SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONVOY — During a very brief meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education on Thursday, Superintendent Matt Dube gave an update on the district’s massive athletic facilities upgrade project.
Dube informed the board that much of the outdoor portion of project is ahead of schedule.
“People who move dirt like to move dirt and they’re way ahead of schedule,” he said. “It is all graded out and you can see – there’s the track, there’s the football field, there’s the concession stand building, there’s the bleachers – you can see them plain as day. Now, just because the dirt movers are ahead of schedule doesn’t mean the (football) turf ordering is on schedule – that’s on time.”
“Everything is going smoothly out there,” he added.
He noted while things are going well outside, work indoors is going at a slower than expected pace due to a couple of unexpected issues.
“We ran into an issue with the (gym) floor, Dube explained. “When we took the floor up…we had two very different levels to our floors, very different surfaces. We had the original floor from the 1950s or whatever it was and the new floors around the periphery of that. Cincinnati Floor would not come in and put their floor down on that without revoking their warranty.”
“We had the floor leveled and Cincinnati Floor was in today and ok’d it,” he added.
He also said their was an issue with a large decal on the wall but the problem has since been corrected.
(more…)POSTED: 07/23/26 at 8:29 pm
The Van Wert Police Department is investigating an early Thursday morning robbery at Winners Skilled Games on Fox Rd. Because of the ongoing investigation, few details have been released but Chief Doug Weigle said the suspect/suspects broke in and forced open a safe. The break-in and theft was reported late Thursday morning. As of Thursday evening, no arrests had been made. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/23/26 at 8:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By DAVE MOSIER/for the VW independent
A music-hating nebbish who gets trapped in musical hell is “the guy” in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals — the AYA (Adolescent-Young Adult) Theatre production that opened Thursday at Van Wert Civic Theatre.
In this horror-comedy-musical written by Nick and Matt Lang, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim, Paul Matthews (Sean Carpenter in his fifth show at VWCT) is a white-collar drone quietly living out a boring existence in his hometown of Hatchetfield. His only personality quirk is his intense dislike of music — especially musicals. That’s why he declines an offer by co-worker Bill Woodward (Charles Bennett) to see a production of Mama Mia! at a local theater. Instead, he trots off to make moon eyes at Emma Perkins (Abbie Mengerink), a barista at Beanies coffee shop that he has a crush on. In addition to Bill, Paul shares his humdrum office life with co-workers Charlotte Sweetly (Kim Salisbury) and Ted Spankoffski (Andy Walpole). Unbeknownst to Paul, though, Charlotte, although married to Sam, a police officer, isn’t averse to a little on the side with Ted as well.
Things start spiraling out of control the next day when Bill tells Paul about a meteor hitting the theater the night before and people — including their boss, Mr. Davidson (Evan Joseph) — start singing and dancing like they’re in a musical (because that’s how the mind-controlling aliens communicate).
Paul runs over to Beanies to tell Emma about his suspicion that aliens are turning Hatchetfield residents into one big musical cast and finds the barista, who is also not a big music fan, forced to sing and dance by her boss, Nora (Ella Lamb), as a customer tip-appreciation ploy. In fact, one of the funniest bits in the show is Mengerink’s deadpan face and movements as she, a co-worker, Zoey (Chloe Parker), and her boss do a tip-appreciation song for customers. After finding customers in the shop, as well as her boss and co-worker, already infected by aliens through poisoned coffee, Paul, Emma, Bill, Ted, and Charlotte look for a way to survive the tuneful invasion, but, one by one, fall prey to the insidious musicality of the aliens.
Back row: Andy Walpole, Kim Salisbury, and Charles Bennett. Photos submitted
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals is a fun show with catchy tunes and funny comedy bits. Carpenter is getting good at playing the nerdy, but clueless guy caught up in something he doesn’t quite understand, and he again shows he is good at the everyman role. Bennett has the nerd loser Bill down pat, while Walpole is fun as the unrepentant sleazeball Ted. Joseph is also good as Mr. Davidson, as well as playing Charlotte’s husband, Sam, while Carson Caprella shines as a dotty professor who at first helps Paul, but later joins the aliens willingly.
Several other actors also excel. Emily Gehle does well as a Greenpeace canvasser who has Paul’s number, while Payton Frese gets a slinky number near the end as Bill’s wayward daughter, Alice. My personal favorite actor in this production is Salisbury, whose personality shines through in every scene, making Charlotte a uniquely interesting character — especially when singing and vamping with Joseph on the slinky love duet, “You Tied Up My Heart.”
