SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Early voting is underway and Republican voters in Van Wert County must decide which of two candidates will serve the next full term as Juvenile/Probate Judge. The race features an interesting little twist.
Former Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva Yarger was appointed to the seat by Governor Mike DeWine in February. She received the appointment after the retirement of longtime Judge Kevin Taylor but while she’s currently serving in the role, she must run to retain the seat. Van Wert County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum, a local attorney, was also under consideration and was recommended by Van Wert County Republican Central Committee. He filed petitions to run for the seat and is on the May 5 ballot.
The winner of the primary race will in all likelihood be unopposed in November. No Democrat filed to run and no independent candidates have entered the race.
Prior to her appointment, Yarger had served as Van Wert County prosecutor since 2017. She began her law career in 1989, when she served as an associate for local law office Johnson & Burchfield. In 1993, Yarger served as an associate at Hatcher, Diller, Rice & Beebe. In 1997, Yarger joined Young, Taylor, Steele, and Yarger as a partner, which later became Young & Yarger, while also serving as an assistant prosecutor for the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office from 1996 to 2017. In 2017, Yarger left Young & Yarger to serve as a full-time assistant prosecutor in Allen County for several months.
(more…)POSTED: 04/10/26 at 9:16 pm
VW independent staff
The Van Wert Peony Festival is currently seeking talent acts to perform at first ever local talent showcase, scheduled for Saturday evening of this year’s festival.
Organizers are seeking acts of any kind – singers, dancers, actors, musicians, comedians or anything else. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate. Anyone interested should sent their name, act description, a video sample and contact information to vwpeonyfestival@gmail.com by May 1.
This year’s Peony Festival will be held June 5-6.
POSTED: 04/10/26 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW indpependent staff/submitted information
In response to community interest and feedback, the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation is expanding access to information regarding the proposed data center project in Van Wert County.
Printed copies of frequently asked questions and project information are now available for public pickup at the Van Wert Area Economic Development Office, 140 E. Main St., and at Brumback Library, 215 W. Main St. These materials are being made available following requests from local council members and residents who prefer to review information in a printed format. Community members with additional questions are encouraged to contact the VWAEDC office directly at 419.238.2999 or info@vanwerted.com.
The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Thor Equities, has also launched an online resource to provide clear, factual information about the project. The website, www.vanwertohiodatacenter.com, includes frequently asked questions, fact vs. fiction explanations, and an option to connect directly with local experts.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone in our community has access to accurate information in a format that works best for them,” said Brent Stevens, Executive Director of VWAEDC. “We are committed to transparency and open communication as conversations around this project continue.”
About the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation
The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (VWAEDC) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Van Wert County, Ohio. Through business retention and expansion, workforce development initiatives, and strategic partnerships, VWAEDC supports local employers, attracts new investment, and strengthens the region’s economic vitality.
About Thor Equities
Thor Equities is a global real estate development, leasing, and investment firm with a portfolio spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. The company specializes in innovative, large-scale development projects across a range of sectors, including commercial, residential, and industrial properties, with a focus on long-term value creation and community integration.
POSTED: 04/10/26 at 9:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently installed their new officers for the 2026-2027 Lodge year. John E. Ream was installed as the new Exalted Ruler for the Van Wert Lodge. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are known for their promotion of Americanism, Drug Abuse Education and support of youth activities and our nation’s veterans. Pictured are new Exalted Ruler John E. Ream and installing officer Past Exalted Ruler Matthew Krol. Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/10/26 at 9:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Tickets remain for the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Van Wert on Tap Craft Beer Festival, which will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in the Junior Fair building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Those attending will be able to enjoy unlimited tastings of selected wine and craft beer from some of the best breweries in the region.
Returning breweries include Moeller Brew Barn, Buffalo Rock Brewing Co., Brewing Green, Second Crossing Brew Co., Findlay Brewing Co., Twenty One Barrels Hard Cider, False Chord Brewery, 4KD Crick Brewery, and Brewing Green. New breweries this year include Juniper Brewing Co., Oncore Brewing, and Old Route 69 Brewery. Smashdogz, Drop Zone Pizza and Fat Pig BBQ will be on site to offer food for purchase.
General admission tickets (unlimited tastings, commemorative cup and entry at 6 p.m.) are $30 per person and VIP tickets (unlimited tastings, commemorative cup, and entry to the 5-6 p.m. VIP hour) are $50 per person, Click here to get your tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Premier Sponsor of the event is First Federal Van Wert. Also sponsoring are Central Insurance, Tekniplex, Tenneco, Inc, Laudick’s Jewelry, Mid-State Industrial, Danfoss, and Bridgemill Private Wealth.
For questions about sponsorship or ticketing, contact Mark Verville at the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce at 419.238.4390 or email mark@vanwertchamber.com.
POSTED: 04/10/26 at 9:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The YMCA of Van Wert County’s Good Friday prayer breakfast was held last Friday, April 3, at Hickory Sticks Golf Course banquet hall.Community members gathered early for prayer, reflection, and connection ahead of Good Friday. The morning centered on gratitude, encouragement, and support for neighbors across Van Wert.
Guest speakers Colby Kuhn and Derrin Kuhn shared testimony on faith during hardship and the importance of holding on during seasons of trial. The message focused on the Lord’s presence in moments of weakness and uncertainty, and on the strength found through faith and community.
Prayer led by Mr. Laukhuf included gratitude and requests for guidance for families and friends, and for pastors, priests, and other faith leaders serving the community. Prayers also recognized organizations that support local families and strengthen Van Wert through service and outreach. Included were prayers for Van Wert health care providers, including doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, and administrators, and for local schools, including administrators, teachers, and school staff.
The community also lifted up those serving in roles of protection and public safety, including police officers, firefighters, first responders, veterans, active duty, and members of the military.
The closing prayer was delivered by Dr. Shad Foster: “Give us ears to hear your voice, eyes to see what work in the world, hearts that understand your will and your way.”
The YMCA extends a thank you to those who attended in person and to those who joined via social media. The next Good Friday prayer breakfast is scheduled for March 26, 2027.
POSTED: 04/10/26 at 9:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
With his retirement set for the end of this month, longtime Van Wert County EMA Director Rick McCoy is still concentrating on severe weather outbreaks for the spring season, while seeking state reimbursement from the late January winter storm and a powerful mid-March wind storm.
Recent severe weather including tornadoes has been very active in March going into April and McCoy said the upcoming weeks look extremely interesting and will need to be watched closely. He also noted that recent rains have certainly helped with the drought that persisted last fall through the winter. According to McCoy, the rain deficit was close to 12 inches but so far in March and April, the county received just over 6.5 inches, which has helped dramatically.
“I still expect some very beneficial, possibly even heavy rains in April so this should alleviate the drought,” McCoy stated.
McCoy has been looking at trends and forecasts to get a good feel for the upcoming year and said National Weather Service officials continue to point towards a very stormy wet spring, and the climate already has transitioned away from LaNino, which gave us a very cold and snowy winter and now into a neutral pattern thru June.
“What is of interest, it appears we will quickly go into a Super El Nino pattern which is somewhat rare and it will persist going into winter, McCoy said. That pattern would suppress this year’s hurricane season and would mean a mild fall for us and a warmer then normal winter with little snow.”
The longtime EMA director said he’s continuing to work with the state on the January 24 snowstorm and the March 13 windstorm. Because McCoy submitted snowfall totals of nearly 10 inches to the National Weather Service, it qualified Van Wert County to be in a top percentile of recorded snowstorms for the area. Upon receiving notification from the state that the county would be eligible for disaster assistance funds for a 48 hour period of snow removal from roadways due to snowfall and winds causing drifting snow, McCoy contacted all 12 townships, County Engineer Kyle Wendel, the cities of Van Wert and Delphos, plus the villages and requested overtime hours in the event and also hourly use of snow plows.
(more…)POSTED: 04/10/26 at 6:58 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The Vantage Career Center Alumni Hall of Fame has two new members, with Les Bowen and Marcia Osenga joining the prestigious club during Thursday night’s 48th annual All-Boards Dinner and Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Bowen is a 1982 graduate of Lincolnview and Vantage Career Center. While at Vantage, he trained in industrial mechanics and later returned to earn his peace officer certification. After graduating in 1982, Bowen went straight into the workforce, earning multiple credentials along the way, including his state plumbing license, state boiler license, backflow certification, and FAA Part 107 Drone Certification.
He owns and operates Elite Mechanical and Plumbing LLC, as well as Elite Drone Services LLC, supporting industries and public safety agencies across the region.
“What truly sets Les apart is not just his success, it’s his commitment to giving back,” High School Director Ben Winans said while introducing Bowen and Osenga.
Winans explained that through his drone services, Bowen volunteers his time and expertise to assist local fire departments and public agencies, often at no cost.
“His passion for helping others has made a real impact in his community,” Winans stated. “In fact, one moment stands above the rest. Using drone technology, Les helped locate an older gentleman suffering from early-onset dementia, bringing him home safely. For Les, that moment defined everything. He has said that saving just one life made every investment, every hour, and every effort worth it.”
Bowen has stayed connected to Vantage, returning to earn additional certifications and visiting current students to share his knowledge, hoping to inspire the next generation.
Osenga graduated from Van Wert High School and Vantage’s child development program in 1979. Nearly ten years later, she went on to earn an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech, a bachelor’s degree from Defiance College, and her career technical education licensure through the University of Toledo.
(more…)POSTED: 04/09/26 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It’s been a hot topic as of late and more information about it was shared Thursday night.
Van Wert Area Economic Development Director Brent Stevens was the keynote speaker at Vantage Career Center’s All-Boards Dinner and Alumni Hall of Fame night on Thursday and he spoke about the planned $10 billion data center at the Mega Site.
He noted that during negotiations, the developer agreed to pay for Bonnewitz Crossing, which will connect N. Washington St. and Mendon Rd., plus improvements to Mendon Rd., including an overpass. The extension and improvements alone are estimated at approximately $25 million.
