BOE has productive meeting, hears from young student

Math whizzes!

Talk about smart – these Lincolnview students earned perfect scores on math state assessment tests that were administered this past spring. Shown above (front row) are Raelynn Truman and Alexandria Roehm. Back row: Blake Morris, Hayden Garay and Reid Kill. Not pictured; Benjamin Muhlenkamp. They were honored during Wednesday’s Lincolnview school board meeting. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Van Wert Hospital chosen for ODH award

VW independent staff/submitted information

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is one of nearly two dozen Ohio hospitals chosen to receive Rural Health Transformation Program awards totaling $92 million to manage chronic illnesses and expand access to preventive, primary, maternal, and behavioral healthcare in rural areas. 

The awards, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, include:

• $31.4 million to establish or expand Clinically Integrated Networks (CIN) and Rural Health Innovation Hubs
• $30.3 million to improve maternal care
• $30.3 million in one-time investments to 22 rural hospitals

“Our goal is to provide the best and most timely patient care as close to home as possible, and to create networks that effectively coordinate quality preventive and follow-up care, all of which are essential for the best patient care,” said ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff.

Rural Hospital Investments

22 rural hospitals are receiving a one-time investment of $1,377,479 for specific quality-improvement projects. For example, some projects include opening behavioral health units to support access to substance use disorder treatment and mental health services, adding on-site MRI services, and/or adding or expanding diagnostic services in areas where current capacity is limited or patients are placed on waitlists. These investments allow rural hospitals to improve the quality of patient care and bring services to patients in their own communities. 

Elks donation…

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently donated $943 to Convoy Fire & EMS. The department used the money to purchase two sets of Milwaukee battery powered shears for cutting windshields at accident scenes and a Milwaukee battery powered fan for smoke removal and ventilation at structure fires. The money was distributed by the Ohio Elks Association in the form of a Community Service Grant. To date, thru the Community Service Grants, Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 has distributed $38,467.53 back into Van Wert County to assist the city, county and villages. Pictured above is Convoy Fire Chief Rob Miller and Lodge Community Service Grant Chairman Michael C. Stanley. Photo submitted

NSCC celebrating one year in Van Wert

VW independent staff/submitted information

Northwest State Community College is celebrating one year since the opening of the Van Wert Campus at 520 E. Sycamore St. Registration for the next semester is now open.

The Van Wert Campus offers programs for an array of student groups, including traditional learners, college credit plus students, learners on path to transfer credits, and workforce development. Programs include computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, industrial maintenance and the full suite of business-related programs. Students can also complete all their general education courses prior to transferring to a four-year university.

For those who haven’t had the opportunity to see the Van Wert Campus, the school is has planned several upcoming “Visit Days.” Visit Days are designed as a ‘one-stop’ shop, allowing potential students to apply for admission, discuss financial aid options, and register for classes all in a single visit. Tours of the facility will be available from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays, from 1-2 p.m. on Thursdays , or by appointment for groups.

NSCC officials said by choosing the Van Wert Campus, local students can access high-demand career pathways close to home, while taking advantage of Northwest State’s exceptional affordability. They also noted attending NSCC costs a fraction of the price of standard four-year universities. More than half of all NSCC graduates complete their degree with no student loan debt.

The Van Wert Campus services Van Wert and Paulding counties and all surrounding communities. More information can be found here.

Man gets long prison sentence in drug case

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A Van Wert man arrested in connection with a large-scale drug discovery in the city was in court for sentencing on Tuesday.

Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield sentenced Devon Couch to a total of 15 to 20 1/2 years in prison on four charges: possession of cocaine, a first degree felony; possession of drugs, a second degree felony; possession of hashish, a second degree felony, and possession of marijuana, a third degree felony.

Couch pleaded guilty to the charges, all of which carried firearm specifications, last month.

During Tuesday’s hearing, defense attorney Zachary Maisch requested the mininum sentence of 12 years.

“To put it boldly, we believe that the 12-years of mandatory prison is sufficient,” Maisch said. “His demeanor has changed immensely from the approximate 250 days he’s been sitting in jail. He has started programs while being incarcerated in the Van Wert County Jail. He’s attending NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting and he’s started what’s called ‘Time Well Spent.’

Couch also addressed the court, apologized, and noted he has a newborn son and requested leniency.

“I do think I’m showing responsbility for my actions  and I know they were a mistake,” he said.

Prior to the sentence being imposed, Van Wert County Prosecutor Dillon Staas, IV referred to testimony by Van Wert Police Lt. Rob Black, who said by far, it was the most cocaine he had ever seized in a case. He also recalled text messages sent by Couch.

“The text messages recovered from Mr. Couch’s phone regarding his intentions – what he was willing to do to avoid being caught – which included violence on police officers,” Staas said.

Solar project addressed at meeting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The general public had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the proposed Butterfly Meadows solar project Tuesday evening.

A two-hour public information meeting was held at Vantage Career Center, and the open house-style presentation gave anyone interested a chance to speak directly with representatives of the developer, Houston-based Panthera Grid Partners.

