SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It was toasty warm on Friday and rain washed out the Superhawk concert at Fountain Park, but Saturday was a much better day in downtown Van Wert, as local and county residents celebrated America’s 250th birthday.
It was a bit cooler on Saturday, especially during the morning hours. The Independence Day parade along Main St. seemed to go off without a hitch and by all accounts, it was a big hit. People started lining the parade route or reserving spots well before the 11 a.m. parade stepped off.
Another activity that took place on Saturday was the sealing of a time capsule. As part of the Brumback Library’s 125th anniversary, the capsule, which was crafted by students at Vantage Career Center, contained items meant to preserve a snapshot of life as it is now in Van Wert County. The capsule wll be opened in 2051.
Saturday’s downtown offering ended with a country music concert by Paulding native Pete Schlegel, a concert at Fountain Park that was well attended.
Friday and Saturday’s events were organized by Van Wert-based Navy Club Ship 726. The club, led by Commander Ken Myers, took over the planning of the parade and more, ensuring an appropriate celebration of the country’s 250th birthday.
(more…)POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:45 pm
County residents celebrated America’s 250th birthday on Saturday. Hundreds of people lined Main St. for a parade, and many came back later to hear tunes by country music singer Pete Schlegel. Thersea Mengerink sealed a time capsule during Saturday’s festivities and the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band performed at the Van Wert County Historical Society’s Holiday at Home event. The day was capped off with fireworks. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Main Street Van Wert inviting the community to its annual Downtown Block Party, which will be held from 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 24, in historic downtown Van Wert.
Presented in partnership with Van Wert Live, this free community celebration will transform downtown into an evening filled with food, entertainment, shopping, and family fun.
The Block Party will feature:
- A variety of local food trucks
- Local market vendors showcasing handmade goods, crafts, and specialty products
- Live entertainment sponsored by Van Wert Live
- The popular Freedom Cruise Car Show
- A Kids Zone with activities for children of all ages
In addition to the festivities, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the annual Duck Race, with a chance to win the $1,000 Grand Prize. Duck race proceeds help Main Street Van Wert continue its mission of supporting downtown revitalization, community events, and economic development initiatives.
“The Downtown Block Party has become one of our favorite summer traditions,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, support local businesses, enjoy great entertainment, and celebrate everything that makes Historic Downtown Van Wert special. We encourage everyone to bring their family, invite their friends, and spend the evening with us.”
Main Street Van Wert extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations whose generous sponsorship helps make this event possible, including:
(more…)POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Main Street Van Wert and Van Wert basketball are teaming up to hold the the second annual Main Street Madness 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, on Saturday, August 1, at the east side Goedde Building on S. Jefferson St.
Open to boys and girls entering first through eighth grades, the tournament promises a fun-filled day of basketball, competition, and community spirit.
Tournament highlights include:
- Divisions for first-eighth grade boys and girls
- A maximum of 10 teams per division
- Two play-in games to determine tournament seeding
- Single-elimination tournament
- Games played with a 20-minute running clock or first team to 15 points
- Every registered participant receives a free tournament T-shirt
Participants are encouraged to check in 30 minutes before their scheduled game time. Tournament game times will be announced closer to the event.
“This tournament continues to grow each year and provides a great opportunity for young athletes to compete while bringing families downtown to enjoy everything Van Wert has to offer,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “We’re excited to once again partner with Van Wert Basketball to make this a memorable event.”
The cost is $80 per team. Registration is available online by scanning the QR code on the event flyer. Payment can be made by check or through Venmo @MainStreet1.
For additional information, contact Main Street Van Wert at 419.238.6911.
Submitted information
The 2027 budget hearing for Union Township will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the township building, 9977 Dixon Cavett Rd, Van Wert.
POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
MIDDLE POINT — The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association will host a CMP sanctioned modern military match this Saturday, July 11, at the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Club, 9093 Ringwald Rd., Middle Point. It is the annual D-Day match, honoring veterans both past and present.
The safety briefing will be held at 9:15 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 40 rounds which includes the target fee.
POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
There was no Independence Day parade in Van Wert last year. Navy Ship Club 726 Commander Ken Myers wasn’t about to let that happen this July 4, the day America celebrates its Semiquincentennial – the country’s 250th birthday.
Immediately after last year’s July 4 holiday, Myers and Navy Ship Club 726 began planning for the return of the annual Independence Day parade to Van Wert, plus a lot more – a fitting celebration for a milestone day.
“We wanted to put an extra emphasis on America so that’s something we made sure were were doing from the very beginning,” Myers said. “We weren’t trying to shortchange the community. We actually put in a lot more hours than you would for a normal parade. It’s been a little challenging at times but it’s also going to be, hopefully, very rewarding for the community.”
One of the most common questions leading up to July 4 is “what time is the parade?” The answer to that question is 11 a.m. Saturday. The parade will travel west on Main St., going from the YWCA to the YMCA. Lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the NSCC Van Wert Campus parking lot.
“We have over 50 (parade) units but we are still getting entries,” Myers said this week. “It’s been a nice reach-out from the community to do this.”
