Van Wert County Fair offers something for everyone

Car hits cruiser…

No one was injured when a car and a Van County Sheriff’s cruiser collided at the intersection of Franklin and Sycamore streets in Van Wert at approximately 5:45 p.m. Monday. The white car was northbound on Franklin St., failed to stop and hit the cruiser. On the scene was the Van Wert Police Department, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and the Van Wert Fire Department. Hague Towing removed the white car from the scene. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Gas prices continue to fall, for now

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 17.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.84 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 25.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 66.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 1.4 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.570 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.99 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.25 per gallon, a difference of $2.26 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.01 per gallon on Monday. The national average is down 7.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 86.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

“Average gasoline prices fell in slightly more than half of states over the last week while diesel declined in roughly half, as oil prices moved lower and offered some modest relief at the pump,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Over the weekend, the Trump administration struck a major deal with Venezuela, a signal that the White House remains concerned about elevated fuel prices — though in reality, any benefits from increased Venezuelan output will take years to fully materialize and are unlikely to move the needle in the near term. The factors with the most immediate impact on where prices go from here remain the ongoing developments between the U.S. and Iran and continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, both of which continue to exert outsized influence on global fuel markets. Motorists should expect continued volatility in the weeks ahead.”

Historical gasoline prices in Ohio and the national average going back five years:

August 31, 2025: $3.17/g (U.S. Average: $3.15/g)
August 31, 2024: $3.25/g (U.S. Average: $3.31/g)
August 31, 2023: $3.61/g (U.S. Average: $3.79/g)
August 31, 2022: $3.65/g (U.S. Average: $3.81/g)
August 31, 2021: $2.98/g (U.S. Average: $3.17/g)

Ohio Mobile ID available in Google Wallet

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has announced that Ohio Mobile ID is now available in Google Wallet. Ohio residents with an Android device can add their Ohio driver license or state ID to Google Wallet, offering a convenient digital companion to the physical card. Individuals who choose to use Ohio Mobile ID should continue to carry their physical credential.

Ohio Mobile ID in Google Wallet allows users to securely store and present their identity information. When an ID is displayed, the user can review exactly what data is shared. Digital IDs are encrypted on the device and protected by personal authentication. If a device is lost or stolen, digital IDs can be deleted through remote data erase features.

“Ohio is excited to roll out the next phase of our Mobile ID program, expanding it to all Ohioans,” said Charlie Norman, Registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. “Ohioans have been asking for an Android solution, and we are pleased to deliver it. Secure identity is foundational to our mission at the Ohio BMV, and we have spent the last several years designing this program to safeguard Ohioans’ privacy while providing cutting‑edge convenience.”

Ohioans can present their Mobile ID to verify age or identity at select businesses and venues across the state, in many state buildings, at all TSA checkpoints nationwide, and at Ohio’s casinos. Mobile IDs can only be presented and validated through readers designed to decrypt the credential, similar to tap‑to‑pay technology.

To add an Ohio driver license or State ID to Google Wallet, users can open the Google Wallet app or download it from Google Play, select “Add to Wallet,” choose “ID Card,” select “Ohio,” and follow the verification prompts.

Participation in Ohio Mobile ID is entirely voluntary and offered at no cost. The program adheres to national and international privacy, security, and interoperability standards, enabling Ohio Mobile ID to be used in other states where mobile IDs are supported.

VWFD called to school…

Students and staff at Van Wert Elementary School had to evacuate the building this morning after a fire alarm was automatically activated by a sensor detecting smoke. It happened just before 8 a.m. and according to a statement by Van Wert City Schools, students and staff exited quickly and safely. The Van Wert Fire Department responded, checked the building, and gave the all clear to re-enter. The maintenance department identified the issue and will make the necessary repair. The fire department returned to the school at approximately 11 a.m. to investigate the smell of smoke coming out of the air ducts. It appeared that a roof mounted air handler had malfunctioned causing the smoke and odor of smoke. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Local jobless rate decreases

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The county’s jobless rate was 2.9 percent in July, putting it in a four-way tie for 10th with Shelby, Madison and Delaware counties. Figures supplied by ODJS show Van Wert County had a labor force of 14,300 last month, with 13,900 employed. The local July employment rate decreased from June, when it was 3.1 percent and it’s notably lower than July of last year when it was 4.5 percent.

Holmes County in northeast Ohio had the state’s lowest unemployment rate last month, 2.3 percent, followed closely by Mercer County (2.4 percent). Geauga County (2.5 percent) had the state’s third lowest jobless rate, followed by a two-way tie for fourth lowest between Wyandot and Medina counties (2.6 percent). Auglaize County had the sixth lowest unemployment rate (2.7 percent), followed by Union, Putnam and Lake counties (2.8 percent each).

Van Wert County had the state’s 10th lowest unemployment rate in July, according to figures recently released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Paulding County’s July jobless rate was 3.0 percent, while Allen County had an employment rate of 3.6 percent, which was above the statewide average of 3.4 percent. Overall, 19 counties had unemployment rates at or below 3.0 percent.

On the flip side, seven counties had jobless rates at or above 4.5 percent last month. At 5.0 percent, Trumbull County, which borders Pennsylvania, had the state’s highest unemployment rate in July, followed by Meigs County (4.8 percent), Scioto County (4.7 percent), Mahoning County (4.6 percent) and Monroe, Noble and Pike counties (each 4.5 percent).

From June, unemployment rates increased in one county, decreased in 78 counties and did not change in nine counties.

Dismissal motion filed in pending civil suit

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A convicted sex offender living in Van Wert is trying to have a civil suit against him thrown out of court.

