Four men suspected in Sept. 2025 pharmacy break-ins

New grant goes to area fire departments

VW independent staff/submitted information

Several area fire deparments are recipients of the new Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grant that was established via House Bill 96.

Convoy Fire & EMS, Middle Point Fire Department, Scott Fire & EMS, Grover Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Paulding Fire Department, Rockford Community Fire Department, Mendon Union Fire Department, Fort Jennings Volunteer Fire Department and Ottoville Volunteer Fire Department are among 190 departments across 49 Ohio counties have been awarded a total of $7,997,960 in funding through the grant program.

Convoy, Middle Point, Scott, Grover Hill and Fort Jennings are each getting a $50,000 grant. Ottoville is getting $44,315, Mendon Union is getting $42,671, Rockford is getting $38,130, and Paulding is getting $33,429.

The nonrenewable grant was established to help the state’s small county fire departments purchase essential equipment, upgrade facilities, and enhance access to firefighting training. Legislation that created the grant defined small counties as those that have a population of 70,000 or fewer per the 2020 U.S. Census.

“These small, volunteer fire departments, many of which serve rural areas of the state are the backbone of Ohio’s fire service and the vast majority of them are working with small budgets,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Thanks to the work of the legislature, this grant funding will better equip these departments to do a job that our communities rely on them to do, and that is to be there if and when an emergency strikes.”

Approximately 70 percent of Ohio’s nearly 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteers, but the number of volunteers is dropping sharply across the state as highlighted in the 2023 Governor’s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force report. From 2018 to 2021, there was a 6.5 percent decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters, meanwhile there was a nine percent increase in calls from 2018 to 2020.

ODOT changing certain intersections

VW independent staff/submitted information

The intersection of Ohio 613 and Ohio 637,near the village of Melrose in Paulding County will become a four way stop this spring.

It’s one of eight intersections in northwest Ohio that are being converted to all-way stops by Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 to improve safety.

The locations selected for conversion are where crash data found the most common type of crash was the result of a failure to stop or a failure to yield to cross-traffic that was not required to stop.

“These intersections have a higher rate of angle crashes, which often result in serious injuries or fatalities,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “Our goal is zero fatalities. When all approaches are expected to stop, crash severity is significantly reduced.”

The change at Ohio 613/Ohio 637 is scheduled to take place the week of May 4. Similar conversions will take place at other intersections in Defiance, Wyandot, Hancock and Putnam counties between early March and early May.

Message boards to alert drivers of the changes will be placed approximately two weeks prior and remain on site for approximately two weeks after the change to remind motorists of the new traffic pattern. All approaches of the intersections will be equipped with flashing stop-ahead signs. 

ODOT will continue to monitor the intersections to ensure the all-way stop is operating as intended.

Throughout Ohio, ODOT is reviewing intersections to determine where all-way stops could make travel safer. The solution has been found to improve intersection safety in other states. Since 2018, the state of North Carolina converted over 500 intersections from a typical two-way to all-way stop control. Their analysis of 348 of these locations showed a 100% reduction in fatal crashes and 95 percent reduction in serious injury crashes. Similar results were also seen in the state of Delaware.

Students of the Month…

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have selected Lincolnview High School seniors Kendall Hoffman and Alexis Hoaglin as the recipients of the Student of the Month for January. Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award. Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year. Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – volunteerism, character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic. Hoaglin is pictured above with Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Secretary. Photo submitted

Pinewood Derby is this Saturday

PAULDING — Cub Scout Pack 1317 in Paulding and Boy Scout Troop 315 are gearing up for one of the most exciting traditions of the scouting year — the annual Pinewood Derby.

The local Pinewood Derby will take place at 1 p.m. this Saturday at the Commissioners Building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds. Scouts will showcase the cars they’ve designed and built, competing for speed, creativity, and pride.

In addition to the official races, there will be an Outlaw Race so anyone in the community with a Pinewood Derby car can join the fun. The event is open to the public, and there is no charge to attend.

The excitement continues as Paulding hosts the Chinquapin District Pinewood Derby at 1 p.m. March 28, also at the Commissioners Building. Food and drinks will be available, and the public is invited to cheer on the racers.

Pinewood Derby races are about more than just competition. They help build creativity, problem-solving skills, sportsmanship, and confidence in youth.

“Whether you join us weekly or simply help out once in a while, every bit of support and involvement helps us grow strong future leaders,” longtime Scount Leader Verl Dasher said.

For more information or to get involved, contact Verl at verldasher@gmail.com.

All district races across the Black Swamp Area Council will be held March 28, with the Council Race on April 18. District winners will qualify for the council race. To follow the district winners and stay updated on the next steps, visit www.BlackSwampScouting.org.

One dead after house fire in Dixon

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

DIXON — A full investigation is underway after a seemingly bizzare incident in extreme western Van Wert County Tuesday morning.

Shortly before 10:30 a.m., Van Wert County Sheriff’s deputies, along with Convoy Fire & EMS were dispatched to a home in the 3500 block of Ohio Indiana State Line Road on the Ohio side of Dixon. The home was engulfed in flames and Payne Fire & EMS, the Monroeville, Indiana Fire Department and Van Wert Fire Department were summoned for tankers and manpower.

Despite their efforts, the small home was completely destroyed by the fire and just a small part of the frame was still standing. A nearby vehicle also caught fire and was destroyed. Crews were still at the scene mid-to-late afternoon hosing down hot spots in the remnants of the house.

Early Tuesday afternoon, it was confirmed that one person died in the fire. That person’s identity is unknown but authorities believe it was likely the homeowner. According to Sheriff Tom Riggenbach, who was at the scene, the body was sent to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for identification and an autopsy.

