Vantage BOE approves various administrative contracts

Vantage 5K to be held next month

VW independent staff/submitted information

Vantage Career Center will hold its second annual Vantage 5K event on Saturday, April 18, the career center in Van Wert. 

The event is designed to bring people together in support of a great cause while promoting health, wellness, and school spirit. It will feature a 5K run/walk open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Youth runners will also have the opportunity to participate in a kids fun run, taking place prior to the main race.

Community members, families, students, and local businesses are encouraged to join Vantage staff and students for a morning filled with excitement, fitness, and community pride.

Race Day Schedule

• 7:30 a.m. – Registration
• 8:30 a.m. – kids fun run
• 9:00 a.m. – 5K race start

Participants can register now by visiting  https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/VanWert/VantageK.

Vantage Career Center thanked this year’s generous sponsors:

• Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office
• OhioHealth
• Paulding Ace Hardware & Rental
• Gen-X Training Studio

Their support helps make this event possible and strengthens the impact of community partnerships.

Farm Focus Inc. offering scholarships

Submitted information

Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field.

Farm Focus Inc. is offering a minimum of two scholarships of $1,000 or more and may offer more scholarships at various amounts to Van Wert County resident high school seniors interested in majoring in an agricultural related program at a university or college. Full time students already enrolled in an undergraduate program in agriculture are also eligible to apply, and successful applicants from previous years can reapply again this year.

The applicant must be a Van Wert County resident. Minimum grade point is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship funds will be submitted directly to the educational institution by Farm Focus Inc. upon receipt of proof of enrollment or a copy of a tuition invoice.

Scholarship applications have been sent to nine area high schools where Van Wert County students may be enrolled, so please contact your high school guidance counselor, or agricultural education/FFA Instructor for your scholarship application. The application is available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension office at 1055 South Washington St., Van Wert, or email FarmFocusScholarship@gmail.com. The scholarship application is in a PDF file and MS Word formats and can be emailed or put on a jump drive. Questions should be emailed.

All completed applications must be emailed, mailed and postmarked or delivered in person no later than March 27, to the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office. The preference is to email the application.

Fire may have began over cats dispute

Editor’s note: this story has been updated with information provided by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.

VW independent staff

DIXON — A few more details have been released about last week’s fatal fire on the Ohio side of Dixon.

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said shots were fired into a neighboring home in the 3500 block of Ohio Indiana State Line Road shortly before a 911 call that was placed at 10:27 a.m. last Tuesday, February 24. According to further information provided Thursday afternoon by Jarrod Clay, Public Information Officer for the State Marshal’s Office, the fire was discovered by the next door neighbor, an adult male, when several bullets were shot through his house. After hearing and seeing the gunfire, he looked out the window and saw his neighbor’s house on fire and called 911. The neighbor suffered minor injuries – it appeared he was injured from glass fragments from when bullets went through his window, Clay stated.

Riggenbach said a dispute over cats apparently led to the incident.

“We received information on scene there were issues between the residents over Mr. (Jeffrey) Gillespie’s cats,” Sheriff Riggenbach said. “We had not responded to a call for service between them since January, 2025.”

After firing the shots, Gillespie, 67, apparently set fire to his own home before taking his life.

Deputies and Convoy Fire & EMS were the first to arrive at the scene and Gillespie’s home was engulfed in flames, Payne Fire & EMS, the Monroeville, Indiana Fire Department and Van Wert Fire Department were summoned for tankers and manpower. Clay said when firefighters arrived at the scene, the fire was fully involved, extending from the doors, windows and roof. The fire department was unable to enter the house and the structure was a total loss.

A nearby vehicle also caught fire and was destroyed. Gillespie’s body was found in the remnants of the home. Riggenbach noted the Lucas County Coroner’s Office listed Gillespie’s manner of death as suicide, and Clay said the manner of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was found near the body during excavation of the home.

Clay said the fire was classified as incendiary (arson).

Van Wert jumps in micropolitan rankings

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert has been named a Top 25 Micropolitan Community in the United States by Site Selection magazine, marking a dramatic rise from last year, when the city was tied for 70th in the rankings.  

The annual rankings, released in the magazine’s March, 2026 issue, track new and expanded corporate facility projects across the country using the Conway Projects Database. To qualify, projects must meet at least one of three criteria: a minimum $1 million capital investment, the creation of at least 20 new jobs, or the addition of 20,000 square feet of new space.

Van Wert recorded four qualifying corporate facility projects in 2025, earning a tie for 25th place nationally among 543 micropolitan areas — defined as cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 that cover at least one county. Being recognized as a Top 25 Micropolitan community places Van Wert on a national radar used by corporate decision-makers evaluating expansion and relocation opportunities.

“This Top 25 ranking is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line,” said Brent Stevens, Executive Director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation. “We are seeing increased momentum across multiple sectors. The recent data center announcement has generated significant investor interest in Van Wert County — from housing developers and retailers to service providers and suppliers looking to support future growth. That level of attention reinforces what we already know: Van Wert is positioned for sustained, strategic expansion.

“There is more growth to come,” he added.

