VW independent staff/submitted information
In an America250! Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) patriotic ceremony held last Thursday, May 21, 11 DAR members and one guest attended the re-dedication of the only American Revolutionary War connection buried in Van Wert County. In October of 1950, the Isaac Van Wert DAR Chapter placed a new USA flag and dedicated it in the current bronze DAR marker at her grave in Woodland Cemetery. Members and family members attended the ceremony.
Regent Debra Hardeman went on to pay tribute to her and reading her name, Jane Briggs Gilliland to the membership. Jane was the wife of American Revolutionary War soldier John Gilliland. Jane was born on May 1, 1775 in Montgomery County, Maryland, and died on November 2, 1858, in Delphos. Her father, William Briggs, served in the Continental troops in Maryland. She met and married John Gilliland and they moved to Pennsylvania, and had 10 children. Gilliland served in with the Pennsylvania troops with a rank of Patriot Service and fought at Yorktown, where General Charles Cornwallis surrendered.
According to Hardeman’s research, John Gilliland was killed in an explosion in 1826 and he was buried in Maryland but their dream of moving further west to Ohio did not die. The entire family had heard friend Anthony Wayne’s talk of the fertile land that was going to go up for sale in the Ohio wilderness. Jane and several of her children decided to move west in a covered wagon, taking all possessions and settling in Delphos. She lived out her life with her family, died in 1858, was buried in Delphos, and was later moved in 1898 to a family plot at Woodland Cemetery.
(more…)POSTED: 05/26/26 at 8:41 pm
The Village of Convoy Historical Society invites the public to attend “How Three Militiamen Captured British Major John Andre,” a presentation by Thad Lichtensteiger, at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Convoy Opera House. In late September of 1780, three courageous militiamen – Isaac Van Wart, John Paulding, and David Williams – captured British Major John Andre as he carried secret plans to West Point provided by Benedict Arnold. Despite Andre’s offers of substantial bribes, the men refused to betray their cause. Join the Convoy Historical Society to learn more about this dramatic moment in American history and the men whose actions helped shape its course. Admission is free, and all are welcome. The Convoy Opera House is located at 111 S. Main St. Photo submitted
POSTED: 05/26/26 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Lincolnview Local School District Board of Education hereby gives public notice in accordance with Sections 3307.353 and 3309.345 of the Ohio Revised Code that Deb Stetler and Sandra Dowdy, who the board of education currently employ as teachers, will be retiring effective June 1, 2026. They are seeking re-employment with Lincolnview Local Schools following their service retirement.
The board of education will hold a public meeting on the issue of re-employing the individuals named above at a meeting to be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall at Lincolnview High School.
POSTED: 05/26/26 at 8:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Memorial Day – to some, it’s an extended weekend, a time for road trips, family gatherings, barbeques etc. To others, it has a different meaning, one that must not be forgotten.
During Monday’s Van Wert American Legion Post 178 Memorial Day ceremony at Woodland Cemetery, Past Commander Bill Marshall noted that while gatherings and cookouts and other plans are fine, it’s important to remember those freedoms were guaranteed and rendered with the sacrifices of many lives lost.
Marshall, a United States Air Force and Vietnam veteran, was the designated speaker during Monday’s brief ceremony, which was well attended on a somewhat cool and crisp morning.
“We must continue to remember the unseen and unspoken wounds of soldiers who return and carry those wounds in silence,” he said. “Keep them in your prayers along with the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives and children of a fallen soldier who gave their life for our freedom. To them we give our undying gratitude.”
“Those veterans who served our country wrote a blank check for their service up to and including their own life to keep our country safe and free,” he added.
Marshall, who was born and raised in Van Wert, recalled his first visit to Woodland Cemetery.
“I can remember coming with my parents when I was six years old,” he said. “I remember we were going to visit our family’s plot and the plethora of flags that were waving and I said to my dad ‘dad, what’s going on?’ and he explained to me what that was all about – about the people who had given service to their country and this was a way of honoring that service.”
(more…)POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert was the site of Monday’s Legion Post 178 Memorial Day service. The service included music, a wreath laying, and a 21-gun salute. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
146 Van Wert High School seniors – the Class of 2026 – received their diplomas on Sunday as part of the school’s 155th annual commencement exercise.
The graduating seniors, family members and many others gathered for the 70 minute ceremony held in the Van Wert High School gym. Sunday’s ceremony also featured a pair of student speakers – Class President Grace Spieles and Class Secretary Katie Kramer.
Our class has been described in many ways: involved, determined, and spirited, but I think of one phrase that captures who we are perfectly – anchored in the past, focused on the future,” Spieles said. “Our memories have shaped us into the people we are today. We will carry with us Friday night football games, spirit weeks, concerts, dances, classroom laughs, and the moments that turned classmates into lifelong friends. We will remember the teachers who challenged us, encouraged us, and believed in us even when we doubted ourselves.”
“These memories remind us of where we came from and the values that brought us here – hard work, resilience, friendship and cougar pride,” she added. “And although yesterday’s memories may sparkle and gleam, tomorrow is still but a dream, and right here and now you’ve got it made.”
