Top high school seniors lauded at scholarship banquet

Switch clocks, check smoke detectors

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — As we prepare to “spring forward” one hour this weekend (2 a.m. Sunday), the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging everyone to use it as an opportunity to test their smoke alarms, check their expiration dates, and replace their batteries.

Working smoke alarms remain one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing fire-related tragedies. Home fires spread rapidly, and properly working smoke alarms give you advance warning and precious extra seconds to escape safely. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the risks of dying in a home fire are reduced by 60 percent when working smoke alarms are present.

“Taking just a few minutes to test your smoke alarms can save your life as well as the lives of your loved ones,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “The upcoming time change serves as natural reminder to make sure your smoke alarms are ready to alert you and your family in the event of an emergency.”

The Division of State Fire Marshal reminds Ohio residents of the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Test every smoke alarm in your home. This can be done by pressing the alarm’s test button. Smoke alarms should be tested on a monthly basis.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms that use replaceable batteries.
• If your smoke alarm is 10 years old or older, replace the entire unit. You can find a manufacture date printed on the back of the unit.  
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed in every room of your home, in main hallways, and on every level, including the basement.

The time change is also a good time to check carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, orderless gas that can be deadly without warning.

“Fire and carbon monoxide safety rely on early detection,” Reardon said. “Testing alarms during the time change, and once each month, is simple step that can make all the difference.”

In addition to checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Ohio families are encouraged to take time to review, or create, a fire escape plan. Every plan should outline two ways to exit each room in the home and identify a designated meeting place outdoors. Routinely reviewing this escape plan is key to ensuring everyone in the home understands what to do in the event of a fire.

District champs!

The Crestview Knights celebrate Friday night’s Division VI district championship win over Spencerville. The Knights trailed by as many as 13 in the third quarter before rallying to win in double overtime, 64-62. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Wyatt Richardson/Van Wert independent

OHSP promotes safe driving habits

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — For the fourth consecutive year, Ohio has seen a decline in traffic fatalities. To maintain this positive trend, troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol plan remain highly visible on roadways across the state.

From 2021-2025, there were 5,688 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways, resulting in 6,149 deaths. Last year, there were 1,037 fatal crashes, which is a 3.7 percent decrease from the previous year’s total.

“While we are encouraged by the fact that more Ohioans have returned home safely over the last four years, the number of fatal crashes in our state remains far too high,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “Safety is a shared responsibility, and we must all do more to protect one another on the road.”

According to Patrol statistics, 26 percent of fatal crashes over the last five years were the result of driving off the roadway. Additionally, unsafe speed, driving left of center, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely and running a stop sign were the next top contributing factors in fatal crashes statewide.

To promote roadway safety, drivers are encouraged to look ahead and stay focused on driving, maintain a following distance of at least three seconds, adhere to posted speed limits, always wear a safety belt and never drive impaired.

“Patrol data shows that many fatal crashes are preventable,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “By simply practicing safe driving habits, you can increase the chances of you and other drivers on the road arriving safely.”

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.

Vantage BOE approves various contracts

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Top administrative contracts were approved during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Vantage Career Center school board.

The board unanimously approved a one-year contract for Superintendent Rick Turner, August 1 through July 31, 2027. Turner has served as superintendent since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. In addition, the board also approved a resolution to re-appoint Denise Mooney as Vantage Career Center treasurer for five years. She was first hired in late 2023. Three year administrative contracts were approved by the board for Adult Education Director Angie Fahy, Supervisor of Student Operations Ashley Cline and Career-Technical Supervisor Julie Schroeder.

Three resignations were accepted during the meeting – Bob Spath, Project Lead the Way instructor; eduational aide Nancy Keith and Leslie Ringwald, aide on assignment.

During his report to the board, Turner said work continues inside and outside the Vantage Academy of Medical Careers.

“Inside, existing doorways are being resized or framed in, including the two overhead doors at the former loading docks,” Turner stated. “Externally, the loading docks and surrounding asphalt have been removed. The new roof deck is now in place, and the finish roofing material is expected to arrive in 4–5 weeks.”

