SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It’s been a long time coming and it became official with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration on Friday.
The Marsh Foundation debuted its new state-of-the-art equine center, which includes the OhioHealth indoor arena. Approximately 200 people were on hand and were able to tour the facility, meet the horses, including Rio, Rocket and Nellie, and they were treated to a horse demonstration in the arena area. Those in attendance also heard brief remarks from CEO Jeff Grothouse.
“The trustees and the executive team are working to expand our programs and services to our communities, along with strengthing our partnerships,” Grothouse said. “This growth will create more opportunities to serve more children, strengthen more families and meet the changing needs of our communities.”
Grothouse also gave special thanks to the Marsh’s maintence staff, interim Equine Director Robbie Breese and many other employees and outside agencies and organizations for their efforts that helped make the new facility a reality. A number of Marsh Foundation employees and equine program staff, along with Marsh Trustees Gary Clay, Bob Gamble and Shad Foster were in attendance at the ceremony.
“For years we watched the incredible impact that horses have on emotional wellness, confidence, communication and healing,” Grothouse said. “We knew there would be opportunities to expand those services not only for the youth in our care but the children and families throughout northwest Ohio. Today, this facility allows us to do exactly that.”
(more…)POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:14 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is reminding everyone that the 170th Annual Van Wert County Fair is just over two weeks away. The fair will take place Tuesday through Monday, September 1–7, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, bringing a full week of entertainment, competition, family fun, and celebration to Van Wert County.
This year’s grandstand lineup offers something for everyone. The week kicks off with harness racing on Tuesday, followed by a cheerleading competition on Wednesday, and the popular high school band show on Thursday. Friday night will feature the action-packed truck and tractor pull, followed by the demolition derby on Saturday. New this year, fairgoers can experience the excitement of the ATV Big Air Show on Sunday. The week will wrap up on Labor Day with harness racing and the Rough E Rodeo in the evening.
Beyond the grandstand, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the fairgrounds. Fairgoers can enjoy livestock shows, free entertainment, Christian concerts, Southern Gospel music, carnival rides, delicious fair food, vendors, exhibits, and much more throughout the week.
The fair will also feature several special admission days:
- Tuesday, September 1 – half-price admission, with gate admission just $5 all day.
- Wednesday, September 2 – senior citizens day, featuring free admission for seniors until 4 p.m.
- Thursday, September 3 – Veterans Day, with free admission for veterans throughout the day.
- Saturday, September 5 – first responders day: First responders will get in free. As a reminder, children ages 12 and under will get in free to the fair.
The fair’s popular lunch program will return Tuesday through Friday. Fairgoers can pay $10 at the gate between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enter the fair. Leave the fairgrounds by 2 p.m., turn in your lunch ticket, and receive your admission cost back.
Fair programs and premium books are currently available at the Fair Office, along with tickets available for purchase. Tickets are also available to be purchased online. Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance and start planning their week at the fair.
The deadline for Senior Fair entries is Saturday, August 22, Exhibitors should make sure their entries are submitted before the deadline.
The Fair Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
A donation from the Van Wert Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62 will help sustain OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital’s efforts to provide food and other essentials to patients and families in need.
The hospital’s food pantry provides short-term assistance to patients experiencing food insecurity. Hospital staff can connect patients with “Paula’s Pantry” when a need is identified, providing them with food to help meet immediate needs and information about additional resources available in the community.
“We’re fortunate to be part of a community that has always supported us as police officers and retired police officers, and we want to be able to give that support back,” FOP Lodge 62 President Bruce Showalter said. “We just try to do what we think is right for the community.”
The $500 donation is part of the FOP Lodge 62’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations and community initiatives. The FOP also made donations to three other local pantries.
Paula’s Pantry includes a variety of shelf-stable foods that can be used to create simple meals, as well as essential items such as personal hygiene products and infant supplies.
“We know that food insecurity can create additional challenges for patients and families,” OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital President Paula Stabler said. “Support from community partners like FOP Lodge 62 helps us meet people where they are and provide resources that can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time.”
The food pantry is intended for current Van Wert Hospital patients, their families and associates who need assistance. Community members seeking food assistance are encouraged to access other local
resources, including the United Way of Van Wert County, Carla’s Cupboard and other community pantries.
“The hospital serves the residents of Van Wert County, and it’s important to us to support that,” Showalter said. “We don’t want to be a community where services are difficult to come by. We hope to continue supporting these efforts in the future whenever we have the opportunity.”
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
These photos taken by Elite Drone Services earlier this week show progress on a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway, just west of the Van Wert city limits. Not far from there, workers are rehabbing the bridge on U.S. 224 over the railroad tracks. Work on the roundabout began in late July and is expected to take about three months. The bridge project also began late last month and should take approximately six months. Photos courtesy of Elite Drone Services
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in coordination with the City of Van Wert, will re-dedicate the historical city limit sign on U.S. 127 south of Van Wert. In addtion, a new Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR sign will be unveiled, honoring Isaac Van Wart as a hero of the American Revolutionary War and the namesake of Van Wert and Van Wert County.
The short ceremony and unveiling will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 18. The location for parking will be at the city dog park, 10763 U.S. Route 127 South. The community is invited to attend the brief event and celebrate America250. In case of rain, the event will be posponed and rescheduled.
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAULDING — The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce has found its new executive director. Jen Rosebrook will replace Jill Strahley, who announced her resignation in June.
According to a news release, Rosebrook brings a broad background in non-profit leadership, business development, fundraising, marketing, human resources, operations and community leadership. Her career has included work with organizations ranging from Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana and the University of Dayton to Ohio manufacturing companies.
