VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine has designated March 15-21 as Severe Weather Awareness Week and is encouraging all Ohioans to be prepared for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and floods.
“Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds us to be prepared and ready for weather events that can often happen without warning,” he said. “Taking time to review your family’s emergency plans annually can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.”
While severe weather isn’t strictly limited to tornadoes, it is important to remember that Van Wert County has had 41 tornadoes since 1950, with 36 of those occurring since 1990, earning the county the dubious distinction as the “Tornado Capital of Ohio.” Therefore, county residents are strongly encouraged to be fully prepared for severe weather, including tornadoes.
A statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 18. Ohioans are encouraged to participate in the drill and practice their emergency sheltering plans. Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Schools, households, and businesses should take time to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.
(more…)POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:33 pm
VW independent staff
The National Weather Service has issued a rare Blowing Dust Advisory for Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance Putnam and Allen counties until 8 p.m. tonight (Friday).
Visibilty is between one-quarter mile and a mile in blowing dust areas, which, along with wind gusts around 60 miles per hour, has led to difficult travel conditions.
POSTED: 03/13/26 at 1:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Three local fire departments have awarded state grant funds to purchase necessary gear.
Convoy Fire & EMS has been awarded $14,884 and Scott Volunteer Fire Department is getting $14,750 from the Equipment Grant Program. In addition, Delphos Fire & Rescue has been awarded $14,920.
The funds will be used to purchase critical equipment such as protective turnout gear, rescue tools, and other life-saving items that support firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities. In all, 148 fire departments in 72 counties received such grants.
“Ohio fire departments, large and small, career and volunteer, show unwavering dedication to the communities they serve,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These grants allow us to support that dedication by ensuring our firefighters have the tools, equipment, and training they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively.”
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Lincolnview forward Gavin Evans goes to the basket for two points during Thursday’s Division VI regional semifinal game against Crestview at Bowling Green State University’s Stroh Center. The Lancers won the game 53-46 and advanced to Saturday’s regional championship game against Col. Crawford. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Photo courtesy of Hanna Young
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Lincolnview Elementary School is one of 109 Ohio schools that have earned the Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award for 2026.
The Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Awards recognize schools that stand out for their commitment to the Science of Reading and their work using this method to improve student engagement and literacy outcomes.
“We know that the Science of Reading is the best way to teach children how to read,” DeWine said. “When you see a teacher using the Science of Reading to the fullest in the classroom, it’s quite remarkable. For students, it’s fun, engaging, and effective. Reading is the key to everything – in school and throughout life.”
Lincolnview was the only area school to earn the award.
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
U.S. 30 between Elm Sugar Road and U.S. 127 in Van Wert County will have two nights of overnight rolling roadblocks, Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17, from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m., for utility work across the highway. Expect delays up to 15 minutes.
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 10:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for all of northwest Ohio, including Van Wert County, from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, March 13.
Southwest winds from 30-35 miles per hour are expected, along with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Downed trees, downed power lines and power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
The Ohio Turnpike has issued a High Wind Travel Restriction across the entire 241-mile toll road for some high profile vehicles. The Ohio Turnpike will remain open for all passenger vehicles and most commercial vehicles.
The following types of vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the Ohio Turnpike during the travel restriction period:
- Commercial trucks towing an empty, single 53-foot box-type
- Commercial trucks towing an empty 53-foot tanker-type trailer
- All high-profile (greater than 7 feet 6 inches in height) tow-behind trailers, campers, boats, and enclosed trailers. (This does not include trailers with fifth-wheel type trailers)
- All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers
- Long-combination vehicles (LCV) with double-trailer combinations exceeding 90 feet in length. (Enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
- All LCV triple-trailer combinations
- Two-axle buses longer than 40 feet
- Buses with three or more axles greater than 45 feet.
The following types of vehicles are allowed to travel on the Ohio Turnpike during the restriction:
- Passenger cars and pickup trucks
- Commercial trucks towing a loaded, single 53-foot trailer
- Commercial trucks towing a loaded tanker trailer
- Self-propelled motor homes
- Low-profile trailers
- Fold-down camper trailers
- Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
- Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks that are not listed in the restricted vehicles section above
- Commercial trucks towing a single flatbed
- Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
- Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations
- Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet
- Two-axle buses less than 40 feet
- Buses with three or more axles less than 45 feet.