The lawsuit against David Bradford was filed in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on July 15 by a neighbor who’s young child was sexually assualted by him in 2025. While the name of the neighboring family is public record, the VW independent has made the decision not to publish their names.

According to paperwork filed with the Van Wert County Clerk of Court’s Office, the plaintiffs (neighboring family) are seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress, loss of use and enjoyment and property, punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish Bradford and deter similar conduct in the future, pre-and-post judgement interest, the cost of the lawsuit and attorney’s fees, and any other relief the court deems proper.

“Since the sexual assault and defendant’s criminal conduct, plaintiffs and plaintiffs’ children have been unable to use and enjoy their residential property peacefully and without fear,” the suit states. “Plaintiffs have suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety and fear for safety and well-being of plaintiff’s children…defendant’s conduct was intentional, willful, wanton, malicious and done with reckless disregard for the rights and safety of plaintiffs.”

Earlier this month, Lima attorney Zachary Maisch, who is representing Bradford, filed a motion seeking dismissal of the lawsuit.

In paperwork submitted to the Clerk of Court’s Office, Maisch said Ohio law does not recognize an independent cause of action for “loss of quiet enjoyment” between neighboring property owners.

“Rather, this covenant applies exclusively to landlord-tenant relationships,” Maisch wrote. “Plaintiffs have failed to plead any factual circumstances establishing such a relationship, or any unreasonable conduct that could constitute an actionable nuisance. Due to these reasons, this matter may not proceed as a matter of law.”

Retired Visiting Judge Stephen Bruns of Preble County ordered the plainiffs to file a written response to Maisch’s dismissal request no later than Wednesday, September 2. Maisch will then have until September 12 to file a rebuttal.

Lincolnview BOE OKs financial forecast

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The latest financial forecast was approved by the Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education at a special meeting held last week.

However, the forecast, which is required by law, isn’t something that’s done easily or with much confidence due to a number of factors.

In a written report to the board, Treasurer Kaitlyn Edelbrock noted the district still has not received second half tax collections from the county this year.

“I have requested informat from the county asking what has been collected but the county is unable to provide this information to use,” she wrote. “We are currently in a triennial update year for the county.”

Edelbrock said she has reviewed many parcels in the district via the Auditor’s website and she said with current estimated values on the website, Van Wert County will be seeing an increase in property values.

“We have not been provided any information on what that means for our tax collection as they do not have the reports needed to provide that information, especially with the implementation of property tax reform bills.”

Edelbrock also explained that the uncertainy of state funding makes it challenging to predict finances in future years.

“State foundation payments are always volatile with the uncertainty of the structure of the Department of Education as well as the whims of our legislatures,” she wrote. “I have made conservative estimates for these funds. We will operate in three different state budgets during the forecast period and it is impossible to determine what will happen in the next two budget processes.”

In terms of future expenditures, Edelbrock told the board there will be contract negotiations with the district’s unions, the Lincolnview Classified Education Association and the Lincolnview Local Education Association in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

Township trustees reschedule meeting

Submitted information

The regularly scheduled meeting of Union Township Trustees at 8 p.m. Thursday, September 10, has been rescheduled to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 12, at the township building.

Free Christian entertainment at county fair

Submitted information

The 170th Van Wert County Fair is just around the corner and once again, fair goers will have an outstanding lineup of free entertainment throughout the week.

This year, the Gospel Tent and Advanced Insurance Group Outdoor Stage are partnering to bring an exciting lineup of Christian music and worship to the fair.

The fair gets underway Tuesday, September 1, with a community praise and worship concert at 6 p.m. The concert will feature a combination of praise bands from Living Truth Ministries, Calvary and Trinity Friends churches.

Gospel Music takes center stage on Friday

On Friday, September 4, regional gospel artists Trinity will take the outdoor stage at 6:30 p.m. Trinity has been sharing God’s Word through song for more than 40 years. The group has shared the stage with many of the finest names in gospel music and has been honored to produce several projects with Roger Talley and John Darin Rowsey.

Following Trinity at 7 p.m will be Greater Vision. Since December, 1990, Greater Vision has inspired audiences around the world with its rich vocal blend and powerful communication of the gospel message. The group has established itself among the most recognized groups in Christian music and is the most awarded trio in the history of gospel music.

Gerald Wolfe, the group’s founder, serves as pianist and emcee. Multi-award-winning songwriter Rodney Griffin sings lead, while award-winning songwriter Chris Allman sings tenor. Scott Mullins, who joined the group in June, 2025, serves as baritone.

Saturday features Cade Thompson

On Saturday, September 5, the Gospel Tent will host St. Mary’s Catholic Church for Mass at 6 p.m. then at 7 p.m., contemporary Christian artist Cade Thompson will take the Advanced Insurance Group Outdoor Stage. After non-stop touring and accumulating 25 million streams for his sophomore album Empty Room, which features the hit singles “Good God” and “Arms of Jesus,” Thompson is entering a new chapter of music with a growing fan base. Following his 2025 releases, including “Divine Romance,” a cover of Phil Wickham’s song, and “Never Let You Go,” a tribute to his bride, Thompson enters 2026 with new music and a continued impact on Christian radio. Thompson has toured alongside artists including Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Newsboys and Michael W. Smith. He also leads weekly worship for young adults at his local church. With 121 million lifetime streams, Thompson’s new music begins rolling out in 2026 with his Christian radio single, “That’s What The Cross Is For.”

Touchdown machine!

Van Wert’s Xavier Kelly (11) scored four touchdowns during Friday’s WBL opener against Elida, marking the second straight game he found the end zone four times. The Cougars won the game 31-21. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent