Ralph’s World!

A good time was had by all at Fountain Park Friday night, as kids’ themed Ralph’s World took over Van Wert Live’s Feel Good Friday concert series. It featured a summer snowstorm of bubbles, music, dancing and more. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

YWCA receives summer reading grant

VW independent staff/submitted information

A $2,500 Summer Reading Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is providing a boost to the YWCA of Van Wert County. The funding will be used to purchase books for children participating in the YWCA Summer Food Program.

YWCA officials said books serve as part of a positive behavior incentive program designed to encourage kindness, respect, responsibility, and helpfulness among participants. Throughout the summer, children can earn “Book Bucks” by demonstrating positive behaviors such as being thoughtful, respectful, and supportive of others.

Once a child earns five Book Bucks, they are rewarded with the opportunity to select and keep a book of their choice. The incentive continues throughout the seven-week program, allowing children multiple opportunities to build their own home libraries.

“We are grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for supporting literacy and helping us put books into the hands of local children,” said Betsy Hamman, Director of Youth Programs. “Many of our participants have been working hard to earn books this summer, and this grant helps us continue encouraging both positive behavior and a love of reading.”

The YWCA Summer Food Program provides free meals, educational activities, and enrichment opportunities for area youth during the summer months. The addition of books helps support literacy development while making reading fun and accessible for children and families.

The YWCA is an agency of United Way of Van Wert County and is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation.

High-speed internet service expanded

VW independent staff/submitted information

New high-speed fiber internet service is available in the rural Van Wert County area, including the Village of Scott and portions of Convoy, and additional expansion is slated for surrounding areas this summer.

Paulding-Putnam is offering the service and to celebrate, PP is inviting community members to attend a free community open house on Wednesday, June 24, at Walnut and Main Event Center, 223 E. Main St. in Van Wert. Attendees may stop by during either of two sessions: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 5-7 p.m.

The open house is a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity for residents and businesses to learn more about fiber internet technology, available service packages, pricing options, and Paulding Putnam’s Wi-Fi app. Staff will be available to answer questions. Electric members who attend the event will be entered to win one of four $25 electric bill credits. In addition, anyone who signs up for fiber service during the open house will receive $50 off their first month of service. RSVPs are requested, but not required. Anyone Interested can RSVP online here or by calling 800.686.2357.

Paulding Putnam has built more than 600 miles of mainline fiber infrastructure across northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana and plans to exceed 1,500 miles as expansion continues. Service is already available in portions of Paulding and Putnam counties, including areas of Paulding, Haviland, Payne, Grover Hill, Ottoville, Fort Jennings, Cloverdale, and Delphos.

Business internet packages are also available for farms, small businesses, and commercial operations requiring advanced connectivity and multi-gig speeds.

Those interested in fiber internet service (even those who are not electric members) are encouraged to complete the interest form online at www.PPEC.coop. This helps the co-op guide construction plans and notify customers when service is available.

Paulding Putnam is a local electric and internet cooperative serving nearly 14,000 members in Paulding, Putnam, Defiance, Van Wert, and Allen counties in Ohio, and Adams and Allen counties in Indiana.

Princess Tea Party to be offered

Submitted information

CHP Home Care & Hospice is hosting a Princess Tea Party for young girls on Saturday, June 27, at the CHP Adult Day Center, 1155 Westwood Drive, Van Wert (in the former inpatient hospice building, behind the main CHP office).

Little ones will have the opportunity to spend time with guest princesses, create their own crown, enjoy story time, entertainment, finger nail painting, and snacks. There will also be a photo booth. Two sessions are available, 1-2 p.m. and 2:15-3:15 p.m. Each session is limited to 16 children. Cost is $20 per child to benefit the CHP Hospice patient care fund. 

Register at comhealthpro.org/events or call 419.238.9223. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite princess costume or party dress and must be accompanied by an adult (at no charge).

Scholarship recipient…

AgCredit has announced the recipients of its 2026 Joe Leiser Memorial Scholarships. This year, AgCredit awarded $25,000 distributed between twelve recipients to support their educational goals during the 2026–2027 academic year. Among them is Lincolnview High School graduate Elyssa Renner, who will attend Wright State University and major in agriculture business. The scholarship program honors Joe Leiser, AgCredit’s first president and CEO. Each year, the program awards scholarships to dependent family members of AgCredit voting stockholders pursuing degrees in agriculture or related community-supported fields. Photo submitted

Chamber director stepping down

VW independent staff/submitted information

PAULDING – After roughly 13 months on the job, Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jill Strahley has announced she’s stepping down.  The Chamber’s Board of Directors has begun the search for the organization’s next leader.

