Local resident celebrates long term sobriety milestone

Help available after United Equity failure

Submitted information

REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has completed a grain audit of United Equity Inc., with locations in Delphos, Spencerville, and Neptune, and found the facility to be in failure as defined in Ohio’s grain law. This finding makes the Ohio Grain Indemnity Fund available to support farmers who may have eligible claims from grain they have previously delivered to these locations.

ODA grain program staff will be available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Friday, October 2, at the United Equity Inc. facility, 104 S. Main St., Delphos, to review documentation, assist in claim filing, and answer questions from farmers who may be impacted.

The facility’s grain handlers license was suspended September 10, 2026, after an initial department inspection of records indicated a financial shortfall. If you have outstanding grain obligations with United Equity Inc. and have questions, call ODA at 614.728.6410.

Ohio’s Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers when a licensed handler becomes insolvent. Claims to the indemnity fund are handled through ODA’s Grain Feed & Seed Section in conjunction with the recommendation of the Ohio Commodity Advisory Commission.

Ohio Revised Code gives priority to the automatic lien established and held by the department for the benefit of farmers in the event of a grain handler’s failure or insolvency. The department’s liens will now have priority over all competing lien claims asserted against the handler, ensuring that the indemnity fund receives maximum reimbursement in the asset liquidation process.

Beautiful night for Harvest Moon Festival

VW independent staff/submitted information

It was a perfect night, complete with an actual Harvest Moon no less, for Main Street Van Wert’s Harvest Moon Festival. Saturday’s annual event brought the community together for an evening filled with live music, family activities, market vendors, food and drink trucks, and fun in downtown Van Wert.

The festival featured a variety of activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. Families enjoyed attractions including mechanical bull riding, face painting, and pumpkin painting, while the market vendors and food and drink trucks provided plenty of opportunities to shop local and enjoy a variety of food and drinks.

Music was also a highlight of the evening, with performances by Andi Jo Taylor and Chase’n Tyler, who helped create an exciting atmosphere throughout the festival.

Attendees also enjoyed a car show and the opportunity to gather with friends, family, and members of the community.

Main Street Van Wert officials extended a special thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the event possible. Their time, effort, and dedication played an important role in creating a successful festival.

A sincere thank you also went out to all of the market vendors and food and drink truck vendors who participated and helped bring the event to life.

“Events like the Harvest Moon Festival are a wonderful way to bring our community together and showcase our downtown,” Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price said. “We are grateful to everyone who came out and supported the event.”

NSCC Esports Lab to be showcased

VW independent staff

A reminder – Northwest State Community College will celebrate the opening of its new Esports Lab at the Van Wert Campus by hosting a Super Smash Bros. tournament from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday.

It’s free and open to anyone ages 12 and over. Food and drinks will be provided, along with prizes and NSCC swag. In addition to being able to play in the tournament, attendees can try out the new esports gaming stations, explore the lab, and learn more about the growing world of competitive gaming and associated college programs.

Community members, students, and gamers of all skill levels are welcome to attend, compete, or simply stop by to check out the new space. Those attending will also be able to see the new esports team mascot, the NSCC Van Wert Vortex.

The NSCC Van Wert Campus is at 520 E. Sycamore St.

Noise ordinances to be discussed further

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

After weeks of discussion and multiple revisions, a pair of noise ordinances may or may not be approved at the next meeting of Van Wert City Council.

One ordinance amends existing city laws regarding noise and traffic, while the other pertains to noise in general. Both were introduced by Councilman At-Large Hall Block, who chairs council’s Judiciary and Annexation Committee and both had their second reading during Monday night’s council meeting.

Here are the proposed amendments contained in the traffic noise ordinance, which had its second reading at Monday night’s meeting.

It adds powered scooter, truck, semi-trailer and recreational vehicles to the list of motorized vehicles.

It states no one shall intentionally excessively rev an engine, create excessive exhaust noise, engine brake or Jake brake unless use of the braking device is necessary to avoid a collision or keep the vehicle under control, cause tire squealing, accelarate or decelerate for the purpose of creating noise, cause repeated backfiring, or operate a vehicle in a manner intended or attract attention through excessive noise.

Noise plainly audible to an ordinary person at a distance greater than 200 feet from the vehicle shall be considered evidence of a violation.

No person shall operate a sound amplification device in a motor vehicle plainly audible beyond 100 feet between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

The proposed amendment also spells out what may be considered as evidence if a minor misdemeanor citation is issued.

Hall of Fame class…

Delphos St. John’s celebrated it’s 22nd Class of Hall of Fame Inductees this past weekend. Pictured above (left to right) are the Class of 2026 inductees: Mandy (Unterbrink) Weimerskirch, Class of 2002; Jeff Rode, Class of 1984; Scott M. Elwer, Class 1992, and  Mark Welcome, Class of 1978. Applications for the 2027 Class of Hall of Fame nominations are now being accepted. Additional information may be found on the school website at www.delphosstjohns.org, by emailing advancement@delphosstjohns.org, or by calling 419.692.5371 ext. 1002. Photo submitted 

Public comment sought on projects

Submitted information

The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Executive Order 11988, is seeking public comment regarding the following proposed projects:

U.S. 127 bridge replacement (PID: 121271)

ODOT is proposing to replace the bridge on U.S. 127 over Long Prairie Creek between Ohio 709 and Wren Landeck Road northeast of the village of Ohio City.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2030.

