VW independent staff/submitted information
Help is available for lower income households struggling to pay heating bills.
Ohio’s Winter Crisis Program is a special component of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and is administered by community action agencies throughout Ohio, including the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, which serves Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Van Wert and Williams counties, and can be found online at nocac.org.
Heating assistance for income eligible Ohioans available November 1 through May 1, 2026.
Ohioans with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines that are facing disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank are eligible for the program.
For households with more than seven members, contact your local Energy Assistance Provider.
A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application:
(more…)POSTED: 10/30/25 at 8:42 pm
VW independent staff
A four day jury trial led to a guilty verdict against a Van Wert man accused of child endangerment.
The trial of Guy D’Andrea, 31, was held last week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court and the jury found him guilty of one count of child endangerment, a second degree felony. He was found not guilty of a second identical charge. Judge Martin D. Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 10:30 a.m. November 21. He faces up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Documents filed with the Van Wert County Clerk of Courts Office show D’Andrea was indicted by a Van Wert County grand jury last November, after being accused of abusing a child, 11, causing serious physical harm. He was originally scheduled to stand trial in late July but it was delayed because the detective assigned to the case was scheduled to be in training and was unavailable. After various motions were filed by both sides, the trial was rescheduled for last week.
Two other hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.
Nicholas Fitzsimmons, 24, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony; OVI, a first degree misdemeanor, and driving under financial responsibility law suspension or cancellation, a fourth degree misdemeanor. He was released on a surety bond with electronic house arrest and no driving privileges. A pre-trial conference was set for 9 a.m. November 19.
Upon a motion to modify bond, Judge Burchfield approved David Lowe, 54, of Sturgis, Michigan, being released on a property bond. He is to have no contact with the victims and a pre-trial conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. December 12.
POSTED: 10/30/25 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The YWCA of Van Wert County thanks First Federal of Van Wert for its generous contribution to the YWCA’s ongoing capital campaign. First Federal’s support helps the YWCA continue its work of providing safe shelter, advocacy, and life-changing programs for children, individuals and families throughout the community. To learn more about the YWCA capital campaign or how you can get involved, call 419.238.6639 or visit www.ywcavanwert.org. Pictured, from left to right, are Ty Coil, First Federal Marketing Coordinator; Terra Bonifas, First Federal Administrative Officer; Suzie Grimes, First Federal Chief Financial Officer; Kimberly Laudick, YWCA President/CEO; Julie Burenga, YWCA Campaign Chair, and Brian Renner, First Federal President/CEO. Photo submitted
POSTED: 10/30/25 at 8:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman today announced a plan to provide up to $25 million in support for food assistance to help families that may soon be affected by the anticipated suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Governor DeWine has signed an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to give $7 million to various Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans – including more than 57,000 children – who are at or below 50 percent of the federal poverty level.
Recently, the Ohio Senate was forced to protect the Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF), otherwise known as the “rainy day” fund, from potentially being used to cover hundreds of millions of dollars worth of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.
“The BSF is there to protect Ohio’s balanced budget from any potential unexpected shortfalls,” said Senate President McColley. “This plan simply redirects resources to neighborhood food banks that work on the front lines with families who need help during this challenging time.”
“Although SNAP is a federally managed and federally funded program, Ohio is taking intentional steps to provide relief for those families who will be most impacted by the loss of these benefits,” said Speaker Huffman.
Specifically, Governor DeWine’s executive order directs ODJFS to allocate $7 million to regional food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.
In addition, ODJFS will effectively double the monthly benefit for the state’s 63,000 Ohio Works First recipients. Ohio Works First provides needed assistance to low-income families with children – at or under 50 percent of the federal poverty level – using TANF funds. Recipients will receive their usual monthly benefit on November 1. Then, as long as SNAP benefits are unavailable during the month of November, they will receive an additional weekly benefit equaling approximately one quarter of their typical monthly allotment.
