Editor’s note: this year the Brumback Library is celebrating 125 years of service to the community. Each month, library officials will tell the story of The Brumback Library, chapter by chapter. This month’s installment looks back at the history of the library’s branches around Van Wert County. The story is told by Brumback Library Patron Service Specialists Marie Markward and Theresa Mengerink through content collected from the writings of Joy McCleery, Harriet Long and library files.
By Marie Markward and Theresa Mengerink
The Brumback Library of Van Wert County holds a singular distinction as the first county library in the United States, but its historical significance extends far beyond its architecture.
During the two most defining global conflicts of the 20th century, this institution transcended its role as a book repository to become a vital engine for the home front and a lifeline for those serving on distant battlefields. From teaching local households how to bake “Patriotic Bread” to establishing permanent military libraries in occupied Europe, the Brumback Library showed that information and community morale were essential on all fronts.
When the United States entered the Great War in 1917, the library immediately mobilized to support the war effort. Under the leadership of Librarian Harriet C. Long, the institution became the county’s primary center for war mobilization. In October of that year, the War Board of Ohio issued an urgent call for housewives to “stand guard” over the nation’s food supply. Because Allied soldiers were fighting rather than farming, America had to fill the deficit.
The Brumback Library stepped up by launching a campaign to help educate community members. The library hosted a week-long exhibit of “Patriotic Breads.” Van Wert County women were encouraged to bake loaves using substitutes for wheat, such as cornmeal, bran, rice, rye, and oatmeal, and bring them to the library to share and compare. The library even published these recipes in the daily newspaper to ensure every kitchen in the county could contribute to the effort of putting Van Wert homes on the “fighting line.”
(more…)POSTED: 04/05/26 at 8:42 pm
VW independent staff
Lace up those running shoes – Vantage Career Center’s second annual 5K and Fun Run will be held on the streets of Van Wert on Saturday, April 18.
The 5K route will be North Franklin St. through the Trinity Friends Church parking lot to E. Third St., north on Cherry St., west on Gleason Ave., south on N. Market St., east on Second St., north on Cherry St., east on Third St., south on Race St., east through an alley, north on Chestnut St., back through the Trinity Friends Church parking lot and up to Franklin St., back to Vantage Career Center.
On-site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race at 9 a.m. To register and for more information, click here.
POSTED: 04/05/26 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert County Historical Society kicks off its 2026 season on Sunday, April 12, with the theme “Celebrating the Story of our County and Country.” The opening presentation will begin at 2 p.m. in the Annex. This year the VWCHS has many programs celebrating Van Wert natives’ involvement in America’s story. You will also be able to pick up your very own Flat Isaac, your ticket to exploring the rich history of Van Wert County. The highlight of the afternoon will be a presentation by Denny Staude, who will share his firsthand experiences in Van Wert’s legendary cheese industry. Staude began his career at Borden’s in 1972 and remained a vital figure in the production of Liederkranz and Camembert cheeses through a devastating fire in 1973 and the eventual acquisition by General Foods in 1981. As a former manager of soft-ripened cheese production, Staude offers a rare look into the industrial legacy that made Van Wert famous nationwide. Photos submitted
POSTED: 04/05/26 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced the creation of a new youth scholarship program, supporting young performers and participants in the theatre’s youth theatre and adolescent and young adult theatre productions. This initiative aims to recognize and reward individuals who have showcased dedication, talent, and passion in the arts over the past calendar year.
The scholarship program will be funded through generous community and business donations. All contributions to the program are tax deductible, and community members are encouraged to give to this important cause.
Scholarship recipients must have actively participated in at least one youth/regular season or AYAT production during the last calendar year. Awards will be based on their contributions and commitment to VWCT’s mission of fostering creativity and growth through theatre arts.
By supporting this program, donors play an essential role in nurturing the next generation of performers and creators. Donations will directly impact the lives of local youth by providing resources to help them pursue their artistic dreams.
For more information or to contribute, contact Dale Terry at dale@vwct.org or 419.238.9689.
POSTED: 04/05/26 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
There were two Procession of the Cross events in Van Wert on Good Friday. One took place late in the morning, shortly before a 12 p.m. community service Good Friday service that was held in the Bagley Auditorium at the Marsh Foundation. The other one took place Friday evening and went from the YWCA to the First United Methodist Church, followed by a service there. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 04/03/26 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Thompson family and Van Wert Service Club have announced that TJay Fitton will be the speaker for this year’s awards banquet.
Fitton is a 2000 graduate of Lincolnview High School and Vantage Career Center. She currently resides in Quincy, Michigan, where she is a successful real estate agent managing her own private business office. She currently serves as president of the Hillsdale County Board of Realtors as well as serving on many other committees.
She and her husband, Stewart, have three sons, two poodles, and a family-owned construction company. The family enjoys lake days, traveling, and cheering on the Detroit Lions.
Fitton and her husband are dedicated to empowering young people by keeping them engaged in trades, utilizing the local career center resources, recognizing life’s transformative moments, and second chances. She will share her inspiring journey of perseverance and triumph, from her upbringing to becoming the 2000 R. K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award winner.
This year’s awards banquet will be held Wednesday, May 6. The R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award Program was initiated 56 years ago by R.K. Thompson, Jr. in honor of his father the late R.K. Thompson, Sr. Both men had worked closely with young people and encouraged them to set high, but attainable goals and then apply themselves to obtain those goals.
The program provides cash awards for high school seniors in Van Wert County who best exhibit that character trait. The Self-Reliance Award is designed to seek out and honor a senior who does the best with what he or she has, whether he or she is a scholar, an athlete, a student leader or someone who must seek employment to help their family meet expenses.