POSTED: 03/12/26 at 12:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
14 criminal defendants appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between March 5-11. Five the defendants are charged with domestic violence and/or strangulation, while four others are facing drug charges. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Plea changes
David Lowe, 55, of Sturgis, Michigan, changed his plea to guilty to three counts of gross sexual imposition, all third degree felonies. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 2:30 p.m. April 28.
Crystal Robison, 38, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty go an amended indictment of strangulation, a fourth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. April 22.
Shane Neuman, 42, of Delphos, changed his plea to guilty to an amended indictment of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. He was sentenced to one year of probation, 30 days in jail at a later date, was ordered to have no contact with the victims, and was ordered to pay court costs.
Daniel Craig, 44, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty of an amended indictment of domestic violence, a fourth degree felony. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. April 22.
Arraignments
Cainan Burnett, 28, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to aggravated possession of drugs and aggravated trafficking in drugs, both second degree felonies. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 1.
Joshua Sargent, 44, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a first degree felony, and corrupting another with drugs, a second degree felony. He was released on a surety bond; and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. April 8.
Joseph Klett, 49, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8 a.m. April 1.
(more…)POSTED: 03/11/26 at 11:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Felony charges have been refiled against a Van Wert man suspected of causing the death of a man in late 2024.
Joshua D. Sargent, 44, was served with a Van Wert County Common Pleas Court warrant charging him with involuntary manslaughter, a first degree felony, and corrupting another with drugs, a second degree felony.
He pleaded not guilty during arraignment on Tuesday and was released on a surety bond. He’s due back in court April 1.
The charges are tied to the early October, 2024 death of KC Kerns, 43, of Van Wert. His body was found in the wooded lot of the old reservoir at the corner of Blaine St. and Anderson Ave. The indictment alleges Sargent supplied drugs that resulted in the death of Kerns.
Sargent was originally charged in early May, 2025. He pleaded not guilty and according to Van Wert County Prosecutor Dillon Staas, the case was later dismissed due to the availability of a witness. Staas said the witness is now available, which led his office to refile the charges.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The YWCA of Van Wert County has begun taking orders for its annual geranium sale, with orders accepted through noon on April 24. These hardy, easy-to-care-for geraniums arrive just in time for Mother’s Day, making them a perfect gift while also adding vibrant pops of color to flower beds, patios, porches, and business storefronts.
The annual flower sale is a significant fundraiser that supports the YWCA’s work throughout the year, including Youth Development and Survivor Services programs.
A variety of products are available for purchase, including:
- Individual 4-inch pots for $4 each
- Bulk flats of 15 pots of the same color for $55
- 10-inch hanging baskets for $25
Geraniums are available in seven colors: red, lavender, fuchsia, pink, light salmon, tangerine, and white (white not available in hanging baskets). Porch delivery within Van Wert County is available for an additional $5.
Order pickup is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the parking lot across the street from the YWCA at 408 E. Main St. A limited selection of cash-and-carry items will be available beginning at 11 a.m. that day. Buyers are encouraged to place pre-sale orders to guarantee product availability and receive discounted pricing. Cash-and-carry prices will be $5 per pot and $27 per hanging basket.
Multiple payment options are available, including credit card, debit card, cash, check, and Venmo. Buyers are encouraged to place orders through the YWCA website at https://ywcavanwert.org/events. Paper order forms are also available in the YWCA lobby on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., may be printed from the website, or requested by email at julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org.
The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and receives partial funding from The Van Wert County Foundation.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Society, in partnership with the Brumback Library, have announced a new event coming next year. in partnership with the Brumback Library.
Mark your calendars for April 24, 2027, for the Once Upon a Market Indie Author & Book Bazaar, to be held in the Jr. Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. The brand-new event will bring together families, book lovers, and authors for a unique literary marketplace experience. Attendees can explore a variety of independent authors, book-themed vendors, and literary-inspired goods — all in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere designed to celebrate storytelling and creativity.
Vendor applications are now being accepted. Authors, book-themed creators, and literary vendors interested in participating can visit vanwertcountyfair.com for more information and to apply. Additional details regarding event activities, featured authors, and attendance information will be announced soon.
POSTED: 03/11/26 at 10:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