The sets are clever, lighting and sound perfect for the production, while the gore was goofy, not lose-your-lunch nasty. Director Alyssa Taylor and Music Director Perri Webb do a good job of guiding what could have been an out-of-control production with a steady hand on the tiller. The show gets at least a PG rating because of some naughty bits and spicy language, but is good fun nonetheless.
The show, sponsored by Biggby Coffee, runs through this weekend and the weekend of July 30-August 2. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday afternoon matinees beginning at 2. Tickets are $18 apiece, with a $2 senior discount on presale tickets only. Tickets may be purchased online at vwct.org or by calling 419.238.9689.
POSTED: 07/23/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment, News
Submitted information
A portion of Crawford St. in Van Wert will be closed Monday and Tuesday, July 27-28, for the Eggress Stadium renovation project.
Leeson Ave. will be closed all day on Wednesday, July 29, and all day on Monday, August 3, for the Enbridge gas line replacement project.
POSTED: 07/23/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
It’s become an annual tradition in Van Wert. Volunteers gathered at Trinity Global Church on Tuesday night to stuff backpacks full of school supplies. The volunteers formed an assembly line to fill the backpacks with essentials such as paper, notebooks, pencils and more. The backpacks and other supplies will be driven to the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona, for distribution to children in need. The yearly effort, which began in 2020, is headed up by Nick and Val Steyer and their family. Photos submitted
POSTED: 07/23/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson has announced a multi-pronged initiative to help Ohioans identify romance scams, ward off financial losses, encourage people to report suspected cases to authorities, and support victims.
Romance scammers, who often prey on older adults, establish a fake online relationship with their victims to gain their trust before requesting money. Such scams often leave victims financially devastated and emotionally isolated, and many cases go unreported because victims feel embarrassed and are thus reluctant to seek help.
“No Ohioan should lose his or her life savings to someone pretending to care about them,” Wilson said. “These scammers are sophisticated, emotionally manipulative and, sadly, increasingly common. We’re giving families a place to turn when they suspect something isn’t right and providing law enforcement with valuable information to investigate these crimes.”
The initiative establishes a dedicated hotline – 1-855-961-SCAM – for those who have been victimized or who believe a loved one may be the victim of a romance scam.
Hotline users can share information with AG Wilson’s Constituent Services Section, which will coordinate with experts from across the office. Information will be reviewed by forensic investigators with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for indicators of fraud.
Victims or their loved ones will receive educational resources and guidance from Wilson’s Consumer Protection Section to help them prevent additional financial losses and better understand available options. Cases involving potential criminal violations may be referred to local law enforcement.
“Many victims don’t realize or don’t want to believe they’re being manipulated – that’s how good many of these scammers are,” Wilson said. “Our goal is to help families intervene sooner and prevent their loved ones from becoming victims.”
Anyone who suspects a romance scam involving themselves or a loved one is encouraged to call 1-855-961-SCAM.
POSTED: 07/23/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The newest member of the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education was sworn in on Wednesday.
Lifelong Van Wert resident Scott White is taking the reins from Thaison Leaser, who resigned June 30 due to a move just outside the school district. White was one of three applicants for the vacant seat. All three were interviewed last week. He joins Board President Anthony Adams, Vice-President Julie Burenga and board members Dr. Debby Compton and Greg Blackmore.
“As a Van Wert High School graduate I saw this as an opportunity to give back to the community, the students, teachers and the administration,” White said after the meeting. “I think there’s going to be a lot of learning going on initially – they’ve done a nice job of laying out a transition program for me that I look forward to learning.”
Board President Anthony Adams said all three applicants interviewed well for the open seat.
“We would have been happy with any of them but after some discussion, we chose to ask Mr. White to join the board,” Adams stated. “He’ll do a great job. We love the experience he brings with him and his professionalism.”
To keep the seat, White, who serves as the administrator at VanCrest Health Care Center in Van Wert, will need to run in a special election in November of 2027 for the remaining two years of the term that ends on December 31, 2029.
A number of personnel items were on Wednesday’s agenda, including the resignations of kindergarten teacher Emily Vondran, elementary intervention specialist Molly Baltzell, early childhood center paraprofessional Taylor Semer, and the retirement-resignation of social worker Diana Morrow.
The board approved the hiring of Robin Everett as a kindergarten teacher, Aliviah Bates as an early childhood center paraprofessional, Mark Breece as head elementary school custodian, and Charles Berry as custodial/maintanence worker.
(more…)POSTED: 07/22/26 at 8:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Middle School teacher Noah Carter presented a plaque and a flag to Principal Darla Dunlap during Wednesday’s school board meeting. Carter serves as a member of the Indiana Air National Guard and the flag was flown during one of his unit’s missions. Carter missed the end of the 2025-2026 school year after being called to duty and he praised fellow teachers and administrators for working with him during his leave. He also thanked middle school students who wrote letters and sent care packages while he was away. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/22/26 at 8:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Much of Wednesday’s meeting of the Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education meeting was dedicated to preparing for the 2026-2027 school year.
