SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Memorial Day – to some, it’s an extended weekend, a time for road trips, family gatherings, barbeques etc. To others, it has a different meaning, one that must not be forgotten.
During Monday’s Van Wert American Legion Post 178 Memorial Day ceremony at Woodland Cemetery, Past Commander Bill Marshall noted that while gatherings and cookouts and other plans are fine, it’s important to remember those freedoms were guaranteed and rendered with the sacrifices of many lives lost.
Marshall, a United States Air Force and Vietnam veteran, was the designated speaker during Monday’s brief ceremony, which was well attended on a somewhat cool and crisp morning.
“We must continue to remember the unseen and unspoken wounds of soldiers who return and carry those wounds in silence,” he said. “Keep them in your prayers along with the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives and children of a fallen soldier who gave their life for our freedom. To them we give our undying gratitude.”
“Those veterans who served our country wrote a blank check for their service up to and including their own life to keep our country safe and free,” he added.
Marshall, who was born and raised in Van Wert, recalled his first visit to Woodland Cemetery.
(more…)POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:59 pm
Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert was the site of Monday’s Legion Post 178 Memorial Day service. The service included music, a wreath laying, and a 21-gun salute. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
146 Van Wert High School seniors – the Class of 2026 – received their diplomas on Sunday as part of the school’s 155th annual commencement exercise.
The graduating seniors, family members and many others gathered for the 70 minute ceremony held in the Van Wert High School gym. Sunday’s ceremony also featured a pair of student speakers – Class President Grace Spieles and Class Secretary Katie Kramer.
Our class has been described in many ways: involved, determined, and spirited, but I think of one phrase that captures who we are perfectly – anchored in the past, focused on the future,” Spieles said. “Our memories have shaped us into the people we are today. We will carry with us Friday night football games, spirit weeks, concerts, dances, classroom laughs, and the moments that turned classmates into lifelong friends. We will remember the teachers who challenged us, encouraged us, and believed in us even when we doubted ourselves.”
“These memories remind us of where we came from and the values that brought us here – hard work, resilience, friendship and cougar pride,” she added. “And although yesterday’s memories may sparkle and gleam, tomorrow is still but a dream, and right here and now you’ve got it made.”
Take all the pictures you can, not to post, but to look back on them and see a life well-lived,” Kramer said to her classmates and those in attendance. “Compliment someone if it comes to mind, because you have no idea how it could change their day, or even their life. Try something new, even if it is likely that you will fail, and then get back up and keep trying. Make new friends everywhere you go and always treat people with respect and kindness.”
(more…)POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
There were smiles and a few tears during Sunday’s Van Wert High School graduation ceremony. The annual commencement exercise featured recognition of this year’s graduates of distinction, music by the Van Wert High School choir, the presentation of diplomas, speakers and more. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Humane Society is urgently asking for the community’s help after reaching beyond-capacity levels at the shelter. The organization is currently caring for 26 dogs and more than 50 cats, with every kennel full and cat housing areas overflowing.
To help relieve overcrowding and place animals into loving homes faster, all adoption fees are currently being waived with an approved application for a limited time.
“More animals continue to come through our doors every week, and we simply do not have the space,” said Van Wert County Humane Society Board Secretary Kirsten Barnhart. “These pets deserve safe, loving homes, and we are asking the community to step up during this critical time.”
In addition to encouraging adoptions, the Humane Society is urging pet owners to help prevent the crisis from worsening by practicing responsible pet ownership, including:
- Spaying and neutering pets
- Microchipping pets so they can be returned home quickly if lost
- Promptly reclaiming pets brought into the shelter
The shelter continues to host $20 microchip clinics throughout the year and offers information on upcoming low-cost cat spay and neuter clinics at vwchs.org/events.
Community members interested in adopting can stop by the shelter or submit an application online at vwchs.org/adopt. Adoptable pets can also be viewed at vwchs.org/adopt-a-pet.
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
PAULDING — The Paulding County History Museum will hold its annual membership meeting and election of directors at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the museum in Paulding. The public is cordially invited to attend. The program and meeting are free and open to everyone.
The annual meeting was postponed from February due to an extensive project to upgrade the original electrical system and renovate the 35-year-old kitchen and dining room area.
