “You Love
Who You Love.”
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The cause of an early Sunday morning Van Wert fire in downtown Van Wert is undetermined, according to a report from a State Fire Marshal investigator who was at the scene.
The call to the two-story building at 113 W. Main St. came in at 6:23 a.m. Sunday, and the Van Wert Police Department was the first to arrive at the scene.
“They observed a juvenile female resident standing on the south side first floor awning overhang,” the report states. The juvenile had broken the south side second floor south bedroom window and jumped down onto the first-floor awning overhang. She then jumped off the awning overhang into an awaiting police officer’s arms.”
She was later transported by the Van Wert Fire Department EMS to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for lacerations she received when crawling out of the window. According to the report, the adult male owner/resident sustained burn injuries to his face and left shoulder. He was evaluated by Van Wert Fire Department EMS, and he refused additional medical treatment.
The investigator said the blaze began in a first floor office area.
“Upon the fire department’s arrival, thick gray smoke was observed venting from the open front exterior entrance door,” his report said. “They entered the front exterior entrance door and observed thick black smoke from the ceiling to several feet above the floor. The firefighters located fire in the office and used a handline to extinguish the fire.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The seventh annual Harvest Moon Festival is back and better than ever, and will transform Main Street in downtown Van Wert into a celebration of all things fall this Saturday, September 20.
Thanks to Cooper Farms, this year’s lead sponsor, the festival will once again bring the community together for a night of music, food, and fun – all set against the backdrop of the courthouse and the beautiful autumn moon.
Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. with over 10 food trucks and more than 20 market vendors ready to serve up incredible eats and unique finds. Families won’t want to miss the Kids Zone, open from 4-8 p.m. featuring pumpkin painting, face painting, and bounce houses for hours of fun.
As the sun sets, the City Lights Band will take the stage at 6 p.m., rocking downtown until 10 p.m. with crowd favorites. Guests can also enjoy a car show, Kids Zone and seasonal treats throughout the evening – the perfect recipe for a small-town fall night.
Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price thanked all of the sponsors who are making the traditional festival possible: Cooper Farms, Van Wert County Foundation, Greenway Bank, OhioHealth, State Farm, Citizens National Bank, Tekni-Plex, First Financial Bank, Superior Credit Union, and Danfoss.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
An informational meeting for parents/guardians of Van Wert County juniors and seniors regarding financial aid will be held from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, in the First Federal Lecture Hall at the Niswonger Peforming Arts Center at Van Wert High School/Middle School.
Tony Dickman, Coordinator of Financial Aid at Ohio State-Lima will explain the step-by-step procedures for completing the FAFSA form and answer questions regarding the financial aid process. Additionally, representatives from the Van Wert County Foundation will explain the requirements and application procedures for securing grants.
Attendees should park on the middle school side and enter through the side or front doors.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAULDING — The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal traffic accident that occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 123, north of County Road 126 in Paulding County’s Jackson Township.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Chevrolet Camaro, operated by James A. Hasch, 50, of Paulding was traveling southbound on County Road 123 when he attempted to pass a southbound vehicle to the right.
While attempting to pass, the Camaro struck a southbound 1998 Mercury Sable operated by Curtis W. Gawronski, 62, of Paulding. After contact, the Chevrolet Camaro continued off the right side of the roadway striking a utility pole and overturning, ejecting Hasch from his vehicle.
Hasch was pronounced dead at the scene and Gawronski was not injured in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, Paulding County Coroner’s Office, Paulding Putnam Electric, and J & R Towing.
The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol serves Van Wert and Paulding counties.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 3:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
DELPHOS — The Delphos Police Department is investigating what’s believed to be a murder-suicide in the city.
According to a press release, Delphos Police were dispatched to the 300 block of S. Bredeick St. shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, after gunshots were heard from inside a residence. On arrival, officers discovered two deceased adults inside the home. A handgun was recovered at the scene and the preliminary investigation revealed the incident was consistent with a murder/suicide situation.
Both adults were later transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for autopsioes. The names of the two have not yet been released, pending the notification of family members. Due to the ongoing investigation, no other information has been released.
Investigators were assisted by crime scene agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification and the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office. Delphos Police were assisted at the scene by the Marion Township Police Department, Delphos Fire and Rescue along with Delphos EMS. Park officers from the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park Division also arrived to assist. The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted the police department at an accident in Delphos, while officers were still securing the scene.
POSTED: 09/16/25 at 10:04 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONVOY — Potential upgrades to Crestview’s athletics facilities were outlined during Monday’s brief meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education.
Superintendent Matt Dube noted the outdoor portion of the upgrades encompass moving the stadium and relocating it to a north-south arrangement, as well as moving the baseball diamond and updating the junior varsity fields and the varsity softball field. He also said the proposed project includes updating the concession stand/locker room structure at the stadium.
