Early voting begins for upcoming primary election

Event for first responder mental health

VW independent staff/submitted information

DELPHOS — The community is invited to come together for a meaningful evening of support, remembrance, and impact at the upcoming ARC fundraising event, taking place on Saturday, May 2, at the Delphos Eagles. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The ARC Fundraising Event was created by the wife and children of Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Adam R. Clark, along with the support of the Davis and Clark families, following his passing in 2024. In the wake of their loss, they were driven to honor his legacy by raising awareness and providing support for mental health challenges faced by first responders.

The event aims to generate funds for organizations that assist individuals and families before, during, and after a mental health crisis, ensuring critical support systems are available when they are needed most.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting night featuring over $7,000 in prizes and multiple ways to win throughout the evening. With only 300 tickets available, early purchase is strongly encouraged.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Cassondra Clark at 567.259.8227. Community members and businesses are also encouraged to contribute, as donations are still being accepted to support this important cause.

Venedocia accident…

Several headstones were struck when a driver lost control of his car and went off of Ohio 116 in Venedocia Friday night. The driver was not injured but the damage at the cemetery was evident. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Gas prices expected to rise sharply

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 7.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.74 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio, but get ready for an increase, perhaps a notable increase. In fact, it’s already happened at some gas stations in Van Wert, going from the low $3.50 range to $3.99 by Monday evening. 

“Gasoline prices are poised for another jolt this week, with many inland states, including the Plains, Great Lakes, and parts of the Rockies, likely to see sharp increases as last week’s surge in wholesale costs has yet to be fully passed through to consumers,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “In addition, some price-cycling markets could also see another round of increases. As a result, the national average could rise by double digits, potentially reaching the $4.20 to $4.35 per gallon range in the days ahead.”

De Haan also noted diesel prices continue to climb and now sit just 25 cents away from setting a new all-time record.

“Recent escalations between the U.S. and Iran have further intensified concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil flows, keeping markets on edge,” De Haan explained. “At this point, the trajectory of fuel prices remains highly uncertain and is largely contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz— until that occurs, the risk of further increases remains firmly in place.”

Elk of the Year…

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently recognized Allen D. Zimmerman as Van Wert Lodge “Elk of the Year” for the 2025–2026 Lodge eyar. Zimmerman was presented with a special certificate issued by the Grand Lodge and signed by the Grand Exalted Ruler Bryan R. Klatt. The “Elk Of The Year” is awarded by a Lodge to one of its members who perform extra service “above and beyond” to the Lodge and its charitable works. Zimmerman is always willing to do anything he can to help the lodge. He has been instrumental in organizing several areas within the lodge which has made things run much smoother. Zimmerman is pictured to the right of Exalted Ruler John Ream. Photo submitted

Library’s global impact during WWI, WWII

Editor’s note: this year the Brumback Library is celebrating 125 years of service to the community. Each month, library officials will tell the story of The Brumback Library, chapter by chapter. This month’s installment looks back at the history of the library’s branches around Van Wert County. The story is told by Brumback Library Patron Service Specialists Marie Markward and Theresa Mengerink through content collected from the writings of Joy McCleery, Harriet Long and library files. 

By Marie Markward and Theresa Mengerink

The Brumback Library of Van Wert County holds a singular distinction as the first county library in the United States, but its historical significance extends far beyond its architecture.

During the two most defining global conflicts of the 20th century, this institution transcended its role as a book repository to become a vital engine for the home front and a lifeline for those serving on distant battlefields. From teaching local households how to bake “Patriotic Bread” to establishing permanent military libraries in occupied Europe, the Brumback Library showed that information and community morale were essential on all fronts.  

When the United States entered the Great War in 1917, the library immediately mobilized to support the war effort. Under the leadership of Librarian Harriet C. Long, the institution became the county’s primary center for war mobilization. In October of that year, the War Board of Ohio issued an urgent call for housewives to “stand guard” over the nation’s food supply. Because Allied soldiers were fighting rather than farming, America had to fill the deficit.

The Brumback Library stepped up by launching a campaign to help educate community members. The library hosted a week-long exhibit of “Patriotic Breads.” Van Wert County women were encouraged to bake loaves using substitutes for wheat, such as cornmeal, bran, rice, rye, and oatmeal, and bring them to the library to share and compare. The library even published these recipes in the daily newspaper to ensure every kitchen in the county could contribute to the effort of putting Van Wert homes on the “fighting line.”