The program will feature speakers Kim Sutton and Melinda Krick, both past presidents of the museum, who will present “Zombie History: The Local Stories That Refuse to Die.” Zombie History is a term coined by a historian to describe incorrect historical accounts that are repeatedly accepted and passed down through generations as truth. The pair received an enthusiastic response for the same program at the Ohio Local History Alliance’s 11-county northwest regional meeting earlier this spring.
Area residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about Paulding County’s fascinating history and what the museum has planned for 2026. Refreshments will be served after the program. Guests may tour the new kitchen and browse exhibits before and after the meeting.
Upcoming events include a quilt show starting June 8. The museum will be open daily June 8-13 during the county fair, held across the street. Admission is free.
The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding. Regular hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Crestview High School Class of 2026 gathered for the school’s 66th annual baccalaureate and commencement ceremony Saturday evening. Honor students Jacob Heth, Rain Risley and Lulu Ross spoke and the baccalaureate address was delivered by Dr. Kody Klinker. Outstanding senior awards were presented along with diplomas to each of the graduating seniors. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
LIMA — Upper Scioto Vlley swept top honors in this year’s Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 Paint-the-Plow contest.
USV’s art students’ plow featuring the Declaration of Independence earned the most votes in both the ODOT’s Choice award and the People’s Choice award. The artwork earned 1,515 votes on Facebook in total likes, shares, and comments, taking home the People’s Choice Award and it received the most votes from ODOT personnel during the annual roadeo held on May 12. Crestview FFA earned third place from ODOT personnel.
People’s Choice winners (as voted on the Facebook page)
- First place: Upper Scioto Valley High School – Declaration of Independence with 1,515 votes.
- Second place: Hardin Northern High School – “Home of the free because of the brave” with a patriotic eagle, flag, and soldiers with 1,267 votes.
- Third place: Ada High School – Pop-art, graffiti-style design featuring the Statue of Liberty, with 779 votes.
ODOT’s Choice winners (employees voted during the Roadeo on May 12)
- First place: Upper Scioto Valley High School – Declaration of Independence.
- Second place: St. Mary’s High School – “250 Years of Freedom” and an eagle.
- Third place: Crestview FFA Chapter – “Can your Mailbox Outlast the Plow”
“This year, students were asked to create artwork celebrating the United States’ Semiquincentennial or Ohio’s contributions to the nation’s progress and success,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 Deputy Director. “The effort and creativity they poured into this theme is outstanding. We can’t wait to showcase these pieces at parades and county fairs all summer long. They are so good, we will be reluctant to put them into use come winter and where the paint will begin to chip away,”
The top picks from each county, as determined by ODOT employees:
- Allen County: Allen East High School FFA Chapter
- Auglaize County: St. Marys Middle School
- Hancock County: Cory Rawson High School
- Hardin County: Upper Scioto Valley High School
- Mercer County: Coldwater High School
- Paulding County: Wayne Trace High School
- Putnam County: Miller City High School
- Van Wert County: Crestview FFA Chapter
- Wyandot County: Mohawk FFA Chapter
POSTED: 05/25/26 at 6:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
If you drive northbound or southbound along N. Franklin St. near Vantage Career Center in Van Wert, you’ll notice some new signage.
New 20 mile per hour speed limit signs with flashing lights were installed on Thursday, just north and south of the school, along with flashing crosswalk signs at entrance of the main campus and the future Vantage Academy of Medical Careers, which will be housed in the former Thomas Edison building across the street.
The crosswalk is similar to the one on E. Main St. near the Van Wert County Courthouse, with a push button and flashing yellow crossing lights. All of the new signs, including crosswalk signs, will be fully operational once the new school year begins in August.
“We would just ask the public for continued awareness because the safety of our students is the No. 1 concern,” Turner stated.
Turner also noted the school zone has been extended south to Trinity Friends Church, which houses Kingdom Connection Academy, a school that opened last fall.
With an eye on increased foot traffic and motor vehicle traffic with the Medical Careers Academy and the pending Bonnewitz Crossing extension, Turner approached Van Wert City Council last May to request a lit school zone/pedestrian crossing zone. Turner also had previous discussions with the city and with former Van Wert County MRDD Superintendent Jim Stripe about making the area safer for students.
“Mr. Stripe, the city council, Jay Fleming and the mayor (Ken Markward) were excellent to work with,” Turner said.
