SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONTINENTAL — Some called it a once in a lifetime experience and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong.
Union Pacific’s locomotive No. 4014, known as “Big Boy” sounded its distinct Hancock Long Bell three-chime whistle as it rolled into the Putnam County village of Continental at 11 a.m. Wednesday, much to the delight of several thousand people who gathered near the main drag to see it. Train enthusiasts, spectators and anyone who wanted to see the giant engine came from different parts of Ohio and out of state and they cheered as it came to a stop downtown.
Continental’s population is roughly 1,100 and the village just minutes from the Paulding County line was well prepared for the large crowd of visitors. Some of them tried to see Big Boy the previous day in Fostoria, but were unsuccessful due to long lines and traffic tie-ups.
It was the second time in about six weeks that the world’s largest operating steam locomotive made a 30-minute “whistle-stop” in Continental. The first time was June 6, early on in the train’s historic journey across the country. When Big Boy stopped then, it was a rainy day. Wednesday was sunny and warm to start, then downright hot when the train pulled away just after 11:30 a.m. on its way to and through Paulding County and into Allen County, Indiana. Those who gathered near the tracks cheered and waved as the giant locomotive left the village.
(more…)POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:22 pm
Union Pacific’s giant steam locomotive, Boy Boy 4014, delighted thousands of people during a “whistle” stop in Continental on Thursday. After a 30-minute stop in the village, the train headed west through Paulding County into Allen County, Indiana. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Union Pacific’s locomotive No. 4014, known as “Big Boy” sounded its distinct Hancock Long Bell three-chime whistle as it rolled into the village of Continental on Wednesday. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Big Boy No. 4014 says goodbye to Continental on Wednesday. The final car is a restored Pullman car once used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Ag banquet has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, at Life House Church in Van Wert. The Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District and Farm Bureau are co-hosting this event which replaces the separate annual meetings.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with registration and election for one SWCD supervisor to the five-member Board of Supervisors. Dinner will be catered by Lock 16 and will begin at 6 p.m.
Both offices will present awards followed by the “Van Wert Ag Hall of Fame” award. This year’s award is being awarded to Dale Profit.
This year’s speaker is Ty Higgins. Ty is a farm enthusiast who brings a wealth of knowledge.
There will be no charge for the banquet this year, however anyone planning on attending will need to RSVP to the SWCD office by Thursday, July 23. Call 419.238.9591 or email becky at: becky@vanwertswcd.com.
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Mark Hiner (R-Howard) recently introduced House Bill 969 – legislation to revise the composition of some local boards of health, specifically in rural areas of Ohio.
“Ohioans largely depend on their local Boards of Health to protect the public’s safety and respond to emerging health challenges,” said Klopfenstein. “This legislation helps address the changing landscape of medicine by allowing highly qualified nurse practitioners to take on the critical responsibilities of board members.”
“When qualified people are willing to serve, government shouldn’t stand in the way,” said Hiner. “Physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners have the medical expertise local boards of health need, and this bill removes an outdated barrier that has made those positions harder to fill.”
House Bill 969 works to address the ongoing challenges that rural health care facilities face with having a physician present. This legislation would require that at least one board member be a physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner.
This bill awaits a committee assignment.
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:19 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
MIDDLE POINT — The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen will be hosting a ladies trap shooting program at the club at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 25.
Trap shooting is using a shotgun to shoot clay pigeons as they fly. This program is free for ladies aged 14 and up. Participants do not need to bring any equipment; however, they may bring shotguns and safety equipment if they wish. The club will have the equipment needed by the ladies as well.
This program is funded by The Friends of the NRA and the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen. Preregistration is recommended, so call either Tyler Watson at 660.234.1274 or Steve Lichtensteiger at 419.306.9401.
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:19 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The film rights to “The Sheriff’s Son” – the newly published memoir by Van Wert native Jim Clay, have been optioned by 2 East 8th Productions,
the independent film company co-founded by writer-producer-director Drew Dull.
The book, which reached Amazon’s Top 15 New Releases and remains among the top 150 U.S. Biography bestsellers, tells the true story of Clay’s childhood growing up inside the Van Wert County Jail in the 1960s, where his father, Wilmer Clay, served as county sheriff.