“It is a busy site as construction continues to move forward at a steady pace,” he added.

Turner also said Vantage will host the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum April 20-21.

“As part of our nation’s 250th birthday celebration, a fleet of six interactive trucks is touring the country to bring American history to life,” he explained. “We are fortunate to provide this unique opportunity to our students and the local community.

High School Director Ben Winans told the board letters were sent to all students who applied letting them know if they were tentatively accepted or placed on a waiting list for their program of choice for next school year. He also said the administration is working to fill open positions.

Vantage 5K to be held next month

VW independent staff/submitted information

Vantage Career Center will hold its second annual Vantage 5K event on Saturday, April 18, the career center in Van Wert. 

The event is designed to bring people together in support of a great cause while promoting health, wellness, and school spirit. It will feature a 5K run/walk open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Youth runners will also have the opportunity to participate in a kids fun run, taking place prior to the main race.

Community members, families, students, and local businesses are encouraged to join Vantage staff and students for a morning filled with excitement, fitness, and community pride.

Race Day Schedule

• 7:30 a.m. – Registration
• 8:30 a.m. – kids fun run
• 9:00 a.m. – 5K race start

Participants can register now by visiting  https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/VanWert/VantageK.

Vantage Career Center thanked this year’s generous sponsors:

• Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office
• OhioHealth
• Paulding Ace Hardware & Rental
• Gen-X Training Studio

Their support helps make this event possible and strengthens the impact of community partnerships.

Farm Focus Inc. offering scholarships

Submitted information

Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field.

Farm Focus Inc. is offering a minimum of two scholarships of $1,000 or more and may offer more scholarships at various amounts to Van Wert County resident high school seniors interested in majoring in an agricultural related program at a university or college. Full time students already enrolled in an undergraduate program in agriculture are also eligible to apply, and successful applicants from previous years can reapply again this year.

The applicant must be a Van Wert County resident. Minimum grade point is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship funds will be submitted directly to the educational institution by Farm Focus Inc. upon receipt of proof of enrollment or a copy of a tuition invoice.

Scholarship applications have been sent to nine area high schools where Van Wert County students may be enrolled, so please contact your high school guidance counselor, or agricultural education/FFA Instructor for your scholarship application. The application is available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension office at 1055 South Washington St., Van Wert, or email FarmFocusScholarship@gmail.com. The scholarship application is in a PDF file and MS Word formats and can be emailed or put on a jump drive. Questions should be emailed.

All completed applications must be emailed, mailed and postmarked or delivered in person no later than March 27, to the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office. The preference is to email the application.

Fire may have began over cats dispute

Editor’s note: this story has been updated with information provided by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.

VW independent staff

DIXON — A few more details have been released about last week’s fatal fire on the Ohio side of Dixon.

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said shots were fired into a neighboring home in the 3500 block of Ohio Indiana State Line Road shortly before a 911 call that was placed at 10:27 a.m. last Tuesday, February 24. According to further information provided Thursday afternoon by Jarrod Clay, Public Information Officer for the State Marshal’s Office, the fire was discovered by the next door neighbor, an adult male, when several bullets were shot through his house. After hearing and seeing the gunfire, he looked out the window and saw his neighbor’s house on fire and called 911. The neighbor suffered minor injuries – it appeared he was injured from glass fragments from when bullets went through his window, Clay stated.

Riggenbach said a dispute over cats apparently led to the incident.

“We received information on scene there were issues between the residents over Mr. (Jeffrey) Gillespie’s cats,” Sheriff Riggenbach said. “We had not responded to a call for service between them since January, 2025.”

After firing the shots, Gillespie, 67, apparently set fire to his own home before taking his life.

Deputies and Convoy Fire & EMS were the first to arrive at the scene and Gillespie’s home was engulfed in flames, Payne Fire & EMS, the Monroeville, Indiana Fire Department and Van Wert Fire Department were summoned for tankers and manpower. Clay said when firefighters arrived at the scene, the fire was fully involved, extending from the doors, windows and roof. The fire department was unable to enter the house and the structure was a total loss.

A nearby vehicle also caught fire and was destroyed. Gillespie’s body was found in the remnants of the home. Riggenbach noted the Lucas County Coroner’s Office listed Gillespie’s manner of death as suicide, and Clay said the manner of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was found near the body during excavation of the home.

Clay said the fire was classified as incendiary (arson).

Van Wert jumps in micropolitan rankings

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert has been named a Top 25 Micropolitan Community in the United States by Site Selection magazine, marking a dramatic rise from last year, when the city was tied for 70th in the rankings.  

The annual rankings, released in the magazine’s March, 2026 issue, track new and expanded corporate facility projects across the country using the Conway Projects Database. To qualify, projects must meet at least one of three criteria: a minimum $1 million capital investment, the creation of at least 20 new jobs, or the addition of 20,000 square feet of new space.

Van Wert recorded four qualifying corporate facility projects in 2025, earning a tie for 25th place nationally among 543 micropolitan areas — defined as cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 that cover at least one county. Being recognized as a Top 25 Micropolitan community places Van Wert on a national radar used by corporate decision-makers evaluating expansion and relocation opportunities.

“This Top 25 ranking is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line,” said Brent Stevens, Executive Director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation. “We are seeing increased momentum across multiple sectors. The recent data center announcement has generated significant investor interest in Van Wert County — from housing developers and retailers to service providers and suppliers looking to support future growth. That level of attention reinforces what we already know: Van Wert is positioned for sustained, strategic expansion.

“There is more growth to come,” he added.

Van Wert’s ranking places it among strong company statewide. Ohio communities dominated the micropolitan rankings, with Findlay (No. 2), Wooster (No. 3), Fremont (No. 4), and Tiffin (No. 5) all finishing in the top five. In total, 20 Ohio micropolitan communities placed in the Top 100, collectively attracting 114 projects.

The state of Ohio also ranked third nationally for total corporate facility projects, with 467 qualifying projects in 2025.

Ohio banning SNAP sugary soda purchases

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Starting this fall, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Ohio won’t be able to use the food assistance benefits on sugary sodas.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Ohio’s request to prohibit the purchase of sugary carbonated drinks through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The request was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to push Ohioans to make healthier choices and to prioritize good nutrition. The change will become effective on October 1.

“This waiver that we requested and received through the USDA is a meaningful step toward better health outcomes for Ohioans on food assistance,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “Today’s news is a result of Governor DeWine asking us to work with experts in nutrition, public health, and food access to find practical solutions that help Ohioans make healthier choices.”

Specifically, the waiver restricts the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing beverages that list sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient—or as the second ingredient if the first is carbonated water.

The proposal was based on recommendations from a working group convened by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in June 2025.

Over three months, the group evaluated a wide range of data and expert input, including the impact of nutrition on children’s health, the history and purpose of SNAP, retail logistics, and implementation feasibility.

The working group noted that many health experts agree that many sugary drinks are widely recognized as having little to no nutritional value and are linked to chronic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

The group recommended a clear and simple definition of restricted beverages to support ease of implementation for retailers and to ensure that SNAP recipients can easily understand what is and is not eligible for purchase.

With the waiver now approved, ODJFS has begun the early stages of the work necessary to prohibit the sale of sugary carbonated drinks through SNAP. In the coming weeks and months, the agency will communicate changes related to the waiver—with both retailers and SNAP recipients.

Defendants appear for court hearings

VW independent staff

Eight criminal defendants appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Friday, February 27 and Wednesday, March 4. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Arraignments

Anthony Bandolini, 36, of Ohio City, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of failure to provide notice of change of address, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 18.

Terrance Landwehr, 27, of Cecil, entered a not guilty plea to domestic violence, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. April 15.

Probation/bond violations

Kaden Ballard, 24, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by failing to report to probation. He was released on electronic house arrest with a curfew and sentencing was set for 9 a.m. April 22.

Jeremy Cole, 35, of Celina, admitted to violating his probation by failing to report to probation and follow through with treatment. Sentencing was scheduled ofr 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 18.

Daniel Green, 50, of Van Wert, denied violating his bond by having police contact. A further hearing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10.