Vantage CC, QTS host data center community event

Rollover crash…

Failed brakes caused this rollover crash at the U.S. 127/U.S. 224 roundabout early Thursday afternoon. The Van Wert Fire Department EMS and fire department crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after 1:30 p.m. Upon arrival the driver was outside of his vehicle sitting on the ground with several eyewitnesses to the accident. EMT took over assisting the driver while the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department investigated the accident. The driver declined any further assistance from the EMS unit. Hague towing removed the car from the scene. Bob Barnes VWFD photographer 

MSVW launches golf cart raffle

Submitted information

Main Street Van Wert is giving community members the chance to win a brand-new golf cart valued at approximately $10,000 through its exciting summer Golf Cart Raffle fundraiser.

The raffle, sponsored in partnership with Carts & More, offers participants an opportunity to take home a stylish new golf cart just in time for summer activities, neighborhood cruising, campground adventures, and community events.

Tickets are available now for:

• $20 for one ticket
• $100 for six tickets

The winning ticket will be drawn following the conclusion of the raffle on July 6.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Main Street Van Wert’s ongoing efforts to enhance downtown revitalization, community events, beautification projects, and economic development initiatives that help keep Van Wert vibrant and thriving.

“We’re excited to offer this fun opportunity for residents and supporters while raising funds that directly benefit our downtown and community programs,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “Someone is going to drive away with an incredible golf cart, and every ticket purchased helps support the work we do throughout the year.”

Tickets can be purchased online through Main Street Van Wert’s raffle page or in person at the Main Street Van Wert office at 136 E. Main Street.

Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early and spread the word before the July 6 deadline.

CCF scholarship winners…

Scott Etzler, a trustee for the Convoy Community foundation distributed 18 scholarships for a total of $16,500 to 17 Crestview seniors during last month’s Senior Convocation. The Convoy Community Foundation is a non-profit organization which originated in 1979, and the trustees oversee the Memorial Endowment Fund. The fund generated the monies used for these scholarships, and the foundation is grateful to those donors who made the scholarships possible. Photo submitted

Klopfenstein votes for improvement projects

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) has voted in support of Ohio’s Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget for state and community projects throughout the state totaling nearly $4 billion.

The bill provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The plan also includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state.

All 88 counties will receive funding for community projects. Van Wert County received funding for five projects.

Rep. Klopfenstein helped secure investments for the following community projects in District 82:

• $250,000- Stadium Park Shelter House, Van Wert County (Delphos)
• $40,000- Convoy Opera House Roof and Annex, Van Wert County

• $400,000- Van Wert County Research and Genealogy Center, Van Wert County
• $100,000- Van Wert Civic Theatre Project- Van Wert County
• $250,000- YWCA of Van Wert County Facility and Clinic, Van Wert County
• $575,000- Moats Park Expansion, Defiance County
• $58,000- Riverside Memorial Park Pavilion, Paulding County
•  $37,500- Flatrock Park Improvement Project, Paulding County
• $121,193- Paulding County Fairgrounds Restroom Improvements, Paulding County
• $60,000- Payne Community Park Accessibility Project, Paulding County
• $301,600- Ottawa Memorial Park, Putnam County
• $240,000- YMCA of Putnam County Recreation Project, Putnam County
• $362,500- Deters Park Expansion, Putnam County

Local students receive Central scholarships

VW independent staff/submitted information

Central’s Educational & Charitable Foundation has announced its 2026 Scholarship Program recipients.

The program rewards graduates pursuing degrees that support careers in the property and casualty insurance industry. The scholarship—which increased this year— provides up to $7,500 annually to each student, is renewable for up to three years, and may be used toward educational expenses.  

Abigail Dannenfelser is a graduate of Lincolnview High School. She plans to attend Trine University in Angola, Indiana, this fall, majoring in actuarial science with minors in math and English. After earning her undergraduate degree, she aspires to pursue a career as an actuary, where she can apply her strong problem-solving and analytical skills to support organizations and contribute to her local community. Throughout high school, Dennenfelser was involved in varsity bowling, the Lincolnview Steel Drum Band, and the Lincolnview Theatre. She also served as an assistant counselor at Solid Rock Bible Camp. Outside of academics, she has worked as a cashier and food prep team member at Rocky Top Frozen Treats. She is the daughter of Cris and Rhonda Dannenfelser.

Caroline Marks is a graduate of Crestview High School. She plans to attend The Ohio State University in Columbus this fall, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Logistics. After earning her undergraduate degree, Marks aspires to pursue a career in the marketing field where she can apply her creativity, communication, and analytical skills to build meaningful connections. Throughout high school, Marks held several leadership roles, including student body president, Knight Vision Show Choir President, Crestview Honor Society Secretary, and FCCLA Treasurer. She also participated in Junior Rotary. Outside of academics, she works part-time at Sycamore of Van Wert. She is the daughter of Ashley Marks.

Maria Parrish is a graduate of Van Wert High School. She plans to attend The Ohio State University in Columbus this fall, majoring in business administration with a minor in pre-law. After earning her undergraduate degree, she aspires to pursue a career in business law, where she can work with companies to navigate legal complexities and support strategic decision-making and growth. Throughout high school, Parrish held several leadership roles in student council, including class representative, vice president, and president. She was also actively involved in her community as a small group leader at LifeHouse Church, a member of the Western Buckeye League Sportsmanship Committee, a participant in the Van Wert Service Pack, and a member of Van Wert County 4-H, where she held various leadership positions. Outside of academics, Parrish has held multiple jobs, working at the Van Wert YMCA, CJ’s Shaved Ice, and through her own commission-based art business. She is the daughter of Katie and Ryan Parrish.