A special part of the July 4 celebration will be a flyover. Myers said he’s still waiting to hear from officials in Washington, DC to learn exactly what type of military aircraft will take to the skies over Van Wert.
The celebration isn’t confined to just the July 4 parade. A full schedule of events and offerings, which includes a pair of free concerts at Fountain Park, is listed below.
While Myers and Navy Club Ship 726 took the reigns to ensure a proper 250th celebration, he acknowleged the group received a lot of help.
“Some of the community has really stepped up and helped us fund this weekend,” he said.
Along with Navy Club Ship 726, major sponsors of the celebration include Wild Willy’s, Van Wert Memorials, Truland Equipment, Burcham Print Shop, First Federal Van Wert, the Van Wert Rotary Club, Visit Van Wert, the Van Wert County Foundation and Rose Myers.
(more…)POSTED: 07/02/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
It’s a question that will be asked many times today and Saturday – when does the parade start in Van Wert?
The answer is 11 a.m. Saturday. The Independence Day parade will begin at the YWCA on E. Main St. and will travel west to the YMCA on W. Main St. Various other offerings are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in the Fountain Park area, including a 7 p.m. Friday concert by classic rock group Super Hawk, and a 7:30 p.m. Saturday concert by country music singer Pete Schlegel, a native of Paulding. Both concerts are free.
The city’s July 4 fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Saturday at Van Wert High School. If weather causes a postponement, the fireworks show will be held at 10 p.m. Sunday, July 5.
POSTED: 07/02/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
A brand new local baton club will make its official debut during Saturday’s Navy Club Ship 726 Independence Day parade in downtown Van Wert.
The Van Wert Twirl Catz club was formed in the spring. It began with just a few people and has since grown into a small, fun, welcoming group ranging in age from three years to adults. The club was founded by local resident Jamie Crippin.
“When my daughter decided she wanted to learn baton twirling, we searched for a local club but couldn’t find one,” she explained. “Since I previously owned a baton club and dance studio, we decided to start one ourselves. We began meeting at Franklin Park in May and invited anyone who wanted to join us.”
The Twirl Catz held their final parade practice Thursday night and Crippin said the group is excited to make its debut on Saturday.
The Twirl Catz will continue to meet weekly at Franklin Park and anyone who wants to give it a try is welcome to attend.
“We meet every Wednesday from 6:15 to 7 p.m. and the club is completely free for anyone who would like to participate,” she said. “Our goal is simply to bring baton twirling back to the area and give people of all ages a fun way to learn, stay active, and be part of something together.”
More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page, Van Wert Twirl Catz.
POSTED: 07/02/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
It’s become a local July 4 tradition – the Van Wert County Historical Society’s Holiday at Home celebration.
This year’s free event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Historical Society, 602. N. Washington St. It will feature music, vendors and fun family activities. The music will be provided by the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band at 12 p.m. and by Scott Turner at 1 p.m. There will be a special Flat Isaac kids zone with games and activities, drone demontrations by Vantage drone instructor Dan Joyce. In addition, Dave Kirchenbauer will have his 1924 Van Wert fire truck on display and all museum buildings will be open to explore.
The Van Wert County Historical Society will be serving food, including shredded chicken sandwiches, walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, ice crea, brownies, soda pop and water.
Prior to all of that, registration for the annual Firecracker Bike Tour will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Jubilee Park, rain or shine.
POSTED: 07/02/26 at 8:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Anyone planning to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks is reminded to always follow state laws. Since 2022, the Ohio Fire Code has permitted the use of 1.4G consumer-grade fireworks (indicated on the packaging) on certain dates, including July 3-5 from 4 to 11 p.m., unless prohibited by local ordinances. In Van Wert County, there are no laws against the use of 1.4G fireworks. However, state laws will be enforced.
Adults who plan on making a last-minute shopping trip for fireworks should only purchase them from reputable and licensed retailers. A retailer’s license can be verified by searching for them on the Division’s online database here. Consumers should never buy, tamper with, dismantle, or attempt to manufacture homemade fireworks, as they are extremely dangerous and illegal.
Fireworks in general cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage each year in Ohio. From December 31, 2024 to January 3, 2026, there were approximately 110 fireworks related incidents in Ohio with over $400,000 in property loss.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday and to let your guard down when it comes to safety,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Unfortunately, that’s the root cause behind many visits to the emergency room this time of year. Fireworks are not toys and they should only be handled by adults who understand how to safely use them.”
For those planning to use fireworks, the National Safety Council recommends the following safety tips:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hand.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Only use fireworks away from people, homes, and flammable materials.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Light only one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never ignite fireworks inside a container.
- Do not attempt to re‑light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that fail to go off or in case of fire.
Even trick or novelty fireworks, such as items that smoke, sparkle, snap, or snake, pose risks when not handled properly. The Division encourages the following safety guidelines:
- Only use trick and novelty devices under close adult supervision.
- Understand the hazards associated with each type of device.
- Carefully read and follow all package instructions.
- Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from yourself and others.
- Sparklers should only be used by individuals aged 12 or older.
- Immediately place used sparkler wires in a bucket of water, as they can remain hot for several minutes.
POSTED: 07/02/26 at 8:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