As he has done on previous occasions, Stevens noted the data center will use a closed loop cooling system, which will eliminate the need for massive amounts of water, which has been a fear of local opponents of the project.
“It just so happens that the parts that are being built for the closed loop system are being built by Danfoss right here in town,” Stevens stated. “Unlike many facilities that have drawn criticism for high water consumption, this design recycles and reuses all of its cooling liquid on-site.”
He also said Danfoss in Van Wert is expected to add 53 new jobs to keep up with demand for sustainable equipment in the next year.
“We are not importing a problem, we are showcasing a homegrown solution,” he said.
According to Stevens, a well-planned data center project does not raise residential or business electric rates. Instead, he said, these developments help fund grid upgrades that northwest Ohio needs for the long term.
Stevens also addressed fears about emissions.
(more…)POSTED: 04/09/26 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
While the timeline to complete renovations to the building that will house the Vantage Academy of Medical Careers is tight, Superintendent Rick Turner still anticipates launching the school’s medical programs in the new space at the start the 2026-2027 school year.
Turner gave an update during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Vantage Career Center Board of Education and said while work progresses, a structural issue was recently identified.
“The west wall of the sports exercise room was found to be improperly anchored, causing instability during high winds,” Turner explained to the board. “To resolve this, the wall will be demolished and rebuilt using steel columns and metal-stud framing. Consequently, interior framing for this section will be delayed to avoid future rework.”
“Structural column placements previously raised concerns regarding ceiling heights, but these have since been resolved,” he added. “Window positions will be shifted slightly to compensate for the columns, while casework in the nursing practical lab and medical assistant room will be reduced or fitted with fillers to maintain 10- foot ceilings.”
Turner said work also continues on the mezzanine extension and the north end addition and he noted the architect in charge of the project, Munger Munger + Associates is working with the City of Van Wert on the elevation of the Bonnewitz Ave. extension.
“This ensures the north parking lot grade is correct and the driveway exit transitions smoothly onto the new road,” Turner stated. “Installation of the school zone and pedestrian crossings on Franklin Street is expected to begin within the next few weeks.”
The Vantage Academy of Medical Careers, which will be located in the former Thomas Edison building, across the street from the main campus
A new member, Matt Hormann, was sworn in Thursday night. He represents Antwerp Local Schools and is replacing former board member Dennis Recker.
The board approved a lengthy list of certified employees for the 2026-2027 school year, including Anna Baker, early childhood center instructor, two years; Ryan Benroth, Project Lead the Way instructor, one year; Gary Cearns, welding instructor, four years; Stephanie Clevinger, full time instructor substitute, one year; Alayna Kistler, intervention specialist, one year; Austin Meyer, network systems instructor, one year; Kelly Moreno, preschool head teacher, two years; Miriam Owens, marketing and design instructor, one year; Amolia Pope, intervention specialist, two years; Michelle Reinhart, intervention specialist, four years; Jerry Robinson, carpentry instructor, four years; Alexandria Sarno, math instructor, one year; Eric Schwab, intervention specialist, continuing contract; Stacia Spieth, math instructor pending supplemental license, one year; Audrey Stechschulte, school counselor, continuing contract; Luke Trinosky, culinary arts instructor, one year; Jennifer Warnecke, full time substitute, one year; Brooke Webster, intervention specialist, two years. Sydney Wilke, FCS satellite instructor, one year.
(more…)POSTED: 04/09/26 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Nick Evans/Ohio Capital Journal
COLUMBUS — Three Ohio Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation to place “guardrails” on the state’s sports betting system, including stopping online/phone gambling, limits on wagers, banning the use of credit for betting, and limiting advertisement.
They warn that gambling is as addictive as illegal drugs, costs Ohio citizens enormous amounts of money, and threatens the integrity of sporting events.
Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope Dr. Chris Tuell explained among addictive behaviors, gambling has the highest suicide rate.
He added that the number one reason for divorce isn’t infidelity, it’s financial problems.
“This is Narcan,” he said, holding up the small plastic nasal spray. “We don’t have a spray for problem gambling. We don’t have a pill for problem gambling.”
Ohio state Reps. Riordan McClain, R-Upper Sandusky, Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Johnathan Newman, R-Troy, acknowledge that sports betting is here to stay. But they want to place restrictions on what, how, and where Ohioans can wager.
“The fact is that most betters do not win,” McClain said, citing statistics that only about five percent of sports bettors make money over the long term.
“That means roughly 95 percent of Ohioans who are betting make deposits, not withdrawals,” McClain said.
Click asked, “Is it really worth the taxes that we gain to risk people’s lives, their mental health, their personal well-being, their families, their homes? I don’t think it is.”
“So, while we’re not going to roll back the clock to what it was before,” he went on, “we’re going to put some common-sense consumer protections in place to protect Ohio citizens.”
The legislative language for the lawmakers’ ideas is still getting hammered out, but they’re expecting to file two proposals: one focused on consumer protections and the other on sports integrity.
(more…)POSTED: 04/09/26 at 6:40 am. FILED UNDER: News
