SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONVOY — Crestview’s massive athletic facilities upgrades project continues, but inside work is running behind schedule.
Superintendent Matt Dube informed the school board Monday night that work in the high school gymnasium was originally scheduled to be complete by September 1, but the new target date is now September 28, thanks to some unexpected issues involving the old gym floor.
“When they took that floor up, what you saw was basically the gym floor from the ‘50s and then the ’80s construction – they just didn’t match up well and the new floor system wouldn’t go on there,” Dube explained. “They also had some issues with their willingness to extend a warranty if they did put the floor on that so with that kind of investment, it made sense to make sure the floor was perfect.
“It was actually interesting to see when we were in there, the time capsule that was in there,” he continued. “We pulled a ton of old things out of that floor. We found an old 1967 student pass in there and things like that but it did hurt the schedule.”
Curt South, an architect at Garmann Miller was at the meeting and said three-fourths of the new floor has been installed and the majority of painting is complete. He also said new bleachers are scheduled to arrive in early September.
School will begin on Wednesday and Dube said there is a plan in place for gym classes and for students at lunchtime while the gym is unavailable.
(more…)POSTED: 08/17/26 at 8:56 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
The projection was indeed accurate.
Last week, GasBuddy predicted a sizable jump in gas prices and it occurred later in the week, as average gasoline prices in Ohio rose by an average of 32.8 cents per gallon to an average of $4.22 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 31.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.17 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 14.3 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.418 per gallon.
Locally pump prices seemed to peak at $4.29 per gallon on Thursday before steadily declining throughout the weekend.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.41 per gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was $5.29 per gallon, a difference of $1.88 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 7.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.02 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 3.6 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 93.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“Average gasoline prices climbed back above $4 per gallon over the last week, with prices rising in slightly more states than they fell, as rebounding oil prices driven by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries kept upward pressure on the market,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Diesel felt the pressure even more acutely, rising in all but a few states, as Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refining infrastructure continue to impact refined product prices more than crude oil itself. While the seasonal transition to cheaper winter-blend gasoline in the coming month could bring some relief, the two dominant challenges facing motorists – the closed Strait and the ongoing refinery strikes – show no signs of resolving anytime soon. Until they do, the path for gas and diesel prices remains tilted to the upside.”
(more…)POSTED: 08/17/26 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
United for Sobriety, a partnership between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and Trinity Global Methodist Church thanked Huggy Bear Campground for their community focused generosity Over 100 moms, dads and kids had fun together at a family picnic and Huggy Bear Campground helped make it for free – swimming, fishing, mini-golfing, splashing and eating. Shown above are Betsy Niese from Huggy Bear Campground and Jane Schmid with United for Sobriety. Photo submitted
POSTED: 08/17/26 at 8:54 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The November 3 ballot is mostly set in Van Wert County.
Information provided by Pam Henderson, Director of the Van Wert County Board of Elections shows there will be six local issues on the ballot and possibly three others. The deadline to file paperwork for the fall ballot was August 5.
These are the confirmed local issues, none countywide:
- A pair of 2-mill renewal levies in the village of Convoy, both for operating expenses.
- A 1.4 mill levy in Liberty Township (excluding the village of Ohio City) for fire protection.
- A 1-mill levy for current expenses in Union Township.
- A 1-mill levy for current operating expenses and future improvements.
- A 2-mill renewal levy for permanent improvements in the Crestview Local Schools district.
Henderson said the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office is waiting on the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office to approve ballot language for three other issues:
- A 1.2 mill levy for fire protection in the village of Venedocia.
- A 1.8 mill levy for fire and EMS services in Jackson Township.
- A 1-mill levy for fire and EMS services in Washington Township.
A statewide constitutional amendment dealing with voting and photo identification is expected to be on the ballot as well, pending state approval of the ballot language, which is expected by Tuesday, August 25.
Two issues that won’t appear on the ballot – a local data center initiative and a statewide constituational amendment concerning data centers.
(more…)POSTED: 08/16/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A busy week is in story for road crews around the area, with several projects underway and others slated to start. Here is an updated list from the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 Office. All work is weather permitting.
U.S. 127 from U.S. 224 north of the city of Van Wert to just north of the village of Paulding will be restricted to one lane through the work zone for resurfacing beginning today (Monday, August 17 and continuing through early October. Work will occur during daytime hours throughout the week, including Saturdays.
