Tuesday blaze destroys Dixon home; one person dead

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.

Finalists announced for YWCA scholarships

VW independent staff/submitted information

Three young women have been announced as finalists for annual scholarships from the YWCA of Van Wert County.

• Katie Kramer is the daughter of Mary and Matt Kramer, and she attends Van Wert High School.
• Caroline Marks is the daughter of Ashley Marks, and she attends Crestview High School.
• Maria Parrish is the daughter of Katherine and Ryan Parrish, and she attends Van Wert High School.

All three of these Van Wert County high school seniors display outstanding leadership and volunteerism that embodies the mission of the YWCA. Scholarships in the amount of $800, $500 and $300 will be awarded at the YWCA’s Annual Women of Achievement Scholarship Dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Willow Bend Country Club.

“We are honored to support the young women in our community through the YWCA Scholarship for Young Women, helping them achieve their future goals and plans,” YWCA President/CEO Kimberly Laudick said. This year, we had a large number of outstanding applicants, which made the selection process incredibly challenging for our board members.” 

A limited number of tickets are still available for the scholarship dinner. Visit the YWCA Persimmon Collective store to purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation to the YWCA Scholarship fund: https://ywcavanwert.org/van-wert-ywca-store.

The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and is partially funded by the VAn Wert County Foundation.

Ag Society feasibility study is complete

Submitted information

The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study for the future of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society and the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

The study was conducted in partnership with Cramer & Associates and evaluated the community’s readiness to support a major investment in the historic county fairgrounds. The purpose of the study was to assess the potential to raise funds for proposed expansion efforts aimed at modernizing facilities, enhancing year-round usability, and preserving the fairgrounds for generations to come.

Through a series of one-on-one conversations with families, stakeholders, and community members, the study examined both the financial capacity and the overall depth of community support necessary to ensure the long-term success of the project.

Cramer & Associates presented a full report to the fair board during a special meeting held on February 5. During the regular board meeting on February 18, members were appointed to form a committee that will oversee the continuation of the process and guide the next phases of planning.

The Van Wert County Agricultural Society would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the feasibility study and shared their thoughts about the future of the fairgrounds. Community input is helping shape the next steps and ensuring the fair remains a strong county tradition for years to come.

Additional updates will be shared as plans move forward in the coming months. In the meantime, individuals with questions are encouraged to contact Mike Poling at the Van Wert County Fair Office.

Sizable donation…

The Convoy Community Foundation has received an anonymous contribution of $10,000, further strengthening its commitment to supporting students in the Crestview community. The foundation, established in 1980, serves as a charitable resource for individuals, groups, and organizations within the Crestview School District. Through its endowment fund, the Convoy Community Foundation supports long-term community needs and educational opportunities. Contributions to the foundation of $5,000 or more are recognized with a commemorative plaque that includes donor biographies and the intent of the gift. These plaques are permanently displayed at Crestview School. Those interested in supporting the Convoy Community Foundation through donations or planned giving are encouraged to reach out to a foundation trustee for additional information. Pictured from left to right are Convoy Community Foundation members Bob Hall, Carl Etzler and Shaun Putman. Photo submitted

Library hosting Writers’ Conference

Submitted information

PAULDING — The Paulding Writers’ Group is hosting its third annual Writers’ Conference on Saturday, April 11, at the main branch of the Paulding County Carnegie Library. The writers’ group is once again partnering with the library to provide a day of encouragement and inspiration for aspiring and seasoned writers. 

“The library is honored to host this event to help people develop their writing craft and give them avenues for the expression of their art,” Library Director Corey Walker said. “I am amazed at the talented writers that we have in northwest Ohio.”

Keynote speaker Kimberly Wyse, author of Looking Up When Life Looks Down: Shattered Dreams, Medical Miracles, & Restored Hope, is presenting a session about the story arc at the conference. Other presentations include topics on where to begin writing, writing from your experiences, publishing pathways, as well as workshop sessions on poetry and writing from your observations. 

Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a dessert and coffee hour at the conclusion, where participants can informally visit with the authors and have an opportunity to purchase books.

The fee to attend is $45, with the proceeds benefitting the Friends of the Paulding County Carnegie Library. A light breakfast and lunch are included. To register, email Walker at cwalker@mypccl.org or call the library at 419.399.2032. You can also go to the library in person to sign up. The deadline to register is April 3. 

Smith named Firefighter/EMT of the Year

By Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones/special to the VW independent

The Van Wert Fire Department recently held its annual awards ceremony to recognize the firefighters and EMTs who serve the City of Van Wert each day. The event brought together members, retirees, families, city leadership, and supporters to honor the work being done across the department.

The evening’s top honor, Firefighter/EMT of the Year, was awarded to Kory Smith. Selected by fellow members of the department, this recognition reflects the respect of peers and is given to a firefighter who consistently demonstrates strong work ethic, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the community. Smith was recognized for showing up each day ready to work, support his crew, and serve the residents of Van Wert.

Throughout 2025, the department completed more than 4,800 hours of training, reinforcing its focus on preparedness and continuous improvement. The Operational Readiness Award was presented to Shift 2 for leading the department in training participation and overall readiness. Ed Carter received the department’s Fitness Award for his commitment to health and physical preparedness.

Service milestones were also recognized. Department members average 11.9 years of service, while officers average more than 22 years, reflecting a strong base of experience within the organization.

• Firefighter Trevor Spridgeon was recognized for reaching five years of service.
• The Busy Bee Award highlighted the department’s call volume and work ethic. On September 18, 2025, Shift 3 handled 17 incidents in a single day. Craig King led all members in responses for the year with 407 incidents.

• The Devoted Reserve Award was presented to Justin Brant and Robert Barnes for their continued support and reliability.
• The Spirit of Service Award was presented to Addison King, recognizing compassion, positivity, and a genuine commitment to serving others.