The R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award is sponsored by the Thompson Family Trust, through the Van Wert County Foundation, and administered by the Van Wert Service Club.
POSTED: 04/03/26 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The April 15 tax filing deadline is quickly approaching and the Van Wert Income Tax Department has been made aware by local tax preparers that the software they use is stating that the Van Wert City returns can now be e-filed. This is not correct information. The City of Van Wert is not currently set up to receive any e-filed returns.
Please make sure that you are submitting a paper return, including all supporting documents, to the Van Wert City Income Tax Office. Those preparing and submitting their own tax returns via tax software or online websites should note that even if you receive a confirmation that your Van Wert City return has been e-filed, it has not.
POSTED: 04/03/26 at 8:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert FOP Lodge 62 recently presented a donation to the Autism Support Squad of Delphos. Lodge officials said they’re grateful for the opportunity to support an organization that makes such a meaningful impact in the community and in the lives of so many families. Pictured from left to right are FOP Treasurer Adam Wehage, Ashley Anderson, Kaiti Wolford, Nicole Winklejohn, FOP Chaplain Richard Shobe, Alli Radabaugh, Amy Hyitt and FOP Trustee Keith Collins. Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/03/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Reservations are being accepted for Off Stage Productions’ next dinner theatre show “Insane with Power,” a two-act comedy written by Scott Haan. Show dates are April 17-19 and 24-26. Saturday and Sunday performances will be dinner theatre shows.
For Saturday performances, doors will open at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 7:30 p.m. For Sunday matinee performances, the doors will open at 12:30 p.m., with dinner at 1 p.m. and the show at 2 p.m. Burtch’s Barn to Table Catering will provide the buffet meals, and cost of dinner and show will be $30.
Both Friday performances will be “Popcorn Night” with no dinner included but popcorn will be included with the cost of the show. Water and pop will also be available for purchase. Doors open for the Friday performances will open at 7 p.m. and show will begin at 7:30 p.m. The cost for the “Popcorn Night” performances will be $16.
All performances will be held in the Commons at Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin Street, Van Wert. Enter door 13 off the back parking lot where plenty of parking is available.
Call 419.605.6708 to reserve your tables or seats. Box office hours: Monday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m., no Sunday calls please.
The show
Lois Lancaster is a big-city journalist writing about the current state of mental health facilities. Her research takes her to a hospital populated with a unique group of quirky inmates who imagine they are crime-fighting superheroes. Speed Freak thinks he can run at incredible speeds, while Dim Bulb, the most enthusiastic person on the face of the earth, thinks he can turn off lights with his brain. Mental thinks she can read minds, despite being prone to sudden outbursts of bizarre non-sequiturs. Kevin, much less quirky and flamboyant than the other inmates, doesn’t embarrass himself with a ridiculous code name or costume…at least, not initially. Dr. Gail Eisner appears to be a kind hospital administrator; a steady influence needed to effectively run a madhouse like this one. At first Lois finds their elaborate superhero fantasies to be an entertaining diversion, the wild delusions of unstable minds, until something unusual happens that makes her wonder.
(more…)POSTED: 04/03/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Dedicated volunteers at the Van Wert Civic Theatre are invited to a special Volunteer Appreciation Night on Friday, April 10. This one-of-a-kind event is a heartfelt thank you to the men and women who give their time, talent, and passion to keep the magic of live theatre alive in the Van Wert community.
The evening kicks off with a guided theatre tour from 6-7 p.m. giving attendees a rare and exciting chance to see the theatre like never before. Whether you have volunteered for years or are just getting involved, this tour offers a fascinating look at the inner workings that bring every production to life.
During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to step into the spaces that make every show possible. Highlights of the behind-the-scenes experience include:
Light and Sound Booth: Discover the technical wizardry behind every spotlight and sound cue that sets the mood for each performance.
Costuming: Step into the world of wardrobe and see how costumes are created and maintained to transform performers into their characters.
Set Building and Design: Go behind the curtain to see how the theatre’s talented crew constructs and designs the stunning sets that bring each story to life.
Marketing: Get a look at how the theatre spreads the word and connects with the community to fill seats season after season.
Following the tour, the fun continues with a lively trivia competition beginning at 7 p.m., the perfect way to end a memorable evening, connecting with fellow volunteers and celebrating the community that makes the Van Wert Civic Theatre such a beloved institution.
(more…)POSTED: 04/02/26 at 8:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
PAULDING — Tickets are now on sale for Paulding County History Museum’s annual Spring Tea.
The tea will be from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Table hostesses will uniquely decorate each table, most with heirloom or collectible tableware.
Bring your friends and enjoy a delightful afternoon. Wear a hat, gloves or spring-themed accessories. Door prizes will be awarded for Best Decorated Table, Best Hat and Best Spring Tea Attire.
Guests will have an exclusive preview of a new exhibit showcasing two collections of vintage clothing, plus a new nursery room exhibit and displays of shoes from past eras, furs and more.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Ages 12 and older are welcome to attend. Presale tickets are $20 each and may be purchased at the museum on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling 419.399.8218 (leave a message), by text, 419.769.3993 or by emailing jphs45879@yahoo.com.
A special Presidential Table has been added to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday. A seat at this table will include one copy of the county’s 1892 historical atlas, a booklet containing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and commemorative magnets. This table for eight will feature a vintage patriotic tablescape. Tickets for this VIP experience is $50 per person.
The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding, across from the fairgrounds.
Committee members include chairman Elizabeth Miller, assisted by Melinda Krick.
Updates will be posted on the museum’s Facebook page.
The museum’s regular hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.
POSTED: 04/02/26 at 8:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
