Local man receives lengthy prison sentence in drug case

Solar project addressed at meeting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The general public had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the proposed Butterfly Meadows solar project Tuesday evening.

A two-hour public information meeting was held at Vantage Career Center, and the open house-style presentation gave anyone interested a chance to speak directly with representatives of the developer, Houston-based Panthera Grid Partners.

A steady stream of people filtered in to learn more details about the project.

“We’re pleased with the turnout and the opportunity to connect directly with community members,” Marketing and Communications Director Becky Zavala said. “Attendance was slightly lower than at our previous meeting, but we had meaningful conversations with those who attended, including several adjacent neighbors who have a particular interest in the project. Overall, attendees seemed genuinely interested in learning more, asking questions and better understanding the project. These conversations are valuable to us as we continue engaging with the community and addressing questions and concerns.”

The project was originally planned to span approximately 4,000 acres, primarily in Hoaglin, Union and Pleasant townships, along with nearly 40 acres in Van Wert. However, plans have been scaled back considerably, to approximately 1,700 acres and the project remains in the design phase.

It was noted that Butterfly Meadows will pay in excess of $35 million in property tax revenue to Van Wert County over its lifetime.

Heppeard makes donation…

Dalton Heppeard, a 2018 Van Wert High School graduate, is continuing his tradition of giving back to the Van Wert CEO Program. For the eighth consecutive year, he donated a portion of his Apple Festival earnings to support students currently in the program. This year also marks Heppeard’s final year participating in the Apple Festival. As a high school senior, he participated in the CEO Program while working with Bee Gee Realty. He credits his experiences at Van Wert High School and in the CEO Program with making a lasting impact on his personal and professional life, inspiring him to give back to the program that helped shape him. Van Wert High School CEO Program Coordinator Bob Spath (left) thanked Heppeard (right) for his generosity and continued commitment to the program. Photo submitted

Chamber to hold annual awards event

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 21st annual Salute to Small Business Awards Bruncheon from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, November 20, at Walnut & Main Event Space in downtown Van Wert. The best of the best of Van Wert Chamber members in Van Wert County will be recognized at the gathering. The deadline to vote for awards winners is fast approaching.

Chamber businesses will be recognized in the categories of: Small Business of the Year, Charitable Non-Profit, Emerging Business of the Year, Downtown Champion, Women in Business, Palate Pleaser, The “Woo” Winning Others Over, Community Youth Champion, and Community Collaborator. Cast your vote for your favorite businesses here. Voting ends on Friday October 23.

Tickets are $40 each, click here to purchase.

“We love recognizing our businesses all year long, but it’s special to have the community choose the nominees for these awards, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mark Verville said. “We couldn’t have this event without the support of area businesses.”

Verville thanked the following sponsors for their investment in the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce and our member businesses. Premier Event Sponsors: Shultz Huber & Associates, Citizens National Bank, QTS, Walnut & Main, and Panthera Grid Partners. Community Influencer Event Sponsors: Statewide Ford Lincoln, Central Insurance, OhioHealth Van Wert, Greenway Bank, Laudick’s Jewelry, Superior Credit Union, Vantage Career Center, and Alexander and Bebout.

Convoy house fire…

A home along Tully St. in Convoy was destroyed by flames on Monday. Firefighters from Convoy, Van Wert and Wren were dispatched to the scene and Van Wert County CERT was called in to provide assistance. The occupants of the home were able to get out safely. According to Convoy Fire Chief Rob Miller, firefighters were at the scene for four hours. The cause of the blaze is undetermined. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

YWCA provides Survivor Services

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County is continuing its series of articles to answer frequently asked questions and provide a closer look at why the organization is building a new facility. While the new building will enhance every area of the YWCA’s mission, one of its greatest impacts will be on Survivor Services.

For decades, the YWCA has provided emergency shelter, long-term housing, advocacy, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The organization also operates a 24-hour crisis hotline serving Van Wert and Paulding Counties and responds to hospitals, law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, and victims throughout both counties.

In 2025 alone, the YWCA served 126 adults, 70 children, and 42 families. In addition, the YWCA:

• Celebrated 138 survivor successes and milestones as individuals and families achieved greater safety, independence, and stability.

• Provided 527 transports, ensuring survivors could access medical appointments, court hearings, employment, housing, counseling, and other essential services.
• Responded to 49 hotline calls and referrals, connecting individuals with crisis intervention, advocacy, and resources when they needed them most.

These numbers represent more than services provided — they represent lives changed, families kept safe, and individuals given the opportunity to rebuild after experiencing trauma.

The YWCA’s current facility has faithfully served the community for more than a century. Originally designed to house young women entering the workforce or pursuing education, the building was never intended to function as a modern emergency shelter. Residents currently share bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and common living areas, while the age of the building and ongoing maintenance challenges make it increasingly difficult to provide the level of comfort, privacy, and security survivors deserve.

