Procedural zoning issue addressed at council meeting

Pump prices around Ohio zoom up

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 66.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.43 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. More price increases are expected in the coming days. Prices in Ohio are 59.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 65.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 85.9 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $4.599 per gallon.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.19 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $4.15 per gallon, a difference of $1.96 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 51.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.45/g today. The national average is up 54.1 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 41.6 cents 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.

“In just a week, consumers have seen gasoline prices surge at one of the fastest rates in years after oil prices spiked following U.S. strikes on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With additional attacks across the Middle East over the weekend pushing oil above $100 per barrel for the first time in years, fuel markets are now rapidly recalibrating to the risk of prolonged disruption to global supply flows. As a result, gasoline prices in many states could climb another 20 to 50 cents per gallon this week, with price-cycling markets potentially seeing increases as early as today. Diesel may rise even more sharply, with increases of 35 to 75 cents per gallon possible as global distillate markets react. While the situation remains highly fluid, consumers are already beginning to feel the impact as energy markets adjust to this sudden escalation.”
 
Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back five years:

March 9, 2025: $2.78/g (U.S. Average: $3.03/g)
March 9, 2024: $3.34/g (U.S. Average: $3.40/g)
March 9, 2023: $3.39/g (U.S. Average: $3.45/g)
March 9, 2022: $4.09/g (U.S. Average: $4.32/g)
March 9, 2021: $2.69/g (U.S. Average: $2.81/g) 

JobQuest Expo planned in Van Wert

VW independent staff/submitted information

Job seekers in the region are invited to attend the public portion of the 2026 JobQuest Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds Jr. Fair Building, 1055 S. Washington St. in Van Wert.

Hosted by Van Wert Works and OhioMeansJobs of Van Wert County, the JobQuest Expo brings together employers who are actively hiring across a range of industries, along with community organizations offering education, training, and workforce support services.

During the public session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet directly with local employers, learn about a wide variety of job openings, apply for jobs on-site using a mini computer lab, interview with a handful employers during the event, and connect with helpful services in the Community Resource Networking Area.

Mindy Eales, Workforce Development Supervisor of OhioMeansJobs of Van Wert County, emphasized the accessibility of the event.

“The public portion of JobQuest Expo is designed to remove common barriers for jobseekers,” Eales says. “By offering opportunities to apply for jobs on-site and speak directly with employers and support organizations, we are helping people take immediate steps toward employment.”

“JobQuest Expo is about opening people’s eyes to the breadth of career opportunities available right here in our region,” said Lauren Buchanan, Workforce Development Manager with Van Wert Works. “Employers around Van Wert County are using cutting-edge technology to produce products with a global reach, and this event gives individuals of all ages the chance to explore those careers, ask questions, and see where their skills could fit—whether they’re just starting out or considering a new direction.”

The event will also include a student-focused career exploration session earlier in the morning; however, the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. time frame is open to the public and free to attend. Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and come prepared to speak with employers. Follow Van Wert Works on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for tips and insight to best prepare for the JobQuest Expo.

Quarter Auction to be held in Rockford

Submitted information

ROCKFORD — Plans are underway for the 2026 Rockford Lions Quarter Auction, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at the Rockford Community Building, 420 Holly Lane. The doors wil open at 12 p.m. and the auction will begin at 1 p.m.

Paddles will be available at the door for $5 each, and all‑In paddles will be offered for $35. A light lunch will also be available for purchase.

The first Lions Club Quarter Auction, led by project chair LeeAnn Frank, was held in 2019 and has since grown into a popular community tradition.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects fund scholarships and help fulfill community needs and requests throughout the year.

The Rockford Lions Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Village Offices on E. Columbia St. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

Stevens talks about data center concerns

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

“Lincolnview school district, the county (Van Wert County) and the City of Van Wert are going to receive hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue back into our community.”

Those words were spoken by Van Wert Area Economic Corporation Executive Director Brent Stevens during a weekend radio program that aired on 99.7 FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM.

Stevens was talking about the sometimes controversial data center that will be built at the Mega Site, which is in the city of Van Wert and in the Lincolnview Local Schools district.

“For a community of this size, that’s going to be significant and it’s going to allow us to do a lot of things what we would never ever have an opportunity (to do),” Stevens said during the Commissioners Corner/Mayor’s Conference program, which airs at 8:25 a.m. each Sunday on WKSD/WERT.

During the program, Stevens addressed fears about water usage, electric rates and more.

A number of residents have expressed concerns about the data center and water usage, especially with drought conditions already in place locally. He also added the “end user” – the company that will build the data center in Van Wert has the latest technology available, via a closed loop system.

“They basically charge up this big loop with water and a little bit of glycol to make sure it doesn’t freeze and it’s like geothermal where it’s running underground, it’s going through a heat exchanger and it disapates the heat and goes back,” he explained. “The water and the chargents inside this closed loop can last for decades. We’re not going to be taking any water out of the aquifer, no water out of the reservoir – it’s going to be this closed loop system (for cooling).”

“The closed loop system system itself, just to give you a number saves 45 million gallons of water per year,” he added.

Stevens also noted that Danfoss, located in Van Wert, has a patent that’s used in closed loop systems for data centers and it’s going to be used on the local data center. He added that within the last 12 months, Danfoss has hired 50 additional workers just in their cooling division to be able to supply the parts, and he said they have plans for further expansion and the hiring of more employees.

Booking signing event this Saturday

VW independent staff/submitted information

CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society is inviting everyone to an “Open House at the Opera House and a Local Author Book Signing event” from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 14.

Built in 1901, the Convoy Opera House, 111 S. Main St., served as asignificant source of entertainment for this small farming community at the turn of the century. Over the years the building has also served as a firehouse and the city hall.

Restoration of the building by the Village of Convoy Historical Society began in 2017. In March of 2021, the Convoy Opera House received national recognition by being named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Featured in the opera house on the second floor will be an author book signing event. Six published authors with a Convoy connection will each share their individual book writing journey. The featured authors include Stephanie Eding (fiction), Lucinda Hoffman (self-help, fiction, poems and short stories), Keith Langdon (poetry & inspirational), Jeremy Stemen (fiction), Tona King (children’s book), and Ric Grubaugh (grief journey – loss of spouse). Each author has their own distinctive writing style and genre. Individually signed copies of their books will be available to purchase.

Representatives from the Brumback Library will be on hand to help individuals obtain a library card. They will provide information on services provided at the Brumback Library in Convoy and Van Wert, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parents of children birth to age five are encouraged to stop in and learn about this free program.

Convoy, Convoy Union, and Crestview yearbooks will be available in the museum at no charge. The event is free and the Opera House is handicap accessible, with a closed lift available.

VWCS offering open enrollment

Submitted information

Van Wert City Schools will again permit students from any Ohio school district to apply for open enrollmen for the 2026-2027 school year.

Applications will be accepted beginning April 1 on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the date the superintendent of Van Wert City Schools receives the application. All open enrollment applications must be completed and returned no later than May 15.

Applications can be found online at www.vwcs.net on the homepage by clicking the “Open Enrollment” icon or under the Parents tab > Forms & Registration > Open Enrollment. Interested individuals may stop by the superintendent’s office in the S.F. Goedde Building, 205 W. Crawford St., to pick up an application. 

Parents of students currently enrolled in the 2025-2026 school year must complete a new open enrollment application for the 2026-2027 school year. These applications will be considered before new requests are acted upon.

For more information, call the superintendent’s office at 419.238.0648.

Township Trustees reschedule meetings

Submitted information

The Union Township Trustee meetings for the month of March will be held on Tuesday, March 10, and Tuesday, March 31, both at 7 p.m. at the Union Township Building. The meetings on Thursday, March 12, and Thursday, March 26, are canceled.

History presentation, free movie planned

Submitted information

Van Wert Cinemas will host a special community celebration as part of the statewide Ohio Goes to the Movies initiative on Wednesday, March 11.

The evening will begin with complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m., followed by a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m. exploring the history of movie theatres in Van Wert County. After the presentation, guests will enjoy a screening of the cult classic film Howard the Duck on the big screen.

Admission to the event is free but seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online or at the Van Wert Cinemas box office in advance.