During the meeting, one-year limited retire-rehire teaching contracts were approved for Deborah Stetler and Sandra Dowdy. Other contracts given the green light were for John Kerner, OBI instructor; Kathryn Wortman, part-time cook; Sharon Brincefield, substitute bus driver, and Theresa Anderson, junior high/high school assistant band director.
Three resignations were accepted, including Kasey Knippen, fifth grade teacher; Megan Wollenhaupt, junior high/high school guidance secretary, and Paige Cook, part-time cook.
Some housekeeping items were approved for the 2026-2027 school year, including:
- Cafeteria prices and latchkey fees
- The list of open enrollment students for the upcoming school year.
- An agreement with Westwood Behavorial Services to provide on-site mental health services to students from August to May of next year.
- An agreement with the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center.
- The transfer of $20,000 from the general fund to the athletic fund.
- Renewed membership in the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding.
- Renewed membership in the Northwestern Ohio Educational Research Council Inc.
- An agreement for the eduction option program administered by the Wood County Educational Service Center for the Wood County Juvenile Detention Center, the Juvenile Residential Center of Northwest Ohio and the Wood County Academy.
POSTED: 07/22/26 at 8:20 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert County Republican Party will host its annual American Freedom Dinner on Tuesday August 11, in Van Wert. Congressman Jim Jordan will be the keynote speaker for the event. Van Wert County will be part of Ohio’s 4th Congressional District beginning in 2027. Congressman Jordan is running for re-election in November.
In addition to Jordan, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy will also be speaking at the event. Chief Justice Kennedy was elected Chief Justice in 2022 and has served on the Ohio Supreme Court since 2012.
“The Van Wert County Republican Central Committee is pleased to host this exciting event for Van Wert County,” the Van Wert County Republican Party said in a press release announcing the event. “Congressman Jim Jordan has always fought for conservative values across our great country and we are eager to support him as he seeks re-election in November. In addition to Congressman Jordan and Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, several other statewide candidates and office holders will be in attendance.”
“This event is an important step for our county Republican Party both as a fundraiser and to ensure that those who represent us in Washington and Columbus are paying attention to the concerns of Van Wert County voters.”
Tickets can be purchased online at www.vwgop.com
Main dinner program
- Walnut & Main Event Space – 223 E. Main St. Van Wert.
- Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., program at 6:30 p.m.
- Tickets: $60/individual, $100/couple
- Dinner will be catered by Gibson’s BBQ and bar service will be provided by Collins Fine Foods.
VIP reception
- 5 p.m. at R Place Stone Grill – 138 E. Main St. Van Wert.
- Tickets: $125 – includes VIP reception, dinner program, and a photo with Congressman Jordan
Table sponsorship
- Tickets: $1,200 – includes eight VIP tickets and preferred seating
POSTED: 07/22/26 at 8:19 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A total of five criminal hearings were held between July 13-22 in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Sentencings
Devin Couch, 21, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 180 days in jail with credit for 159 days already served for assault. He was also ordered to pay court costs. In a separate case, Couch is facing eight serious felony charges tied to the discovery of drugs at a N. Washington St. home in late 2025. Those charges include trafficking in cocaine, a first degree felony with a major drug offender specification; possession of cocaine, a first degree felony with a major drug offender specification; aggravated trafficking in drugs, a second degree felony; aggravated possession of drugs, a second degree felony; trafficking in hashish, a second degree felony; possession of hashish, a second degree felony; trafficking in marijuana, a third degree felony, and possession of marijuana, a third degree felony. He’s being held without bond on those charges.
Anthony Brandolini, 36, of Ohio City, was sentenced to five days in jail with credit for two days already served for OVI, a first degree misdemeanor. His driver’s license was suspended for one years and he ordered to pay a $565 fine and court costs.
Arraignment
Kameron Cooper, 47, of Grover Hill, entered a not guilty plea to theft, a fifth degree felony, and misuse of credit cards, a first degree misdemeanor. Cooper was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. August 12.
Bill of information
Tristan Thompson, 20, of Celina, entered a guilty plea to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with abduction, a third degree felony; having weapons while under disability, a third degree felony and assault, a first degree misdemeanor. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. September 2.
Bond violation
Corey Salisbury, 44, of Rockford, admitted violating to his probation by failing to provide a current address to probation. Judge Burchfield sentenced him to time served and set a trial date of September 15, for another case.
POSTED: 07/22/26 at 2:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