The following locations will be restricted to one lane through the work zone for pavement repair:
Ohio 116:
- Monday, August 17 – near Converse Roselm Road
- Tuesday, August 18 – at Ohio 117
- Friday, August 21 – just east of U.S. 127
Ohio 49
- Wednesday, August 19 – just south of the village of Willshire
U.S. 224
- Thursday, August 20 – at Ohio 49 and just south of U.S. 30
In addition, Ohio 116 from Ohio 117 to just north of the overlap with Ohio 117, and Ohio 117 between Venedocia St. Marys Road and Becker Road (between the Allen County line and the Mercer County line) will close on Saturday, August 22, for approximately six days for full-width paving. Access to all properties will be maintained with flaggers. The official 116 detour is Ohio 81, Ohio 66 back to Ohio 116. The official Ohio 117 detour is Ohio 66, Ohio 81, U.S. 127 back to Ohio 117.
Along with those projects, crews are continuing to build the U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway roundabout. Work began in late July and will likely take about two months. A bridge rehab project over the railroad tracks on U.S. 224, between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway, continues as well, Work began in late July and will take approximately six months.
POSTED: 08/16/26 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal
Two years after Ohio recreational marijuana sales began, Ohio’s adult-use marijuana continues to be significantly more expensive than Michigan, according to pricing data. Meanwhile, Ohio Republican lawmakers have outlawed buying from other states.
The cheapest ounce of marijuana in Ohio is $112 while the cheapest ounce in Michigan is $6.99, according to the WeedBuddy Cannabis Price Index.
In Arizona, it’s $49.99, and in Colorado, it’s $16.73.
The median cost of an ounce shows far closer prices though Ohio still sits as most expensive among the four states at $147.35, compared to $99 in Michigan, $120 in Arizona, and $110 in Colorado.
Ohio’s median price for an eighth of cannabis flower is $35, compared to Michigan’s $20 for the same amount as of July 31, the index shows.
“Price is going to be one of the most important aspects in terms of determining where they purchase cannabis,” said Morgan Fox, political director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
“People were already used to driving to Michigan to purchase cannabis, so as long as there’s still a massive price differential, they’re probably going to continue doing so at least for the foreseeable future.”
Marijuana is illegal for recreational use in Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Ohio recreational sales started in August 2024, about nine months after Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana.
A new law passed by Republican state lawmakers took effect earlier this year that made a wide variety of changes to the voter-passed law. Ohio Senate Bill 56 criminalized bringing legal marijuana from another state back to Ohio.
“If you’re caught with cannabis that cannot be verified purchased in Ohio or verified grown in Ohio, then it’s the same penalties as it was under prohibition of pre-legalization,” Fox said.
However, he was doubtful Ohio customers knew about the changes to Ohio’s law.
(more…)POSTED: 08/16/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging all commercial drivers, construction haulers and companies transporting materials to make sure their load is properly secured before traveling on the road.
As traffic continues throughout the summer construction season and into the back-to-school season, troopers are seeing a rise in incidents involving debris falling from trucks and trailers – putting motorists at significant risk.
Unsecured or unchecked loads can lead to dangerous roadway conditions, including flying debris, sudden obstacles and unexpected hazards that leave drivers with little time to react. Even a small object, such as a rock or piece of loose material, can cause serious vehicle damage, impair visibility or trigger chain‑reaction crashes.
“Making sure a load is properly secured isn’t just a regulatory requirement, it’s a responsibility that directly impacts every driver who shares the road,” said Lieutenant Jacob D. Landis, OSHP Licensing and Commercial Standards. “When debris enters the roadway, the consequences can be devastating.”
The Patrol encourages companies and operators to conduct routine inspections of trucks, trailers and equipment before every trip. This includes verifying that load covers are in place, tie‑downs are secure and material is properly contained. Troopers will continue monitoring commercial traffic statewide and enforcing violations involving unsecured loads, debris‑related hazards and equipment safety.
POSTED: 08/16/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — Here is a list of Crestview Local Schools K-12 bus routes to start the 2026-2027 school year. Keep in mind that bus routes may be subject to change at any time during the school year with the approval of Superintendent Matt Dube.