(more…)POSTED: 10/30/25 at 4:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
DELPHOS — Trick-or-Treat in Delphos originally scheduled for tonight, October 30, has been postponed until tomorrow, October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
POSTED: 10/30/25 at 3:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Van Wert County joined communities across the nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) throughout October. The annual observance recognizes the vital contributions of workers with disabilities and the employers who make inclusive workplaces a reality.
On Thursday, October 24, more than 80 individuals, family members, and support staff gathered at Willow Bend Country Club to celebrate successful employment. The event, hosted by the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities, honored 58 individuals and 32 local employers for their commitment to inclusive employment.
The employment billboard on Westwood Drive highlights three individuals whose hard work and dedication reflect the spirit of the month.
- Taya has worked at Decatur Kroger for 13 years and enjoys helping her customers. She also enjoys reading, watching the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes, and spending time with her cat, Daisy.
- Dakota recently celebrated his one-year anniversary at McDonald’s in Delphos. He assists co-workers and takes pride in keeping the restaurant clean. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing video games.
- Nathan is employed at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur. He enjoys working out in the hospital’s fitness center, staying informed about political issues, and focusing on his physical, spiritual, and intellectual health.
The board extended gratitude to the many employers across Van Wert County who have opened their doors, created opportunities, and recognized the value that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. Their commitment not only changes lives – it strengthens the entire community.
(more…)POSTED: 10/29/25 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
A fixture at the Van Wert County Courthouse – Lady Justice – is looking pretty spiffy these days. Van Wert County maintenance man and Van Wert County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger gave the statue a new coat of paint on Tuesday. The work goes with new windows and new front doors at the courthouse. Photo courtesy of Thad Lichtensteiger
POSTED: 10/29/25 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
A reminder that Van Wert High School will honor local veterans with its annual Veterans Day assembly at 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. It’s open to all area veterans and community members.
Veterans, their families, and community members are invited to enjoy coffee from Convoy Road Coffee Roasters and cookies from McKenzie’s Munchies, available beginning at 10 a.m. in the NPAC lobby.
The student-led assembly will feature a variety of tributes, including videos and poems created by students from Van Wert High School. All three high school choirs (Freshmen Choir, sophomore Women’s Chorus, and Concert Choir) will perform the National Anthem together.
Should there be a two-hour delay, the event will start at the same time and place. Should there be a three-hour delay, the assembly will move to the high school gym with seating on the visitor’s side, and will begin at 11:25 a.m. If school is canceled, the assembly will be canceled as well.
POSTED: 10/29/25 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks held a free spaghetti dinner for all the veterans in the Van Wert County area last Thursday. A nice group of veterans enjoyed a free dinner and the chance to catch up with their fellow veterans on this evening. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a motto “As long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”. Van Wert Lodge is proud to be able to sponsor this free event for veterans as a way of saying thank you for your service to our country. Photo submitted
POSTED: 10/29/25 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
DELPHOS — A Brooklyn, New York, resident hit it big playing the Ohio Lottery in Delphos earlier this month.
The person, who has not been identified, won $40,000 a year for 25 years on the Ohio Lottery Scratch-Off, $1,000,000 Cash Payout. She chose the $500,000 cash option. After state and federal taxes totaling 27.125 percent, she will receive $364,375.
Love’s Travel Stop #555 on E. 5th St. sold the winning ticket.
$1,000,000 Cash Payout is a $20 Scratch-Off with a top prize of $40,000 a year for 25 years.
POSTED: 10/29/25 at 8:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Three employees of the Van Wert County Adult Probation Department recently took the oath of office. Sydney Abromavich (above) was promoted to probation officer. Luke Rumschlag (below) was hired as a new probation officer and Kayla Bishop (bottom) was hired and sworn in as a new forensic case manager. Judge Martin D. Burchfield administered the oath of office to each one. Photos submitted
POSTED: 10/29/25 at 8:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
