SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
There’s nothing quite like the sound of church bells, especially in a small town. After a three year hiatus, bells at one church in Van Wert will soon sound again.
The bells have been restored to their former glory and this week, crews have been reinstalling bells in the tower of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on N. Washington St.
According to St. Mark’s Office Administrator Meisa Coplin, the project took three years and ran into an unanticipated delay when the original contractor hired for the job went out of business. Smith’s Bell and Clock Service of Camby, Indiana, was the same company that hired to handle the historic clock at the corner of Main St. and Washington St. The chuch then hired The Verdin Company, based in Cincinnati, to take over the project, which was an extensive one.
Work included any repairs that were necessary to the bells, the installation of new clappers, and a thorough cleaning.
“They look like brand new bells,” Coplin said while noting all 10 bells have been reinstalled.
The wooden cradle that held the bells in the tower was completely taken out, according to Coplin, and it was replaced with a new one made of steel.
Along with the bells and the cradle, work was done on the tower itself, including tuckpointing, cleaning or as Coplin put it, a whole “re-do.”
While workers are doing other touch-up items, they’re also installing a new pneumatic system that will allow the church to play the bells at different times of the year or if a chimer is unable to be at a Sunday service, the new system can be programmed with music for the service.
(more…)POSTED: 09/12/26 at 12:41 am
Editor’s note: this year the Brumback Library is celebrating 125 years of service to the community. Each month, the library will tell the story of the Brumback Library, chapter by chapter. This month the partnership between the library and our local schools is explored. Resources used to write this article include “The Library” by Saida Brumback Antrim, a letter written by Beth (Ramsey) Coon and an essay written by Mrs. Virgie Ackom Purk.
By Theresa Mengerink
As students head back to school, it is a good time to look back at the long relationship between The Brumback Library and the schools of Van Wert County.
From the library’s earliest years, providing teachers and students with educational resources has been an important mission. In 1902, the superintendent of the Van Wert Schools, Mr. J. P. Sharkey asked the library to provide special library cards for teachers. These “teacher cards” allowed educators to borrow up to four books at one time for use in their schoolwork. The program quickly gained interest and by 1903 more than 52 teacher cards had been issued.
The partnership continued to expand. By 1905, teachers were permitted to borrow collections of books for use in their classrooms as long as they kept accurate circulation records and submitted them to the library director.
This program gave students greater access to library materials directly in their schools. In 1906, The Brumback Library established a special school library department containing approximately 500 volumes. The books were carefully selected, with an emphasis on materials that had educational value and could support classroom instruction. The program soon reached schools throughout Van Wert County. By 1907, the library had 192 registered teachers, and every township in the county had at least one school library, with some having as many as seven.
A major change in public education came in 1913 when the Ohio Legislature passed a comprehensive public school law requiring rural schools to maintain libraries containing at least 50 books. Because The Brumback Library was already supplying books to local schools, the library agreed to help ensure that schools throughout the county had the number of books required under the new law, saving districts lots of money.
Over the years, The Brumback Library continued to adapt its services as the needs of local schools changed. As smaller schools consolidated and new school buildings were constructed with their own libraries, the need for The Brumback Library’s school branches gradually declined. The library shifted its focus toward helping teachers and students locate books, reference materials and other resources that might not be available in their school libraries. Today, that educational partnership continues in new ways. Teachers and students still turn to The Brumback Library for materials that support classroom learning, research and special projects. As homeschooling has grown, the library also serves families looking for books and other resources to supplement their curriculum. More than a century after the first teacher cards were issued, supporting education remains an important part of The Brumback Library’s service to the community.
(more…)POSTED: 09/12/26 at 12:41 am. FILED UNDER: News
Crestview freshman quarterback Calin Balliet (15) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against Spencerville Friday night. Balliet made his first start and the Knights defeated Spencerville 41-8. Van Wert was in action Friday night as well but the Cougars didn’t fare as well, falling to Celina 49-28. Full game stories can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 09/12/26 at 12:40 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Western Buckeye Educational Service Center, in partnership with Van Wert Economic Development, presented its Industry Sector Partnership Grant and student mentorship initiative this week at the Ohio Educational Service Center Association Fall Connect & Collaborate Conference in Columbus.
