SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The long awaited announcement of who would own and operate a data center in Van Wert was made Friday morning. QTS Data Centers, which is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, was named as the end user of the $10 billion, 500 megawatt data center at the Mega Site (see story here).
Now, more information has been shared, including an approximate timeline for the project.
The Van Wert data center campus will have up to seven buildings on 902 acres of land at the Mega Site, according to Katie Erwin, QTS Senior Director of Communications. She also noted groundbreaking is expected in the fourth quarter of this year, but it’s going to be a while before the data center is operational.
“Project timelines are subject to a number of factors, including permitting, utility coordination and overall development progress,” Erwin explained. “Based on our current planning we anticipate the first building on the Van Wert campus becoming operational in the first quarter of 2029. The full campus is expected to be developed in phases, with full buildout and operations projected around 2032.”
Erwin also addressed two of the main concerns about the data center – power and water usage.
“QTS will fund 100 percent of energy infrastructure improvements in partnership with American Electric Power at no cost to ratepayers,” she stated. “The campus will use a closed-loop system that consumes no water for cooling, saving billions of gallons of water annually.”
The closed loop system will require QTS to purchase appromixately 660,000 gallons of water from the city.
(more…)POSTED: 05/29/26 at 5:19 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
CELINA — A Mercer County man appeared in court Friday and entered a guilty plea to a dozen securities related felonies.
After pleading guilty in Mercer County Common Pleas Court, Christopher T. Wendel, 60, of Celina, was sentenced to five years of probation and was ordered to pay nearly $1.6 million in restitution. A 36‑month prison term was suspended by Judge Jonathan P. Hein, contingent upon Wendel’s successful completion of probation and full repayment of restitution.
“This sentencing sends a clear message that the Division of Securities will not hesitate to pursue those who defraud or exploit Ohioans,” said Ohio Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt. “We urge every prospective investor to take simple but critical steps to protect themselves and their finances, such as verifying the credentials of anyone offering an investment and contacting us immediately if something doesn’t seem right.”
Wendel was indicted in July of 2024 on 96 criminal counts alleging he defrauded Ohioans of more than $1 million. The charges ranged from fifth- to first-degree felonies and included securities fraud, unlicensed securities activity, misrepresentation in the sale of securities, the sale of unregistered securities, theft, and telecommunications fraud. He was indicted again in November 2024 on an additional 26 counts.
According to the indictments, between 2019 and 2021, Wendel solicited 11 Ohio residents and one Indiana resident—including several elderly investors—to invest more than $1.5 million in his company, Buckeye Income Fund, LLC, through material misrepresentations and fraudulent conduct.
Wendel’s activity continued despite prior regulatory actions. In May 2018, he entered into an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent agreement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), resulting in a permanent bar from associating with any FINRA member firm after investigators determined he engaged in unauthorized private transactions and provided false information during FINRA’s inquiry.
In August 2019, the Ohio Division of Securities issued a cease-and-desist order (Order No. 19‑018) after finding that Wendel was selling unregistered securities without a license. He continued operating in violation of that order until his arrest in July of 2024.
Wendel remained incarcerated as the case was prosecuted.
POSTED: 05/29/26 at 5:18 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be contacting approximately 5,000 non-domiciled commercial driver license (CDL) holders in Ohio regarding the status of their credentials under updated rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
A non-domiciled CDL is a federally authorized U.S. commercial driver license issued to an individual who has legal presence and is legally authorized to work in the United States but is not a permanent resident. In September 2025, FMCSA updated its eligibility requirements for existing non-domiciled CDLs, limiting who qualifies for this credential.
Non-domiciled CDL holders in Ohio will receive one of two letters from Ohio BMV, depending on the type of documentation initially presented to obtain their current credential.
A Notice of CDL Downgrade will be sent to individuals whose documentation does not meet FMCSA’s updated rules. These individuals’ CDL credentials will be downgraded to a Class D Passenger Driver License 30 days after receipt of the notice, prohibiting them from using their Ohio license to drive a commercial vehicle in the United States. Those receiving this notice who believe their documents do meet the updated federal standards may request a hearing with the BMV to dispute the downgrade and/or submit additional documentation to BMV to prove their eligibility. The acceptable documents, according to federal regulations, include:
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS, valid on your most recent CDL/CLP issuance date.
