Van Wert’s Independence Day parade to return in 2026

Finances handled, solar panels discussed

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

CONVOY — While a final decision has yet to be made, the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education has taken another step toward improving some of the district’s athletic facilities.

During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the board unanimously agreed to transfer $8.7 million from the district’s general fund to the capital projects – new initiatives fund. The board also approved a replacement certificate of participation (COP), in case the decision is made to move the football field and track to a location east of the existing junior varsity baseball field, instead of renovating the existing stadium and track. Last month, the board learned the estimates for both options are very close. Board members will hold a special meeting later this month to further discuss facilities upgrades. Board President Brad Perrott previously said the goal is to make a final decision this summer. 

Closing out fiscal year 2025 and preparing for the next fiscal year were two other pieces of business handled Monday night. Board members approved final appropriations for fiscal year 2025, which ends June 30, and approved temporary appropriations for fiscal year 2026. Among the other financial matters approved during the meeting: the transfer of $75,000 from the general fund to the retirement benefits fund; $23,000 from the general fund to the athletics general fun, and $6,000 from the general fund to the latchkey fund.

Treasurer Ashley Whetsel updated the board on the state budget process and said while there are several different proposals for the next two-year budget, there is still a great deal of uncertainty on which one will be selected and how it will affect the Crestview Local Schools. By law, the state budget must be approved by June 30.

The majority of the meeting concerned the possible placement of solar panels on a portion of farmland owned by the district as a potential way to offset energy costs. Two representatives from GRP Wegman, Vince Ardito and Katelyn Caudill, shared updated information on the cost ($3.7 million), potential federal tax credits and timeline to claim the credits, and maintenance. No decision was made.

The board extended congratulations to state track qualifiers Drayden Hoffman, Braxton Leeth, Liam Putman and Brentyn Rodriguez, along with coaches John Rosebrock, Randy Grandstaff, Rachel Alvarez and Matthew Speelman.

Ramaswamy in Van Wert…

2026 Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy paid a visit to Van Wert on Monday. During the fundraising event, he spoke to a group of local business people who gathered at R Place Stone Grill. The former presidential candidate is seeking to replace current Governor Mike DeWine, who cannot run again due to term limits. Photo submitted

Gov’t offices closed this Thursday

VW independent staff

All Van Wert County offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, which is considered a federal holiday. Van Wert city offices, including the Municipal Building and Van Wert Municipal Court will be closed that day as well.

State and federal government offices will be closed for the day, and no mail will be delivered on Thursday.

United Way donation…

United Way of Van Wert County recently granted Operation Back to School a check for $2,500. The money was given on behalf of the Community Impact Funds, which allows organizations that are tax exempt to apply for help with a one-time need or project in Van Wert County. The funds received are to aid in the program’s ninth annual event on Sunday, July 27, which provides school supplies for Van Wert County students. To register for the event, visit www.vanwertfirst.net or call 419.238.0631. Any tax-exempt organization in Van Wert County and would like to learn more about or apply for Community Impact funds, should contact the United Way office at 419.238.6689 or email administration@uwvwco.org. Pictured is Ashley Bultemeier, United Way Executive Director and Teresa Shaffer, First United Methodist Church. Photo submitted

Comments sought on road project

Submitted information

The City of Van Wert, in partnership with ODOT, is proposing a roadway reconstruction project along Leeson Avenue in the City of Van Wert.

The roadway reconstruction will start at John Brown Road and end nearly 90 feet west of Rose Drive. A section of sidewalk on the south side of Leeson Avenue will continue past Rose Drive and connect to the existing sidewalk, nearly 130 feet west of Lewis Street. Reconstruction will include installation of storm sewer and sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements. This project will conjoin with the Phase 1 Leeson Avenue Reconstruction that was constructed in 2024. Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

A portion of this work will take place within the boundaries of Smiley Park. Work within the park will consist of sidewalk installation, grading, and drive approach replacements. The park is designated as a public recreational property that is owned and maintained by the City of Van Wert. As a designated public recreational property, it is afforded protection under federal law. The use of federal funds requires measures to be developed to minimize harm and advance public notice be given of impacts to this recreational property.

Construction is anticipated to begin in May, 2027, occur throughout the summer, and end in late September, 2027.

Anyone with comments, concerns or input about Phase 2 Leeson Avenue roadway reconstruction (PID: 120200) should contact Van Wert Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming by July 16, 2025, in order for all comments to be addressed, and to allow the project to stay on schedule.

No July 4 parade in Van Wert this year

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

For a lot of people, the Fourth of July holiday means family gatherings, cookouts, fireworks and in some years, a short work week and long weekend.

This year, the July 4 holiday in Van Wert will be missing one thing – an Independence Day parade along Main St. through downtown. 