Route No. 1 (Driver: Shane Leeth A.M. and P.M., Bus No. 8)
AM route
Leave Crestview. North on Elm. St. to Tully St. East on Tully St. to Lincoln Hwy. North on Lincoln Hwy. to Convoy Heller Rd. North on Convoy Heller Rd. to Feasby Wisener Rd. East on Feasby Wisener Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Elm Sugar Rd. East on Elm Sugar Rd. to Liberty Union Rd. North on Liberty Union Rd., turnaround past 1446 Liberty Union Rd. on the East side of the driveway to the windmill, Continue South on Liberty Union Rd to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Dixon Cavett Rd. West on Dixon Cavett Rd to Colwell Rd. South on Colwell Rd. Colwell Rd. to Bowers Rd. East on Bowers Rd. Turnaround at 8493 Bowers Rd. Continue West on Bowers Rd. to Dull Robinson Rd. South on Dull Robinson Rd. to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to US 30. West on US 30 to Colwell Rd. North on Colwell Rd. to Pollock Rd. West on Pollock Rd. to Ward Rd. North on Ward Rd. turnaround at 4369 Ward Rd. Continue South on Ward Rd. to Pollock Rd. West on Pollock Rd. to Lincoln Hwy. West on Lincoln Hwy. Turnaround at 5561 Lincoln Hwy. East on Lincoln Hwy. to Franklin St. extended. West on Franklin St. extended to Mentzer St. South on Mentzer St. to the ECC. Transfer bus to main building. Leave ECC. North on Mentzer St. to Franklin St. extended. Northeast on Franklin St. extended to Lincoln Hwy. East on Lincoln Hwy to Tully St. West on Tully St. to Elm St. South on Elm St. to Crestview.
PM route
Leave Crestview. North on Elm. St. to Tully St. East on Tully St. to Lincoln Hwy. North on Lincoln Hwy. Turnaround at 5561 Lincoln Hwy. East on Lincoln Hwy. North on Convoy Heller Rd. to Van Wert-Paulding County Line Rd. East on Van Wert-Paulding County Line Rd. to Dull Robinson Rd. South on Dull Robinson Rd. to Elm Sugar Rd. West on Elm Sugar Rd. to Colwell Rd. South on Colwell Rd. to Feasby Wisener Rd. East on Feasby Wisener Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Elm Sugar Rd. East on Elm Sugar Rd to Liberty Union Rd. North on Liberty Union Rd. turnaround past 1446 Liberty Union Rd. on the East side of the driveway to the windmill, Continue South on Liberty Union Rd to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd, turnaround at 8628 Convoy Rd. continue East on Convoy Rd. to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Dixon Cavett Rd. West on Dixon Cavett Rd to Colwell Rd. South on Colwell Rd. Colwell Rd. to Bowers Rd. East on Bowers Rd. Turnaround at 8493 Bowers Rd. Continue West on Bowers Rd. to Dull Robinson Rd. South on Dull Robinson Rd. to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to US 30. West on US 30 to Colwell Rd. North on Colwell Rd. to Pollock Rd. West on Pollock Rd. to Lincoln Hwy. south on Lincoln Hwy. to Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. (which becomes Tully St.) to Elm St. South on Elm St. to Crestview.
Route No. 2 (Driver: Doug Etzler, Bus No. 7)
AM route
Leave Crestview. North on Elm St. to Tully St. East on Tully St. (becomes Convoy Rd.). Northeast on Convoy Rd. to US 30. East on US 30 to Richey Rd. North on Richey Rd. to Convoy Rd. East on Convoy Rd. to John Brown Rd. North on John Brown Rd. to Fife Rd. East on Fife Rd. to US 127. North on US 127 to Dixon Cavett Rd. West on Dixon Cavett Rd. to Dutch John Rd. North on Dutch John Rd. to VW-Paulding County-Line Rd. West on VW- Paulding County Line Rd. to John Brown Rd. South on John Brown Rd. to Feasby Wisener Rd. West on Feasby Wisener Rd. to Liberty Union Rd. South on Liberty Union Rd. to Dixon Cavett Rd. East on Dixon Cavett Rd. to Dutch John Rd. South on Dutch John Rd. to Convoy Rd. East on Convoy Rd. Turn around at 12983 Convoy Rd. West on Convoy Rd. to Dutch John Rd. South on Dutch John Rd. to US 30. West on US 30 to Convoy Rd. South on Convoy Rd. (turns into Tully St.) to Elm St. South on Elm St. to Crestview.
