SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
The search is about to begin for a new Vantage Career Center superintendent.
Thursday night, the Vantage Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Rick Turner, who plans to retire at the end of his current contract, July 31, 2027. The board also voted to approve a contract with Celina-based Grand Lake Regional Educational Service Center to aid in the search for Turner’s replacement. The contract calls for a flat fee payment of $5,000 at the conclusion of the search process.
Turner’s ties to Vantage go back to the late 1970s. He graduated in 1979 from the school’s machine tool technology program. He was hired as Vantage superintendent in 2017. Prior to that, he spent a number of years at Apollo Career Center and worked as director of adult programs for more than 11 years at the Lima area vocational school before his appointment at Vantage.
Shortly after calling Thursday’s meeting to order, the board went into executive session with Grand Lake Regional ESC Superintendent Shelly Vaughn and Western Buckeye ESC Superintendent Missy McClurg to discuss the pending superintendent vacancy. The closed door session lasted over an hour.
The Vantage Academy of Medical Careers was a topic of discussion and the tone turned to dissatisfaction with the pace of work and general contractor Alexander & Bebout as the project winds down. The academy is in the former Thomas Edison building across the street from the main campus.
“Contractors need to complete final punch-list items for the academy,” Turner told the board. “Exterior landscaping is still pending and given the time of year, some final work may be deferred until spring.”
(more…)POSTED: 11/05/26 at 10:30 pm
Submitted information
Principals and counselors from Lincolnview, Crestview, Vantage, and Van Wert City Schools, as well as local college representatives, will be hosting a College Credit Plus informational meeting for parents/guardians from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.
The meeting will consist of a general session giving more information on College Credit Plus, as well as individual meetings with your respective school. There will be several colleges and universities in attendance. The meeting will be held on…
The Ohio Department of Education began the College Credit Plus program for all students enrolled in Ohio schools. College Credit Plus has two fundamental positions:
- Students (grades 7-12) must be an Ohio resident enrolled in a participating college of choice.
- Students can earn transcripted college and high school credit upon successful completion of the course.
Eligible students may need a qualifying college entrance exam score that places them in courses above a remediation level to participate.
If you have students who might be interested in earning college credit during their time in high school, plan on attending the meeting on November 18. Should you have questions prior to the meeting, contact the Student Services Office 419.238.2180 or Van Wert High School 419.238.3350.
POSTED: 11/05/26 at 10:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Janelle Priest/Lincolnview FFA chapter reporter
The Lincolnview FFA recently took its annual National Convention and Expo trip. The five day trip consisted of three tours in St. Louis, a tour of the Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, and the convention and expo to finish out the trip.
The chapter took their first tours on Tuesday. They toured ADM, Budweiser, and the Arch. At ADM they learned about the transportation and storage of grain. They also got a tour of the company’s operation. After the ADM tour, they went to tour Budweiser. There they learned about the company’s history, products, and production practices. The final tour of the day was to the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Visiting the museum, as well as riding to the top, was definitely a highlight of the chapter’s trip.
Wednesday included a tour of the Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana. While at the plant the chapter learned about the history, and operations, of Toyota. The tour included a trolley ride through the plant and an educational video of the company’s culture. The trolley allowed for the chapter to see the automated production lines, the systematic assembly of the cars, and the organization of this specific plant.
(more…)VW independent staff/submitted information
At noon on December 19, Isaac Van Wart Daughters of the American Revolution members, 4-H youth, and local Elks Lodge members will conduct a memorial ceremony inside Van Wert Elks Lodge No. 1197 on Elks Drive, off of Van Wert-Decatur Road.
After the ceremony, the group will proceed to Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert to pick up wreaths and place them on veteran’s graves. The public is invited to join in to remember veterans at the ceremony and at the cemetery.
Over 1,300 veterans are buried at Woodland Cemetery and many more throughout the county. If you would like to purchase wreaths to support this event, click on this link: OHWCVW – Woodland Cemetery – Van Wert
The Isaac Van Wart DAR members thank all the businesses and individuals who have purchased wreaths for 2026. Wreaths can be ordered up to December 2 for 2026 placement.
POSTED: 11/05/26 at 10:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The Van Wert County Republican Central Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at Truland, 103305 Liberty Union Rd., Van Wert, to consider an appointment to the recently vacated Van Wert County Recorder’s position.
Longtime Recorder Kim Hughes retired on October 31, and the Van Wert County Commisioners named Allison Byrne to fill the seat until the Republican Central Committee acts to officially fill it.
Interested applicants are invited to attend the meeting and to submit their resume and/or list of qualifications to Chairman James Bonifas at Jim.bonifas@trulandequip.com. The person chosen will serve for two years, then will have to seek re-election.
POSTED: 11/05/26 at 8:04 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Turnout
Early in-person voting was a good indicator of how the turnout would be for the November 3 election.
Statewide, out of eight million registered voters, 4.6 million (58.1 percent) cast ballots, which was unusually high for a mid-term election. 1.1 million voters cast early in-person ballots statewide, while another 653,739 ballots were returned by mail.
In Van Wert County, 10,635 of 19,963 registered voters cast ballots (53.2 percent). Of those, 4,585 were cast ahead of Election Day and another 952 were returned by mail. Figures from the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office show 5,098 county residents voted on Tuesday.
No problems
Election Day was brisk, especially for a mid-term election, and Van Wert County Board of Elections Director Pam Henderson said there were no issues or problems locally.
“Everything went pretty smoothly as possible for an Election Day,” she noted.
Problems elsewhere
Lucas County totals were delayed by several hours, due to a series of problems, including a bomb threat at one precinct in Toledo. Voting hours at that precinct were extended until 9:15 p.m.