WBESC Superintendent Missy McClurg, WBESC Workforce Navigator Christine Grothaus, and Van Wert Economic Development Workforce Development Manager Lauren Buchanan shared how collaboration among education, economic development including Paulding Economic Development, local businesses, and community organizations can create meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for students while strengthening the future workforce of Paulding and Van Wert counties.
The presentation, “The Collaborative Catalyst: Western Buckeye ESC’s Industry Sector Partnership Grant,” highlighted WBESC’s new $100,000 Ohio Department of Development SPARK Grant for the 2026–27 school year. The initiative is designed to build stronger connections between local employers and high school students through mentorship, career exploration, and hands-on problem solving.
At the center of the grant is a mentorship program connecting high school juniors with local business and community mentors based on students’ career interests and aptitude information. Participating businesses and community organizations contribute $500 and provide a mentor. Each student-mentor team then receives $1,300 in project funding to work together to identify and address a real business or community challenge.
Mentor teams will meet six times throughout the school year and participate in mentor training and strengths-based development. Students will gain career exploration, real-world experience, personal finance skills, confidence, workplace connections, and opportunities to learn more about careers available within their own communities. Teams may also participate in tours of local businesses, manufacturing facilities, colleges, or mentor workplaces based on student interests and future career plans.
The new initiative builds upon a previous successful Community Connectors Grant mentorship model and expands the concept across Paulding and Van Wert counties. Local economic development organizations have been instrumental in helping WBESC connect with businesses, share the opportunity throughout the region, and build the partnerships necessary to bring the program to life.
POSTED: 09/12/26 at 12:39 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
REYNOLDSBURG – The Ohio Department of Agriculture has suspended grain handling operations at United Equity, Inc. in Delphos, with branch locations in Spencerville and Celina, after a department audit confirmed a financial shortfall. The company’s grain handler’s license has been suspended to prevent more outstanding obligations from being incurred and to facilitate a possible remedy via the Grain Indemnity Fund.
If you believe you have outstanding grain obligations with United Equity, Inc. and have questions, call ODA at 614.728.6410. Ohio’s Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers when a licensed handler becomes insolvent. Claims to the indemnity fund are handled through ODA’s Grain Feed & Seed Section in conjunction with the recommendation of the Ohio Commodity Advisory Commission.
Ohio Revised Code gives priority to the automatic lien established and held by the department for the benefit of farmers in the event of a grain handler’s failure or insolvency. The department’s liens will now have priority over all competing lien claims asserted against the handler, ensuring that the indemnity fund receives maximum reimbursement in the asset liquidation process.
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
One of the most shocking and tragic incidents in U.S. history occurred 25 years ago. We refer to it quite simply as “9/11.”
September 11, 2001, was the day four jetliners were hijacked and used to carry out terrorists attacks in New York City and Washington DC. A fourth attack was aborted when passengers aboard one of the jets revolted and overpowered the hijackers, causing the aircraft to crash in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Two of the jets hit the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan, causing the eventual collapse of those structures, while another crashed into the Pentagon.
In all, the attacks, along with the jet in Pennsylvania, claimed 2,977 lives.
The news of what had happened started to trickle in. Coverage began after the first jet hit one of the Twin Towers. Many people were watching live television coverage when the second tower was hit and many more were watching when the towers collapsed. News came in of the attack on the Pentagon, along with the crash in Pennsylvania, then the second tower collapse. All of it happened between 8:46 a.m. and 10:28 a.m. on that fateful Tuesday morning.
Americans of all ages were glued to radios and televisions that day. We wanted to know exactly what happened and why it happened. There were fears of other attacks. We were in disbelief that day and we began to mourn those who had been lost while wondering what was next. Many churches opened their doors for people to unite, to grieve, to reflect and to pray for those lost, their families and the country.
We as Americans learned of the news in different ways and at different times that day. Some of us were at work, some were at school or at home, some were away from home. This week, the VW independent reached out to readers, asking them to share their memories of that unforgettable and tragic day.
