Leadership in Action Class makes sizable donation

VWCF announces 2026 ELEVATE program

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert County Foundation is launching another year of ELEVATE, a dynamic program designed to strengthen and support local nonprofit organizations.

ELEVATE is designed to help nonprofits grow stronger and more confident in their work. Through expert-led sessions, participants gain practical tools they can put into action right away, while also connecting with other organizations to share ideas and build relationships across the community.

In partnership with the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO), the program includes four in-person workshops held monthly from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from June through September at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. This year’s workshop dates are June 18, July 16, August 20, and September 17.

Workshop sessions will cover topics including responsible AI fundamentals, board leadership and engagement, grant writing, and non-profit governance essentials.

Participation in ELEVATE is free for eligible organizations, though registration is required. Eligible organizations must be a 501c3 nonprofit or Giving Tuesday fund serving Van Wert County. Organizations may send up to two representatives per session and are welcome to rotate attendees throughout the series based on who would benefit most from each topic.

Participating Giving Tuesday organizations are encouraged to take part in ELEVATE. Organizations with representatives who attend all four sessions will qualify for an additional five percent match on Giving Tuesday donations, up to $500.

To register, contact VWCF Director of Philanthropy, Laney Nofer, at laney@vanwertcountyfoundation.org or call 419.238.1743.

Data center ballot issue falling short

VW independent staff

It seems highly unlikely that a proposed constitutional amendment to ban data centers over 25 megawatts will be on the statewide ballot this November.

According to a report published by cleveland.com, after six weeks of collecting signatures and with a July 1 deadline looming, Conserve Ohio says it has gathered about 27,000 signatures. That’s about about six percent of what’s needed to place the issue before voters in the fall.  

To get an issue such as this one on the ballot, signatures are required from 10 percent of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election, in this case, approximately 413,000 by the July 1 deadline. Those signatures must come from registered voters and must come from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Organizers with most big campaigns gather far more signatures as a cushion because often times, many are declared invalid for a variety of reasons.

The story said at the current pace of roughly 5,000 signatures per week, it would take Conserve Ohio well over a year to reach the minimum threshold and even longer to build the cushion campaigns typically need to survive Ohio’s signature verification process.

The story also notes it typically costs $2 million to $3 million to get something on the statewide ballot. The bulk of the money goes toward hiring professionals to gather signatures.

While the issue mostly likely won’t be on this November’s ballot, it doesn’t mean it’s over. Conserve Ohio could continue to gather signatures to place on a future ballot. However, those signatures would still be subject to Ohio’s rigid verification laws.

It’s believed that if the issue does make it to a future ballot and is approved, the ban wouldn’t apply to large data centers that are already operational or under construction.

Game Con returning to NSCC in July

VW independent staff/submitted information

ARCHBOLD — Northwest State Community College is bringing back Game Con, “the premier pop culture convention,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at NSCC’s Archbold campus. The convention is run by Northwest State and NSCC Thunder, the college’s official Esports team. The event is free to attend, and all ages are welcome.

Game Con will feature many events and competitions, some returning and some new. They include a 100-player Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament with a $600 prize pool, a Cosplay Contest with a $500 prize pool, a Pokémon Card Game Tournament Hosted by Checkmate Games with a Pokémon related prizes, and other open activities available to all attendees.

Some of the open activities scheduled for Game Con include:

• Artists, vendors, and authors
• Various panels
• Speedrun challenges every hour
• Open console play with Nintendo Switches, PlayStations, and many more consoles
• Virtual reality (VR) experiences
• Food trucks, Open Lego build stations, and more

Some of the panels scheduled for Game Con include:

• Creating a video game in one hour
• Dungeons & Dragons character workshop
• Comic vs. novel writing
• Much more

Additional information, including pre-registration links, photos, etc., is available at GameCon.NorthwestState.edu. Follow NSCC Thunder on social media at Instagram and Facebook for more information about vendors, events, and other Game Con news.

Tuesday afternoon accident…

Two pickup trucks collided at the intersection of N. Washington St. and Sycamore St. It occurred shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday and it was determined that the green Ford Ranger was eastbound on Sycamore St. and was struck by a westbound green Dodge pickup that made a left hand turn in front of the Ranger. Both trucks sustained heavy damage and were towed by Hogue Towing. Traffic on N.Washington Street was maintained by the city police at a slow pace during the investigation. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Chamber to host Neon 90’s concert

Submitted information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is turning up the volume on summer fun with an exclusive VIP experience at this year’s *Boots & Brews: Neon 90’s concert, part of the Van Wert Live Feel Good Friday concert series at Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert on Friday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Chamber will offer concessions and a variety of drinks for sale including beer and seltzers.

Guests 21 and older are invited to elevate their night out with a $20 VIP ticket for those who want more comfort, more convenience, and more good vibes. Your VIP ticket includes an exclusive and dedicated VIP section located right next to the stage, putting you in the heart of the action. Relax with reserved seating at one of the VIP tables, eliminating the hassle of bringing your own chair. Each VIP ticket includes two beverages so you can sip and savor the evening in style. Skip the lines as VIP guests receive table service, with drinks and concessions brought directly to you.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Fountain Park, Boots & Brews: Neon 90’s will feature high-energy live music, a colorful atmosphere, and all the nostalgic hits you love from the 90s. The VIP experience adds an extra layer of comfort and exclusivity, making this one summer event you won’t want to miss.

The Chamber thanked event sponsors Tekniplex, Superior Credit Union, Paulding Putnam Electric and Internet, Bridgemill Private Wealth, and Danfoss.

To purchase a VIP ticket click here or use the QR code.

For more information about the event or to learn more about the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce and its community partners, connect with them at 419.238.4390.

Retirees honored by Crestview school board

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

CONVOY — Three longtime Crestview Local Schools employees who are retiring at the end of the school year were honored by the school board Monday night.

Elementary intervention specialist Jennifer Bowen (18 years), administrative assistant Lori Orsbon (28 years) and high school social studies teacher Mike Bowen were lauded by the board and Superintendent Matt Dube. Each one was presented with a plaque and gifts and a brief retirement reception was held prior to the meeting.

Dube provided an update on plans to upgrade the district’s athletic facilities, both indoors and outdoors. He explained that the stage has already been removed from the high school gym and added that demolition work is slated to officially begin June 1, a process that will likely last two to three weeks. Gym and concession stand renovations are expected to be complete by September 1, which will overlap slightly with the new school year but won’t affect classes.

As far as outdoor work, Dube said, work is expected to begin immediately, including construction of an access road, demolition and construction. While the plan is to play home football games at the current stadium this fall, he did say if work progresses quickly enough, it’s possible a couple of games could be played on the new field. Dube added decisions have to be made about artificial turf, including colors and possible logos. Outdoor work is expected to be complete by next May.

Dube said while the $13.5 million project is slightly over budget, officials are doing what they can to keep costs in line.

“We tried to take out things that were not directly affecting the kids,” Dube said. “I’m very proud of the work that everyone has done and we’re about to see it all come to fruition and I think people are going to love it.”

He also explained that the district has worked with coaches during the planning process to ensure the finished product will meet various expectations.

With construction about to begin, Dube stated the district is shifting its focus toward fundraising as to help cover costs.

“We’re looking at getting some external help to help us market this, to get the word out about what our project looks like, what we’re doing, what kind of progress we’re making and some areas where people can help out to potentially help offset some of the costs,” he told the board.

Kimmet wins Paul W. Zurcher Scholarship

VW independent staff/submitted information

In 2014, Best-One Tire & Service established a scholarship fund in memory of Paul Zurcher, founder of the Best-One Tire & Service group. Paul encouraged and inspired others to reach for their dreams.

At 21 years old, Paul opened a one-bay service station in Monroe, Indiana, that has now grown to over 100 employees. Today, there are more than 320 independently owned and operated Best-One locations across 29 states.

Paul, who was a lifelong learner, often said “You are the same today as you’ll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.” (Quoted from Charlie “Tremendous” Jones.) 

Students applying for the Paul W. Zurcher Memorial Scholarship were required to compose an essay on how Paul’s nine commitments relate to them and provide examples of how they practice one or more of these commitments.

Van Wert High School senior Brenna Kimmet, who will graduate from Van Wert High School this Sunday, plans to pursue a degree from Miami University to become an optometrist.  

“By seeking God’s friendship, fellowship, and guidance, I hope to align my life with His purpose and to make a positive impact on the world around me,” she said.

Kimmet plans to pursue a degree from Miami University to become an optometrist.

U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway crash…

One person was transported by ambulance to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after a two-vehicle accident at U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway Monday afternoon. The accident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. when a pickup truck apparently ran a stop sign and struck a car that was traveling along U.S. 224. The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the accident and the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control at the scene. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Car vs. pole…

This single vehicle accident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Crawford and Harrison streets, when a car collided with a utility pole at the intersection. The Van Wert Fire Department’s EMS unit responded to the scene but no assistance was required. City police investigated the accident. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Prices at the pump drop, for now

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 16.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.53 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio, but it’s a trend that’s not expected to continue.

Prices in Ohio are 84.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.50 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 0.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.618 per gallon.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.59 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.89 per gallon, a difference of $2.30 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen one cent per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.47 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 45.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.33 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.

“The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week drifting lower after jumping early in the week as oil prices softened on hopes that diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran could help ease supply concerns,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, that optimism faded after President Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping failed to produce a breakthrough on Iran, while renewed warnings toward Tehran have helped push oil prices higher again. With global oil inventories continuing to trend toward historically tight levels, markets remain extremely sensitive to geopolitical developments and potential supply disruptions.”

“As a result, gasoline and diesel prices are likely to remain volatile, and with Memorial Day approaching, any sustained increase in oil prices could begin pushing retail fuel prices higher again in the weeks ahead,” he continued.

Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back five years:

May 18, 2025: $3.03/g (U.S. Average: $3.14/g)
May 18, 2024: $3.59/g (U.S. Average: $3.58/g)
May 18, 2023: $3.52/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)
May 18, 2022: $4.47/g (U.S. Average: $4.58/g)
May 18, 2021: $2.88/g (U.S. Average: $3.04/g)