Van Wert’s ranking places it among strong company statewide. Ohio communities dominated the micropolitan rankings, with Findlay (No. 2), Wooster (No. 3), Fremont (No. 4), and Tiffin (No. 5) all finishing in the top five. In total, 20 Ohio micropolitan communities placed in the Top 100, collectively attracting 114 projects.

The state of Ohio also ranked third nationally for total corporate facility projects, with 467 qualifying projects in 2025.

Ohio banning SNAP sugary soda purchases

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Starting this fall, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Ohio won’t be able to use the food assistance benefits on sugary sodas.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Ohio’s request to prohibit the purchase of sugary carbonated drinks through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The request was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to push Ohioans to make healthier choices and to prioritize good nutrition. The change will become effective on October 1.

“This waiver that we requested and received through the USDA is a meaningful step toward better health outcomes for Ohioans on food assistance,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “Today’s news is a result of Governor DeWine asking us to work with experts in nutrition, public health, and food access to find practical solutions that help Ohioans make healthier choices.”

Specifically, the waiver restricts the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing beverages that list sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient—or as the second ingredient if the first is carbonated water.

The proposal was based on recommendations from a working group convened by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in June 2025.

Over three months, the group evaluated a wide range of data and expert input, including the impact of nutrition on children’s health, the history and purpose of SNAP, retail logistics, and implementation feasibility.

The working group noted that many health experts agree that many sugary drinks are widely recognized as having little to no nutritional value and are linked to chronic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

The group recommended a clear and simple definition of restricted beverages to support ease of implementation for retailers and to ensure that SNAP recipients can easily understand what is and is not eligible for purchase.

With the waiver now approved, ODJFS has begun the early stages of the work necessary to prohibit the sale of sugary carbonated drinks through SNAP. In the coming weeks and months, the agency will communicate changes related to the waiver—with both retailers and SNAP recipients.

Defendants appear for court hearings

VW independent staff

Eight criminal defendants appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Friday, February 27 and Wednesday, March 4. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Arraignments

Anthony Bandolini, 36, of Ohio City, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of failure to provide notice of change of address, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 18.

Terrance Landwehr, 27, of Cecil, entered a not guilty plea to domestic violence, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. April 15.

Probation/bond violations

Kaden Ballard, 24, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by failing to report to probation. He was released on electronic house arrest with a curfew and sentencing was set for 9 a.m. April 22.

Jeremy Cole, 35, of Celina, admitted to violating his probation by failing to report to probation and follow through with treatment. Sentencing was scheduled ofr 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 18.

Daniel Green, 50, of Van Wert, denied violating his bond by having police contact. A further hearing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10.

Heating assistance to end March 31

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Ohio Department of Development and Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission want to help alleviate the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep more families warm.

From now through March 31, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

The Winter Crisis Program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, and those required to pay for a service transfer. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $56,262.50.

If you need immediate assistance with your energy bills, contact Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission’s 24-hour appointment hotline at 419.219.4641 or visit our website www.nocac.org to schedule an appointment.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• Copies of their most recent energy bills, if available
• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
• Proof of disability, if applicable

For more information about the Winter Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Brumback Library lands important grant

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Brumback Library has received grant funding from The Van Wert County Foundation to provide a one-year subscription to the Candid database, a premier resource for non-profit research and grant-seeking. Funding for the subscription was made possible through the Flickinger Memorial Trust and the Alspach Memorial Fund, administered by The Van Wert County Foundation.

Candid is a powerful database that helps nonprofits, community organizations, and individuals identify grant opportunities, research foundations, and strengthen fundraising efforts. Through this subscription, any patron can access Candid free of charge by visiting any of library’s six locations.

Patrons can access the resource while inside a library location by visiting the library’s website and navigating to the digital resources section, where Candid is listed alphabetically. Library staff are also available to assist patrons in getting started and making the most of the database.

“As someone who works daily to secure support for children and families, I know how essential strong, reliable research tools are,” said Bailey Carder, Chief Advancement Officer for The Marsh Foundation. “Having access to Candid through The Brumback Library will significantly strengthen my ability to identify mission-aligned funding opportunities and connect with funders and organizations I may not have otherwise discovered. Resources like this open doors to new partnerships and possibilities that can directly benefit our youth and families, as well as the broader community.”

“I am also excited about the training and educational tools available through Candid, which will provide valuable opportunities for continued professional growth and learning,” she added. “I am truly grateful The Brumback Library is investing in resources that support individuals and nonprofits as we work to better serve the communities we care about.”

Rolling roadblocks along U.S. 30

Submitted information

Utility work along U.S. 30, just west of Middle Point Wetzel Road has been rescheduled. Now, ODOT will have rolling roadblocks starting at 10 p.m. Monday, March 9, until 5 a.m. Tuesday, March 10. The work was originally scheudled for 10 p.m. Friday, March 6, until 5 a.m. Saturday, March 7. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Students of the Month…

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks selected Van Wert High School seniors Brenna Kimmet and Grace Spieles as Students of the Month for February. Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award. Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year. Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – volunteerism, character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic. Pictured left to right are Kimmet and Spieles with Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Secretary. Photo submitted