(more…)VW independent staff
CONVOY — A Convoy man suffered serious injuries Saturday night after jumping from a golf cart in the village.
Michael Dirr, 45, was taken from the scene by ambulance then was taken by medical helicopter to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne hospital.
According to a report from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Convoy EMS were dispatched to the area N. Main St./Sesame St. at appoximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday, after receiving a call about a man unconscious and breathing.
Witnesses told a deputy that Dirr was a passenger on a moving golf cart and had jumped from the front seat and apparently struck his head on the pavement. According to the accident report, three women who were on the golf cart with Dirr said he was heavily intoxicated. They also indicated he had already jumped off the golf cart once.
The incident remains under investigation.
POSTED: 08/16/26 at 2:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It’s been a long time coming and it became official with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration on Friday.
The Marsh Foundation debuted its new state-of-the-art equine center, which includes the OhioHealth indoor arena. Approximately 200 people were on hand and were able to tour the facility, meet the horses, including Rio, Rocket and Nellie, and they were treated to a horse demonstration in the arena area. Those in attendance also heard brief remarks from COO Jeff Grothouse.
“The trustees and the executive team are working to expand our programs and services to our communities, along with strengthing our partnerships,” Grothouse said. “This growth will create more opportunities to serve more children, strengthen more families and meet the changing needs of our communities.”
Grothouse also gave special thanks to the Marsh’s maintence staff, interim Equine Director Robbie Breese and many other employees and outside agencies and organizations for their efforts that helped make the new facility a reality. A number of Marsh Foundation employees and equine program staff, along with Marsh Trustees Gary Clay, Bob Gamble and Shad Foster were in attendance at the ceremony.
“For years we watched the incredible impact that horses have on emotional wellness, confidence, communication and healing,” Grothouse said. “We knew there would be opportunities to expand those services not only for the youth in our care but the children and families throughout northwest Ohio. Today, this facility allows us to do exactly that.”
“This new center allows us to serve more youth year-round, expand equine assisted learning and equine assisted pyschotherapy, partner with schools, juvenile courts, foster care and community organizations while continuing to create meaningful opportunities for healing, growth and success,” he added.
(more…)POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is reminding everyone that the 170th Annual Van Wert County Fair is just over two weeks away. The fair will take place Tuesday through Monday, September 1–7, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, bringing a full week of entertainment, competition, family fun, and celebration to Van Wert County.
This year’s grandstand lineup offers something for everyone. The week kicks off with harness racing on Tuesday, followed by a cheerleading competition on Wednesday, and the popular high school band show on Thursday. Friday night will feature the action-packed truck and tractor pull, followed by the demolition derby on Saturday. New this year, fairgoers can experience the excitement of the ATV Big Air Show on Sunday. The week will wrap up on Labor Day with harness racing and the Rough E Rodeo in the evening.
Beyond the grandstand, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the fairgrounds. Fairgoers can enjoy livestock shows, free entertainment, Christian concerts, Southern Gospel music, carnival rides, delicious fair food, vendors, exhibits, and much more throughout the week.
The fair will also feature several special admission days:
- Tuesday, September 1 – half-price admission, with gate admission just $5 all day.
- Wednesday, September 2 – senior citizens day, featuring free admission for seniors until 4 p.m.
- Thursday, September 3 – Veterans Day, with free admission for veterans throughout the day.
- Saturday, September 5 – first responders day: First responders will get in free. As a reminder, children ages 12 and under will get in free to the fair.
The fair’s popular lunch program will return Tuesday through Friday. Fairgoers can pay $10 at the gate between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enter the fair. Leave the fairgrounds by 2 p.m., turn in your lunch ticket, and receive your admission cost back.
Fair programs and premium books are currently available at the Fair Office, along with tickets available for purchase. Tickets are also available to be purchased online. Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance and start planning their week at the fair.
The deadline for Senior Fair entries is Saturday, August 22, Exhibitors should make sure their entries are submitted before the deadline.
The Fair Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
