R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award girl finalists named

Van Wert on Tap event labeled ‘success’

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce held its fourth annual Van Wert on Tap Craft Beer Festival at the Junior Fair building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Saturday April 18.

A complimentary drinking glass for the event, featuring First Federal of Van Wert as the event’s Premier Sponsor, was given to all attendees. The event was also supported by Central Insurance, Tekniplex, Tenneco Inc., Laudick’s Jewelry, Mid-State Industrial, Danfoss and Bridgemill Private Wealth. 

Returning breweries for this year’s Van Wert on Tap event included Moeller Brew Barn, Buffalo Rock Brewing Co., 1820 BrewWerks, Second Crossing Brew Co., Findlay Brewing Co., Twenty One Barrels Hard Cider, False Chord Brewery, 4KD Crick Brewery, and Brewing Green. New breweries this year included Juniper Brewing Co., Oncore Brewing, Ottawa Brewing Co., and Old Route 69 Brewery. Wine was offered by Collins Fine Foods, featuring selections from the Winery at Versailles.

“We would like to thank First Federal Van Wert for their continued support as our Premier Sponsor,” said Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mark Verville. “They have been our Premier Sponsor since the event’s inception and we really value them. We would also like to thank our volunteers and the Van Wert County Fairgrounds for their partnership.”

Convoy plans Spring Market for early May

VW independent/submitted information

CONVOY — The Convoy Spring Market will be held Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Convoy Opera House & Convoy Opera House Annex.

The Village of Convoy Historical Society pre-sale fry pie order pick-up and extra fry pies for sale from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. that same day in the Convoy Opera House Annex.

Shop handcrafted goods, enjoy sweet treats, take part in the spring photo op, services and more by local vendors. Here is a sneak preview of what will be offered: Madison Hagaman Photography, Shoogie’s Sweets, Legacy Catering, The Paper Co., Placke’s Crafts, Young Living Oils, Grimms Magic Touch, Gilkey Homestead, Scentsy, The Secret Garden, Dakota’s Treats & Sweets, Jehovah Bakery, Sipster Sodas, and Made with Love Vinyl Design.

Downtown businesses will also be open for shopping and dining experiences.

VWHS prom open house, promenade set

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert High School Junior Class would like to invite the public to a Prom Open House this Saturday, April 25, from 1-3 p.m. in the Van Wert Middle School gymnasium. This year, students chose “Tangled” as the theme.

Come and see how the students transformed the gym and get a picture with our cast! Please enter the open house on the north side of the building, middle school door number M44. 

The public is also invited to attend the Promenade from 7-8 p.m. in the high school gym.

VWCS Board members get stadium update

DAVE MOSIER/for the independent

Van Wert City Board of Education members received an update on the final phase of the Eggerss Stadium renovation project, and also learned about the art, music, and physical education programs at Van Wert Elementary School during their April meeting on Wednesday. They even received a dance lesson as a bonus.

District Treasurer Troy Bowersock noted that contracts totaling approximately $1.1 million have been signed for Phase 4 of the Eggerss Stadium project, adding that approximately $7.1 million has been paid out on the project to date.

“The end is in sight, we have the contracts in place…,” Bowersock said of the multi-year renovation/construction project.

During his report, Superintendent Mark Bagley noted work at the stadium is about a week ahead of schedule, adding that the new concession stand /restroom facility has progressed quickly, with completion expected fairly soon.

He said there will be a Movie Night scheduled at the stadium on August 1, adding that a formal dedication ceremony will be held on September 18 during the football game against Defiance. VWHS graduate Joel Fry (Frysinger) also provide a free concert on September 19 at the stadium, Bagley said.

2 arraigned, 4 given sentences in CP Court

DAVE MOSIER/for the independent

Two people were arraigned and four others sentenced as part of hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this past week.

Drake Scheumann, 18, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to one count of burglary, a second-degree felony, during an arraignment held Monday in Common Pleas Court. A $5,000 cash or surety bond was first set, but on a motion by the defendant, was later modified and he was ordered released on a personal surety bond. Pretrial was set for 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. He is to have no contact with the alleged victim in the case.

Theresa Bakle, 40, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. She was released on a surety bond and pretrial was scheduled for 8 a.m. May 13.

Those sentenced include Kaden Ballard, 24, of Van Wert, who was sentenced to 326 days in jail, with credit for 236 days already served, on a charge of probation violation.

Others sentenced are as follows:

Brandon Cooper, 28, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 60 days in jail, with credit for 8 days already served, on a charge of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony.