There was also a large, last-minute delivery of absentee ballots from the U.S. Postal Service, problems with the ballots and a shortage of personnel to tabulate the ballots. The first results from Lucas County were reported at approximately 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, and final totals were shared just before 3 a.m.
Local issues
Despite a pushback on property taxes, all levy issues on the ballot in Van Wert County were approved. All were renewals and all passed by a substantial percentage margin.
High and low
Figures provided by the Van Wert County Board of Elections show the highest and lowest percentage turnout among the county’s 32 precincts.
(more…)POSTED: 11/04/26 at 9:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio voters approved a majority of school tax issues in Tuesday’s general election, with renewals receiving particularly strong support, according to unofficial results compiled by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA).
Of the 134 school tax issues on the ballot, 72 passed and 62 were rejected, for a 54 percent overall passage rate. Voters approved 51 of 63 renewal requests, including two that also reduced taxes, for an 81 percent passage rate. Three school levies that overlapped into Van Wert County – Crestview, Delphos and Spencerville, passed.
Statewide, among requests for additional funding, 20 of 69 issues passed, or 29 percent.
“We saw communities across Ohio step forward to support their schools, particularly when it came to renewing existing taxes,” OSBA CEO Tom Hosler said. “That’s encouraging. But behind every election result is a community, a school board and students who will be affected by the outcome. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet.”
Additional property tax levies received support in 10 of 18 elections, a 56 percent passage rate. Voters also approved four of six bond issues, or 67%, compared with an average passage rate of 37 percent over the past five years.
POSTED: 11/04/26 at 9:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert Municipal Court’s annual jury draw will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, at the Municipal Court. This is open to the public.
According to Van Wert Municipal Court Clerk Megan Ryan, the court is required to have an annual jury draw. It is done with two jury commissioners, the clerk and the judge or the judge’s designee. A list of every registered voter in the county is provided to the court from the Board of Elections and a list of every person in the county over the age of 18 with a valid license or an ID card is provided from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. From the two lists the jury commissioners will randomly select 250 from each to create a list of 500 eligible persons from the county who will be part of the Van Wert Municipal Court jury list for the 2027 calendar year.
POSTED: 11/04/26 at 9:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Alecta Baxter/Crestview FFA reporter
CONVOY — Crestview FFA is proud to recognize eight members who have earned one of the highest honors in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree. Hayden Buuck, Alivia Etzler, Rex Gerardot, Evan Hart, Tyler Hoblet, Kaylea Short, Adelyn Figley, and Abby Dietrich were recognized for this outstanding achievement during the 99th National FFA Convention.
The American FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. Earning this prestigious honor takes years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to agricultural education, leadership, and personal growth. Each recipient has put in countless hours working toward their goals and developing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Their hard work did not stop after high school, as many continued building, growing, and improving their SAE projects beyond their high school years. This achievement represents years of responsibility, perseverance, and dedication to their agricultural experiences.
Throughout their FFA journeys, these members have demonstrated what it means to be committed to their projects, their communities, and the FFA organization. Earning the American FFA Degree is a reflection of the time and effort they have invested in developing their skills and pursuing their goals.
Crestview FFA greatly appreciates the hard work, dedication, and commitment each of these members has shown over the years. We are especially thankful for the way they have continued to represent the chapter with pride, even beyond their high school years. We are incredibly proud of Hayden, Alivia, Rex, Evan, Tyler, Kaylea, Adelyn, and Abby for reaching this remarkable milestone.
VW independent staff
The community is invited to take part in Haven of Hope’s third annual “Empty Bowls” fundraising event this Saturday, November 7, at Elks Lodge 1197 in Van Wert. The doors will open at 5:30 and the event will begin at 6 p.m.
The Empty Bowls event is designed to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness and it helps raise funds for the Haven of Hope men’s shelter in Van Wert. Attendees purchase a $35 ticket for a simple meal of soup and bread and choose a handcrafted bowl to take home as a reminder that food insecurity persists in the community.
There will be a DJ, silent auction, speakers and more. To purchase tickets or to make a donation, scan the QR code.
POSTED: 11/04/26 at 9:31 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) has won a third two-year term in office.
Final unofficial results from Tuesday’s election show Klopfstein defeated challengers Maddux McCray (D-Van Wert) and Christopher Elder (L-Paulding). Klopfenstein received 33,656 votes (72 percent), McCray received 11,067 votes (23.7 percent) and Elder tallied 1,819 votes (3.9 percent). In Van Wert County alone, 7,735 votes were cast for Klopfenstein, 2,403 for McCray and 363 for Elder.
In the 4th District U.S. Congressional race, which now includes Van Wert County, Republican Jim Jordan won re-election and won Van Wert County by a hefty margin, collecting 7,664 votes, compared to 2,601 by Democrat Joshua D. Kolasinski and 256 by independent candidate Tracey L. Tackett.
In the governor’s race, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy was the runaway winner in Van Wert County with 7,266 votes. Democrat Amy Acton received 2,701 votes and Libertarian Don Kissick finished with 529 votes. However, Acton won the race with approximately 51 percent of the vote. She had a sizable lead when early voting totals came in, leaving many to wonder if it would be a runaway win. While Ramaswamy did well in rural counties such as Van Wert County, Acton fared better in the state’s metro areas.
In Van Wert County, incumbent Republican Jon Husted easily outdistanced his challengers. Husted garnered 7,213 votes locally, compred to 2,547 for Democrat Sherrod Brown, 473 by Libertarian William B. Redpath, and 278 by Greg Levy. Brown won the race and like Acton, did well in Ohio’s more populous areas.
Results will remain unofficial until certified by the Van Wert County Board of Elections.
All local issues on the ballot were approved in Van Wert County.
(more…)POSTED: 11/03/26 at 10:18 pm. FILED UNDER: News
