Gas prices rise again, another increase is expected

YWCA’s Purple Lights campaign returns

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County invites all Van Wert County residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in the Annual Purple Light Nights campaign this October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event aims to raise awareness of domestic violence, honor survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to abuse.

Purple is recognized internationally as the symbolic color for domestic violence awareness. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience some form of intimate partner violence—whether physical, emotional, financial, or psychological.

Throughout the month of October, the Van Wert County Courthouse, Municipal Court Building, and numerous local homes and businesses will be illuminated in purple as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to ending domestic violence. These lights serve as a tribute to victims and survivors and may be considered as a reminder to those currently in abusive situations that help is available through YWCA Survivor Services.

“From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Van Wert County suffered three fatalities associated with domestic violence,” said Julie Schaufelberger, YWCA Director of Outreach and Communication. “We hope Van Wert County residents and businesses will join us in this awareness initiative and help prevent more fatalities within our community.”

Strands of 70 purple lights shine brightly on porches, in windows and landscaping. Each order includes a Purple Light Nights reusable yard sign. Purple yard signs and lights can be purchased with a credit card at the Persimmon Collective store: https://ywcavanwert.org/van-wert-ywca-store

Those who prefer to purchase with cash or check should contact julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org. The final date to purchase is September 3.

The YWCA Survivor Services Program provides emergency and long-term housing and support services for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. All services are available to anyone in need—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. A 24/7 confidential hotline is available at 567.259.9501.

The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation.

Start dates for local and area schools

VW independent staff

It won’t long before local and area children head back to school. Here are the start dates for public schools around the area, plus Delphos St. John’s and Vantage Career Center.

• Crestview Local Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Delphos City Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Delphos St. John’s – Wednesday, August 19
• Lincolnview Local Schools– Wednesday, August 19
• Parkway Local Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Spencerville Local Schools – Wednesday, September 2 for grades 1-12; Thursday, September 3 for kindergarten girls only; Friday, September 4 for kindergarten boys only; Tuesday, September 8 for all kindergarten students.
• Van Wert City Schools – Wednesday August 19 for grades 1-12; Wednesday, August 26 for preschool and kindergarten;  Thursday, August 27 for pre-K.
• Vantage Career Center – Thursday, August 20
• Wayne Trace Local Schools – Tuesday, August 18

Motorcycle accident…

A motorcyclist was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after an accident on U.S. 30 near the Lincoln Highway exit in Van Wert. It occurred at approximately 3:50 Monday afternoon. It appeared the motorcycle veered off the road and ran into the median area. The operator told Van Wert County deputies that she had no recall of what happened. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Outdoorsmen hosting shooting match

Submitted information

MIDDLE POINT — The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association will be hosting an M-1 Garand match this Saturday, August 8, at the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Club at 9093 Ringwald Road, Middle Point. The safety briefing will be held at 9:30 a.m. and the match will start at 9:45 a.m.

Any modern military rifle may be used such as an M-1 Garand, AR 15, and other such rifles. You may use iron sights or scoped rifles. Once you shoot in the match, you will be eligible to purchase an M-1 Garand from the CMP. If you do not have a rifle, the club has M-1 rifles to loan out to the public to use in this match. The club also has a National Match AR 15 for participants that might wish to try it out. However, any military rifle may be used.

The cost to participate is $5, which is a target fee. If you need to purchase ammo, the club has 30.06 ammo at $30 for 35 rounds. The AR-15 ammo is $18 for 35 rounds which includes the target fee.

For more information, go to vwoutdoorsmen.com or call 419.203.8662.

Lincolnview hosting annual open house

Submitted information

Lincolnview Local Schools will be holding its annual open house from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, August 17. Parents and students in grades K-12 can visit their classrooms, meet their teachers and bring their supplies to the school.

The fall coaches parent/student-athlete meeting for all fall sports participants (7-12) will be held after the open house, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Student schedules for grades 7-12 will be available beginning Monday, August 10 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the high school office. Students may also pick up their schedules during open house.

The first day of school is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19. If you are new to the Lincolnview School District and have not scheduled classes for this school year, come to the district office at 15945 Middle Point Road, Van Wert, or call 419.968.2226 for more information and to register.

The Lincolnview K-6 elementary and junior high school supply lists are posted on the school’s website: www.lincolnview.k12.oh.us. (Click on Schools, then Lincolnview Elementary or Lincolnview Jr./Sr. HS, then Documents & Forms, and then Supply List.)

Some other information of note:

• School lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year are posted on the school’s website.
• Please have all completed vaccinations before the first day of school. If you have any questions, please call either the Lincolnview Elementary at 419.968.2351 or the Lincolnview Jr. High/High School office at 419.968.2214.
• 2026-27 kindergarten parents should visit Lincolnview’s website and click on the “Parents” tab at the top of the page. Click on “Elementary Parent Teacher Scheduler” to schedule your upcoming appointments with the kindergarten staff for your child’s testing.

Trustees holding second emergency meeting

Submitted information

MIDDLE POINT — The Jackson Township Trustees will hold another emergency meeting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, at the Township Hall, 19874 Wetzel Rd., Middle Point. Due to unforeseen circumstances, an emergency meeting is necessary regarding the fire and EMS levy.

Trustees holding emergency meeting

Submitted information

The Jackson Township Trustees will hold an emergency meeting at 6 p.m. tonight (Monday, August 3), at the Township Hall, 19874 Wetzel Rd., Middle Point. Due to unforeseen circumstances, an emergency meeting is necessary regarding the fire and EMS levy.

Bargains abound at library book sale

Submitted information

The Brumback Library Enrichment Foundation is helping ensure many used media items get new homes through their book sale, which will run from Tuesday, August 11, through Saturday, August 15.

Books, CD’s, DVD’s, magazines, and more will be available for purchase at the main library in Van Wert with the proceeds going to support The Brumback Library and its branch locations. Hardbacks are just $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents. Visit the sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Number of local parasite cases rises

VW independent staff

The number of lab confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis among Van Wert County residents has more than doubled since late July, going from three to seven as of Monday morning, according to Van Wert County General Health District Director of Environmental Health and Public Information Officer Britt Menchhofer.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclosporacayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. While fresh produce, including berries, leafy greens, cilantro, basil, and other herbs, has often been associated with Cyclospora infections, the source of the current infections being investigated have been connected to shredded iceberg lettuce across at least five states.

Symptoms typically begin 2-14 days after exposure and may include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever

Without treatment, symptoms can last for several days to weeks and may recur over time. Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis should contact their healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help shorten the duration of symptoms.

The Van Wert County General Health District encourages residents to practice these food safety habits:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
• When produce is intended to be cooked, cook it thoroughly. Heating foods to 160°F (71°C) is the only known method to reliably inactivate Cyclospora parasites.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
• Gently scrub firm produce, such as melons, cucumbers, potatoes, and apples, with clean hands or a clean produce brush.
• Clean cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces before and after use.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
• Avoid eating produce that appears spoiled or damaged.

Although washing produce may not eliminate every possible contaminant, it remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to reduce the risk of many foodborne illnesses.

For more information about cyclosporiasis and food safety, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html.

Crestview MS/HS shares start of year info

Submitted information

CONVOY — The Crestview Middle School and High School community is excited to begin the 2026-27 school year.  Students in grades 7-12 may pick up schedules and laptops from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 10-12, in the student services office. In addition, there will be an evening schedule and laptop pickup time for students in grades 7-12 from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 12.

During those times, middle school students may pay student fees and pick up their laptops ($25 insurance fee).

High school students may also pay and pick up their laptops ($25) during scheduled pick-up times.  Students enrolled in driver’s education must pay for the course by Monday, August 19.  All other high school student fees will be assessed after the last day for possible high school schedule changes, August 27.  

For fee payment, parents who utilize the PaySchools Central (formerly EZPay) credit card/online payment program will incur a convenience fee assessed by PaySchools Central.

Registration for students new to Crestview Middle School and/or Crestview High School will begin on August 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Contact the Student Services department to set up an appointment by calling 419.749.9100, ext. 6000.

The Final Forms platform is also open to complete beginning-of-the-year forms.  Access can be found at www.crestviewknights.com >Final Forms>Parent Login.

For incoming sixth grade middle school students, orientation will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 11. Sixth grade fees can be paid at this time and laptops can be paid for and picked up.  Parents will be mailed and emailed with further information this week.

The first day of school for MS/HS students will be Wednesday, August 19, starting at 8 a.m.