Kyle Cable, 40, of Elida, was sentenced to 30 days in jail on charges of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor, and attempted intimidation of a witness, a felony of the fourth degree. Because he also violated an ongoing term of probation with the new charges, he was also given a new three-year probation term.

Crystal Robison, 37, of Van Wert, was sentenced to three years of community control, on a charge of strangulation, a fourth-degree felony. Sh’e must also perform 100 hours of community service, undergo mental health and substance abuse assessments, as well as any treatment recommended.

Three others also appeared for court hearings during the week.

Derek Eland, 33, of Van Wert, admitted violating his bond by using intoxicants. Judge Martin Burchfield then set a $500,000 cash or surety bond in the case and scheduled pretrial for Wednesday, April 29.

Victoria Warford, 29, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. No date was released for sentencing in the case.Dustin Lehmkuhle, 36, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to possession of drugs, a third-degree felony offense. He then requested, and was granted, intervention in lieu of conviction, and his case was stayed pending successful completion of treatment.

YWCA to host annual golf fundraiser

VW independent/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County invites golfers of all skill levels to tee off for a great cause at its annual Golf Outing fundraiser on Friday, June 19, at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. This event combines friendly competition and fun challenges to raise vital funds for the YWCA’s Youth Development and Survivor Services programs.

This year’s outing offers two flight options. The morning flight will feature teams of four teeing off at 8 a.m. for an 18-hole round, while a new afternoon experience invites women of all ages to participate in the Queen of the Green Challenge, a ladies-only 9-hole, two-person scramble beginning at 1 p.m.

Golfers can look forward to classic skill challenges such as closest to the pin and longest putt, as well as the opportunity to purchase mulligans to better their score and 50/50 tickets to win cash. Players can test their skills in an optional skins game, while all participants will have a chance to win prizes and cash throughout the day.

Returning this year is the “Hit It to Get It” Brown Bag Challenge, where golfers can test their putting skills for a chance to win prize bags filled with lottery tickets, gift cards, drink tickets, golf accessories, and more. New this year is a golf cart Poker Run that will add a fun twist throughout both flights and an afternoon, ladies-only “Queen of the Green” challenge, where two-person teams will compete for the title in a fun 9-hole competition.

“Last year’s outing was well attended, and we’re excited to build on that momentum,” said YWCA President/CEO Kimberly Laudick. “By adding a ladies-only event and incorporating new activities like the golf cart poker run, we hope to welcome even more players.”

Morning flight golfers will receive 18 holes with cart, lunch, and a premium leakproof six-pack cooler. Queen of the Green (afternoon) participants will enjoy 9 holes, cart, a drink ticket, and the same cooler gift.

The YWCA is also offering a variety of sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. Many sponsorship levels include a team entry, along with valuable promotional benefits. “Sponsors receive a variety of benefits, including social media and website marketing, signage featuring their logo, and a chance for their employees to represent the company on the course,” Laudick added. “This is a great time for businesses of all sizes to get involved and show their support for the YWCA.”

To register a team or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.ywcavanwert.org. Various payment methods are available and registration begins April 27. Questions may be directed to julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org. 

The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation.

VWCT sets youth production auditions

VW independent/submitted information

Director Emily Gehle, Assistant Directors Alyssa Taylor and Abbie Mengerink and Music Director Grace Doctor will be holding auditions for young people ages 5-18 by appointment for Dear Edwina Jr. on Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4, in select time slots at The Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S Race St. in Van Wert. 

Dear Edwina Jr. follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver-extraordinaire Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of buoyant production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.” 

Edwina and her friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends, through clever, catchy, and poignant songs. Dear Edwina Jr\. is a fast-paced show with more than 30 roles and opportunities for doubling.

Each audition slot accommodates a maximum of 20 auditioners and lasts around an hour. Each auditioner is expected to have signed up prior to auditioning, so make sure to fill out the audition form “(https://forms.gle/W3yrJNY3c5PcYVus8).

Auditioners will be asked to arrive no more than 5 minutes early or late to the start of their chosen time slot. Anyone auditioning should come prepared to sing a song (30-60 seconds long) of their choice, learn choreography in a short timeframe, and read lines from a script. Please sing songs a capella; those who prefer to use a backing track will be expected to bring that themselves. 

Auditioners do not need to bring sheet music and there is also no need to memorize or prepare anything from the show prior to auditions. 