The memoir offers a rare glimpse into a small-town America that has largely disappeared, told through the eyes of a young boy whose home was unlike any other.
The connection is personal.
Jim Clay coached Drew Dull in basketball more than 20 years ago in Van Wert County. The two reconnected earlier this year when Clay, now 70, reached out to Dull about the memoir he had spent nine months writing.
“These are the stories that don’t get told much anymore – the quiet stories about small-town America,” Dull said. “It’s not about special effects, it’s about grounded realism, character, and story. These are the narratives I’m naturally drawn to: exploring how people become the people they become.
The fact that this is a true coming of age story based on the life of one of my childhood mentors was just icing on the cake.”
Clay published the memoir independently and has watched it climb the Amazon rankings in its first weeks of release.
“I never set out to write a movie,” said Clay. “I simply wanted to preserve the story of my childhood before it was lost forever and after my brother passed away, I realized I was the last person alive who could tell our family’s story. The fact that Drew wants to bring it to life on screen is more than I ever expected.”
The Sheriff’s Son is now in development at 2 East 8th Productions as a feature film. The production will be based in Ohio and structured around the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, the state’s 30 percent refundable production incentive. Development plans include exploring preserved
19th-century sheriff’s residences in northwest Ohio as potential filming locations, and a possible red carpet community premiere at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center once the film is complete.
POSTED: 07/14/26 at 8:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
OHIO CITY — The Lambert Days Committee invites everyone to celebrate Lambert Days 2026, taking place this Thursday through Sunday, July 16–19 in Ohio City. Named in honor of John W. Lambert, one of Ohio City’s most notable residents, the festival celebrates the community’s rich history while bringing together residents and visitors for four days of family fun, live entertainment, hometown traditions, and great food.
John W. Lambert was an inventor, entrepreneur, and automotive pioneer who built what is recognized as America’s first successful gasoline-powered automobile in 1891. His innovative work helped lay the foundation for the American automotive industry, and his legacy continues to be a source of pride for Ohio City. Lambert Days honors both his achievements and the community that he called home.
The festival’s main events will be held at Fireman’s Park on Ohio 118, while the Ohio City Community Building, adjacent to the park, will host the popular steak, hog roast and chicken dinners, along with live entertainment, 50/50 drawings, gift basket raffles, and additional food vendors throughout the weekend.
Visitors can also enjoy community-wide garage sales throughout Ohio City and the flea Mmarket and tractor show along E. Carmean St. featuring vendors, exhibitors, antique tractors, and live entertainment.
The weekend begins Thursday with the opening of the flea market and tractor show. On Friday, Ohio Has Talent winner Hayden Castleman will perform at 1 p.m. on E. Carmean St., while Fireman’s Park will feature the flag raising ceremony, children’s activities, a Texas Hold’em tournament, and Ryklee & The Most Likely at 8 p.m., followed by the annual fireworks display at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Saturday offerings will include co-ed softball and volleyball tournaments, the BMM Car Show, children’s activities, and Jeff Unterbrink at Fireman’s Park. Jerry & The Originals will perform at 2 p.m. on E. Carmean St., while Black Smoke Revival headlines Saturday evening at 8 p.m. at Fireman’s Park.
(more…)POSTED: 07/14/26 at 8:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell by nearly 25 percent in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay.
The shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood.
A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. On top of that, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives are driving the decline which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.
The most important way to help end the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give through the end of July will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to
$15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Blood supply misconception
Every donation is critical to rebuilding the nation’s blood supply, yet many people may not realize the significant impact a single donation can have on patients in need. A recent Red Cross survey revealed a significant gap between public perception and the reality of the nation’s blood supply:
- Less than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors.
- Only about half believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need blood one day, even though someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.
“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to givenow before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”
(more…)POSTED: 07/14/26 at 8:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Hoaglin Township Trustees meeting scheduled for Monday, July 27, has been changed to 8 p.m. Monday, July 20, at 3975 Hoaglin Center Rd., Van Wert.
POSTED: 07/14/26 at 8:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
