Noise ordinance, solicitors, junk/rubbish laws discussed

Gas prices fall, but still not cheap

VW independent staff/submitted information

There’s more good news and a bit of bad news at the pumps.

The good news – average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 29 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.03 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. More good news – prices in Ohio are 69.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and in Van Wert, gas prices on Monday were below the statewide average, ranging from $3.71 to $3.99 per gallon. 

Here’s the bad news – even with the recent drop, pump prices on average are still $1.03 per gallon higher than a year ago.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.18 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.79 per gallon, a difference of $2.61 per gallon.

At $3.42 per gallon, neighboring Indiana continues to boast the lowest average gas price in the country. Sunday morning, one gas station in Warsaw had gas for $2.99 per gallon when paying cash.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 17.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.09 per gallon on Monday. The national average is down 45.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.02 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 declined in virtually every state over the last week as oil prices continued to fall, with crude approaching $90 per barrel and refiners ramping up output following seasonal maintenance,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The combination of lower oil costs and improving refinery runs has kept downward pressure on pump prices, giving motorists a welcome reprieve. However, the future of prices remains murky. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed, global oil supplies continue to tighten, and any further deterioration in the situation could send prices sharply higher.”

Event receives a boost…

United Way of Van Wert County recently granted Operation Back to School a check for $3,000. The money was given on behalf of the Community Impact Funds, which allows organizations that are tax exempt to apply in order to help with a one-time need or project in Van Wert County. The funds received will aid the program’s 11th annual event on Sunday, July 26, which provides school supplies for Van Wert County students. Shown above are United Way Executive Director Ashley Bultemeier and Teresa Shaffer with Operation Back to School. To register for Operation Back to School, visit vanwertfirst.net or call 419.238.0631. If you are a tax-exempt organization in Van Wert County and would like to learn more about or apply for Community Impact funds, contact the United Way office at 419.238.6689 or email administration@uwvwco.org. Photo submitted

100 Deadliest Days of Summer are here

VW independent staff/submitted information

CLEVELAND — High level state officials met in Cleveland on Monday to remind motorists of the direct connection between rising summer temperatures and an increase in vehicle crashes.

 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Superintendent Col. Charles Jones, and Ohio Traffic Safety Office Director Emily Davidson visited Cuyahoga County today to remind motorists of the direct connection between rising summer temperatures and an uptick in vehicle crashes.

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day is often characterized by law enforcement across the country as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” due to the increases in serious-injury and fatal crashes during the summer months. 

“The Ohio State Highway Patrol estimates that around one-third of total traffic fatalities in any given year normally happen between the end of May and the beginning of September,” Governor DeWine Mike DeWine said. “I encourage all motorists to do their part in promoting traffic safety by buckling up and never driving distracted or impaired.”

During this time period last year, a total of 67,847 crashes occurred on Ohio’s roadways and 384 people were killed, including 123 people who were not wearing a seatbelt, 104 people who had been riding a motorcycle, 37 pedestrians, and 28 teenagers. 

The increased risk of serious injury and fatal crashes during this time of year is attributed to several factors, including increased driving time, increased distractions, and driver inexperience.

• Increased driving time – School is out, and teens have more unstructured time, which leads to more driving, often times with friends in the vehicle.
• Increased distractions – Distracted driving, including phone use and multiple passengers being in the vehicle, increases the risk of a serious crash.
• Driver inexperience – Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash due to their inexperience.

“Summer often marks the first real taste of independence for teen drivers. But that freedom comes with real risks,” Ohio Traffic Safety Office Director Emily Davidson said. “We are urging parents to talk early and often with their young drivers about safe habits and to set firm expectations around passengers, nighttime driving, and a zero tolerance for impaired driving.”

Peony parade…

Fortunately, the rain held off and the Peony Festival parade went on as scheduled on Saturday, with the Van Wert High School Cougar Pride Marching Band taking part in the annual event. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent 

Data center meeting this Thursday

VW independent staff

This Thursday, June 11, is when a community event will be held for residents to learn more about a planned data center that will be built in Van Wert. It will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. at Vantage Career Center.

“Think of it like a science fair,” Van Wert Area Economic Development Director Brent Stevens said. “There will be tables set up and you will go to the closed loop table and talk to their experts and ask all kinds of questions. They will have site plans posted. Water guys, building guys, all kinds of stations (will be) set up.”

QTS Data Centers plans to build up to seven buildings on more than 900 acres at the Mega Site, on the city’s east side. Groundbreaking is scheduled for later this year. The first building is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2029 and the full campus is slated to be operational in 2032. See stories here and here.

Primary election results now certified

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has certified the official results of the May 5 primary election, marking the completion of the statewide canvass conducted by Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections.

The certified results include all eligible ballots cast on Election Day, during early in-person voting, by absentee ballot, and through provisional ballots that were properly cured within the four-day period following Election Day.

“Ohioans deserve elections that are secure, accurate, and accessible, and once again our bipartisan county boards of elections delivered,” LaRose said in a statement. “From Election Day voting to absentee and provisional ballots, every eligible vote was counted according to the law. I’m grateful to the thousands of election officials and poll workers across Ohio who helped ensure a smooth and trustworthy primary election.”

In the coming weeks, county boards of elections will finalize their post-election audits, review any discrepancies between paper and electronic tabulations, and report their findings to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. Once all 88 counties have completed their audits,  LaRose will release the statewide audit results.

The 2026 primary election saw a significant decline in absentee ballots received after Election Day, following a change in Ohio law. In the 2024 Primary Election, 7,042 absentee ballots arrived after Election Day. Following a statewide public education campaign to communicate Ohio’s updated absentee ballot return requirements, that number fell to 1,564 in the 2026 primary election.

Annual car show coming to Rockford

Submitted information

ROCKFORD — The Rockford Lions Club’s 32nd annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise‑In is scheduled for Friday, June 19, in downtown Rockford.

Registration will be held from 4-7 p.m., with judging beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony starting at 8:45 p.m.

The event will feature food and drinks, along with a 50/50 drawing. Classic cars, community fellowship, and family‑friendly activities make this annual event one of Rockford’s most popular summer traditions. Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club events help fund scholarships and support community needs and service projects throughout the year.

The Rockford Lions Club meets September through June on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Village Offices on East Columbia St.

Western Buckeye ESC awarded grant

VW independent staff

PAULDING — The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center has been named as a recipient of $100,000 Industry Sector Partnership Spark Grant. It will provide additional transition and workforce navigation services for all Paulding and Van Wert County schools to assist students with early job exploration, workplace readiness training, and real-world problem-solving experiences. 

Additionally, funding is available through Western Buckeye ESC’s program to support local businesses and organizations participating in student mentorship programs to solve a community or work based problem. 

Saturday morning accident…

An early Saturday morning accident at the intersection S. Shannon St. and W. Main St. brought a full response by the Van Wert Police Department and Van Wert Fire Department. The van pictured above was struck by a red pickup truck. Upon arrival, the fire department accessed those involved for injuries, but all treatment was declined. The accident remains under investigation by the police department. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Ladies of the 80s!

A large crowd gathered at Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert Friday night for the kickoff to Van Wert Live’s Feel Good Friday summer concert series. Those in attendance were transported back to the 80s – at least the big hair and the music of the time as the Ladies of the 80s rocked the park with hits by Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Pat Bentar and others. The concert was in conjunction with the Peony Festival, which continues today (Saturday). Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent