Visiting judge picked for civil suit

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A visiting judge has been appointed to preside over court proceedings involving a Van Wert man convicted of a sex crime involving a young child.

Retired Visiting Judge Stephen Bruns of Preble County has been appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to sit on the bench for the civil trial of David Bradford. In court filings dated July 30, Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield noted he is unable to preside over the case due to a conflict.

The suit against Bradford, 57, of Ohio 116, was filed on July 15 by a neighboring family whose young child was sexually assault by him in 2024. While the matter is public record, the VW independent has chosen not to  publish the names of the plantiffs.

Bradford is the husband of Van Wert County Auditor Jamie Bradford, who is not named in the lawsuit. She lost her bid for re-election during the May primary election.

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified compensatory damages for emotional distress, loss of use and enjoyment and property, along with punitive damages.

“Since the sexual assault and defendant’s criminal conduct, plaintiffs and plaintiffs’ children have been unable to use and enjoy their residential property peacefully and without fear,” the suit states. “Plaintiffs have suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety and fear for safety and well-being of plaintiff’s children…defendant’s conduct was intentional, willful, wanton, malicious and done with reckless disregard for the rights and safety of plaintiffs.”

Court records show no hearing dates have been established yet.

In a case heard by Visiting Judge James Brogan on January 30, 2025, Bradford entered a guilty plea to a prosecutor’s bill of information to a single count of attempted gross sexual imposition, a fourth degree felony. He was then sentenced to five years of probation, was ordered to have no alcohol or drugs without a prescription, undergo random screens, have no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with minors under the age of 13. In addition, Bradford was ordered to register as a Tier II sex offender, which means he must register his address twice a year for 25 years. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and court costs.

United for Sobriety hosting family picnic

Submitted information

United for Sobriety is inviting the community to its annual family picnic from 5-8 p.m. this Sunday, August 9, at Huggy Bear Campground, Ringwald Rd., Middle Point. The event is free and open to the public, welcoming anyone in recovery, family members, friends, and anyone who wants to support those on their recovery journey.

The family picnic is designed to provide a fun, safe, and substance-free environment where individuals and families can connect with others while enjoying a day of recreation and fellowship. Activities will include fishing, swimming, putt-putt, food, and family-friendly games, giving attendees an opportunity to build relationships and enjoy positive experiences together.

United for Sobriety is a collaborative community initiative dedicated to supporting long-term recovery by creating opportunities for connection, encouragement, and healthy living. The organization is a partnership between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and Trinity Global Methodist Church, working alongside community members and local organizations to reduce isolation and strengthen recovery support throughout Van Wert County.

Throughout the year, United for Sobriety hosts a variety of free sober activities that provide individuals and families with opportunities to connect in a welcoming environment. These include community celebrations, family events, monthly men’s and women’s gatherings, and faith exploration opportunities. By offering consistent, positive activities, United for Sobriety helps foster meaningful relationships and reminds individuals that recovery is about more than abstaining from substances—it is about building a healthy, connected, and fulfilling life.

Organizers hope the Family Picnic will introduce more people to the recovery community while providing a day of fun for individuals of all ages. Whether someone is new to recovery, has been in recovery for many years, supports a loved one, or simply wants to encourage others, everyone is welcome.

For more information about the Family Picnic, call Jane Schmid,

Drug Court Coordinator/IOP Coordinator at Westwood Behavioral Health Center at 419.203.6682. To learn more about United for Sobriety and stay up to date on upcoming sober events and activities throughout the year, visit and follow the United for Sobriety Facebook page.

Anonymous donation…

Frank Minnig presented a $5,000 check to Van Wert Salvation Army Major Deborah Weigner from an anonymous donor who wished to stay private.  The donation came in at a time when the food pantry was running low on so many crucial items to fill the food orders for families. Requests for food continue to increase weekly and the donation will allow the Salvation Army to purchase food. Donations are always appreciated in any amount to keep programs like the Salvation Army’s food pantry and weekly feeding program going. Photo submitted

Gas prices rise, another increase expected

VW independent staff/submitted information

It’s not the best news for the motoring public and it may get worse.

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 20.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.08 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 45.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 93 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 7.1 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.326 per gallon.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.35 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.39 per gallon, a difference of $2.04 per gallon.
 
While Ohio’s average jumped nearly 21 cents, the national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.05 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 28.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 93.6 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Pump prices could soar again this week.

YWCA’s Purple Lights campaign returns

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County invites all Van Wert County residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in the Annual Purple Light Nights campaign this October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event aims to raise awareness of domestic violence, honor survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to abuse.

Purple is recognized internationally as the symbolic color for domestic violence awareness. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience some form of intimate partner violence—whether physical, emotional, financial, or psychological.

Throughout the month of October, the Van Wert County Courthouse, Municipal Court Building, and numerous local homes and businesses will be illuminated in purple as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to ending domestic violence. These lights serve as a tribute to victims and survivors and may be considered as a reminder to those currently in abusive situations that help is available through YWCA Survivor Services.

“From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Van Wert County suffered three fatalities associated with domestic violence,” said Julie Schaufelberger, YWCA Director of Outreach and Communication. “We hope Van Wert County residents and businesses will join us in this awareness initiative and help prevent more fatalities within our community.”

Strands of 70 purple lights shine brightly on porches, in windows and landscaping. Each order includes a Purple Light Nights reusable yard sign. Purple yard signs and lights can be purchased with a credit card at the Persimmon Collective store: https://ywcavanwert.org/van-wert-ywca-store

Those who prefer to purchase with cash or check should contact julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org. The final date to purchase is September 3.

The YWCA Survivor Services Program provides emergency and long-term housing and support services for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. All services are available to anyone in need—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. A 24/7 confidential hotline is available at 567.259.9501.

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.

Start dates for local and area schools

VW independent staff

It won’t long before local and area children head back to school. Here are the start dates for public schools around the area, plus Delphos St. John’s and Vantage Career Center.

• Crestview Local Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Delphos City Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Delphos St. John’s – Wednesday, August 19
• Lincolnview Local Schools– Wednesday, August 19
• Parkway Local Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Spencerville Local Schools – Wednesday, September 2 for grades 1-12; Thursday, September 3 for kindergarten girls only; Friday, September 4 for kindergarten boys only; Tuesday, September 8 for all kindergarten students.
• Van Wert City Schools – Wednesday August 19 for grades 1-12; Wednesday, August 26 for preschool and kindergarten;  Thursday, August 27 for pre-K.
• Vantage Career Center – Thursday, August 20
• Wayne Trace Local Schools – Tuesday, August 18

Motorcycle accident…

A motorcyclist was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after an accident on U.S. 30 near the Lincoln Highway exit in Van Wert. It occurred at approximately 3:50 Monday afternoon. It appeared the motorcycle veered off the road and ran into the median area. The operator told Van Wert County deputies that she had no recall of what happened. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Outdoorsmen hosting shooting match

Submitted information

MIDDLE POINT — The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association will be hosting an M-1 Garand match this Saturday, August 8, at the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Club at 9093 Ringwald Road, Middle Point. The safety briefing will be held at 9:30 a.m. and the match will start at 9:45 a.m.

Any modern military rifle may be used such as an M-1 Garand, AR 15, and other such rifles. You may use iron sights or scoped rifles. Once you shoot in the match, you will be eligible to purchase an M-1 Garand from the CMP. If you do not have a rifle, the club has M-1 rifles to loan out to the public to use in this match. The club also has a National Match AR 15 for participants that might wish to try it out. However, any military rifle may be used.

The cost to participate is $5, which is a target fee. If you need to purchase ammo, the club has 30.06 ammo at $30 for 35 rounds. The AR-15 ammo is $18 for 35 rounds which includes the target fee.

For more information, go to vwoutdoorsmen.com or call 419.203.8662.

Lincolnview hosting annual open house

Submitted information

Lincolnview Local Schools will be holding its annual open house from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, August 17. Parents and students in grades K-12 can visit their classrooms, meet their teachers and bring their supplies to the school.

The fall coaches parent/student-athlete meeting for all fall sports participants (7-12) will be held after the open house, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Student schedules for grades 7-12 will be available beginning Monday, August 10 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the high school office. Students may also pick up their schedules during open house.

The first day of school is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19. If you are new to the Lincolnview School District and have not scheduled classes for this school year, come to the district office at 15945 Middle Point Road, Van Wert, or call 419.968.2226 for more information and to register.

The Lincolnview K-6 elementary and junior high school supply lists are posted on the school’s website: www.lincolnview.k12.oh.us. (Click on Schools, then Lincolnview Elementary or Lincolnview Jr./Sr. HS, then Documents & Forms, and then Supply List.)

Some other information of note:

• School lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year are posted on the school’s website.
• Please have all completed vaccinations before the first day of school. If you have any questions, please call either the Lincolnview Elementary at 419.968.2351 or the Lincolnview Jr. High/High School office at 419.968.2214.
• 2026-27 kindergarten parents should visit Lincolnview’s website and click on the “Parents” tab at the top of the page. Click on “Elementary Parent Teacher Scheduler” to schedule your upcoming appointments with the kindergarten staff for your child’s testing.

Trustees holding second emergency meeting

Submitted information

MIDDLE POINT — The Jackson Township Trustees will hold another emergency meeting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, at the Township Hall, 19874 Wetzel Rd., Middle Point. Due to unforeseen circumstances, an emergency meeting is necessary regarding the fire and EMS levy.