(more…)POSTED: 05/22/26 at 8:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Editor’s note: this story with ties to Van Wert orginally appeared April 23 in The Daily Record, a newspaper in Dunn, North Carolina. It is being republished by the VW independent with permission from The Daily Record.
By Emily Weaver/managing editor, The Daily Record
Janene Young Goins and her family searched for the remains of her sister for 64 years before Goins found them in an unmarked field, on an unplanned visit in act of “divine intervention.”
This story “has a horrible beginning, but … a very happy ending,” Goins wrote in a recollection of the unexpected events that unfolded in September 2025.
Goins and her husband were on their way back home to Willow Spring, North Carolina, on a cross-country trip in their RV to Wyoming and South Dakota when they stopped in Van Wert, Ohio, for Goin’s 50th class reunion.
“Leaving there, we had to go by Columbus, Ohio, to get back to North Carolina,” she said. “On a whim, we decided to stop by the last known place where we believed Judy’s remains were located, the Pickaway Correctional Institution in Orient, Ohio. …”
Judith Anne Young
Goins’ older sister, Judith Anne Young, was born on Jan. 24, 1950, in Van Wert, Ohio. The delivery wasn’t going well so doctors were forced to use forceps to pull Judith out by her head. Baby Judith suffered brain damage as a result.
“She needed full-time special care and (there were) not many options (for that) in the ’50s,” Goins said. “My mother was British and my parents, brother, myself and my sister, Cheryl, had to go to England due to her father’s failing health. My sister could not travel like that so she was placed in care at the Orient Feeble Minded Institute in Orient, Ohio. I believe she was 7 years old when she went in.”
Goins said her mother had no idea that asking the institute to care for her daughter while they were away meant that she was signing over her rights to Judith, but that’s what happened. Judith became a ward of the state.
My family tried to see her on different occasions, but they were never allowed, Goins said.
While Goins family was away, during another trip to England, Judith died. She was 11 years old. Her family received a letter from the institute a month after her death:
“This has been a most trying time for all of us but I think that we have done the best we could under the circumstances,” institute Superintendent Dr. Robert Frazier wrote in a letter dated April 5, 1961. “Judy was admitted to the hospital with a mild anemia and a boil on her knee on March 19th. Her condition was not considered serious, however, and you were not notified. Then, on the morning of the 24th, she developed pneumonia and blood poisoning. In spite of all we could do her condition rapidly worsened and she died at 8 p.m. This was an overwhelming type of infection sometimes occurring in children.
(more…)POSTED: 05/22/26 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) this week provided sponsor testimony on “Trey’s Law” in the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 723 strengthens protections for victims of sexual abuse and ensures perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.
Trey’s Law works to ensure that child victims of sexual abuse in Ohio cannot be silenced through nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements by making it clear that any agreement such as an employment contract, settlement agreement, or other arrangement that prohibits a person from speaking about sexual abuse is void and unenforceable. The sponsors underscored that nondisclosure agreements have increasingly become a standard tool used against survivors in sexual assault settlement cases.
“Survivors often rely on financial restitution to support a lifelong healing process, yet defendants frequently require silence about the abuse as a condition of settlement,” Representative Klopfenstein said during testimony. “This legal form of ‘hush money’ allows perpetrators and institutions to protect their reputations, conceal abuse, and silence survivors at the expense of accountability and healing.”
Trey’s Law is named after Trey Carlock, from Texas, who was a victim of child sexual abuse for over a decade at Kamp Kanakuk in Southwest Missouri. According to Treyslaw.org, after Kamp Kanakuk director and serial sex offender, Pete Newman, was sentenced to three life terms in 2010, Trey pursued justice to hold others involved accountable through civil litigation. That process ended with a restrictive settlement agreement, which included a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), barring Trey from ever speaking about his abuse and Kanakuk’s role in it. Trey tragically died by suicide at the age of 28.
“Though Trey’s story has a truly sad ending, our hope is that we can prevent this from happening in Ohio by enacting this important legislation,” Representative Miller said during testimony. “One in eight children in our country will experience some form of sexual abuse, and under no circumstances should an abuser be allowed to retraumatize a survivor by using a nondisclosure agreement to silence them and keep their story hidden.”
Similar versions of this bill have been passed in Texas and Missouri in 2025 as well as Alabama in early 2026. Additionally, legislation like House Bill 723 has recently been filed in Oklahoma, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
POSTED: 05/22/26 at 8:54 pm. FILED UNDER: News
