VW independent staff/submitted information
The Haven of Hope Board of Directors has launched a $150,000 capital building campaign to renovate and open a brand-new community center. Located next to the current shelter at 227 N. Market Street, the multi-purpose facility will provide critical resources, warmth, and support to local residents.
According to a press release announcing the fundraising campaign, the journey began in October of 2025, when Haven of Hope purchased the building for $25,000, fully funded by a grant from Flagstar Bank. Since then, careful planning has been underway to design a space that meets the diverse needs of the Van Wert community.
“The possibilities for this space are truly endless,” the Haven of Hope Board of Directors said in a joint statement. “We are eager to get renovations started and turn this building into a beacon of support, safety, and dignity for our neighbors.”
Once completed, the modern community center will feature:
- A spacious open area equipped with comfortable tables and couches, alongside a dedicated food line area to host community meals. The will also be a functional kitchen area to support the meals. This area can double as an educational classroom to empower and support community members.
- Comprehensive resources, dedicated office space and private areas where caseworkers can meet confidentially with clients.
- Adverse weather refuge – serving as a fully equipped warming and cooling station to protect vulnerable residents during extreme seasonal weather.
POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:41 pm
VW independent staff
Upgrades to the baseball and softball complex will be the focus of Wednesday’s special meeting of the Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education.
The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall. It will include a brief presentation by representatives of Prodigy Building Solutions, followed by a vote on a resolution to proceed with the improvements, which are expected to include dugouts, backstops and fencing, at a cost of about $800,000.
No other action or discussion is expected at the meeting.
POSTED: 07/07/26 at 8:42 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A gun was fired at Franklin Park late Monday night and the Van Wert Police Department is asking anyone with information to come forward.
According to a news release, the Van Wert Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 10:10 p.m. with the caller reporting someone had fired a gun at the park. Upon arrival, officers learned there was a physical altercation that took place between a couple of individuals. During the incident, a different person fired a weapon.
No injuries were reported as a result of the weapon discharge and the suspects had fled prior to officers arriving at the scene.
The case remains under investigation by the Van Wert City Police Department. Anyone with information or camera footage in the area is encouraged to contact the police department to speak with an officer.
POSTED: 07/07/26 at 8:14 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
New dates and schedules have been set for three long-awaited road construction projects just west of Van Wert.
Construction of the U.S. 30/John Brown Rd. restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) will begin on Monday, July 13. U.S. 30 will be restricted to one lane in each direction, while John Brown Rd. will be closed for approximately 17 days. No detour will be posted.
After a pair of delays, construction of the U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway roundabout is now scheduled to begin on August 1. The intersection of U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway will be closed for approximately 60 days. Detour information will be posted later.
In addition, the U.S. 224 bridge rehabilitation project will also begin on August 1. U.S. 224, between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway will be closed for approximately 120 days while crews rehab the bridge over the railroad. Detour information will be shared later.
POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
A remarkable handcrafted truck designed after a Model T will be on display at the Convoy Museum during Convoy Community Days, offering visitors a chance to see the creativity and craftsmanship of lifelong county resident Clair Dudgeon, who passed away in late May.
Dudgeon built the truck, starting in October 2019. His project was completed in July of 2020, finished just in time for the Fourth of July parade. An engineer enjoyed building, creating, and solving problems, whether he was fabricating metal, working with wood, or developing practical solutions with careful attention to detail.
His most ambitious and cherished project was the construction of a mostly wood Model T-style truck. Using lumber harvested from the family farm, Dudgeon designed and crafted many of the vehicle’s components, including the wheel spokes, headlamps, and other details. The finished truck stands as a lasting tribute to his ingenuity, patience, and craftsmanship.
The Convoy Museum extends its appreciation to Dudgeon’s wife, Arlene Dudgeon, for allowing the truck to be displayed during the celebration. The truck will be available for viewing at the museum from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 10, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11. It will also appear in the Convoy Community Days parade at 3 p.m. Saturday.
POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
CONVOY — It’s a July staple in Convoy – Convoy Community Days. This year’s event will take place Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12. Here is the schedule of events.
Friday, July 10
- 5-8 p.m. – car and truck show presented by Van Wert Freedom Cruise
- 8 p.m. to midnight – street dance with Derek Jones & The 50 South. Entry is $10 for anyone 16 and older.
Saturday, July 11
- 7-9 a.m. – Convoy Fire Department Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at Edgewood Park.
- 9 a.m. – mat pilates class by Be Well Pilates at the Convoy Methodist Church. Signup is required by calling 419-605.3366.
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – children’s bounce houses, inflatable water slides etc. under the water tower.
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – children’t carnival games and prizes at Convoy Methodist Church (11-4, free water and cookies, restrooms, cool-off zone and fellowship).
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Fire Department and EMS equipment display next to the water tower.
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – vendor market on W. Tully St., with craft vendors, food trucks, etc.
- 12 p.m. – cornhole tournament at Convoy Fox Hunters Club. Registration will begin at 11 a.m.
- 3 p.m. – Convoy Community Days 26th annual parade, which will begin at Crestview and end at Edgewood Park.
- 6-8 p.m. – Singo music bingo at the Village Square.
- 7-9 p.m. – Lions Club Bingo at the Edgewood Park Community Building.
- 8 p.m. to midnight – Convoy Karaoke Showdown
Sunday, July 11
- 4 p.m. – truck and tractor pulls at Edgewood Park
- 6 p.m. – worship service at Edgewood Park Community Building with Pastor Steve Drake
POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation to support the inaugural NWOH TEACH for the Future Conference, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, at Vantage Career Center in Van Wert.
