VW independent staff/submitted information
A low pressure system was responsible for an unprecedented wind storm that wreaked havoc across the region on Friday.
According to Van Wert County Emergency Management Director McCoy, the very strong pressure gradient associated with the low level jet assured in sustained winds of 35-45 mile per hour winds with gusts over 60 miles per hour for a prolonged period of hours which is just unheard of for our area. McCoy said damage occurred across the county and beyond and luckily, only minor injuries were reported from several semi truck drivers that were in overturned trucks.
The first hint that a very windy day was in store was passed on by the National Weather Service on Thursday when they issued a special weather statement advising that a High Wind Warning would take effect beginning at 5 a.m. Friday and ending at 8 p.m.
Friday’s winds began to increase in the morning but started to really ramp up just before noon with the 911 system becoming bombarded with calls of overturned semis and numerous poles and power lines down throughout the county. McCoy stated that law enforcement plus Fire & EMS were being dispatched on many calls during the afternoon. The Van Wert County CERT Team was also dispatched to assist with numerous blocked roads from trees and poles down plus overturned semis.
As winds increased and calls kept coming in, McCoy made a decision that dangerous conditions warranted the cancellation of school bus routes in the county. He said he based the decision on several factors that included the strong winds creating a dust storm which was reducing visibility to zero in many locations and also the threat of a bus being blown over or even a semi being blown onto a bus.
(more…)POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:13 pm
High winds rolled numerous semi trucks and trailers around Van Wert County on Friday. Photographer Bob Barnes responded to five truck incidents. One on U.S. 30 near Dixon Cavett Rd. two on Ohio 118 between Van Wert and Ohio City and two on U.S. 12. High winds also damaged several cattle barns at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, tearing off parts of the steel roofs. At times, visibility was down to zero on U.S. 127 North towards Scott. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
ROCKFORD — A special meeting discuss a possible change in athletic conferences is on tap this weekend in Rockford.
The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education will host the special meeting at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in the auditorium. The purpose of the meeting will be to have public discussion regarding athletic affiliation. Parkway is currently a member of the Midwest Athletic Conference but recently received an inquiry to gauge interest in possibly joining the Northwest Conference. The NWC has reached out before but Parkway declined those invitations.
No action will be taken at the meeting.
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Historic Main Street Van Wert has announced the launch of its Golf Cart Raffle, giving community members the opportunity to win a brand-new golf cart valued at $10,000, generously provided by Van Wert Carts.
Tickets are now available for purchase online or in person at the Historic Main Street Van Wert office, located at 136 E. Main Street. Proceeds from the raffle will support Historic Main Street Van Wert’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize downtown through events, beautification projects, and community programming.
“This is a fun opportunity for the community to support downtown while having a chance to win an incredible prize,” said Executive Director Mitch Price. “We’re thankful to Van Wert Carts for partnering with us to make this exciting raffle possible.”
Community members are encouraged to secure their tickets soon for a chance to take home this impressive golf cart. Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/main-street-van-wert-golf-cart-raffle.
For more information or to purchase tickets in person, visit the Historic Main Street Van Wert office at 136 E. Main St.
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Optimist Club of Van Wert recently held its annual essay contest for the 2025-2026 school year, based on the topic: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” Three local winners from Van Wert High School presented their winning essays and were honored at the Club meeting on March 12. Meah Johnson won first place and was awarded $300; Caroline Haggerty, second-place winner received $200, and third-place winner Savannah Johns was awarded $100. Johnson’s essay was advanced to the district level for further judging for a chance at college scholarships through Optimist International, the worldwide Optimist volunteer organization. The Optimist Club thanked Bitsi Clark, Kylee Moody, and Kate Kroeger for judging this year’s 46 essay entries from the local area schools. The Van Wert club, focused on youth, consists of area leaders and business representatives dedicated to improving the Van Wert community. Photo submitted
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
PAULDING — The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Leadership in Action class is leading a community service project to help raise funds for a much-needed wheelchair-accessible van for the Paulding County Senior Center.
Leadership in Action encourages participants to identify a meaningful local need and work together on a project that creates lasting impact. This year’s class selected the Senior Center project because accessible transportation can be life-changing for residents who need mobility support and reliable access to care and community resources.
Partnering with the United Way of Paulding County, the class is working to help meet a $26,500 fundraising goal in response to growing transportation needs for local seniors. The additional van would help provide safe, dependable transportation for appointments, services, activities, and daily community connection.
Community members and businesses are invited to support the effort through general donations and sponsorships made through the United Way of Paulding County. Checks should be made payable to United Way of Paulding County with “PCSC Van” in the memo line and mailed to 101 E Perry St, Paulding, OH 45879. Donations are being accepted through April 15. United Way of Paulding County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Sponsorship opportunities include Bronze at $50, which includes social media recognition; Silver at $100, which includes acknowledgement in the newspaper article and social media; Gold at $250, which includes name recognition on a plaque at the Senior Center, acknowledgement in the newspaper article, and social media recognition, and Platinum at $500, which includes business name placement on the van, name recognition on a plaque at the Senior Center, acknowledgement in the newspaper article, and social media recognition. These sponsorship levels give local businesses and supporters several meaningful ways to help move the project forward while receiving recognition for their support.
