VW independent staff
The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate an early morning two- vehicle, serious injury crash that occurred on U.S. 30 at the Dog Creek Bridge near Mile Post 19 in Ridge Township.
It happened just before 12:10 this morning.
Troopers said a 2020 Kenworth T680 semi operated by David Ray Freels, 57, of Van Wert, was westbound on U.S. 30. A 2014 Mazda CX-9 was being operated by Queen Rocquil Denis Alexander, 29, of South Bend, Indiana, was also westbound on U.S. 30, traveling in front of the semi. Her car was struck in the rear by the semi and traveled off the left side of the roadway into the median. The rig then went off the left side of the roadway, into the median and struck a retaining wall before coming to rest in Dog Creek.
Alexander and her five juvenile passengers were transported by EMS to Mercy Health–St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. Their conditions are unknown.
Freels had to be extricated from his vehicle before being transported by Lifeflight from the scene to Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo. It took several hours to remove him from the truck. He suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
(more…)POSTED: 09/22/26 at 10:14 am
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Van Wert County is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan, and is seeking public input. Community participation is an important part of identifying hazards, concerns, and projects that can help make Van Wert County more resilient.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, in the Vantage Career Center Community Room 818 N. Franklin St., Van Wert. It’s open to the public and residents, local officials, first responders, schools, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate.
Learn more about the planning process here.
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POSTED: 09/22/26 at 3:20 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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Bluegrass music will fill the Van Wert County Fairgrounds as the Van Wert County Bluegrass Festival returns Thursday through Saturday, September 24-26, for three days of live music, camping, food and fellowship.
The festival opens Thursday evening with a gospel-themed program beginning at 6 p.m. Friday’s music also begins at 6 p.m., while Saturday’s schedule gets underway at noon. This year’s lineup includes Cross Road, The Tacketts, New Outlook, Ottawa County Bluegrass Band, Steve Scott & The Scott Brothers, Brian Holbrooks & Poor Bottom Grass, Foxtail Grass Reunion, Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Lincoln Highway Bluegrass Band, Cedar Creek and additional musicians and friends.
Admission is $10 on Thursday, and $20 Friday and Saturday, with a $40 weekend pass available.
Festival organizers are encouraging bluegrass fans to make a weekend of it. Camping during the festival is free with paid admission, while water and electric hookups are available for $10 per day. Early camping is now available for $15 per day. 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.
POSTED: 09/22/26 at 10:44 am. FILED UNDER: News
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Join the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce at 3 p.m. Wednesday as Pleasant Point Behavioral Hospital, formerly Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital, celebrates its grand opening with a short ceremony and a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber. The hospital is located at 17872 Lincoln Highway, Middle Point. Enjoy a tour of the facility as well as the opportunity to meet the staff. To find out more about Pleasant Point click here.
POSTED: 09/22/26 at 10:44 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
CONVOY — While much of Monday’s Crestview Local Schools Board of Education meeting centered around athletic faciliity upgrades and the school report card, Superintendent Matt Dube briefly addressed last Thursday’s early dismissal.
Heavy rain caused flooding along some roads in the the district, especially the Wren area, leading Van Wert County EMA Director Matt Saunier to recommend an early dismissal in order for students and staff to get home safely. All athletic events scheduled for that day were canceled.
“Last Thursday was a pretty unique situation here at school,” Dube told the board. “We did have a lot of water over our roads in the southwest part of the district and I definitely think it was the right thing to do. To early dismiss is absolute chaos but our staff stepped up, secretaries stepped up and administrators – everyone came together.”
While Crestview was in session as usual on Friday, neighboring Parkway was forced to cancel classes that day due to flooding.
On the topic of athletic upgrades, Dube said work is on schedule inside and he noted the high school gym should be ready for use by next Tuesday. He said crews are painting color on the floor and striping work should be complete by Friday, followed by sealing and sanding, then cleanup. Some other items, including floor boxes for power and internet need to be completed, along with final sound work.
“Every day that gym transforms a little bit more,” Dube said. “It’s going to be amazing.”
Three inspections need to be done – plumbing and electrical, plus one by the fire marshal, but Dube said he anticipates no issues. The volleyball team has two matches planned in the gymnasium next week, followed by a big invitational on Saturday.
As far as the outdoor portion of the project, Dube noted that crews have been dealing with the recent wet conditions. The track is currently the focal point of outdoor work, with track surfacing scheduled to begin in early October. A discussion was held on whether or not to add color to the track, which would be an extra expense of approximately $40,000. No decision was made.
(more…)POSTED: 09/21/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Downtown Van Wert will once again be home to Main Street Van Wert’s Harvest Moon Festival from 4-10 p.m. this Saturday.
The Harvest Moon Festival is a free community event featuring an evening packed with food, shopping, live entertainment, family activities, a car show, and more.
“This is one of those nights where there truly is something for everyone,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “We want families to come downtown, grab some food, shop our market vendors, enjoy the music and activities, and spend the evening experiencing everything Downtown Van Wert has to offer.”
Food trucks
Festival-goers will have plenty of food and treats to choose from throughout the evening, including:
- Robsagna
- Banks and Mia
- CJ’s Shaved Ice
- Tom’s Hot Dogs
- 224 Treats
- Glo & Go
- What the Taco
- Frog Sneeze Mac and Cheese
- The Well
Live music and entertainment
Live music will fill downtown with performances from Chase N Tyler Band and Andi Jo Taylor.
The festival will also feature the Van Wert Freedom Cruise Car Show, giving visitors the opportunity to check out a great collection of vehicles while enjoying everything happening throughout downtown.
Families will find plenty to keep the kids busy, including a Kids Zone, pumpkin painting, bounce houses, face painting, the Optimist Bike Rodeo, and a mechanical bull. The Kids Zone activities are being supported by community sponsors, including the YMCA and Citizens National Bank.
(more…)POSTED: 09/21/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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The Van Wert County Council on Aging will host a free Medicare 101 educational presentation from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, at the Council on Aging, 220 Fox Rd., Van Wert.
The program is provided by the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program through the Ohio Department of Insurance. The presentation will provide information to help Medicare beneficiaries stay informed, make healthy choices, and save money.
Topics will include recent changes to Medicare, the October 15 to December 7 Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period, and tips for enrolling in 2027 Medicare prescription drug (Part D) and Medicare health plan coverage.
Attendees will also learn about programs that may help eligible individuals save on their monthly Medicare premiums and prescription drug prices.
The presentation is educational only, and no products will be sold or endorsed at the event.
Reservations are encouraged. To reserve a spot, call the Van Wert County Council on Aging at 419.238.5011 or email info@coavw.org.
POSTED: 09/21/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Flooding continues to be a problem in southwest Van Wert County, especially in the Willshire and Wren areas. Shown above is Ohio 49 looking north from the intersection of Ohio 81 and U.S. 33. Shown below is the bridge over the St. Marys River looking west, along with photos of more flooding in the affected area. At least one person needed assistance after driving by barricades and getting stuck in high water this morning. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 09/21/26 at 12:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
It’s an important annual event and it’s returning next month.
CHP Home Care & