YWCA receives $1M in federal funding for new facility

Crestview permitting open enrollment

Submitted information

CONVOY — In compliance with Ohio Revised Code and district policy, the Board of Education of Crestview Local Schools will permit open enrollment of students from any Ohio district through open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.

Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the time and date the application is received by the Superintendent of Crestview Local Schools. Requests will be acted upon no later than July 1.

Applications will be considered in the order received and class size may be limited. All applications must be completed and returned no later than May 31. Applications are available by contacting the Superintendent’s Office at 419.749.9100, ext. 4 or on the school website at www.crestviewknights.com under Parent Resources.

Parents of students currently enrolled this school year under open enrollment need to complete a new open enrollment application for the 2026-2027 school year. These students will be considered before new applications are approved.

Questions concerning open enrollment should be directed to the Superintendent’s Office.

Lanternfly quarantine now statewide

REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) issued a statewide quarantine in Ohio for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) effective February 17. Previously, 18 Ohio counties were under quarantine.

Under the quarantine, products such as trees and nursery stock may not be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit, or inspection certificate. Producers who ship these products to non-regulated areas must have their stock inspected and each load must be accompanied by a certificate which confirms their product is free of SLF.

Businesses that need assistance with certifying shipments of products at risk of spreading SLF, should reach out to ODA’s Plant Pest Control Section for assistance.

ODA is no longer encouraging community members to report sightings of the spotted lanternfly in the state of Ohio. Recommendations on treatment methods for SLF on your property can be found in ODA’s Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide.

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio’s agricultural industry,” ODA Director Brian Baldridge said. “ODA is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of SLF.”

The spotted lanternfly is an insect native to Asia that is a pest of grapes, hops, and apples, along with many other species of plants. This pest is specifically a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry, which contributes more than $6 billion dollars in economic activity to the state yearly. An invasive tree known as tree of heaven is the primary host for spotted lanternfly.

The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. It was likely brought to the U.S. by imported goods. The first confirmation in Ohio was in Mingo Junction in 2020. Video of SLF can be found here.

Vision program touted in Spencerville

VW independent staff/submitted information

SPENCERVILLE — Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff continued their statewide tour on Tuesday at Spencerville Elementary School to discuss OhioSEE, a new children’s eyesight program.

While visiting the school, Governor DeWine met with several students who have benefited from comprehensive vision services offered through OhioSEE. Eighteen students in kindergarten through third grade received a pair of eyeglasses, at no cost to the child or family, from Health Partners of Western Ohio, an OhioSEE vendor. 

“As Fran and I have traveled around the state, we have seen firsthand how OhioSEE is changing lives,” he said. “The joy and excitement on the faces of these students when they put their new glasses on really says it all. OhioSEE is answering a real need for vision care in this pilot program area, and I encourage superintendents to take look at this program and reach out to us to get signed up.”

“Many children can struggle with vision problems that affect their ability to learn and participate in the classroom,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “We’re encouraged by the reaction from students as they receive their glasses and may be seeing clearly for the first time. We’re hopeful as time goes on, more school districts will sign up for this crucial service bringing eye exams and glasses into schools for kids who need them.”

ODH identified 15 high-need counties where 80 percent of children who are identified through a vision screening as needing additional vision care do not receive it. OhioSEE addresses barriers families may face by bringing comprehensive vision services directly to the school. School districts in the pilot program area can select one of two service models that work best for their district:

• A fully equipped mobile vision van that travels to schools on a set schedule, offering convenient on-site vision exams. It also returns to dispense eyeglasses directly to students.
• A “roll-on, roll-off” model involves a team setting up an exam space within school areas, such as classrooms or libraries, providing eye exams and dispensing glasses on-site.

Counties included in the pilot project include: Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, and Ross.

Audition dates set for upcoming musical

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The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced audition dates for the upcoming production of Songs for a New World, a contemporary musical that explores the defining moments when people stand at life’s crossroads. Known for its soaring melodies and emotionally rich storytelling, the show is entirely music-driven, offering performers the chance to bring a series of powerful, human stories to life.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, March 15-16 at the Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert.

Performers should come prepared with a song that showcases their vocal ability and bring a copy of their sheet music, as a pianist will be available. In addition to prepared material, auditionees will be asked to sing selections from the show. Because the production is sung throughout, strong musical storytelling and vocal confidence are essential.

To reserve an audition time, participants are encouraged to sign up in advance by scanning the provided QR code.

Director Amy Boley is seeking a cast of four men and four women for this ensemble-focused production. Music direction will be led by Dan Basinger and Mark Sampson, who will work closely with performers to shape the show’s dynamic score.

