Two new counties being added to ODOT District 1

Strong winds, storms hit Mercer County

VW independent staff

For the most part, Van Wert County dodged a bullet late Thursday night.

Strong storms rolled into northwest Ohio and while there were strong winds, thunder and lightning and brief heavy rain in Van Wert County, other nearby areas were hit harder. There was a brief tornado warning issued for the Willshire area due to radar-indicated rotation, and the county was under a severe thunderstorm warning for a short time.

In Mercer County, straight line winds with speeds near 90 miles per hour were recorded. Near Neptune, 60-70 mile per hour winds caused roof damage to barns and outbuildings. The highest wind gust occurred in Celina, causing more damage to structures. All of the damage occurred between 11:30-11:40 p.m.

Multiple tornadoes were reported in Indiana.

Crestview BOE to vote on labor contract

VW independent staff

CONVOY — A vote on a new contract for members of the Crestview Employees’ Association OFT/AFT is on Monday night’s Crestview Local Schools Board of Education agenda. If approved by the board, the three year labor contract will take effect July 1 and run through June 30, 2029. Terms are expected to be released after a vote.

Several personnel items are on the agenda as well, including the resignation of Director of Program Services Anne Myers, effective July 31. She had served in the role for one year.

Monday’s meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

Lawmakers fail to reach data center deal

Morgan Trau/Ohio Capital Journal

COLUMBUS — Ohio lawmakers were unable to reach a compromise on new data center regulations Wednesday before they went on summer recess.

The House and the Senate didn’t have enough votes to pass Substitute House Bill 646, which created new rules and standards for the tech hubs.

“We don’t think we should be granting tax exemptions to multi-billion dollar corporations, especially when many of them are already coming here to build these data centers anyway, because of the contract that was entered into several years ago,” Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said, referencing a popular sentiment from his caucus.

H.B. 646 limits the size of new sales tax breaks for projects. Currently at 100 percent, it would go down to 50 percent.

However, this won’t apply to any of the companies with existing contracts, like Meta, Google and Amazon, ones that Ohio Senator Kent Smith, D-Euclid, says go for decades.

“If we pull the tax percentage back from 100 percent to zero percent, 76 percent of the market is not affected because of these deals that those three signed in the Kasich administration,” Smith said.

Figures from the Ohio Department of Taxation show the state provided almost $1.57 billion in sales-tax exemptions on purchases of data center equipment and construction materials last year.

That’s nearly 12 times what state officials initially expected, according to estimates produced by the tax department in late 2024 as part of Ohio’s budgeting process.

This tax break has to end,” he said. The general assembly actually passed an elimination of the data center sales tax exemption in the last budget. But Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed it.

For months, the lawmakers have been debating overriding his decision.

Stripe Rd. closed for necessary repairs

VW independent staff

Van Wert County Engineer Kyle Wendel has closed Stripe Rd. for repairs to heavy damage caused by dirt haulers. He noted the operation is not related to the data center. Wendel also said he hopes the road is repaired soon, but noted it depends on the schedule of the pavers. Once repairs are complete, the road will reopen.

Vantage and QTS host data center event

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A steady stream of people visited Vantage Career Center for 90 minutes on Thursday for more information on the planned $10 billion QTS data center, which will be built at the Mega Site on the east side of Van Wert.

Representatives from QTS manned different information tables in the school’s commons area, where those in attendance could ask questions and learn more about several areas, including pre-development, development, philanthropy, operations, utilities, sustainability, community engagement, and economic development. Those representatives tried to address various concerns of local residents.

“We’ve had a really good turnout with a lot of supporters in the community, a lot of folks that are asking really good questions and getting to know a little bit more about the project and about QTS,” QTS spokesperson Stephanie Blakely said during the event.

“I’m very pleased with the people who have showed up and have asked lots of questions and are feeling good about the answers they’re getting,” Van Wert Area Economic Development Director Brent Stevens said. “Maybe it will dispel some of the rumors that are going around.”

One of the main concerns has been water consumption. While some data centers use millions of gallons of water annually, QTS’s Van Wert data center will use a closed loop system, which they say will require an initial fill of approximately 660,000 gallons of water purchased from the city.

“This loop continually circulates the same water, functioning similarly to a car radiator,” QTS said in a handout that was made available during Thursday’s event.

Another concern has been energy use, but QTS previously said the company will fund 100 percent of energy infrastructure improvements in partnership with American Electric Power at no cost to its customers.

Rollover crash…

Failed brakes caused this rollover crash at the U.S. 127/U.S. 224 roundabout early Thursday afternoon. The Van Wert Fire Department EMS and fire department crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after 1:30 p.m. Upon arrival the driver was outside of his vehicle sitting on the ground with several eyewitnesses to the accident. EMT took over assisting the driver while the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department investigated the accident. The driver declined any further assistance from the EMS unit. Hague towing removed the car from the scene. Bob Barnes VWFD photographer 

MSVW launches golf cart raffle

Submitted information

Main Street Van Wert is giving community members the chance to win a brand-new golf cart valued at approximately $10,000 through its exciting summer Golf Cart Raffle fundraiser.

The raffle, sponsored in partnership with Carts & More, offers participants an opportunity to take home a stylish new golf cart just in time for summer activities, neighborhood cruising, campground adventures, and community events.