Vantage race scheduled for April 18

VW independent staff

Lace up those running shoes – Vantage Career Center’s second annual 5K and Fun Run will be held on the streets of Van Wert on Saturday, April 18.

The 5K route will be North Franklin St. through the Trinity Friends Church parking lot to E. Third St., north on Cherry St., west on Gleason Ave., south on N. Market St., east on Second St., north on Cherry St., east on Third St., south on Race St., east through an alley, north on Chestnut St., back through the Trinity Friends Church parking lot and up to Franklin St., back to Vantage Career Center.

On-site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race at 9 a.m. To register and for more information, click here.

VWCHS opening season…

 The Van Wert County Historical Society kicks off its 2026 season on Sunday, April 12, with the theme “Celebrating the Story of our County and Country.” The opening presentation will begin at 2 p.m. in the Annex.  This year the VWCHS has many programs celebrating Van Wert natives’ involvement in America’s story. You will also be able to pick up your very own Flat Isaac, your ticket to exploring the rich history of Van Wert County. ​The highlight of the afternoon will be a presentation by Denny Staude, who will share his firsthand experiences in Van Wert’s legendary cheese industry. Staude began his career at Borden’s in 1972 and remained a vital figure in the production of Liederkranz and Camembert cheeses through a devastating fire in 1973 and the eventual acquisition by General Foods in 1981. As a former manager of soft-ripened cheese production, Staude offers a rare look into the industrial legacy that made Van Wert famous nationwide. Photos submitted

VWCT announces scholarship program

The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced the creation of a new youth scholarship program, supporting young performers and participants in the theatre’s youth theatre and adolescent and young adult theatre productions. This initiative aims to recognize and reward individuals who have showcased dedication, talent, and passion in the arts over the past calendar year.  

The scholarship program will be funded through generous community and business donations. All contributions to the program are tax deductible, and community members are encouraged to give to this important cause.  

Scholarship recipients must have actively participated in at least one youth/regular season or AYAT production during the last calendar year. Awards will be based on their contributions and commitment to VWCT’s mission of fostering creativity and growth through theatre arts.  

By supporting this program, donors play an essential role in nurturing the next generation of performers and creators. Donations will directly impact the lives of local youth by providing resources to help them pursue their artistic dreams.  

For more information or to contribute, contact Dale Terry at dale@vwct.org or 419.238.9689.

Good Friday tradition…

There were two Procession of the Cross events in Van Wert on Good Friday. One took place late in the morning, shortly before a 12 p.m. community service Good Friday service that was held in the Bagley Auditorium at the Marsh Foundation. The other one took place Friday evening and went from the YWCA to the First United Methodist Church, followed by a service there. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Speaker announced for annual banquet

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Thompson family and Van Wert Service Club have announced that TJay Fitton will be the speaker for this year’s awards banquet.

Fitton is a 2000 graduate of Lincolnview High School and Vantage Career Center. She currently resides in Quincy, Michigan, where she is a successful real estate agent managing her own private business office. She currently serves as president of the Hillsdale County Board of Realtors as well as serving on many other committees.

She and her husband, Stewart, have three sons, two poodles, and a family-owned construction company. The family enjoys lake days, traveling, and cheering on the Detroit Lions.

Fitton and her husband are dedicated to empowering young people by keeping them engaged in trades, utilizing the local career center resources, recognizing life’s transformative moments, and second chances. She will share her inspiring journey of perseverance and triumph, from her upbringing to becoming the 2000 R. K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award winner.

This year’s awards banquet will be held Wednesday, May 6. The R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award Program was initiated 56 years ago by R.K. Thompson, Jr. in honor of his father the late R.K. Thompson, Sr. Both men had worked closely with young people and encouraged them to set high, but attainable goals and then apply themselves to obtain those goals.

The program provides cash awards for high school seniors in Van Wert County who best exhibit that character trait. The Self-Reliance Award is designed to seek out and honor a senior who does the best with what he or she has, whether he or she is a scholar, an athlete, a student leader or someone who must seek employment to help their family meet expenses.

The R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award is sponsored by the Thompson Family Trust, through the Van Wert County Foundation, and administered by the Van Wert Service Club.