SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Mother Nature might have put a bit of a damper on an ongoing road construction project, as recent rains could delay the opening of Van Wert’s second roundabout by a handful of days.
It’s being built at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway, just west of the Van Wert city limits. The intersection closed in late July and was scheduled to reopen with the new roundabout in late September, but rainy weather has slowed progress.
“At this point, the project has had eight rain days, which could add up to eight additional days before reopening,” ODOT District 1 Public Information Officer Cheri Newton said. “The original schedule had the roundabout opening late next week, but the weather has pushed the timeline. One concern is the planned closure of John Brown Road beginning on Monday, September 21.”
“We certainly want to avoid having John Brown Road and Lincoln Highway closed at the same time as much as possible, however, with more rain in the forecast next week, the exact reopening date is difficult to predict,” she added. “The good news is that, despite the weather, we’re happy with the progress being made and are hopeful the roundabout will open relatively close to the original schedule.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/18/26 at 11:02 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
Northwest State Community College hosted its sixth annual Van Wert Campus Golf Outing on Friday, September 11, at Hickory Sticks Golf Club in Van Wert. 124 participants enjoyed a fun day of golf, games and prizes, all in an effort to raise NSCC scholarship dollars for Paulding and Van Wert learners. Nearly $20,000 was raised as a result of the fundraiser. In total, over $86,000 has been raised by the six golf outings.
The money raised will go towards scholarships specifically for Paulding and Van Wert learners. NSCC has awarded nearly $2 million in total Foundation scholarships the past two years.
“Paulding and Van Wert County students will benefit from these scholarships, and from the generosity shown by the local communities at this golf outing,” said Robbin Wilcox, Executive Director of the NSCC Foundation.
NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez provided remarks about the Van Wert Campus,and its ongoing service to the community’s workforce development. Hernandez also offered his gratitude for the first responders in attendance, as well as Danfoss for their ongoing support to Northwest State and in the community.
Danfoss was the presenting sponsor and Senior Director Jantzen Hinton, also provided brief remarks thanking the attendees and the sponsors and talking about the growing impact of Danfoss in the community.
“Danfoss is fully invested into the families and the community here, and you will see and hear more from us in the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.
Northwest State serves a six-county service area of Williams, Fulton, Defiance, Henry, Paulding and Van Wert counties. Nearly 25 percent of the six-county population resides in Paulding and Van Wert counties. The new NSCC Van Wert Campus is open, and currently hosting fall classes.
The NSCC Foundation was established in 1978 to provide support for the students, people and programs of NSCC. The Foundation works diligently to raise funds for educational opportunities that directly and indirectly impact students. More information is available online at NorthwestState.edu/foundation.
POSTED: 09/18/26 at 10:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The 2026 Crestview Homecoming Court will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 25, prior to the football game against Allen East. Homecoming spirit week is being celebrated with dress up days for students throughout the week. The homecoming parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and will conclude at the school where the junior and senior boys will compete in the Buff Puff volleyball game in the elementary gym. The homecoming dance for all high school students will take place Saturday evening at the school. Members of the court (row 1): sophomore Evie Williman, junior Alecta Baxter, senior queen candidates Hailey Logan, Alison Owens and Macie Dickman, and freshman Drew Finkhousen. Row 2: sophomore Corbett Roth, junior Cooper Miller, senior king candidates CJ Speelman and Kale Vining, and freshman Calin Balliet. Absent: senior Nate Mitchener. Photo submitted
POSTED: 09/18/26 at 10:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson has let his feeling be known about the use of Flock license plate reader technology by law enforcement agencies around the state and what the consequences should be for those who misuse it.
In a statement issued this week, Wilson said law enforcement relies on technology, and Ohioans rely on law enforcement to leverage technology to society’s benefit and he said there is no question that technological advances have changed the landscape for law enforcement.
“Body-worn cameras, acoustic gunshot detection systems, and other devices allow peace officers to more effectively – and safely – carry out their duties in today’s world,” Wilson said. “Technology expands peace officers’ reach and helps protect communities, even when an officer is not present. Law enforcement has an obligation to use technology that enhances public safety.”
He then referred specificially to Flock, an automatic license plate reader, and said license plate recognition systems are tools of identification designed to assist in criminal investigations.
“They are not tools of surveillance,” he stated. “When used properly, Flock is one of the most valuable tools I have seen in my career. In Ohio alone, it has helped solve thousands of cases, often by helping law enforcement track down violent criminals and locate missing children.”
“By and large, Flock is used appropriately and effectively to accomplish a great deal of good,” he continued. “But, like any other high-tech tool that law enforcement depends on, it is only as effective as the person operating it and interpreting the data. There are some officers with bad intentions who have misused Flock.”
(more…)POSTED: 09/18/26 at 10:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — The history of a once-busy electric railway that connected communities across northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana will be the focus of a public program hosted by the Convoy Historical Society.
The presentation, scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, October 4, at the Convoy Opera House, will feature Bill Van Doren of Miamisburg. He’ll speak about the Fort Wayne, Van Wert and Lima Traction Company, commonly known as the interurban rail line.
