2026 Feel Good Friday Summer Concert Series announced

Politicians spend the day at Crestview

VW independent staff/submitted information

CONVOY – Students and staff at Crestview Local Schools, along with community members were able to interact with State Representative Jim Hoops (R–Napoleon) on Tuesday.

Rep. Hoops, who is currently a candidate for Ohio’s State Senate District 1 seat held by Senator Rob McColley, spent the day touring the campus. Rep. Hoops was accompanied throughout the visit by State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R–Haviland). The site visit and tour were organized in coordination with the Crestview Employees’ Association (CEA, OFT-AFT).

Following a brief introductory meeting in the Crestview Board of Education office, Rep. Hoops began his tour at the Crestview Early Childhood Center (ECC), where he learned about the district’s newest facility and the opportunities it provides for young learners. The visit then continued to the middle school and high school, where Rep. Hoops toured art and agricultural classrooms. During these stops, he had the opportunity to speak with students and staff who were engaged in classroom instruction and individual projects.

At the conclusion of the tour, Rep. Hoops and Rep. Klopfenstein participated in two roundtable discussions—one with staff and community members, and another with students. These conversations focused on educational policy, property tax reform, and the state budget process. Both Hoops and Klopfenstein were eager to receive feedback from the roundtable participants.

DeWine approves winter storm assistance

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Van Wert County and Mercer County are two of 11 Ohio counties that Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the use of the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to support areas that were significantly impacted by severe winter storms that occurred between January 24-27.

The 11 counties are:

• Butler
• Darke
• Greene
• Madison
• Mercer
• Muskingum
• Perry
• Preble
• Tuscarawas
• Van Wert
• Warren

Locally, snow began to fall on the evening of January 24 and continued non-stop for about 24 hours. 9.6 inches of snow came down in Van Wert and that, along with high winds, made roads treacherous. Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency due to the conditions. Many schools were closed on Monday and/or Tuesday due to lingering road conditions.

The State Disaster Relief Program is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance but do meet state program requirements. This program is intended to provide supplemental state assistance to local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations for costs associated with certain damage repairs, debris removal, and emergency protective measures.

The SDRP is authorized for counties whose damages meet a countywide per capita indicator. Governor DeWine’s authorization allows the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to request the funding from the Ohio Controlling Board.

New genealogy club to meet next week

Submitted information

Community members interested in uncovering their roots and exploring the rich heritage of Van Wert County are invited to attend the first meeting of the Genealogy and Local History Club.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, on the second floor of the Brumback Library. The new group aims to create a collaborative environment where residents can share research techniques, discover local archival treasures, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts.

Whether you are a seasoned genealogist with a sprawling family tree or a beginner who isn’t sure where to start, all are welcome to attend and contribute to this growing community of researchers.

The group is free and open to the public. Future meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month 5:30-7 p.m. on the second to floor of the Brumback Library.

Museum in Convoy opens this Saturday

Submitted information

CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society Museum will be open on Saturdays starting this Saturday, April 11, through October 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free but memberships are available and donations are always appreciated.

What you’ll see

• The Library Room
• The Crestview/Military Room
• Main room displays with items donated by area residents

The museum is open and will continue to be a work in progress, adding new items every week.

Donations welcome

If you have items from the Convoy area or local businesses that you would like to donate, the Convoy Historical Society Museum would love to have them.

Questions?

A Village of Convoy Historical Society board member or volunteer will be available on Saturdays to guide you through the museum, answer questions, and accept donations. For all other questions or to schedule a visit by appointment, please contact Dave Thomas at 260.639.2083 or Rose Wherry at 419.513.1092.

Honor Flight to take off next Tuesday

VW independent staff/submitted information

FINDLAY — Flag City Honor Flight, which serves northwest Ohio, is preparing for its 34th mission on Tuesday, April 14, taking  82 veterans, primarily from the Vietnam War era to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built in their honor.

