SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It was a busy few days for the Van Wert Department. In fact, it was unusually busy.
Firefighters and EMTs were dispatched to 27 different incidents between 12:01 a.m. Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. Thursday alone, well above the normal amount of calls.
“Our department typically averages five to six calls per day, so this was a noticeably busier stretch than normal,” Fire Chief Jon Jones said.
While 24 of the calls were EMS responses, two others were referred to as “high angle” calls.
“High-angle rescues are not common in Van Wert, so seeing two in one week was unusual,” the chief said. “One came during a mutual aid response to a crash involving a semi truck on U.S. 30. At that scene, our crews provided an ambulance that transported one patient to a Mercy Health trauma center, and used our aerial apparatus to set up a high-angle rescue for the driver of the semi.”
The other high angle call came on Wednesday, when the Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to rescue a man who was trapped in a garbage truck. The third non-EMS call was for mutual aid at a house fire on Van Wert Willshire Rd.
(more…)POSTED: 09/25/26 at 11:23 pm
Alison Owens was crowned Crestview homecoming queen whlie Kale Vining was crowned homecoming king before Friday night’s football game against Allen East. The Knights lost the game 41-0. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 11:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Lincolnview Junior High/High School Principal Brad Mendenhall has announced that Grace Custer has been named as a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendationfrom the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2027 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” a spokesperson for NMSC said. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
“Grace is the kind of student who excels wherever she goes, not only as National Merit Scholar Commended Student, but a district-qualifying golfer, an All-State band member, and one of Lincolnview’s high-achieving students of all time,” Mendenhall said. “Most importantly she is a genuinely kind, polite, and thoughtful young lady. Her accomplishments are impressive, but her high character is what truly sets her apart.
Mendenhall added that Custer is just fourth student during his 13 years at Lincolnview to receive the honor.
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 11:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland), a farmer and Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, and Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), a longtime farmer and former president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, have expressed strong support for a proposed 90-day suspension of Ohio’s state gas tax, highlighting the timely relief it would provide farmers during the fall harvest season.
“As a lifelong farmer and former president of the Ohio Farm Bureau, I know firsthand how important fuel costs are to our agricultural community,” said Peterson. “Ohio’s grain farmers will use nearly two-thirds of their annual fuel needs over the next six to eight weeks. The timing of this proposal could not be better, and lowering fuel costs during this critical window would be a tremendous blessing for the hardworking farmers who help feed our state and nation.”
The proposed fuel tax holiday would provide relief as farmers prepare for one of the most fuel-intensive periods of the year. From harvesting crops to transporting grain, fuel is an essential operating expense, and rising costs place additional pressure on Ohio’s agricultural producers.
“Every dollar saved on fuel is a dollar that can go back into our farms, our families and our rural communities,” said Klopfenstein. “I am grateful for this proposal and stand ready to carry legislation or help in any way possible to deliver meaningful relief to Ohioans. This is an opportunity to make a real difference when our farmers need it most.”
The legislation is expected to be introduced in the coming days.
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 11:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The 100th class to graduate from Van Wert High School, doing so in 1971, is having a reunion celebration on Saturday, October 10, starting about 10 a.m. and running through 9 p.m. or “until we all get tired.” The reunion will be held in the Community Building in the park on Ohio 118 in Ohio City. While it may or may not be too late to get your check and order in for the 5 p.m. dinner, all are welcome to join in to visit throughout the day. Details are available on the Van Wert High School Class of 1971 Facebook page (as VWHS 1971).
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 11:20 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles, News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson is urging Ohioans to check their eligibility for compensation from settlements reached with generic-drug manufacturers accused of conspiring to inflate generic-drug prices.
“If you paid too much for certain generic drugs, you may be entitled to money back,” said Wilson. “Check your eligibility and get what you’re owed.”
Wilson’s suggestion follows approval this month by the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut of a preliminary plan devised by 48 attorneys general to distribute $96.5 million in settlement funds paid by the manufacturers.
The settlement payments came from Glenmark, Lannett, Bausch, Apotex, Heritage and Emcure, Heritage’s parent company.
Consumers who purchased certain generic drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation. They can check the list of eligible drugs and submit a claim at www.AGGenericDrugs.com, or call 1.866.290.0182 or email info@AGGenericDrugs.com to determine their eligibility.
The multistate coalition has pursued antitrust cases against generic-drug manufacturers since 2016, alleging that companies and their executives conspired to restrict competition and raise prices for certain generic drugs.
Ohio is among the states and territories that are parties to the cases.
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 11:20 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
We Are Limitless made a special visit to the Van Wert County Bluegrass Festival Thursday morning, where musicians gathering for the festival treated the group to an impromptu performance.
We Are Limitless is a Defiance-based organization providing day training and developmental disability services. The organization focuses on helping the people it serves participate in their communities, build friendships and enjoy meaningful activities and experiences. Public provider records show We Are Limitless has been operating as a developmental disability day-training provider since 2020.