Sheriff Riggenbach also confirmed there was a report of shots fired before the blaze broke out and he said it remains under investigation. During the mid-afternoon hours, deputies could be seen examining a neighboring house and what appeared to be bullet holes. However, it’s not known if the bullets were fired manually or if they exploded as a result of the fire and hit the neighboring structure.

It’s also unknown what started the fire. Two investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were at the scene, along with the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office. Van Wert County CERT and the Allen County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department also assisted at the scene.

School board meeting time changed

Submitted information

The start time for the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday has been moved up one hour to 4 p.m. The time change is due to the boys Division IV sectional final basketball game between Van Wert and Napoleon, which will tip off at 6 p.m. in the Van Wert High School gym.

While the time changed, the meeting will be held in the First Federal Lecture Hall in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

New transportation option launching soon

VW independent staff/submitted information

LIMA — Area Agency on Aging 3 is officially launching a new program on Sunday, March 1. TrustedRiders provides non-medical, door-through-door human support and coordination around for pre-arranged trips appointments, whether by walking or with any form of ground transportation arranged through partners. and is currently seeking volunteers to become TrustedRiders chaperones.

TrustedRiders chaperones are professionally screened and trained individuals who understand mobility needs and provide calm, respectful assistance every step of the way. From the front door to the destination and back again, riders are never left to navigate alone. TrustedRiders chaperones stay with them through transitions and check-ins ensure complete support and safety for every rider, every time.

Area Agency on Aging 3 is currently seeking volunteers to act as helping hands, another set of ears to listen at appointments, or just company to help maneuver through a grocery store. Volunteers will go through an application process and background check. These chaperones work with older adults and adults living with disabilities on public transportation, medical appointments, shopping/grocery trips, and anything that any other task they may need support with.

“Seeing how much one individual’s act of service and kindness can impact another individual is a beautiful thing. Volunteers are individuals that don’t expect anything in return, just seeing the support they are providing is gift enough,” Miranda van Rooyen, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Director stated.

Anyone who would like to find out more or become a one of the TrustedRiders chaperones can contact van Rooyen at 419.204.4303 or email mvanrooyen@psa3.org, or Shelby Poling, Mobility Navigator, at 567.712.1902 or spoling@psa3.org.

TrustedRiders is a free service to individuals who are enrolled in programs through Area Agency on Aging 3, or those aged 60 or over or any age with a disability.

Area Agency on Aging 3 serves seven counties in northwest Ohio – Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam, and Van Wert counties.

One dead after fire…

One person is dead, after a Tuesday morning fire in western Van Wert County, at the Ohio-Indiana border. Just before 10:30 a.m. Van Wert County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Convoy Fire Department responded to a residence in the 3500 block of Ohio Indiana State Line Road in Tully Township for a report of a structure fire. Payne Fire, Monroeville, Indiana Fire, and the Van Wert Fire Department responded with tankers and manpower. Van Wert County CERT responded to assist with traffic control and assist personnel. Allen County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department was also on scene to assist. Check back for updates. VWCO Sheriff’s Office photo

Data center, pool, more discussed by council

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Answers to questions about the data center are expected to be answered sometime in March.

At Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, At-Large Councilman Dewaine Johnson, who chairs the economic development committee, said nine pages of questions have been submitted to Council President Thad Eikenbary. The list of questions will be checked for duplicates then submitted to Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brent Stevens, who will answer the questions. The answers will then be relayed to the public via local media, including the VW independent.

The data center, which will be constructed at the Mega Site in Van Wert, has been the subject of questions and concerns from city residents, including questions about water and electricity use.

The end user, or the company that will run the data center will be announced in late March and a community event is being planned at Vantage Career Center in the spring to share even more information. The date of the gathering will be announced in advance.

Johnson also said according to Stevens, negotiations are underway to possibly built a Hampton Inn hotel in Van Wert. Details, including the location, have not yet been revealed.

“(It’s) because of the data center,” Johnson said of the hotel chain possibly building in Van Wert. “This will mean more jobs and will provide a conduit to other businesses that follow Hampton Inn from market to market.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless, who chairs council’s judiciary and annexation committee, gave a brief update on municipal pool research and noted no decisions are being made.

“At this point it’s just information gathering,” he stated. “I am also attempting to reconnect with the architect and consultant that did the last feasibility study just to re-establish that communication line but like I said, no decisions are being made, no agreements are being made, just basically exchanging information at this time.”

R.K. Thompson applications being accepted

Submitted information

Van Wert Service Club has initiated its annual search for area youths who best exemplify self-reliance. Presentations and informational materials have been provided to Van Wert, Lincolnview, Crestview and Vantage Career Center.

The R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award is designed to provide recognition and cash awards for high school seniors who “do the best with what they have.” First place boy and girl winners will receive $1,000 each and the eight finalists will receive $500 each.

This is the 56th year for the award, which is sponsored by the Thompson Family Trust through the Van Wert County Foundation in honor of the late R.K. Thompson Sr. The late Mr. Thompson worked closely with young people and encouraged them to set high, but attainable goals and then apply themselves to obtain these goals. This has been the guiding philosophy of the award.

Thompson’s son, Roger K. Thompson Jr., former head of Kennedy Manufacturing Company, established the program.

According to Keri McClure, Breanne Sudduth and Anthony Adams, co-chairs of the Van Wert Service Club committee that administers the award, applications are due back to high school guidance counselors or principals by Thursday, March 12.

All seniors from Van Wert, Crestview, Lincolnview and Vantage Career Center (whose home schools are Van Wert, Lincolnview or Crestview) are urged to complete an application for judging by the awards committee.