The organization relies on community donations and flight sponsorships to continue the mission.  As a 100 percent volunteer-led organization, every dollar received goes directly toward honoring and thanking veterans for their service.

Departing from Toledo Express Airport in the morning, veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, Navy Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard. Veterans do not pay to fly.

Early voting underway for primary election

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Ohio’s early in-person voting period for the May 5 primary election is now underway. Registered voters may cast ballots at the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office, 1362 E. Ervin Rd, Van Wert, during the dates and times listed below. A valid photo ID is required to vote. Absentee ballots are also available by mail.

The ballot is rather light.

Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge Eva Yarger, who was appointed earlier this year by Governor Mike DeWine, is seeking to retain the seat. She’s running against County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum in the race for Juvenile/Probate Court Judge. The winner will be unopposed in November.

Incumbent Van Wert County Auditor Jami Bradford is seeking her second term in office and is being challenged by Arica Wermer, deputy auditor for the City of Van Wert. The winner will be unopposed in November. 

The third race spans 10 counties that comprise Ohio’s First Senate District – Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Williams counties, and the northern portion of Logan County. Current State Representative Jim Hoops and former State Representative Craig Riedel are seeking seat currently held by State Senator and Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits and is now in the race for Lt. Governor. The winner will be unopposed in the November election.

Candidate profiles on each of those people running in those races will be featured later this week.

Event for first responder mental health

VW independent staff/submitted information

DELPHOS — The community is invited to come together for a meaningful evening of support, remembrance, and impact at the upcoming ARC fundraising event, taking place on Saturday, May 2, at the Delphos Eagles. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The ARC Fundraising Event was created by the wife and children of Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Adam R. Clark, along with the support of the Davis and Clark families, following his passing in 2024. In the wake of their loss, they were driven to honor his legacy by raising awareness and providing support for mental health challenges faced by first responders.

The event aims to generate funds for organizations that assist individuals and families before, during, and after a mental health crisis, ensuring critical support systems are available when they are needed most.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting night featuring over $7,000 in prizes and multiple ways to win throughout the evening. With only 300 tickets available, early purchase is strongly encouraged.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Cassondra Clark at 567.259.8227. Community members and businesses are also encouraged to contribute, as donations are still being accepted to support this important cause.

Venedocia accident…

Several headstones were struck when a driver lost control of his car and went off of Ohio 116 in Venedocia Friday night. The driver was not injured but the damage at the cemetery was evident. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Gas prices expected to rise sharply

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 7.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.74 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio, but get ready for an increase, perhaps a notable increase. In fact, it’s already happened at some gas stations in Van Wert, going from the low $3.50 range to $3.99 by Monday evening. 

“Gasoline prices are poised for another jolt this week, with many inland states, including the Plains, Great Lakes, and parts of the Rockies, likely to see sharp increases as last week’s surge in wholesale costs has yet to be fully passed through to consumers,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “In addition, some price-cycling markets could also see another round of increases. As a result, the national average could rise by double digits, potentially reaching the $4.20 to $4.35 per gallon range in the days ahead.”

De Haan also noted diesel prices continue to climb and now sit just 25 cents away from setting a new all-time record.

“Recent escalations between the U.S. and Iran have further intensified concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil flows, keeping markets on edge,” De Haan explained. “At this point, the trajectory of fuel prices remains highly uncertain and is largely contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz— until that occurs, the risk of further increases remains firmly in place.”

Elk of the Year…

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently recognized Allen D. Zimmerman as Van Wert Lodge “Elk of the Year” for the 2025–2026 Lodge eyar. Zimmerman was presented with a special certificate issued by the Grand Lodge and signed by the Grand Exalted Ruler Bryan R. Klatt. The “Elk Of The Year” is awarded by a Lodge to one of its members who perform extra service “above and beyond” to the Lodge and its charitable works. Zimmerman is always willing to do anything he can to help the lodge. He has been instrumental in organizing several areas within the lodge which has made things run much smoother. Zimmerman is pictured to the right of Exalted Ruler John Ream. Photo submitted