The conference will bring together educators, administrators, and industry leaders from across Northwest Ohio to explore how emerging technologies can enhance teaching, learning, and student success while maintaining a human-centered approach to education.
Registration for the conference is completely free, thanks to the support of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation and community partners. It’s open to all Western Buckeye ESC and Vantage Career Center teachers and administrators, as well as Vantage affiliate schools – Antwerp, Continental, Crestview, Delphos Jefferson, Delphos St. Johns, Fort Jennings, Kalida, Lincolnview, Ottoville, Parkway, Paulding, Van Wert, and Wayne Trace Schools. Registration will close on Wednesday, July 15, and those interested are encouraged to register at www.wbesc.org/services/teach.
Presenters include nationally recognized speakers, authors, podcast hosts, EdTech specialists, and local ESC and school district leaders. Educational vendors will provide opportunities to win back to school supplies and program licenses. This year’s conference also features the #NWOHTeach26 School Rivalry Learning Showcase, a friendly competition encouraging educators to represent their school while demonstrating what they learned during the conference. The winning school will receive a back-to-school lunch delivered to their building on the first day of school, celebrating both professional learning and school pride.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for investing in the educators of Northwest Ohio,” said Missy McClurg, Superintendent of Western Buckeye Educational Service Center. “Technology is rapidly transforming every industry and our goal is to ensure teachers and school leaders have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to implement and use responsibly while keeping relationships and student learning at the center of everything they do. This conference represents an exciting opportunity for educators to collaborate, learn from local and nationally recognized experts and return to their classrooms ready for the 26-27 school year.”
(more…)POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW indepedendent staff/submitted information
Main Street Van Wert’s annual Downtown Movie Night is returning on Saturday, August 1. This year’s featured film is Disney’s Zootopia 2, presented as part of the Ohio Goes to the Movies program.
The free community event is sponsored by Van Wert Manor and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Historic Downtown Van Wert. The location where the movie will be shown will be announced closer to the event.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Ohio Goes to the Movies to bring a free family movie night to our community,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “Events like this create lasting memories for families while supporting our downtown businesses and encouraging people to experience everything Historic Downtown Van Wert has to offer.”
Event details
- What: Main Street Van Wert Downtown Movie Night
- Featured Film: Disney’s Zootopia 2
- Date: Saturday, August 1
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: free admission/bounce houses/concession stand and food trucks
- Location: Historic Downtown Van Wert
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find seating, visit downtown businesses, and enjoy dinner before the movie begins.
For updates regarding weather or additional event information, follow Main Street Van Wert on Facebook or contact the Main Street Van Wert office.
POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It was toasty warm on Friday and rain washed out the Superhawk concert at Fountain Park, but Saturday was a much better day in downtown Van Wert, as local and county residents celebrated America’s 250th birthday.
It was a bit cooler on Saturday, especially during the morning hours. The Independence Day parade along Main St. seemed to go off without a hitch and by all accounts, it was a big hit. People started lining the parade route or reserving spots well before the 11 a.m. parade stepped off.
Another activity that took place on Saturday was the sealing of a time capsule. As part of the Brumback Library’s 125th anniversary, the capsule, which was crafted by students at Vantage Career Center, contained items meant to preserve a snapshot of life as it is now in Van Wert County. The capsule wll be opened in 2051.
Saturday’s downtown offering ended with a country music concert by Paulding native Pete Schlegel, a concert at Fountain Park that was well attended.
Friday and Saturday’s events were organized by Van Wert-based Navy Club Ship 726. The club, led by Commander Ken Myers, took over the planning of the parade and more, ensuring an appropriate celebration of the country’s 250th birthday.
The downtown celebration wasn’t the only thing happening on July 4. The Van Wert County Historical Society’s Holiday at Home celebration took place. It began bright and early with the Firecracker Bike Tour, which started at Jubilee Park. The Van Wert Area Community Concert Band performed and the offering included food, self-guided tours and fun family activities.
(more…)POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
County residents celebrated America’s 250th birthday on Saturday. Hundreds of people lined Main St. for a parade, and many came back later to hear tunes by country music singer Pete Schlegel. Thersea Mengerink sealed a time capsule during Saturday’s festivities and the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band performed at the Van Wert County Historical Society’s Holiday at Home event. The day was capped off with fireworks. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Main Street Van Wert inviting the community to its annual Downtown Block Party, which will be held from 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 24, in historic downtown Van Wert.
Presented in partnership with Van Wert Live, this free community celebration will transform downtown into an evening filled with food, entertainment, shopping, and family fun.
The Block Party will feature:
- A variety of local food trucks
- Local market vendors showcasing handmade goods, crafts, and specialty products
- Live entertainment sponsored by Van Wert Live
- The popular Freedom Cruise Car Show
- A Kids Zone with activities for children of all ages
In addition to the festivities, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the annual Duck Race, with a chance to win the $1,000 Grand Prize. Duck race proceeds help Main Street Van Wert continue its mission of supporting downtown revitalization, community events, and economic development initiatives.
“The Downtown Block Party has become one of our favorite summer traditions,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, support local businesses, enjoy great entertainment, and celebrate everything that makes Historic Downtown Van Wert special. We encourage everyone to bring their family, invite their friends, and spend the evening with us.”
Main Street Van Wert extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations whose generous sponsorship helps make this event possible, including:
(more…)POSTED: 07/05/26 at 7:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