“I was in my kitchen watching the Today Show and Al Roker said the first plane was a tragic accident and then the second plane hit and he immediately said we are under attack. I then called my daughter Rachel at The Ohio State University and she told me they were on lockdown, she was a RA, responsible for keeping the housing unit locked and other students calm. I called my mom here in Van Wert, then went to the high school to pick up my daughter Jordan who turned 16 on that very day, she was wearing a t-shirt with the skyline of NYC. Our son Robby drove from school and I stopped by my parents home in town. Mine and my sibling’s families that lived in Van Wert gathered there for a short time, everyone had left work and the younger kids had been picked up from school. My first thoughts were where are my kids, my husband was at home, recovering from cancer surgery, and all our family was safe and accounted for. I was just numb and confused about what was actually being reported. I went to an emergency mass at 3 p.m. that afternoon in Paulding, everyone looked shell shocked, puffy eyes from crying, and it was silent, very little talking. The days after were spent glued to the TV and talking on the phone with other family members and our daughter who was still in Columbus, in disbelief as to what actually happened and what it meant for the future.” – Janet Worthington Galloway, Van Wert
(more…)POSTED: 09/10/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Public Safety honored Ohioans on Thursday for their remarkable service to the nation and their communities at the annual Ohio Patriot Awards Ceremony, held in recognition of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ODPS Director Ben Suver recognized employees, military veterans, and representatives from law enforcement agencies across the state. The awards highlight individuals and families who have devoted their lives to public service, as well as those whose military and law enforcement traditions span generations.
One of the recipients was Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers.
“These awards reflect far more than acknowledgment — they honor the courage, dedication, and selfless commitment of those who consistently put the safety and well-being of others first,” Suver said. “We are proud to celebrate individuals who exemplify the spirit of duty and patriotism.”
The full list of award recipients:
(more…)POSTED: 09/10/26 at 8:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine recently announced a number of statewide appointments, including that of Brent Stevens to the Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees for a term that began on September 4, and will end June 9, 2032.
Stevens serves as the executive director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation.
POSTED: 09/10/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is reminding all citizens that Friday, September 11, is Patriot Day and the Lodge is asking all to observe this holiday.
After the terrorist attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. when nearly 3,000 Americans died, Congress approved 407-0 to designate September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. President George W. Bush signed Public law 107-89 into law on December 18, 2001. On this day, the flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff. The president also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) marking the first plane crash on September 11, 2001.
The Elks are asking all citizens to fly their flag at half-staff on this day and to observe a moment of silence for those who perished on this day.
POSTED: 09/10/26 at 6:28 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A pair of arraignments, a sentencing hearing and plea change hearings were among the hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Arraignments
Jeffrey Kallas, 25, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to harassment with a bodily substance, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30.
Cyle Black, 40, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a third degree felony. He was released on a surety bond; pre-trial set for 9 a.m. September 30.
Sentencing
Eric Orndorff, 43, of Van Wert, sentenced to two years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date for non-support of dependents, a fifth degree felony. He is to seek and maintain employment, undergo substance abuse assessment and treatment, consume no alcohol or drugs without a prescription, undergo random drug screens. Judge Burchfield also ordered Orndorff to pay partial appointed counsel fees and court costs.
Change of pleas
Dominique Barrows, 32, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charged of attempted having weapons while under disability, a fourth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. October 21.
(more…)POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
This Friday, September 11, will mark 25 years since the horrific attacks on the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the same day a jet crashed into a Pennsylvania field after a passenger revolt.
The VW independent is asking readers to share memories of that day. While the attacks occurred 25 years ago, the day remains vivid in the minds of many Americans.
- Where were you and what were you doing when you first heard about the attacks?
- How did you learn about them i.e. radio, TV, word of mouth, etc?
- What were your first thoughts?
- What do you remember most about that day and the days that followed?
- Please feel free to share any other memories you may have.
Please consider sharing your memories with us for a story that will be published this Friday. You may email your memories to editor@thevwindependent.com. Please include your name and where you live. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. Thursday, September 10.
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