Beginning in 1905, the interurban offered area residents a clean, comfortable and efficient way to travel at a time when transportation options were more limited. The electric cars could reach speeds of 60 miles per hour and served 71 marked stops between Lima and Fort Wayne.
On busy special-event days, a single car could carry as many as 150 passengers. The program also will revisit a dramatic Easter Sunday accident in 1910, when residents of Convoy heard the grinding crash of a rail accident followed by the ringing of the fire bell.
Attendees will hear the rest of that story, along with a broader look at the traction line’s history and its role in shaping regional travel before operations ended in 1933.
The public is invited to attend. The event is free, and donations will be accepted. The Convoy Opera House is located at 111 S. Main St.
POSTED: 09/18/26 at 10:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with Delphos Police Department, announced this morning that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 6-8 p.m. tonight (Friday) on W. Fifth St. (Ohio 66) in Delphos.
The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. The checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat impaired driver-related injury and fatal crashes.
If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds you to call #677 if you suspect an impaired driver.
POSTED: 09/18/26 at 6:17 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Ohio Department of Transportation has chosen the preferred alternative for intersection improvements at U.S. 224 and Van Wert-Decatur Road, just west the Van Wert city limits, following a public comment period.
In June, ODOT presented two intersection improvement alternatives to enhance safety:
- Alternative 1: Off-centered roundabout with temporary right-of-way impacts
- Alternative 2: Centered roundabout with permanent right-of-way impacts
After considering the public feedback and stakeholder input, ODOT has selected Alternative 1, an off-centered roundabout as the preferred option. Alternative 1 will construct a single-lane roundabout shifted to the east of the existing intersection allowing for phased construction to reduce traffic disruption. According to ODOT, Alternative 1 is the most cost-effective alternative, minimizing utility impacts, and with no new permanent right-of-way needs.
The estimated construction cost is $3.6 million. The project was awarded funding for construction in 2028 through Ohio’s Highway Safety Program.
The project will now advance to the detailed design phase. The tentative schedule is as follows:
- Design and environmental studies: fall of 2026/winter of 2027
- Construction: summer to fall of 2028
Information on how traffic will be maintained during construction will be provided as project development advances.
Once constructed, it will be Van Wert County’s third roundabout. The first one, at U.S. 127/U.S. 224/Marsh Rd. opened in August of 2022. The second one is currently under construction at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway. A fourth roundabout is in the works. It will be built at Ohio 118 and Wren Landeck Rd., mostly likely in 2028.
POSTED: 09/17/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. The community is invited to donate blood at the annual Day of Caring Blood Drive in partnership with United Way of Van Wert, Vantage Career Center and Trinity Friends Church. People can donate blood on from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, September 25, at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert.
The American Red Cross is partnering with Vantage for its high school scholarship program. Donating at this drive will help hospital patients in need, while also helping establish a scholarship fund to benefit students as they move on to higher education. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code vwdoc or call 1.800.RED.CROSS to make an appointment.
Donors will receive a free American Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, all who come to give September 21 through October 18, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.
Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes about an hour. Blood is a perishable product that can only come from generous volunteers, and the Red Cross encourages donors to give blood every time they are eligible. Seasonal activities can disrupt normal routines, but donation appointments can’t fall off the calendar.
How to donate blood
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
POSTED: 09/17/26 at 8:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
These two vehicles were involved in a rainy Thursday morning collision in the 16000 block of U.S. 127. According to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, it happened at approximately 7:15 a.m. Both vehicles were southbound on 127 when the car hit the rear of the SUV. The car then wound up in a nearby field. It was later removed and towed from the scene. In addition to the highway patrol, Ohio City Fire & EMS was at the scene. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 09/17/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Congressman Bob Latta’s office will host an informational meetings for students and families from Ohio’s Fifth District regarding the United States Military Service Academy nomination and appointment process.
It’s scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, September 24, at Owens Community College, Findlay-area Campus, 3200 Bright Rd., Findlay. The meeting will be held at th Education Center in Conference Room 111.
The meetings will serve as an opportunity for potential student candidates to be advised of the congressional nomination process and meet with representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London.
Potential candidates may also obtain an application for a military service academy nomination by attending one of the informational meetings or on Congressman Latta’s website at latta.house.gov. Completed applications are due October 9, 2026, with all supporting documents to be turned in by October 23, 2026.
Ohio’s Fifth District currently stretches from Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties all the way into Lorain County in northeastern Ohio. In all, the district is comprised of all or parts of 12 counties.
POSTED: 09/17/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Due to the recent rainfall and muddy conditions, tonight’s Van Wert County Heroes of Van Wert Cemetery tour has been canceled. This decision was made out of respect for the cemetery, those laid to rest there, and the preservation of this historic site. The tour will be rescheduled for spring, 2027, and a Women Heroes of Van Wert tour is also being planned for summer, 2027.
POSTED: 09/17/26 at 8:08 am. FILED UNDER: News