The new facility has been intentionally designed to create a more dignified and trauma-informed environment. Each resident will have a private, apartment-style living space complete with their own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, allowing families to begin their healing journey with greater independence, comfort, and privacy.

“Every survivor deserves a safe, private place to heal from their trauma,” said Jamie Evans, Director of Survivor Services. “This new facility will allow us to provide an environment that promotes healing, restores dignity, and better supports each individual’s journey toward safety and independence.”

Student Council to collect spare change

Submitted information

Your spare change can make a difference. Van Wert High School Student Council will host its “Clean Out the Console” fundraiser from 7:10-7:45 a.m. Friday, October 23, to support the Ohio City and Cooperative Ministries food pantries.

Student Council members will collect spare change in the elementary, middle school, and high school parking lots during morning drop-off. Families and staff are encouraged to clean out their vehicle consoles and donate loose change to help local families.

Donations will also be accepted in the Van Wert High School office through November 20. Help Student Council reach its $1,000 goal and support neighbors in need.

Free vets breakfast…

The Van Wert School at the Goedde invites all local veterans to the third annual “Breakfast with a Vet” at 9 a.m. this Thursday, in the Goedde gymnasium. Veterans will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and the opportunity to visit with students, share their stories, and connect with the next generation. The event gives students a chance to learn from those who have served and show their appreciation for their sacrifices. Now in its third year, the gathering continues to bring the community together in recognition of local veterans and their service. No RSVP is required, and all veterans are welcome. The United Way of Van Wert County for sponsoring the event. Photo submitted

YMCA offers women’s self-defense classes

Submitted information

The YMCA of Van Wert County hosted a free women’s self-defense class on Saturday, October 17, led by instructor Shad Robeson of 540 Martial Arts Center on Main St. The session introduced women of all ages to the fundamentals of personal defense, including boundaries, situational awareness, and push-and-pull reaction techniques.

The class was organized by Membership Director Jaz Sandhu, who identified a need for practical self-defense skills among women in the community. Robeson, who has taught martial arts on Main Street for years and specializes in situational awareness, led the introduction-to-defense session.

“A single two-hour class once a year is not enough to protect yourself — what you learn has to be practiced at home so it comes naturally in a moment of danger,” said Shad Robeson, instructor at 540 Martial Arts Center.

Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the program focused on building confidence and practical, easy-to-remember techniques for responding to threatening situations.

A second free session is scheduled for 9 a.m. this Saturday, October 24, at the YMCA of Van Wert County. The class is welcome to return annually during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with additional sessions planned throughout the year. Attendees of the class receive a free one-month YMCA membership to continue strengthening mind, body, and soul.

Convoy trick-or-treat set for Halloween

Submitted information

CONVOY — The Village of Convoy is once again preparing to welcome ghouls, goblins, princesses, and superheroes to its streets as the community gears up for its annual trick-or-treat celebration from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, October 31, offering two hours of family-friendly fun for children and adults alike throughout the village.

As in previous years, residents are encouraged to participate by turning on their outside lights during trick-or-treat hours to signal that they are welcoming trick-or-treaters. The Convoy Methodist Church will offer trunk-or-treat in the church parking lot.

Support the Convoy Fire & EMS, they willoffer hot dogs and chips to purchase, as well as treats for the children.

Once the trick-or-treating wraps up at 6 p.m., the evening will continue at Convoy Village Square, where costume judging will be held for participants of all ages. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Parents are reminded to accompany young children. Motorists traveling through Convoy during the event are urged to drive slowly and remain alert for trick-or-treaters crossing streets.

Home ownership affordability drops in Ohio

By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio had the steepest decline in homeownership affordability between 2020 to 2025, according to new reporting from the National Housing Conference. 

The number of occupations able to afford a typically priced home with a 10 percent down payment fell nearly 41 percent across Ohio’s metropolitan areas from 2020 to 2025, according to the second annual “Priced Out: When a Good Job Isn’t Enough” report.

“The report shows that home ownership is becoming a luxury in Ohio, and that jobs that used to be considered solidly middle class, like a firefighter or mail carrier, are getting shut out of the American dream,” said Marcus Roth, spokesperson for the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. 

Mansfield, Cleveland, Springfield, Toledo and Akron ranked among the 25 largest affordability declines in the country, according to the report. 

“Ohio’s numbers show just how quickly the path to homeownership can disappear for working families,” National Housing Conference President/CEO David M. Dworkin said. 

In Ohio, 67 percent of occupations could purchase a home with 10 percent down in 2020, but that dropped down to just 26 percent in 2025, according to the report. 

When it came to renting a two-bedroom apartment, 77 percent of occupations in Ohio could afford to do so in 2020. That number dropped to 69 percent in 2025, according to the report. 

Mansfield experienced the biggest loss in homeownership affordability in Ohio. A typically priced home was $115,041 and the annual income needed to qualify for that home was $28,483 in 2020.

In 2025, a typically priced home in Mansfield rose to $188,863, which requires an income of $62,931 — a 121 percent increase, according to the report.