“Movie theatres have always been more than just places to watch films,” said Donna and Rod Saunders, owners of Van Wert Cinemas. “They are gathering places where communities come together to share stories, laughter, and memories. We’re excited to celebrate that history here in Van Wert County and invite everyone to join us for a fun and nostalgic evening.”

The Ohio Goes to the Movies program is part of the statewide America 250-Ohio celebration, recognizing Ohio’s deep connection to film and moviegoing while bringing communities together through special screenings and events across all 88 counties.

Guests attending the Van Wert event will enjoy:

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6 p.m.
• A short presentation on the history of movie theatres in Van Wert County at 6:30 p.m.
• A free screening of Howard the Duck immediately following the presentation

Van Wert Cinemas invites the community to experience a fun night celebrating movie history, local heritage, and the magic of the shared theatre experience.

HS seniors lauded at scholarship banquet

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center held its annual Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Banquet at Vantage Career Center on Monday of this week.

Each year, one outstanding high school senior from each of Ohio’s 88 counties is selected for the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award. Recipients are chosen based on exceptional academic performance, high achievement, and success both in and outside the classroom. The Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award Program was established by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) to promote and recognize outstanding academic achievement.
 
In the application for the Franklin B. Walter Scholarship, each of the students are asked to name the educator that has had the greatest impact on their educational career.  Each influential educator then introduces their students at the banquet noting their accomplishments. 

Superintendent Jeff Snyder from Lincolnview and Chris Etzler from Paulding filled in for educators that were not able to attend. Each school district winner receives a plaque and $100 Scholarship. Each county winner receives a plaque, $500 scholarship, and the opportunity to be recognized at the state  “Best and Brightest” of the Class of 2026 Awards Luncheon held in Columbus in April.

Van Wert County Winners included: Rain Risley from Crestview Local Schools with Mr. Gregg Mosier as her most influential educator, Kendall Hoffman from Lincolnview Local Schools with Ms. Valerie Parsell as her most influential teacher educator, and Katie Kramer from Van Wert City Schools with Ms. Krista Bauer as her most influential educator.  Katie Kramer was selected as Van Wert County’s overall winner.
 
Paulding County Winners included: Hampton Rogge from Antwerp Local Schools and Mrs. Harla Long as his most influential educator, Trenton Manz from Paulding Exempted Village and Ms. Kristina Williams as his most influential educator, and Toree Sinn from Wayne Trace Local Schools and Mr. Jack Baumlee as her most influential educator.  Toree Sinn was selected as Paulding County’s overall winner.
 
Western Buckeye ESC thanked the following organziations and businesses for their charitable donations that made this year’s event possible: John Paulding VFW Post, Central Insurance, Kiwanis of Paulding County, Danfoss Corporation, and Vantage Career Center.

Switch clocks, check smoke detectors

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — As we prepare to “spring forward” one hour this weekend (2 a.m. Sunday), the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging everyone to use it as an opportunity to test their smoke alarms, check their expiration dates, and replace their batteries.

Working smoke alarms remain one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing fire-related tragedies. Home fires spread rapidly, and properly working smoke alarms give you advance warning and precious extra seconds to escape safely. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the risks of dying in a home fire are reduced by 60 percent when working smoke alarms are present.

“Taking just a few minutes to test your smoke alarms can save your life as well as the lives of your loved ones,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “The upcoming time change serves as natural reminder to make sure your smoke alarms are ready to alert you and your family in the event of an emergency.”

The Division of State Fire Marshal reminds Ohio residents of the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Test every smoke alarm in your home. This can be done by pressing the alarm’s test button. Smoke alarms should be tested on a monthly basis.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms that use replaceable batteries.
• If your smoke alarm is 10 years old or older, replace the entire unit. You can find a manufacture date printed on the back of the unit.  
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed in every room of your home, in main hallways, and on every level, including the basement.

The time change is also a good time to check carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, orderless gas that can be deadly without warning.

“Fire and carbon monoxide safety rely on early detection,” Reardon said. “Testing alarms during the time change, and once each month, is simple step that can make all the difference.”

In addition to checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Ohio families are encouraged to take time to review, or create, a fire escape plan. Every plan should outline two ways to exit each room in the home and identify a designated meeting place outdoors. Routinely reviewing this escape plan is key to ensuring everyone in the home understands what to do in the event of a fire.