Trevor Dotson is a graduate of Van Wert High School. He plans to attend the University of Toledo this fall, majoring in computer science and engineering. After earning his undergraduate degree, he aspires to pursue a career as a computer hardware engineer, designing and improving technology systems that support schools, businesses, and communities. Throughout high school, Dotson held several leadership roles, including robotics team captain, class vice president, and National Honor Society member, while also competing as a varsity football scholar athlete. Outside of academics, Dotson worked as an IT intern at Millwork Brands Inc. He is the son of Staci and Jamie Dotson.

Defendants appear for court hearings

VW independent staff

Eight criminal defendants appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court for various hearings this week. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Bond violation

Dylan Slagle, 22, of Van Wert, denied violating his bond by having contact with a victim. He was released on a surety bond along with electronic house arrest and curfew. A further hearing was set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16.

Joshua Burnett, 48, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing to report to court. Trial dates were set for July 27, 28 and 29 and his $250,000 cash bond was continued.

Arraignments

Megan Lane, 22, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to tampering with evidence, a third degree felony, and possessing drug abuse instruments, a second degree misdemeanor. She was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 1.

Kyle Jones, 38, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, second degree felonies; aggravated possession of drugs, also a second degree degree, and possession of drugs, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond with electronic house arrest and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. July 1.

Sentencing

Daniel Green, 50, of Van Wert, was sentenced to up to six months at the WORTH Center, three years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. In addition, he must perform 100 hours of community service, seek and maintain employment, complete a mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment and ordered to pay court costs.

ESC board schedules June meeting

Submitted information

PAULDING – The next Western Buckeye ESC governing board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the ESC conference room at 835 N Williams St., Paulding.

Local summer projects underway

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The month of June brings with it warmer weather, plenty of summertime activities and of course, road and other types of construction.

Work is already underway in the Van Wert area, with crews just this week starting to construct a new shared-use path and sidewalk, including curb ramps and crosswalks along Fox Rd. between Shannon St. and Washington St., and on U.S. 127 (Washington Street) between OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital and the city’s water plant. Cones are currently up along some of Fox Rd., and work is expected to run into August. According to the ODOT District 1 Office, the estimated cost of that project is $343,000.

Another project that was scheduled to begin early this month has been delayed a bit. Instead of June 4, construction of a single lane roundabout at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and U.S. 224, not far from the Van Wert city limits, is now tentatively scheduled to begin on July 6. However, that date is not set in stone. According to ODOT District 1 Public Information Officer Cheri Newton, more information is expected at a June 23 pre-construction meeting. Once work begins, it’s expected that Lincoln Highway traffic will be detoured for approximately 60 days.

That project will also include:

• Bridge rehabilitation on U.S. 224 over the railroad between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway, causing traffic to be detoured.
• Construction of a Restricted Crossing U-turn (RCUT) at U.S. 30/John Brown. The median will be closed and traffic on John Brown Rd. will closed for 45 days once work begins. U.S. will always maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction.

“The contractor may not construct the RCUT at the same time as the work on U.S. 224,” Newton explained. “We currently do not know which part they will start first.”

Due date changing for tax bills

Submitted information

In Van Wert County, the second half real estate and manufactured home tax due dates will be moved from their original dates due to the passing of the House Bill 186 inflation cap. The new due dates will be August 5, for real estate bills and August 31 for manufactured homes. At this time the Van Wert County Treasurer’s Office is still waiting to receive the final taxes due on the parcels from the auditor’s office.

The HB 186 inflation cap may cause adjustments to be reflected on property and manufactured home bills if the parcel(s) meet the applicable criteria, but not all parcels will do so. Should you have questions regarding if your parcel meets the criteria, the Auditor’s office will be available to assist with this.

If you paid your taxes in full with the first half payment and the adjustment caused an overpayment on your parcel, the overpayment will be issued as a credit to the parcel. Should you have any questions regarding bills or payments, the Treasurer’s Office will be available to assist with this.

DAR wins award at Peony Parade

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (IVW DAR) celebrated their heritage with a beautiful DAR America250 float at Saturday’s Peony Festival parade in downtown Van Wert. Fortunately for all involved – parade participants and parade watchers – storms held off until later, which allowed the parade to go on as planned.

DAR members can prove their lineage back 250 years to a family member who fought or otherwise served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Their float featured the National DAR official logo for the 250th celebration. The members dressed in “Continental” costumes or official chapter 250th shirts. A DAR husband (HODAR) who built the float and a DAR husband (HODAR) who portrayed Isaac Van Wart were in the parade. The flot also featured a DAR member who portrayed Betsy Ross sewing the first flag of the United States of America, an antique yarn spinner with a member rolling yar, and the three recently acquired busts of American Revolutionary War Heroes John Paulding, David Williams and county/city namesake Isaac Van Wart. The busts are 3-D printed by permission of the John Henri Isaac Browere Collection, where the original bronze busts are housed in the Fenimore Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

The members enjoyed the parade, handed out flags, candy and patriotic items and were pleased to hear they won the Grand Marshal Choice Award.