SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
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.
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).
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.
POSTED: 08/30/26 at 8:55 pm
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.
(more…)POSTED: 08/30/26 at 8:54 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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.
(more…)POSTED: 08/30/26 at 8:51 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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.
POSTED: 08/30/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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 2, 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 3, 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.”
(more…)POSTED: 08/29/26 at 12:09 am. FILED UNDER: News
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
POSTED: 08/29/26 at 12:08 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The stage is set and the getaway car is packed. Bonnie and Clyde ride again.
Over Labor Day weekend, a 25-member ensemble of cast, crew, and directors from the Van Wert Civic Theatre will travel to Lima to represent Northwest Ohio at the Ohio Community Theatre Association (OCTA) State Conference.
VWCT is one of just 15 community theatre groups selected from across the state to perform at the three-day annual festival, held at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center in downtown Lima.
VWCT will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 6, to perform a 40-minute excerpt of their hit musical production from September of 2025, Bonnie & Clyde.
Earning a spot at the state showcase is a significant achievement. After qualifying at the Northwest Regional OCTAFest earlier this summer, the Van Wert Civic Theatre was selected to join 14 other regional excerpt winners for the statewide celebration of community theatre excellence.
The excerpt competition tests technical precision as much as performance quality: each group has strict time limits to load in their set pieces, present a seamless 40-minute cut of their show, and load off the stage under the eyes of state adjudicators. Theatres from around the state will spend the weekend taking part in professional theatre workshops, networking with fellow groups from across Ohio, and watching performances from the participating theatres.
The festival culminates on Sunday evening with the annual OCTA Awards Banquet, where productions will be recognized with state honors for acting, vocal performance, directing, and technical execution.
Anyone can attend the Ohio Community Theatre Association festival. For registration information, visit the OCTA website at octa1953.org.
To learn more about Van Wert Civic Theatre and their upcoming season, visit vwct.org.
POSTED: 08/29/26 at 12:07 am. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment, News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS – The state’s Division of Securities and the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday that a Shelby County grand jury has indicted a Jackson Center woman on dozens of charges stemming from alleged incidents involving at least nine investors since 2023.
Chandra Snapp, 38, was indicted earlier this week for allegedly soliciting more than $400,000 in investments for her small sewing business as well as investing in gift cards in which she promised a substantial short-term profit. Snapp was arrested on Thursday and is currently being held at the Shelby County Correctional Facility.
The 50 charges listed in the indictment include six counts of misrepresentation in the sale of securities, six counts of securities fraud, and seven counts of sales of unregistered securities. Charges also include one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, four counts of telecommunications fraud, one count of money laundering, nine counts of passing bad checks, five counts of forgery, two counts of aggravated theft, three counts of grand theft, three counts of theft, one count of tampering with evidence, and two counts of receiving stolen property.
In total, these charges include four first‑degree felony, seven second‑degree felony, 11 third‑degree felonies, 16 fourth‑degree felonies, ten fifth‑degree felonies, and two first‑degree misdemeanors.
“Ohio investors deserve honesty and transparency,” said Ohio Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt. “When individuals choose to deceive and exploit others, we will take decisive action. Our team is committed to protecting the public and ensuring that those who engage in fraudulent conduct are held accountable.”
(more…)POSTED: 08/29/26 at 12:07 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
A Lincolnview High School senior and a Lincolnview/Vantage Career Center graduate have been chosen as this year’s Van Wert County Fair Jr. Fair Queen and King. The Van Wert County Fair announced the royal titles during Wednesday night’s coronation ceremony — Cassidy Rank and Wyatt Polley. They will represent the Van Wert County Fair and the Junior Fair throughout the 2026 fair season.
Rank is the daughter of Dave and Patty Rank. She participates in volleyball, softball, Service Club, Spanish Club, and FFA. She volunteers for Kingsley Church VBS, attends Calvary Evangelical Church Youth Group, and is a Junior Fair board member. Representing Lincolnview FFA, Rank has exhibited breeding rabbits, dairy goats, and numerous still projects. She has served as FFA historian, FFA reporter, and vice president, a 4-H camp counselor, and 4-H club secretary.
Polley is the son of Ryan and Kristen Polley. In high school, he was active in cross country,track and field, FCA, and was the president of the Industrial Mechanics Lab. Polley is also a member of the Van Wert County Jr. Fair Board and president of the Hoaglin Farmers 4-H club. Representing Hoaglin Farmers, he has exhibited fancy chickens, meat chickens, meat goats, and breeding meat goats.
The runner-up queen is Crestview High School senior Hailey Logan, and the runner-up king is Delphos Jefferson junior Aiden Kroeger.
(more…)POSTED: 08/27/26 at 7:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The Van Wert County Commissioners have given the okay to a pair annexation petitions that if eventually approved by Van Wert City Council, will add nearly 840 acres of land to the city of Van Wert.
Commissioners Thad Lichtensteiger and Stan Owens voted in favor of the petitions during a meeting held on Tuesday. Commission Chairman Todd Wolfrum was absent from the meeting.
Due to pre-existing annexation agreements from years ago, the latest petitions were required to be considered for approval immediately by the commissioners.
“I’m not sure why this lack of authority/autonomy exists but it does and it’s one of the few peculiarities where we are literally commanded to say ‘yes,’” Lichtensteiger said.
However, by law, the city of Van Wert is required to hold a public hearing on the annexation request itself. Such a hearing is expected this fall, with a date and time yet to be determined.
One property consists of approximately 684 acres along the east side of the Mega Site and east of the pending QTS Data Center property. The second property is approximately 155 acres on the south side of Van Wert, adjacent to Industrial Drive.
The proposed annexation was discussed during Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council (see story here).
POSTED: 08/27/26 at 7:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post is investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed a Continental woman.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:41 p.m. Thursday on Ohio 15 near milepost 20 in Highland Township, Defiance County. Judith Knowles, 74, was northbound on Ohio 15 when her 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee rear-ended a northbound 2026 Mack dump truck. The dump truck was driven by Lee Perry, 37, of Mount Morris, Michigan. Upon impact both vehicles stayed in the northbound lanes of Ohio 15, which was closed for approximately two hours.
Knowles, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Perry was evaluated by EMS but claimed no injury.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Defiance Fire and Rescue, Ayersville Fire Department, Continental Police Department, the Defiance County Coroner’s Office and J and R Towing.
POSTED: 08/27/26 at 7:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