Tickets are available now for:

• $20 for one ticket
• $100 for six tickets

The winning ticket will be drawn following the conclusion of the raffle on July 6.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Main Street Van Wert’s ongoing efforts to enhance downtown revitalization, community events, beautification projects, and economic development initiatives that help keep Van Wert vibrant and thriving.

“We’re excited to offer this fun opportunity for residents and supporters while raising funds that directly benefit our downtown and community programs,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “Someone is going to drive away with an incredible golf cart, and every ticket purchased helps support the work we do throughout the year.”

Tickets can be purchased online through Main Street Van Wert’s raffle page or in person at the Main Street Van Wert office at 136 E. Main Street.

Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early and spread the word before the July 6 deadline.

CCF scholarship winners…

Scott Etzler, a trustee for the Convoy Community foundation distributed 18 scholarships for a total of $16,500 to 17 Crestview seniors during last month’s Senior Convocation. The Convoy Community Foundation is a non-profit organization which originated in 1979, and the trustees oversee the Memorial Endowment Fund. The fund generated the monies used for these scholarships, and the foundation is grateful to those donors who made the scholarships possible. Photo submitted

Klopfenstein votes for improvement projects

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) has voted in support of Ohio’s Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget for state and community projects throughout the state totaling nearly $4 billion.

The bill provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The plan also includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state.

All 88 counties will receive funding for community projects. Van Wert County received funding for five projects.

Rep. Klopfenstein helped secure investments for the following community projects in District 82:

• $250,000- Stadium Park Shelter House, Van Wert County (Delphos)
• $40,000- Convoy Opera House Roof and Annex, Van Wert County

• $400,000- Van Wert County Research and Genealogy Center, Van Wert County
• $100,000- Van Wert Civic Theatre Project- Van Wert County
• $250,000- YWCA of Van Wert County Facility and Clinic, Van Wert County
• $575,000- Moats Park Expansion, Defiance County
• $58,000- Riverside Memorial Park Pavilion, Paulding County
•  $37,500- Flatrock Park Improvement Project, Paulding County
• $121,193- Paulding County Fairgrounds Restroom Improvements, Paulding County
• $60,000- Payne Community Park Accessibility Project, Paulding County
• $301,600- Ottawa Memorial Park, Putnam County
• $240,000- YMCA of Putnam County Recreation Project, Putnam County
• $362,500- Deters Park Expansion, Putnam County

Local students receive Central scholarships

VW independent staff/submitted information

Central’s Educational & Charitable Foundation has announced its 2026 Scholarship Program recipients.

The program rewards graduates pursuing degrees that support careers in the property and casualty insurance industry. The scholarship—which increased this year— provides up to $7,500 annually to each student, is renewable for up to three years, and may be used toward educational expenses.  

Abigail Dannenfelser is a graduate of Lincolnview High School. She plans to attend Trine University in Angola, Indiana, this fall, majoring in actuarial science with minors in math and English. After earning her undergraduate degree, she aspires to pursue a career as an actuary, where she can apply her strong problem-solving and analytical skills to support organizations and contribute to her local community. Throughout high school, Dennenfelser was involved in varsity bowling, the Lincolnview Steel Drum Band, and the Lincolnview Theatre. She also served as an assistant counselor at Solid Rock Bible Camp. Outside of academics, she has worked as a cashier and food prep team member at Rocky Top Frozen Treats. She is the daughter of Cris and Rhonda Dannenfelser.

Caroline Marks is a graduate of Crestview High School. She plans to attend The Ohio State University in Columbus this fall, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Logistics. After earning her undergraduate degree, Marks aspires to pursue a career in the marketing field where she can apply her creativity, communication, and analytical skills to build meaningful connections. Throughout high school, Marks held several leadership roles, including student body president, Knight Vision Show Choir President, Crestview Honor Society Secretary, and FCCLA Treasurer. She also participated in Junior Rotary. Outside of academics, she works part-time at Sycamore of Van Wert. She is the daughter of Ashley Marks.

Maria Parrish is a graduate of Van Wert High School. She plans to attend The Ohio State University in Columbus this fall, majoring in business administration with a minor in pre-law. After earning her undergraduate degree, she aspires to pursue a career in business law, where she can work with companies to navigate legal complexities and support strategic decision-making and growth. Throughout high school, Parrish held several leadership roles in student council, including class representative, vice president, and president. She was also actively involved in her community as a small group leader at LifeHouse Church, a member of the Western Buckeye League Sportsmanship Committee, a participant in the Van Wert Service Pack, and a member of Van Wert County 4-H, where she held various leadership positions. Outside of academics, Parrish has held multiple jobs, working at the Van Wert YMCA, CJ’s Shaved Ice, and through her own commission-based art business. She is the daughter of Katie and Ryan Parrish.

Trevor Dotson is a graduate of Van Wert High School. He plans to attend the University of Toledo this fall, majoring in computer science and engineering. After earning his undergraduate degree, he aspires to pursue a career as a computer hardware engineer, designing and improving technology systems that support schools, businesses, and communities. Throughout high school, Dotson held several leadership roles, including robotics team captain, class vice president, and National Honor Society member, while also competing as a varsity football scholar athlete. Outside of academics, Dotson worked as an IT intern at Millwork Brands Inc. He is the son of Staci and Jamie Dotson.