You can donate online at https://unitedwayofpauldingcounty.harnessgiving.org/events/3613.
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off across the state, the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) is ramping up its presence at bars and liquor permit premises while the state prepares for one of its busiest drinking holidays. Through March 18, OIU agents will be active statewide, conducting compliance checks and active enforcement to ensure celebrations remain responsible, legal, and safe.
“St. Patrick’s Day and the days surrounding it are some of the busiest days of the year for our agents,” said OIU Executive Director Jamie Patton. “Because it is a major drinking holiday, we see a higher turnout at bars and liquor stores across the state. We want to ensure that those visiting these establishments are doing so legally and not threatening the safety of others.”
Agents will ensure permit holders are not selling or furnishing alcohol to underage individuals, an offense that can result in criminal charges and administrative citations. In addition, agents will actively look for criminal behavior, including illegal firearms and drug activity, that may occur on or around permit premises.
During the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, which spanned from Friday, March 14 through Tuesday, March 18, OIU enforcement efforts resulted in:
- six firearms confiscated at liquor permit premises
- 24 arrests for underage alcohol offenses
- 20 administrative citations against liquor permit holders
- eight citations specifically for furnishing alcohol to underage individuals
Resources for Permit Holders
OIU urges those involved in the sale and handling of alcohol to utilize the Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) program. This free, online resource educates servers and permit holders of the rules, responsibilities, and risks involved with liquor permits in Ohio.
Report a Violation
OIU encourages the public to report any suspected violations of alcohol, tobacco, and/or food assistance program laws.
To report violations, visit oiu.ohio.gov or contact OIU’s Central Office at (614.644.2415. In case of an immediate emergency, always call 911.
The Ohio Investigative Unit enforces Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco, and SNAP fraud laws. OIU agents are sworn peace officers responsible for carrying out these responsibilities and enforcing criminal violations that occur in relation to their investigative duties.
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 6:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The National Weather Service has issued a rare Blowing Dust Advisory for Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance Putnam and Allen counties until 8 p.m. tonight (Friday).
Visibilty is between one-quarter mile and a mile in blowing dust areas, which, along with wind gusts around 60 miles per hour, has led to difficult travel conditions.
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 1:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine has designated March 15-21 as Severe Weather Awareness Week and is encouraging all Ohioans to be prepared for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and floods.
“Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds us to be prepared and ready for weather events that can often happen without warning,” he said. “Taking time to review your family’s emergency plans annually can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.”
While severe weather isn’t strictly limited to tornadoes, it is important to remember that Van Wert County has had 41 tornadoes since 1950, with 36 of those occurring since 1990, earning the county the dubious distinction as the “Tornado Capital of Ohio.” Therefore, county residents are strongly encouraged to be fully prepared for severe weather, including tornadoes.
A statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 18. Ohioans are encouraged to participate in the drill and practice their emergency sheltering plans. Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Schools, households, and businesses should take time to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.
“The statewide tornado drill is a great time for Ohioans to practice safe sheltering before a real severe weather event occurs,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “We encourage everyone to prepare ahead of severe weather – make a plan for safe sheltering and practice it.”
The daily themes of the OCSWA social media campaign for Severe Weather Awareness Week are below. Partners are encouraged to follow along and post in accordance with the schedule.
- Sunday – Overview & Preparedness
- Monday – Watches, Warnings, and Outlooks
- Tuesday – Receiving Alerts/WEA
- Wednesday – Tornadoes & Sheltering (Statewide Tornado Drill)
- Thursday – Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Friday – Flooding
- Saturday – Become Involved/Be in the Know, Skywarn, etc.
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Three local fire departments have awarded state grant funds to purchase necessary gear.
Convoy Fire & EMS has been awarded $14,884 and Scott Volunteer Fire Department is getting $14,750 from the Equipment Grant Program. In addition, Delphos Fire & Rescue has been awarded $14,920.
The funds will be used to purchase critical equipment such as protective turnout gear, rescue tools, and other life-saving items that support firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities. In all, 148 fire departments in 72 counties received such grants.
“Ohio fire departments, large and small, career and volunteer, show unwavering dedication to the communities they serve,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These grants allow us to support that dedication by ensuring our firefighters have the tools, equipment, and training they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively.”
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Lincolnview forward Gavin Evans goes to the basket for two points during Thursday’s Division VI regional semifinal game against Crestview at Bowling Green State University’s Stroh Center. The Lancers won the game 53-46 and advanced to Saturday’s regional championship game against Col. Crawford. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Photo courtesy of Hanna Young
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