Contact the director with any questions at Emily@vwct.org 

Entries sought for Fourth of July parade

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It may seem not so close but when you’re planning a grand parade to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s really not that far away at all.

Navy Club Ship 726 is organizing this year’s special semiquincenntenial celebration and while it will be held in Van Wert, it will be a countywide celebration. The Van Wert-based organization took over July 4 parade planning duties, after there was no Independence Day parade last year. In previous years, it had been handled by American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.

“Some of our guys were really upset there was no parade last year,” Club Commander Ken Myers previously said.

As far as this year’s parade, which will travel along Main St. from the YWCA to the YMCA, Myers said there has been a lot of interest but not a lot of commitment yet.

“People are trying to figure out exactly what they’re trying to do with timelines and things like that,” Myers stated. “We’re asking people to get their entry in by June 1 so we can have the lineup all squared away.”

He also acknowledged that while this year’s Independence Day holiday is special, celebrating July 4 is different than it was a generation or two ago.

“How we were brought up, the Fourth of July was a celebration at home,” he said. “You went to watch the parade, you went to grandma and grandpa’s with your parents and had a cookout, watched the fireworks and that’s what the Fourth of July was. Now, it’s how far you can get in the car and go and be gone for three days.”

County’s Feb. jobless rate down slightly

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert County’s unemployment rate of 4.1 percent in February was slightly under January’s rate (4.2 percent). According to estimates released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on Monday, 13,500 of the county’s total workforce of 14,100 were employed during the month, leaving approximately 600 people unemployed in February.

Among the state’s 88 counties, preliminary February 2026 unemployment rates ranged from a low of 3.2 percent in Holmes County to a high of 7.6 percent in Meigs County.

From January, unemployment rates increased in 20 counties, decreased in 42 counties, and did not change in 26 counties. The comparable February unemployment rate for Ohio was 4.7 percent. 

Eleven counties had unemployment rates at or below 4.0 percent in February. The counties with the lowest rates, other than Holmes were: Mercer, 3.4 percent; Union, 3.5 percent; Auglaize and Delaware, 3.6 percent; Wyandot, 3.9 percent; Franklin, Hancock, Medina, Paulding and Warren, 4.0 percent.

Nine counties had unemployment rates above 7.0 percent in February. The counties with the highest rates, other than Meigs were: Pike, 7.5 percent; Jackson and Vinton, 7.4 percent; Adams, Noble and Ottawa, 7.2 percent; Monroe and Morgan, 7.1 percent.

Other than Mercer, Auglaize and Paulding, jobless rates for other neighboring counties include Putnam County at 4.1 percent and Allen County at 4.9 percent.

Enrollment nears for nutrition program

VW independent/submitted information

LIMA — The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) and Area Agency on Aging 3 is announcing a new season of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Eligible Ohioans will once again have access to $50 in fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and unprocessed honey.

Enrollment is scheduled to begin at noon on Wednesday, April 22. That is when applications for the 2026 season of the SFMNP will be available online at aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP. The application deadline is 6 p.m. Friday, May 22.

“The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a fantastic way to bring fruits and vegetables into the homes of older Ohioans, while also supporting local farmers,” said AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy. “Providing additional ways for older adults to eat well and make healthy choices is another way we are making Ohio the best place to age in the nation.”

To be eligible for the program, Ohioans must be 60 or older and earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Ohioans must reapply every year to continue receiving benefits. 

If help is needed in applying, please contact the Nutrition Department at Area Agency on Aging 3 at 419.222.7723 or via email at nutrition@psa3.org. 

As was the case in 2024 and 2025, program recipients will have the opportunity to sign up for digital benefits this year, redeemable with a smartphone app. Ohioans who sign up for the program with an email address will receive a confirmation email of their approval and can begin using their $50 starting on May 15. 

Physical membership cards also remain available. Ohioans who chose to receive physical cards last year, and who remain eligible this year, will be able to reuse those cards in 2026, with the $50 loaded onto the cards on May 15. Physical cards will also be delivered to eligible Ohioans who misplaced their 2025 cards, did not obtain a physical card in 2025, or who are signing up for the first time in 2026. Physical cards may take 4-6 weeks for delivery.

The program supports Ohio’s food and agriculture industry. The initiative benefits Ohio’s farmers and farmers’ markets through greater agricultural revenue being brought to Ohio. The SFMNP also improves the local economy and strengthens Ohio’s food system.

Interested farmers or markets wanting more information about the program can contact the Ohio Farmers Market Network at Senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.

You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the SFMNP on AGE’s website.