SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Nearly two weeks into Ohio’s early voting period, more than 600 registered voters in Van Wert County have taken advantage of the option ahead of the May 5 primary election.
According to Pam Henderson, Director of the Van Wert County Board of Elections, 565 voters cast ballots in-person as of 5 p.m. Friday. In addition, 94 ballots were mailed out and 39 have been returned so far.
Henderson said that, during the last governor’s election in 2022, there was a local voter turnout of 28 percent, adding she’s expecting a similar turnout for this election.
“A reminder to voters that this is a primary election and the voter will need to choose which party ballot they wish to vote,” she said. “Their choices are Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian. Voters can view their sample ballots on our website.”
Remaining early voting hours are listed below. A valid photo ID is required to vote.
There are three local Republican races, along with some other statewide races on the ballot.
Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge Eva Yarger, who was appointed to the seat earlier this year by Governor Mike DeWine, is seeking to retain the seat. She’s running against County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum. The winner will be unopposed in November. Profiles of Yarger and Wolfrum can be found here.
(more…)POSTED: 04/19/26 at 11:08 pm
At 4:12 p.m. Sunday, Van Wert City Police and Fire EMS units were called to a car/mini-bike accident at the intersection of Shannon and Main streets. The operator of the mini-bike, which ended up under the front bumper of the car, was not injured and no medical assistance was required. No other details were available at the scene. The investigation was conducted by the VWPD. Bob Barnes/VWFD photo.
POSTED: 04/19/26 at 10:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has announced its self-service kiosks have surpassed one million transactions, marking a major milestone in expanding customer convenience and reducing wait times statewide.
“Reaching one million kiosk transactions is a testament to how much Ohioans value speed, simplicity, and convenience,” said Registrar Charlie Norman. “Whether you renew your registration at a kiosk in minutes or take care of it from home at BMV Online Services, our goal is the same: deliver a great experience, every time.”
BMV self-service kiosks are located in select deputy registrar agencies and participating retail locations. Most transactions take less than two minutes and print your registration and stickers on the spot.
As a reminder, many services can be completed online through BMV Online Services. Online BMV services includes kiosks to print license plate stickers, transferring a title online, more locations to take the driver exam, and taking the driving knowledge test online.
POSTED: 04/19/26 at 10:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent/submitted information
Make plans today and Tuesday, April 21, as the Freedom 250 Tour Truck traveling interactive exhibit stops in the Vantage Career Center parking lot from 3-6 p.m.
This free community event offers a hands-on look at American history and is perfect for students, families, and community members of all ages.
Bring a friend, stop out after work or school, and experience this unique opportunity at Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin St. in Van Wert.
POSTED: 04/19/26 at 10:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society invites the public to attend a lecture and discussion at 2 p.m. this Sunday, April 26, featuring James Lautzenheiser.
The topic is Abraham Lincoln, and Lautzenheiser will explore textual examples of how the fundamental principles and values of America’s founding impacted the philosophical development of Abraham Lincoln. The group will navigate Lincoln’s trajectory to the White House to see if there were consistent links to the country’s founding documents along the way.
Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and comments related to Lincoln’s “founding relationships.” Excerpts and notes will be provided.
If the weather is nice, bring a lawn chair, as the group will meet in the Convoy Village Square Pavilion. Otherwise, the lecture and discussion will be upstairs at the Opera House, 111 S. Main St. in Convoy.
POSTED: 04/19/26 at 10:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have selected Lincolnview High School senior Harper Reindel (above) and Crestview High School senior Caroline Marks (below) as Students of the Month for April. Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award. Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year. Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – volunteerism, character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic. Reindel and Marks are shown with Linda Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month chair. Photos submitted
POSTED: 04/19/26 at 10:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
In 100 years on this earth, Joe Morgan, a resident of Vancrest of Van Wert, has seen and experienced a lot of things.
Morgan was born April 18, 1926, in a home on Center St. in Van Wert. You could say he arrived in a blaze of glory – the house in which he was born was on fire as he came into the world.
“Up on the roof – dad and the doctor went out to look and see what was going on,” Morgan said with a chuckle. “Mom was inside by herself, giving birth to little old Joe”
While there was some damage, the home wasn’t destroyed.
On Friday, family members, Vancrest staff and others gathered on Friday to celebrate Morgan’s milestone with birthday party in his honor at the facility. Before the party, Morgan reflected back on his life and noted his childhood was an average one.
“I played with the other kids and everything went good,” he explained. “My parents took good care of me.”
When he was three years old, the Great Depression hit and Morgan said it certainly affected his family.