Take all the pictures you can, not to post, but to look back on them and see a life well-lived,” Kramer said to her classmates and those in attendance. “Compliment someone if it comes to mind, because you have no idea how it could change their day, or even their life. Try something new, even if it is likely that you will fail, and then get back up and keep trying. Make new friends everywhere you go and always treat people with respect and kindness.”
(more…)POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
There were smiles and a few tears during Sunday’s Van Wert High School graduation ceremony. The annual commencement exercise featured recognition of this year’s graduates of distinction, music by the Van Wert High School choir, the presentation of diplomas, speakers and more. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Humane Society is urgently asking for the community’s help after reaching beyond-capacity levels at the shelter. The organization is currently caring for 26 dogs and more than 50 cats, with every kennel full and cat housing areas overflowing.
To help relieve overcrowding and place animals into loving homes faster, all adoption fees are currently being waived with an approved application for a limited time.
“More animals continue to come through our doors every week, and we simply do not have the space,” said Van Wert County Humane Society Board Secretary Kirsten Barnhart. “These pets deserve safe, loving homes, and we are asking the community to step up during this critical time.”
In addition to encouraging adoptions, the Humane Society is urging pet owners to help prevent the crisis from worsening by practicing responsible pet ownership, including:
- Spaying and neutering pets
- Microchipping pets so they can be returned home quickly if lost
- Promptly reclaiming pets brought into the shelter
The shelter continues to host $20 microchip clinics throughout the year and offers information on upcoming low-cost cat spay and neuter clinics at vwchs.org/events.
Community members interested in adopting can stop by the shelter or submit an application online at vwchs.org/adopt. Adoptable pets can also be viewed at vwchs.org/adopt-a-pet.
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
PAULDING — The Paulding County History Museum will hold its annual membership meeting and election of directors at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the museum in Paulding. The public is cordially invited to attend. The program and meeting are free and open to everyone.
The annual meeting was postponed from February due to an extensive project to upgrade the original electrical system and renovate the 35-year-old kitchen and dining room area.
The program will feature speakers Kim Sutton and Melinda Krick, both past presidents of the museum, who will present “Zombie History: The Local Stories That Refuse to Die.” Zombie History is a term coined by a historian to describe incorrect historical accounts that are repeatedly accepted and passed down through generations as truth. The pair received an enthusiastic response for the same program at the Ohio Local History Alliance’s 11-county northwest regional meeting earlier this spring.
Area residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about Paulding County’s fascinating history and what the museum has planned for 2026. Refreshments will be served after the program. Guests may tour the new kitchen and browse exhibits before and after the meeting.
Upcoming events include a quilt show starting June 8. The museum will be open daily June 8-13 during the county fair, held across the street. Admission is free.
The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding. Regular hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Crestview High School Class of 2026 gathered for the school’s 66th annual baccalaureate and commencement ceremony Saturday evening. Honor students Jacob Heth, Rain Risley and Lulu Ross spoke and the baccalaureate address was delivered by Dr. Kody Klinker. Outstanding senior awards were presented along with diplomas to each of the graduating seniors. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — Upper Scioto Vlley swept top honors in this year’s Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 Paint-the-Plow contest.
USV’s art students’ plow featuring the Declaration of Independence earned the most votes in both the ODOT’s Choice award and the People’s Choice award. The artwork earned 1,515 votes on Facebook in total likes, shares, and comments, taking home the People’s Choice Award and it received the most votes from ODOT personnel during the annual roadeo held on May 12. Crestview FFA earned third place from ODOT personnel.
People’s Choice winners (as voted on the Facebook page)
- First place: Upper Scioto Valley High School – Declaration of Independence with 1,515 votes.
- Second place: Hardin Northern High School – “Home of the free because of the brave” with a patriotic eagle, flag, and soldiers with 1,267 votes.
- Third place: Ada High School – Pop-art, graffiti-style design featuring the Statue of Liberty, with 779 votes.
ODOT’s Choice winners (employees voted during the Roadeo on May 12)
- First place: Upper Scioto Valley High School – Declaration of Independence.
- Second place: St. Mary’s High School – “250 Years of Freedom” and an eagle.
- Third place: Crestview FFA Chapter – “Can your Mailbox Outlast the Plow”
“This year, students were asked to create artwork celebrating the United States’ Semiquincentennial or Ohio’s contributions to the nation’s progress and success,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 Deputy Director. “The effort and creativity they poured into this theme is outstanding. We can’t wait to showcase these pieces at parades and county fairs all summer long. They are so good, we will be reluctant to put them into use come winter and where the paint will begin to chip away,”
The top picks from each county, as determined by ODOT employees:
- Allen County: Allen East High School FFA Chapter
- Auglaize County: St. Marys Middle School
- Hancock County: Cory Rawson High School
- Hardin County: Upper Scioto Valley High School
- Mercer County: Coldwater High School
- Paulding County: Wayne Trace High School
- Putnam County: Miller City High School
- Van Wert County: Crestview FFA Chapter
- Wyandot County: Mohawk FFA Chapter
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