A steady stream of people filtered in to learn more details about the project.

“We’re pleased with the turnout and the opportunity to connect directly with community members,” Marketing and Communications Director Becky Zavala said. “Attendance was slightly lower than at our previous meeting, but we had meaningful conversations with those who attended, including several adjacent neighbors who have a particular interest in the project. Overall, attendees seemed genuinely interested in learning more, asking questions and better understanding the project. These conversations are valuable to us as we continue engaging with the community and addressing questions and concerns.”

The project was originally planned to span approximately 4,000 acres, primarily in Hoaglin, Union and Pleasant townships, along with nearly 40 acres in Van Wert. However, plans have been scaled back considerably, to approximately 1,700 acres and the project remains in the design phase.

It was noted that Butterfly Meadows will pay in excess of $35 million in property tax revenue to Van Wert County over its lifetime.

Heppeard makes donation…

Dalton Heppeard, a 2018 Van Wert High School graduate, is continuing his tradition of giving back to the Van Wert CEO Program. For the eighth consecutive year, he donated a portion of his Apple Festival earnings to support students currently in the program. This year also marks Heppeard’s final year participating in the Apple Festival. As a high school senior, he participated in the CEO Program while working with Bee Gee Realty. He credits his experiences at Van Wert High School and in the CEO Program with making a lasting impact on his personal and professional life, inspiring him to give back to the program that helped shape him. Van Wert High School CEO Program Coordinator Bob Spath (left) thanked Heppeard (right) for his generosity and continued commitment to the program. Photo submitted

Chamber to hold annual awards event

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 21st annual Salute to Small Business Awards Bruncheon from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, November 20, at Walnut & Main Event Space in downtown Van Wert. The best of the best of Van Wert Chamber members in Van Wert County will be recognized at the gathering. The deadline to vote for awards winners is fast approaching.

Chamber businesses will be recognized in the categories of: Small Business of the Year, Charitable Non-Profit, Emerging Business of the Year, Downtown Champion, Women in Business, Palate Pleaser, The “Woo” Winning Others Over, Community Youth Champion, and Community Collaborator. Cast your vote for your favorite businesses here. Voting ends on Friday October 23.

Tickets are $40 each, click here to purchase.

“We love recognizing our businesses all year long, but it’s special to have the community choose the nominees for these awards, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mark Verville said. “We couldn’t have this event without the support of area businesses.”

Verville thanked the following sponsors for their investment in the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce and our member businesses. Premier Event Sponsors: Shultz Huber & Associates, Citizens National Bank, QTS, Walnut & Main, and Panthera Grid Partners. Community Influencer Event Sponsors: Statewide Ford Lincoln, Central Insurance, OhioHealth Van Wert, Greenway Bank, Laudick’s Jewelry, Superior Credit Union, Vantage Career Center, and Alexander and Bebout.

Convoy house fire…

A home along Tully St. in Convoy was destroyed by flames on Monday. Firefighters from Convoy, Van Wert and Wren were dispatched to the scene and Van Wert County CERT was called in to provide assistance. The occupants of the home were able to get out safely. According to Convoy Fire Chief Rob Miller, firefighters were at the scene for four hours. The cause of the blaze is undetermined. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

YWCA provides Survivor Services

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County is continuing its series of articles to answer frequently asked questions and provide a closer look at why the organization is building a new facility. While the new building will enhance every area of the YWCA’s mission, one of its greatest impacts will be on Survivor Services.

For decades, the YWCA has provided emergency shelter, long-term housing, advocacy, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The organization also operates a 24-hour crisis hotline serving Van Wert and Paulding Counties and responds to hospitals, law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, and victims throughout both counties.

In 2025 alone, the YWCA served 126 adults, 70 children, and 42 families. In addition, the YWCA:

• Celebrated 138 survivor successes and milestones as individuals and families achieved greater safety, independence, and stability.

• Provided 527 transports, ensuring survivors could access medical appointments, court hearings, employment, housing, counseling, and other essential services.
• Responded to 49 hotline calls and referrals, connecting individuals with crisis intervention, advocacy, and resources when they needed them most.

These numbers represent more than services provided — they represent lives changed, families kept safe, and individuals given the opportunity to rebuild after experiencing trauma.

The YWCA’s current facility has faithfully served the community for more than a century. Originally designed to house young women entering the workforce or pursuing education, the building was never intended to function as a modern emergency shelter. Residents currently share bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and common living areas, while the age of the building and ongoing maintenance challenges make it increasingly difficult to provide the level of comfort, privacy, and security survivors deserve.

The new facility has been intentionally designed to create a more dignified and trauma-informed environment. Each resident will have a private, apartment-style living space complete with their own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, allowing families to begin their healing journey with greater independence, comfort, and privacy.

“Every survivor deserves a safe, private place to heal from their trauma,” said Jamie Evans, Director of Survivor Services. “This new facility will allow us to provide an environment that promotes healing, restores dignity, and better supports each individual’s journey toward safety and independence.”