According to a press release announcing her departure, the Chamber said Strahley focused on strengthening communication, building community partnerships, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities to connect people and organizations throughout Paulding County.

“Serving the Chamber and getting to know so many of the people who care deeply about this community has meant a great deal to me,” Strahley said. “I am incredibly thankful for the businesses, organizations, board members, volunteers, and community partners who have supported the Chamber’s work. There is so much good happening across Paulding County, and I am proud of the momentum we have built together.”

The Chamber’s Board of Directors expressed its appreciation for Strahley’s leadership, creativity, and commitment to the organization and the community.

The Chamber is now accepting applications for an organized, collaborative, and forward-thinking executive director. This person will oversee the Chamber’s day-to-day operations, member engagement, community partnerships, communications, events, financial management, fundraising, and program development.

The board is looking for someone who can continue building relationships, support local businesses, and help the Chamber move forward with energy and purpose. According to the press release, the ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who can provide leadership while also managing the hands-on responsibilities of a small nonprofit organization.

Applications are due by Friday, July 10.

The complete job description and online application are available here. Applications will be reviewed by the Chamber’s hiring committee and selected candidates will be contacted regarding the interview process.

Lincolnview BOE lauds state qualifiers

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Lincolnview Local Schools took just 59 minutes but a lot was packed into that time.

During his monthly report, Superintendent Jeff Snyder said now that QTS has been revealed as the end user of $10 billion data center that will be built at the Mega Site, negotiations are the next step. He also said more financial information as it applies to the Lincolnview Local Schools could be available as soon as next week. While the data center will be in the city of Van Wert, it will be in the Lincolnview school district.

“We’ve been waiting very patiently and now we’re getting closer,” he said.

Snyder added that while a push to eliminate property taxes in Ohio has been delayed until November of next year, he said if it comes to fruition, he wants to plan for “what ifs” pertaining to the data center and its financial obligation to the district.

He also noted a large scale solar project remains a possibility in Van Wert County. If it happens, Butterfly Meadows would occupy approximately 4,000 acres of land in Hoaglin, Union and Pleasant townships. If ultimately approved at the state level, construction would likely begin in 2028. More information is expected this summer.

Snyder said work is progressing on the new elementary playground, and he said he anticipates action being taken by the board on upgrades to the baseball and softball diamonds at a special meeting later this month. Those improvements will include dugouts, backstops and fencing, at a cost of about $800,000.

Brief monthly reports were also delivered by Jr. High/High School Principal Brad Mendenhall, who noted class schedules will be available for pickup the week of August 10 and at the annual open house, which is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. August 17. He also said he and administrators from Crestview and Van Wert recently met with Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge Eva Yarger and Prosecutor Dillon Staas to discuss attendance concerns and truancy.

Assailant training scheduled for Saturday

VW independent staff

If you see a large law enforcement/first responder presence at Lincolnview Local Schools this Saturday, there’s no cause for alarm.

The school is hosting the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office’s assailant training session, starting at 9 a.m. Deputies, fire and EMS and others are expected to be present for the drill.

While the Community Center won’t be part of the training, it will be off-limits to the general public during the session.

VWCT holds annual awards banquet

VW independent staff/submitted information

Over 60 members, volunteers, performers, directors, designers, supporters and friends gathered at the recent Van Wert Civic Theatre’s awards banquet to celebrate the dedication and countless hours of hard work that made the 2025-2026 season one to remember. Merit, Outstanding and Excellence awards were given out to many individuals. 

The production of the year was Bonnie and Clyde. Trustee’s Awards, determined by the board of the theatre, were given to Chad Kraner, Keith Allen and Terry Plas.  For the second year in a row, Van Wert Civic Theatre was able to give $500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors or those attending college to Grace Spieles, Abbie Mengerink and Sofia Alvarado. Special awards were given to the Adolescent and Young Adult Theatre members involved with the world premier of Looking Back, written and scored by Perri Webb.  

 The evening concluded with eight members of the cast of Dear Edwina Jr., serenading the audience with Sing Your Own Song from the show.  The show will be performed on June 25-28.

 A complete list of winners can be found on vwct.org or on the theatre’s Facebook page.

Sunday is Father’s Day, start of summer

VW independent staff

In addition to Sunday being Father’s Day, the Sunday season will officially arrive at 4:24 a.m. EDT. It will also be the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. The sun will rise at 6:06 a.m. Sunday and won’t set until 9:13 p.m., a total of 15 hours and seven minutes of daylight.