Performances are scheduled for May 8–10 and May 15–17, with Friday and Saturday evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

With its universal themes of change, hope, and resilience, Songs for a New World promises a rewarding experience for performers ready to take on a musically demanding and emotionally resonant production. Those interested are encouraged to audition and be part of this powerful theatrical journey.

History to come alive in Convoy

Submitted information

CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society will host a lecture and discussion at the Convoy Opera House at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1. James Lautzenheiser will present Declaring Independence: The Path to Separation (June–August 1776), examining the work of the Second Continental Congress to create our fundamental charter document of American freedom. The Historical Society will inspect artwork, letters, revised documents, and final products from the summer of 1776. The public is invited to attend.

The Convoy Opera House, 111 S. Main St., is a featured site in Visit Van Wert’s America 250 Passport Challenge for March, 2026.

Housing addressed during radio program

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Local housing needs – both short and long-term – and the downtown Van Wert area were topics of discussion during a weekend radio program that aired on local radio stations 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM.

The discussion took place during this past Sunday’s edition of the Commisioners Corner and the Mayor’s Conference, which airs at 8:25 a.m. each Sunday. Typically, at least one or two Van Wert County Commissioners appear on the program, along with Van Wert Mayor Ken Markward and a special guest.

This week’s special guest, Van Wert County Foundation CEO Seth Baker, said he recently took part in a housing symposium in Sandusky that was attended by approximately 170 people. According to Baker, the goal of the gathering was talk discuss a housing shortage in that multi-county area. In that particular area of north central Ohio, there’s a need for 10,000 new housing units over the next several years.

“It’s not just Van Wert County that’s facing a housing shortages, it’s all over,” he explained. “I thought it might be important to talk about what we’re doing to solve some of our housing shortages.”

During the interview, show host Chris Roberts asked where 1,000 workers who will build the data center in Van Wert will be housed. Construction of the facility is expected to began at some point later this year.

“Those would be short term,” Baker responded. “Just hearing some of the other ideas that are going on around the state, you’ve got some communities that are thinking about building almost hotel-style dormitories – kind of like transient housing where you can have a room that has a kitchenette and larger bathroom facilities.”

When construction begins, local hotel and motel rooms and even campground spots are expected to become scarce.

On the topic of more long term housing, Baker said 52 downtown apartments were designed as part of Phase I and II of the ongoing Van Wert Forward project and Baker said 23 of those spaces have been leased by full-time people living in them, while Central Insurance leased another 15 units for their use. He indicated the remaining units will soon be available.

Administrative Assistant Meagan Grubach, who also appeared on Sunday’s program, said the Union Block — the purple building at the corner of Main St. and Washington St. — will be ready within the next two months. She said it has 11 units ranging from studio to luxury lofts.

Chamber planning trip to Italy

Submitted information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Collette and Orange Grove Travel is offering a trip to southern Italy and Sicily. Tour dates are October 22-November 4 of this year.

Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.

Join the Chamber for an informational meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. Food and drinks will be provided. To register for the meeting email the Chamber at chamber@vanwertchamber.com or call 419.238.4390. Click here to learn more about the trip.

Galentine’s Day gathering…

The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce celebrated “Galentine’s Day” with a full house at Willow Bend Country Club last Thursday February 12. The event featured a panel of four local professionals, Tera Knebel, Schrader Realty; Jana Ringwald, retired Central Insurance; Rhonda Cunningham, Van Wert School at the Goedde, and Bailey Carder, The Marsh Foundation. Amber Franklin from the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce facilitated the program which revolved around creating a home and work life balance. The Chamber will be hosting another EmpowHer Hour event on Thursday October 29, with more details coming soon. Photo submitted

Foggy Monday morning…

Dense fog blanketed downtown Van Wert and the entire area Monday morning. Visibility in some spots was a quarter mile or less. The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 a.m. then extended it until noon. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Humane Society work is rescheduled

Submitted information

The Van Wert County Humane Society has rescheduled its kennel improvement project due to delayed materials. The shelter will now be closed to walk-in visitors from Sunday, February 22 through Thursday, February 26 while construction upgrades are completed.

During this time, the Humane Society will operate by appointment only to ensure the safety of animals, volunteers, and staff while work is underway. Daily animal care operations will continue without interruption.

The kennel upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety, durability, and overall conditions within the facility. The organization appreciates the community’s understanding and patience as these important improvements are completed.

Individuals needing assistance during the closure week are encouraged to contact the shelter directly to schedule an appointment.