Visit the project page to submit feedback: transportation.ohio.gov/travel/projects/121271.

Ohio 49 roadway reconstruction (PID: 122474)

ODOT is proposing to reduce roadway flooding by raising the pavement elevation along Ohio 49, between the Willshire Quarry and Piqua Road, just north of Willshire.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures on Ohio 49. Vehicular traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2028

A portion of this work on Ohio 49 will impact the Willshire Quarry, which is designated as a public recreational property that is owned by the village of Willshire. As a designated public recreational property, it is afforded protection under federal law. The use of federal funds requires measures to be developed to minimize harm and advance public notice be given of impacts to this recreational property.

QTS update coming; council hears request

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Residents of Van Wert can expect to receive a mailer from QTS with a broad update on plans to construct a $10 billion dollar data center.

Councilman At-Large Dewaine Johnson, who heads Van Wert City Council’s Economic Development Committee, shared QTS’s plans during Monday night’s meeting and said the mailer will go out within the next couple of weeks.

“It’s intended to give residents a clearer picture of where things stand, what the next steps look like and how the project will move forward,” Johnson stated. “This will be the first community-wide communication from QTS since their initial announcement and it should address a lot of the questions circulating in the community.”

Johnson also said the Wert Area Economic Development Corporation is finalizing the setup of two governance boards that will oversee the city and county community benefits package tied to the QTS project. However, the boards will not determine how funds meant for the city will be spent – Van Wert City Council will have the final say.

The city will likely receive PILOT payments from QTS in lieu of taxes, but the amount is currently unknown.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming informed council that he received a request from the Ohio Department of Transportation approve legislation for Phase II of the Leeson Ave. project, which is scheduled for 2027.

Flming said the legislation must be returned to ODOT by October 28. The legislation is expected to be ready for a vote in time for the next meeting. 

Fleming also said storm sewer work is planned as part of the Leeson Ave. project. He noted that stormwater begins flowing in a different direction near Rose St., contributing to drainage problems near Smiley Park and Woodland Cemetery. Plans call for a storm sewer to be built near the Van Wert County Regional Airport, extending to near U.S. 224.

New jobs coming to Antwerp

VW independent staff

A state approved tax break will help create a substantial number of new jobs in Antwerp.

During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority gave the green light to an eight-year, 1.437 percent Job Creation Tax Credit for Canadian-based Polyethics Industries Inc. The company expects to create 250 full-time-equivalent positions, generating $12 million in new annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2030, in the village of Antwerp.

Polyethics/EcoPoly is described as a leader in manufacturing plastics from 100 percent recycled materials that are compostable, degradable and/or recyclable. The company produces garbage bags, agricultural plastics, food packaging, and industrial packaging for mostly private label customers. The proposed project involves establishing the company’s first U.S. operations, siting a new manufacturing facility in the midwest as major private label customers have significantly increased demand.

It’s Homecoming Week in Van Wert

Submitted information

Van Wert High School Student Council has announced this year’s Homecoming Court and schedule of events.

The 2026 Homecoming Court includes freshmen attendants Carlie Harris and Kayden Calayo; sophomore attendants Ruby Dicke and Kazmyn Moynihan; junior attendants Ely Chery and David Rice; senior queen candidates Jazzlyn Florence, Leah Krites, and Lizzie Spath, and senior king candidates Owen Bates, Noah Hillery, and Ben Verville.

Homecoming festivities will begin with the annual parade at 6:30 p.m.  Wednesday, September 30. The parade will travel from the corner of Sycamore and Jefferson to Fountain Park. The traditional Powder Puff game will follow at Eggerss Stadium. Presale tickets are available at Van Wert High School for $1, or admission will be $2 at the gate.

The Homecoming Court will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2, at Eggerss Stadium, with the 2026 Homecoming Queen and King announced prior to the football game against St. Marys Memorial. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Homecoming week will conclude with the homecoming dance for all Van Wert High School students at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, at the high school.

Grant allows YMCA to expand swim lessons

VW independent staff/submitted information

A generous grant will be put to good use, with the money going toward local swimming lessons.

The YMCA of Van Wert County has received additional funding from the Van Wert County Foundation to expand its water safety and swim instruction programs, building on the success of a previous $5,000 grant received through the Ohio Department of Health.

The additional funding will allow the YMCA to provide free water safety education and swim instruction to up to 30 additional community members who meet program eligibility requirements.

The original Ohio Department of Health grant was made available to YMCAs across Ohio, and the YMCA of Van Wert County was selected as one of the recipients. The funding is specifically intended to provide water safety and swim instruction opportunities to youth and adults who may face financial barriers to participating in these programs.

Eligibility may include individuals who meet the income requirements for financial assistance through the YMCA. In addition, an entire swim class or summer camp swim class may qualify when at least 90 percent of participants meet scholarship eligibility requirements or are enrolled in publicly funded child care.

“Water safety is an important life skill, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding access to swim instruction in our community,” said Hugh Kocab, CEO of the YMCA of Van Wert County. “This funding allows us to reach individuals and families who may otherwise have difficulty accessing swim lessons and water safety education.”