- An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired USCIS I‑94 form, both documents must be valid on your most recent CDL/CLP issuance date.
Those who previously submitted documentation that does meet FMCSA’s updated rules will receive a letter stating that their credential remains valid until its expiration date.
The notices will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to addresses on file with Ohio BMV.
The Ohio BMV has not issued or renewed any non-domiciled CDL credentials since FMCSA updated its rules in September od 2025. The Ohio BMV does not intend to resume issuing new non-domiciled CDLs in the future nor will it renew any revalidated non-domiciled CDLs after they expire.
Ohio has approximately 406,000 CDL holders. The reverification process does not apply to full CDL holders or CDL holders with legally established permanent residence.
POSTED: 05/29/26 at 5:17 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — The Tully Township Trustees have rescheduled their regular meeting from Monday, June 1, to Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at 6278 Mentzer Rd., Convoy.
POSTED: 05/29/26 at 5:17 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
We now know who the “end user” is – the company that will own and operate a 500 megawatt data center in Van Wert.
QTS Data Centers was announced as the end user via a press release issued Friday morning. In the news release, QTS was described as a global data center leader with access to scalable infrastructure across North America and Europe.
“QTS delivers state-of-the-art data center solutions, robust connectivity, and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises, and government entities at gigawatt scale,” the announcement said. “QTS prioritizes investing responsibly in the communities where it builds and operates.”
QTS said specifically, the $10 billion development will:
- Generate $200 million in projected tax revenue over the next 20 years, supporting the people and programs that strengthen northwest Ohio.
- Create more than 1,500 construction jobs, partnering with local building trades unions, and approximately 200 full-time QTS positions.
- Establish a community betterment fund for Van Wert dedicated to driving projects shaped by community input, including education, workforce development, public safety, and community amenity efforts.
- Support non-profit organizations and first responders to enhance community well-being.
- Partner with the Vantage Career Center through an initial $100,000 investment to support local career technical training opportunities for students and adults in Van Wert, with the intent to grow a sustained, long-term partnership.
POSTED: 05/29/26 at 9:24 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Ohio’s unemployment rate decreased statewide in April, according to new figures released this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
From March, jobless rates decreased in all 88 counties and ranged from a low of 2.0 percent in Holmes County to a high of 4.7 percent. Both counties are in northeast Ohio.
The statewide average was 3.9 percent.
Van Wert County, along with Mercer, Auglaize, Paulding and Putnam counties fared well in the latest rankings. Mercer County had Ohio’s second lowest jobless rate in April, 2.1 percent. Auglaize County tied Wyandot and Union counties for the state’s fourth lowest unemployment rate, 2.4 percent. At 2.6 percent, Putnam County tied Madison County for the ninth lowest rate. Van Wert County had the state’s 10th lowest umemployment rate (2.7 percent) last month, along with Paulding, Shelby, Lake and Preble counties.
The area’s highest unemployment rate in April was in Allen County, 3.3 percent, still below the statewide average.
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Van Wert County had an available workforce of 14,000 last month, and 13,600 of those workers were employed. The county’s jobless rate dipped a full percentage point from March and was substantially lower than April of 2025, when it was 4.4 percent.
The latest rankings show 11 counties had unemployment rates at or above 4.0 percent in April. The counties with the highest rates, other than Trumbull were Pike, 4.5 percent; Mahoning, 4.4 percent; Lucas and Ottawa, 4.3 percent; Meigs, 4.2 percent; Monroe and Scioto, 4.1 percent, and Adams and Noble, 4.0 percent.
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
WAPAKONETA — A Willshire woman arrested in late April in Auglaize County after she was caught with more than $20,000 worth of meth has pleaded guilty to a felony charge.
Records from the Auglaize County Clerk of Courts Office show Nicole Cooper, 43, appeared in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday and changed her plea from not guilty to guilty to one count of possession of drugs with specifications, a first degree felony. In exchange, a charge of trafficking in drugs with specifications, also a first degree felony, was dismissed.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and court records show Cooper will be sentenced on August 19. She’s facing a mandatory sentence of 3-11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Cooper was arrested on April 23 after a traffic stop along Interstate 75 near Wapakoneta. According to a press release issued by the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, a K-9 was requested to conduct a sniff of the vehicle and gave a positive indication. Deputies then searched the vehicle and found 1.5 pounds of suspected meth along with just over $800 in cash. Cooper was taken to the Auglaize County Corrections Center, where she’ll remain until sentencing.