Thursday morning’s visit offered the group a chance to experience bluegrass music up close before the festival’s scheduled performances began. Several musicians who were already on the fairgrounds were happy to pull out their instruments and entertain the visitors.
The visit came as the 15th annual Van Wert County Bluegrass Festival opened for three days of music, camping and fellowship at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert. The festival runs through Saturday. Golf carts are welcome if insured, pets are permitted on a leash, and food concessions will be available. A cornhole tournament is also planned.
For additional information about the festival, lineup, camping and other activities, visit the Van Wert County Bluegrass Festival website.
Here is the lineup for Friday and Saturday.
(more…)POSTED: 09/24/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Van Wert resident Joe Ginter has completed a new book, “1981’s I Wanted to Be Famous: A Zany Quest of Faith Rereleased and Revamped,” a delightful journey back to those carefree days when anything seemed possible.
Originally conceived in 1979 and first published in 1981, this whimsical collection captures the author’s youthful fantasies about fame and fortune through cleverly illustrated photographs paired with amusing narratives. The book invites readers to revisit those goofy childhood aspirations we all harbored: the wild ambitions that once felt so certain and achievable.
Joe Ginter’s path to publication was anything but conventional. Beginning his project with dreams of joining National Lampoon magazine’s legendary comedy roster, Ginter faced unexpected obstacles that redirected his creative journey. After the tragic loss of the publication’s co-founder Doug Kenney in 1980, followed by his own five-year health struggle and two major surgeries, Ginter eventually channeled his comedic talents into a 34 year career as an elementary teacher. During those decades in the classroom, he collaborated with students to create the beloved Ditchmen series, and after retirement, he continued his literary pursuits with additional works. Now, with this revamped edition, Ginter has enhanced his original vision for contemporary audiences.
“1981’s I Wanted to Be Famous” resonates with both nostalgia and spiritual depth, blending lighthearted humor with profound encouragement. The book tackles the American obsession with success and recognition while gently challenging readers to reconsider what truly matters in life. Through entertaining anecdotes and remarkable photographs, Ginter invites adults and younger readers alike to laugh at their former ambitions while discovering renewed perspective through faith-based wisdom. Readers will find themselves smiling at memories of childhood dreams while gaining fresh insight into the values that endure beyond the fleeting pursuit of fame.
“I wanted to share the joy and laughter of youthful dreams with readers of all ages,” Ginter said. “This revamped edition brings back the humor and nostalgia while adding encouragement and biblical perspective that I’ve developed over my years of teaching and reflection.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/24/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Federation of Teachers are hosting its annual fundraiser before Van Wert’s homecoming football game against St. Marys Memorial on Friday, October 2. The scholarship dinner will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Goedde Building gymnasium.
If you did not purchase a ticket, walk-ins will be welcome. Meals are $8 for adults and $5 for children and include a grilled burger, hot dog, or bratwurst, sides, desert, and drink. All proceeds benefit the Anita Zuber Future Teacher Scholarship, which is a fund that awards scholarships to Van Wert High School seniors entering the field of education.
POSTED: 09/24/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Just after 7 p.m. Thursday a car on Dustman Rd. went off the road and struck a small John Deere tractor that was sitting off the roadway. The tractor was not in use at the time. The driver was westbound on Dustman Rd. and was blinded by the very low angle of the sun and went off the road, striking the tractor. The driver of the car was not injured. The car received extensive damage and the tractor sustained moderate damage. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol were at the scene. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 09/24/26 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
BLUFFTON — At exactly 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will reenact the moment when John Dillinger walked into Citizens National Bank in the village on August 14, 1933 and stole $2,100.
The historically accurate script is written by Fred Steiner, narrated by Kevin Gratz, and involves a dozen volunteers playing the parts of eyewitnesses to the daylight robbery. The reenactment will take place at the intersection of Main and Cherry St., closing part of Main, Church and Cherry streets for the event.
Loud noise alert: Small Black Cat fireworks will be used during the reenactment to simulate gunfire used by Dillinger’s gang as they exited the bank.
The annual Wake the Dead ride, hosted by Joe Bayliff’s Route 30 Harley-Davidson dealership in Upper Sandusky, will bring a crowd of Harleys into town for the reenactment.
Additionally, the historical society has invited local motorcycle groups to take part in a motorcycle show along Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The society has also invited a number of classic cars, especially 1930s models, into town to park on Church Street to provide a period-appropriate backdrop to the reenactment. If the weather is particularly fair, the society expects upwards of one hundred and fifty bikes.
Local youth will be judging the motorcycles and awarding three prizes: Public Enemy Number 1, the Accomplice, and the Outlaw to selected bikers.
If the weather proves inclement, the reenactment will move indoors to the Bluffton Middle School Cafetorium, 116 S. Jackson St.
The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society thanked Chief Ryan Burkholder and Springfield Fireworks for donating Black Cat fireworks for this event.
For more information on the event, visit blufftonforever.com.
POSTED: 09/24/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