She has also served on the Defiance Planning Commission and as President of the Downtown Development and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, giving her experience working alongside businesses, local government and community organizations.
The news release states one of Rosebrook’s strengths throughout her career has been bringing people together around a common goal. While at Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana, she created a Young Professionals Board that grew to approximately 300 engaged members and helped develop future volunteers, community advocates and nonprofit leaders.
Rosebrook said her first priority will be listening and learning. She plans to spend time visiting businesses throughout Paulding County, meeting Chamber members and community partners, and learning more about the opportunities and challenges facing the local business community.
Rosebrook holds a bachelor of science in business with a concentration in marketing from Miami University.
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 8:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a Friday morning crash involving a mini-van and semi-truck. It happened shortly before 9 a.m. along eastbound U.S. 30 at Ohio 49 in Convoy. It appeared the mini-van pulled into the path of the eastbound semi. Convoy Fire and Rescue removed the driver of the mini-van and transported her to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. The van was towed from the scene and the rig was taken to the nearby weigh station. Eastbound 30 was closed until the site was cleared, with the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department providing traffic control. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 08/14/26 at 3:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Westwood Behavioral Health Center is proud to announce that on August 4, Randal Michaelson Jr. achieved a highly regarded milestone in his journey toward long term sobriety. After three years of living substance-free, Michaelson graduated from Recovery Court.
“A New Day, the Right Way” is a program for adults who struggled with addiction and subsequent legal problems. A joint collaboration between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and the Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, the program is overseen Judge Martin D. Burchfield. Van Wert County residents who are facing legal charges which are a byproduct of their substance use disorder may be referred to the program.
Entry into the 18-24 month program is preceded by an eligibility interview with drug court coordinator Jane Schmid of Westwood Behavioral Health Center. The four phase program requires regular drug screening, appearances before the judge at least monthly, and participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program, followed by traditional outpatient therapy services. Additionally, participants attend weekly peer support meetings.
The goal of the program is to provide intense support and accountability for adults who commit to living a substance-free life, maintaining employment and independent housing.
A New Day, The Right Way was created in 2014 under now-retired Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Steele, together with Chief Probation Officer Bruce Showalter. In 2017, the program was certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Recertification is required every three years.
Treatment services for recovery court clients are provided by Westwood Behavioral Health Center, which supports wellness through confidential and compassionate care. They offer mental health and addiction services, individual group and family therapy, IOP, psychiatric and psychiatric NP, an on-site pharmacy, case management and drug testing.
POSTED: 08/13/26 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
If you’re of a certain age, you may remember what playgrounds used to be like. Questionable swings, death trap merry-go-rounds, wooden cinders and metal slides that could cause second degree burns are just some of the things that come to mind.
That was then, this is now and at Lincolnview Elementary, students and the community are now able to enjoy a brand new state-of-the-art playground.
Swings, slides, and plenty of climbing attractions, including one that looks like a giant spider web, an “Areo-Glider” and more were on full display during a Thursday evening open house at the playground. Judging by the reactions of dozens of children and their families, it’s a big hit. Prior to the open house, there was a brief ceremony and school officials cut the ribbon on the new $1.5 million facility.
“We’re so proud of what we have,” Superintendent Jeff Snyder said. “I can’t thank our board enough for the vision of wanting to do this for our kids. I know that $1.5 million is a lot of money but this is going to be used all day, probably day, not in the winter so much but maybe a little bit.”
“It fits all needs of all kids and it’s comprehensive,” he continued. “Any challenged kids that have physical needs, growth needs, we’ve hit it. We’ve tried to hit every part of it and we tried to get the neatest things for kids, things that are safe but fun.”
“We added so many more fun things. We took out all the mulch that for 26 years was in this area and we put in poured rubber, so now there’s no mulch going into the building, it’s not on shoes, kids don’t have it in their hands, it’s more safe and more condusive for the kids.”
(more…)POSTED: 08/13/26 at 8:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Leland Smith Insurance recently presented a check to the YWCA of Van Wert County as a recurring sponsor of the Adopt-A-Room program. Pictured from left to right are Leland Smith staff members Hanna Rose, Faith Coleman, Amy Amstutz (presenting check), YMCA Director of Outreach and Communication Julie Schaufelberger, April Korte, and Topanga Brumett. Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in adopting a resident space should contact Schaufelberger at julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org for details. Photo submitted
POSTED: 08/13/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Christopher Elder, a Paulding resident and 2026 candidate for the 82nd District Ohio House, has been appointed to fill the District 9 seat vacated by Tom Pruss for the Libertarian State Central Committee.
Pruss was elected in the May primary, along with Zach Hall, both of whom are from Toledo. After the first meeting of 2026, Pruss was elected vice-chair of the Executive Committee and resigned his seat on the Central Committee. At the August meeting, Elder was nominated and then appointed to fill the seat.
“I look forward to serving Libertarian voters and candidates across the 9th District,” Elder posted to his social media accounts. “I think it’s cool that we have a rural voice and an urban voice representing Libertarians in the District.” The Libertarian Party of Ohio divides its Central Committee districts by U.S. Congressional District. Elder and Hall represent all the counties in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District.
More information about the State Central Committee and the Libertarian Party of Ohio can be found on their website at lpo.org. As more local Libertarian Clubs begin popping up across northwest Ohio, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to their nearest county club to contact their central committee members.
It should be noted that, while Van Wert is included in the district for which Elder is running, it is located in Ohio Congressional District 4. Both seats for District 4 are vacant. Anyone interested in being appointed should contact Michelle MacCutcheon at director@lpo.org.
POSTED: 08/13/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