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — The University of Northwestern Ohio’s 106th annual commencement exercises will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. A total of 745 graduates from the College of Applied Technologies, College of Business, College of Health Professions, College of Occupational Professions, and Graduate College will receive 917 diplomas and degrees. 125 students have earned two or more credentials.
The 2026 University of Northwestern Ohio graduates represent 40 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) and 17 countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, United States, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe).
International students will be recognized with stoles marking their country of heritage, and all military service members and veterans will be recognized with red, white, and blue cords. These graduates and faculty members are being acknowledged to show respect for their service to the United States.
The graduation speaker for this year’s ceremonies is 2017 MBA Graduate Brad Jordan. Jordan is the Director of Talent Acquisition at Crown Equipment Corporation.
“The classes were very relevant to my day-to-day life both professionally and personally, and that’s why I enjoyed attending UNOH for their online MBA program,” Jordan said. “I could travel for work, and I could be out of state, even out of the country, and still was able to complete the required assignments on time. I would definitely recommend UNOH to anyone who wants to pursue an MBA.”
This year, the University Grand Marshal is Sarah Kidd. Kidd is an associate professor in the College of Applied Technologies at UNOH. Kidd has been employed by UNOH for 21 years. Brittany Goodman was chosen as the Student Marshal for this year’s graduating class. She will graduate in 2027 with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management.
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $200 to the Van Wert County Council on Aging. The monies will go towards supporting their upcoming 13th annual designer purse bingo fundraiser scheduled for Friday, June 12. The agency will use the donation to purchase designer handbags which will be displayed and used as bingo prizes throughout the fundraiser. The Council on Aging has been serving seniors for 44 years, transporting them every day to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies or social service appointments free of charge. Council on Aging Executive Director Kevin Matthews (above left) accepts the check from Lodge Lecturing Knight Paul Kelly. Photo submitted
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Several clergy appointments have been announced by the Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, presiding Bishop of Diocese of Toledo. The appointments will have a direct impact on St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert and other area churches. The full list can be found on the Church page.
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Administrative contracts, including one for Superintendent Mark Bagley, were approved by the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education on Wednesday.
The board approved a five-year contract for Bagley under a retire-rehire provision. Bagley, who previously served as middle school principal, was originally hired as superintendent in March of 2020 and was given a three year contract, which was renewed in February of 2023.
“I was hired (as superintendent) basically during COVID and to go through these six years and then be afforded the ability to come back, I feel very blessed,” Bagley said after the meeting. “Humbly, I love leading this district and everybody else is more important than I am, but I’m happy to serve the district.”
Board members also approved the retire-rehire of Chris Covey, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He received a three year contract. Other three-year administrative contracts, not under the retire-rehire provision, were approved for Special Services Coordinator Ruth Ann Dowler, Middle School Principal Darla Dunlap, High School Principal Chuck Rollins, and school psychologists Ashlee Featherson and Easton Rudasill.
Van Wert Elementary will have a new principal next year. The board accepted the resignation of current Principal Justin Krogman, who’s leaving for the same position at Shawnee.
Other hires given approval on Wednesday included Meghan Dicke, middle school secretary; Kelsey Cunningham, middle school/high school secretary; Amari Junkins, middle school music and band teacher/high school assistant band director, and John Okuly, assistant to the director of maintenance. The board also approved a long list of elementary paraprofessionals, early childhood center, elementary and middle school summer staff.
Supplemental coaching contracts were approved for Morgan Hicks, high school volleyball volunteer; Morgan Seewer and Dylan Welch, freshman football; Ben Collins, freshman football volunteer; Josiah Poletta, high school football volunteer, and Charlie Witten and Turner Witten, middle school football.
In addition to Krogman’s resignation, a handful of other resignations were accepted, including third grade teacher Dylan Wierwille, early childhood center paraprofessional Emilee Colgan, elementary school paraprofessional Jerrickah Catlin, elementary school secretary Debbie Rager, and custodian Daniel Arend. The board also approved a one-year leave of absence for first grade teacher Jessica Small.
(more…)POSTED: 05/27/26 at 9:00 pm. FILED UNDER: News