He also gave a brief rundown of the indoor portion of the pending improvement project, which includes the high school gym.
“The indoor project will include new bleachers and a new (gym) floor,” he explained.
He added upgrades are in the works for the locker room, including better airflow, converting the nearby small concession stand into storage space, and reconfiguring the larger concession stand. Dube also mentioned improvements to the training room just off the gym. The goal, he said, is to not interrupt the academic school day while improvements are being made.
“The belief is we could do the gym portion of the construction during the summer months,” Dube stated.
No action was taken on the project, but the board appears to be a step closer to giving final approval. Board members are also waiting on a final price tag before moving forward.
Several agenda items were given approval during Monday’s 16-minute meeting, including:
(more…)POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert County Humane Society’s popular Bag Bingo fundraiser will return on Saturday, October 11, at the Van Wert County Jr. Fair Building. The doors will open at 9 a.m. and the first game will begin at 10 a.m.
The event features 20 games of bingo, exciting raffles, including a lottery tree packed with more than 70 lottery tickets, and concessions. Attendees will play for 20 themed bags, including a Cat Bag, Dog Bag, Travel Bag, Christmas Bag, South of the Border Bag, Coffee Bag, and Book Lovers Bag, plus many more, each filled with curated prizes. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, with extra bingo sheets available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the Humane Society shelter, 550 Fox Road, or directly from any board member.
Beyond a fun morning of games and community, Bag Bingo provides critical funding for the Humane Society’s life-saving programs. As a no-kill shelter, the Van Wert County Humane Society spares no expense to ensure every animal receives comprehensive medical care before adoption. Funds raised help cover a variety of events and expenses.
“Events like Bag Bingo make a tremendous difference for the pets and people of Van Wert County,” said Kirsten Barnhart, Board Secretary. “Every ticket purchased helps us provide essential medical treatment, offer affordable microchipping and spay/neuter clinics, and ensure every dog and cat is fully vetted before finding a loving home. We’re excited to welcome the community back for a day of fun that directly supports the animals who depend on us.”
The Van Wert County Humane Society invites animal lovers, bingo enthusiasts, and community members alike to join in the fun and help raise vital funds for dogs and cats in need.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the shelter at 550 Fox Road, Van Wert, or contact a board member.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — The Ohio State University at Lima will launch its first fully online Associate of Arts degree in January, 2026. The program begins with two concentrations: General Studies and Social Sciences, with additional career-focused concentrations planned.
This initiative reinforces Ohio State’s land-grant mission: expanding access to high-quality, affordable education that supports both student success and economic growth. This new option brings Ohio State’s academic excellence to students who need flexibility, affordability and career advancement opportunities. By meeting students where they are, Ohio State Lima is ensuring that more people have the opportunity to pursue education and achieve their goals.
“This program is a logical and necessary step for Ohio State Lima,” said Dr. Margaret Young, dean and director at Ohio State Lima. “By expanding our Associate of Arts degree online, we are opening doors for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education—and in doing so, we are strengthening both our community and the workforce of tomorrow,”
An associate degree can open doors to better job prospects and higher earning potential. This program is designed to help students advance in their careers or prepare for the next stage of their education. Nationally and in Ohio, online associate degree completions are increasing significantly, even as overall degree completions decline. This demonstrates the clear demand for flexible, online options.
Online students will receive the same advising, academic support, and faculty engagement as on-campus students. Courses are taught by experienced Ohio State faculty, with small class sizes and asynchronous learning for maximum flexibility. Ohio State Online and Ohio State Lima will partner to ensure strong academic integrity, career readiness, and personalized support.
This program is not replacing the on-campus Associate of Arts degree. Instead, it brings Ohio State Lima’s high-quality instruction and student support to new learners who might otherwise not have access. The online AA degree underscores Ohio State’s land-grant mission: to expand access to education, contribute to workforce development, and support economic growth in Ohio and beyond. By providing both in-person and online options, Ohio State is ensuring students have the flexibility to succeed on their own terms.
The application deadline for the spring term beginning January 12, 2026, is December 1, 2025.
Learn more
Associate of Arts in General Studies: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-general-studies/
Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-social-and-behavioral-sciences/
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 15.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.85 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 25.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 4.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.658 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.39 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $4.49 per gallon, a difference of $2.10 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12 per gallon on Monday. The national average is down 1.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 2.8 cents per gallon lower 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.
“While gas prices fell in more states than they rose last week, the West Coast continues to face challenges, with Oregon and Washington seeing some of the largest increases due to regional infrastructure issues,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The good news is that the transition to cheaper winter gasoline begins tomorrow across most of the nation, and with improvements underway in the West Coast market, I expect that average gas prices will continue to decline in the weeks ahead in most states— assuming hurricane season remains quiet.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