“It did drastically,” he said. “We learned to do without and we did without a lot although I praise my mom and dad for feeding and taking care of me and all the food they sacrificed.”
Morgan was a member of the Van Wert High School Class of 1944, and later attended Bowling Green State University.
“I enjoyed school and the extracurricular activities, sports and stuff like that,” he said. “It was just a great town to live as a kid.”
He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
(more…)POSTED: 04/17/26 at 8:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Crestview Elementary recently named its Students of the Month sponsored by Van Wert Cinemas. Students making the Knight Leader Board each month are put into a drawing for a free 30-day pass to the movie theater for their entire family. Van Wert Cinemas March Students of the Month are Opal Grand and Kimber Poling (first grade), Asher Kuhn and Jordanne Short (second grade), Masyn Runyon and Luke Brown (third grade), Ethan Sinn and Barrett Maxwell (fourth grade), and Georgia Smazenko and Addilyn Gilbert (fifth grade). Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 8:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
COLUMBUS — Citing ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs necessary for lethal injections, Governor Mike DeWine issued three more reprieves of execution:
- James O’Neal, who was scheduled to be executed on August 19, 2026. The new date of execution has been moved to August 14, 2029. He’s been on death row since 1995.
- Jerome Henderson, who was scheduled to be executed on October 21, 2026. The new date of execution has been moved to September 18, 2029. He’s been on death row since 1985.
- Melvin Bonnell, who was scheduled to be executed on November 18, 2026. The new date of execution has been moved to October 18, 2029. He’s been on death row since 1988 and his execution has been postponed at least three times.
Other states have continued carrying out death sentences via lethel injection, while others have changed methods, including the use of a firing squad or nitrogen gas.
Since DeWine took office in 2019, there have been no executions in Ohio.
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 8:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced its upcoming production of Songs for a New World, a stirring musical that promises to move audiences with its soaring melodies and deeply resonant storytelling. Performances are scheduled for May 8–10 and 15–17.
About the Show
Songs for a New World weaves together powerful stories of individuals at life’s pivotal crossroads. This musical explores the emotional connections we forge in moments of change and uncertainty. Each song is a vivid snapshot of human experience, from heartbreak to hope. Prepare to be moved by its soaring melodies and the universal themes of growth and resilience.
Ticket information
Tickets are $16 per person. Members may purchase tickets now, and the box office will open to the general public on Thursday, April 23. Tickets may be purchased by visiting vwct.org or by calling the box office at 419.238.9689
Performance Schedule
Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 and 15-16 shows will be at 7:30 p.m. May 10 and 17 will be Sunday mantinees at 2 p.m.
Meet the cast
The production features a talented ensemble of local performers:
- Amanda Block
- Kristin Lee
- Virgo Lee
- Nancy Shuffle
- Laura Wells
- Alyssa Wells
- Nick Long
- Sean Carpenter
The Van Wert Civic Theatre looks forward to bringing this unforgettable musical experience to the community.
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 8:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — 211 service is being expanded to all 88 Ohio counties.
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente announced this week a new partnership between DCY and Ohio 211 to expand services to all counties, ensuring every Ohioan can access local community resources no matter where they live. The statewide expansion will be fully implemented by the end of June 2026.
Ohio 211 is a free, 24/7 service that connects callers to support for nutritional assistance, housing and shelter, medical services, government programs, transportation, legal assistance, counseling, disaster recovery, and other everyday needs.
DCY is working with Ohio 211 to bring all 13 of 211’s regional providers together into one statewide system that will offer the same high-quality services to every Ohioan. This expansion brings 211 coverage to 30 counties where these services had been limited or not available. This new partnership also expands access to DCY’s Family and Customer Support Call Center, so callers can be connected to DCY services and programs after normal business hours.
“Connecting Ohioans to the help they need should be simple and accessible,” Governor DeWine said. “Expanding 211 services statewide ensures that every Ohioan, no matter where they live, can quickly find support for everyday challenges. This partnership strengthens our ability to serve families and makes it easier for people to access the local resources that can help them move forward.”
“Every family should be able to find help when they need it,” Wente said. . “Expanding 211 statewide will make it easier for Ohioans to connect with the services and supports that help children and families stay safe, healthy, and stable. It will also allow us to extend access to information about DCY services and programs after regular business hours and will offer callers access to their local Parent and Youth Ambassadors.”
In 2025, Ohio’s 211 centers handled 797,169 contacts and identified 809,120 needs.
For more information about Ohio 211, visit https://ohio211.org/.
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 8:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