In previous years, the Independence Day parade was organized, set up and run by American Legion Post 178, but that won’t be the case for this year’s holiday, which happens to fall on a Friday. 

“The American Legion is not doing a parade this year,” a Post 178 official said in an email response inquiring about the parade.  “Unfortunately we don’t have enough help to do it. We are sorry for this inconvenience.”

While there won’t be an Independence Day parade this year, two other popular and free events will go on as usual. The Van Wert County Historical Society’s Holiday at Home will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4, at the Historical Society, 602. N. Washington St.

It will feature music, vendors and kids activities, face painting by the Church on the Horizon, balloon animals and fliers, and drone demonstrations. All museum buildings will be open for exploring and museum trustees will be selling Sycamore ice cream.

In addition, VFW Auxiliary Post 5803 will be serving shredded chicken sandwiches, coney dogs, chips, water and pop.

The Van Wert Area Community Concert Band, under the direction of Richard Sherrick is scheduled to perform at 12 p.m. that day, followed by music by Scott Turner at 1 p.m.

No Kings Protest…

Van Wert joined many other municipalities nationwide by holding a “No Kings Protest” on Saturday. It began at Fountain Park at 1 p.m. and within minutes had moved to the 200 block of S. Washington St., both sides. There were 175 protesters and it was peaceful with some chanting. The Van Wert Police Department stopped a handful of vehicles (diesel smokers) when they would go through and fog the area with black smoke. It wasn’t clear if they were cited or just warned to stop the harassment. The protesters returned to Fountain Park at 1:50 and by 2 p.m. most had left. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

LaRose certifies May 6 election results

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose recently certified the official results of the May 6, 2025, Primary and Special Election, marking the completion of the statewide canvass by Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections and formally affirming the winners.

“Election officials throughout Ohio stepped up once again to deliver a smooth and accountable election for the people of Ohio,” said Secretary LaRose. “Our continued focus on readiness and high standards are a model for other states to follow, and everyone involved should take pride in being a part of that.”

The May 2025 election resulted in several extremely close votes, resulting in either a tie or were decided by twenty votes or fewer. In total, 11 local races triggered automatic recounts and two contests resulted in tie votes.

• Meigs County 911 operating expenses: five votes
• Lancaster City Council Ward 5: one vote
• Village of Rushylvania (Logan County) current expenses levy: tie vote
• Local liquor option in Mansfield precinct 1E: one vote
• Avon Lake City School District bond issue: 20 votes
• Eden Township (Seneca County) fire/EMS levy: one vote
• Village of Alexandria (Licking County) income tax increase: tie vote
• Columbiana County Municipal Judge race: 12 votes
• Madison School renewal levy (Butler County): five votes
• Huber Heights School District levy: five votes
• Medina Township Police levy: four votes 

“These close elections emphasize the importance of our aggressive election integrity efforts,” LaRose added. “One illegal vote can spoil the outcome of an election, which is why we must continue to exercise constant vigilance and zero tolerance for misconduct. Similarly, one individual stepping up to make their voice heard can make all the difference in their community.”

In the coming weeks, county boards of elections will finalize their post-election audits, reconcile any discrepancies between the paper and electronic tabulations, and report findings to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

85 years later…

Arline (Rager) Wegesin, was selected as a maid of honor for the Peony Festival queen of 1940.  She grew up in Convoy and represented the Tully-Convoy School (now Crestview). She was able to attend this year’s Peony Festival parade at the age of 103 and have her picture taken with the Queen Jubilee and her court. She is a resident of Homestead at Towne Center assisted living community. Arline was first married to Walter Bricker who was killed while serving with the Army Air Corps during World War II. She later co-owned and operated Rogers Bakery in Convoy her second husband, Godfrey Rogers, for 30 years until his death in 1976.  She then married Ralph Wegesin, who is also deceased. Photos submitted

Numbers released from OVI checkpoint

VW independent staff/submitted information

As promised, the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in partnership with the Van Wert Police Department, teamed up in Van Wert in an effort to remove impaired drivers from roadways in Van Wert County.

As part of the effort, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with city police, conducted an OVI checkpoint from 7-9:20 p.m. on Ohio 118 (S. Shannon Street), in Van Wert. During the checkpoint, troopers and officers made brief contact with the drivers of 322 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint. Southbound and northbound traffic was checked and none of the drivers were found to be impaired. One juvenile was found to be in possession of alcohol.

During and following the checkpoint, saturation patrols were conducted to combat impaired driver-related injury and fatal crashes. During the saturation patrols, 34 vehicles were stopped for traffic violations, with one driver found to be consuming alcohol under the age of 21. Also following the checkpoint, an impaired driver crashed into a pond at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, with no injuries.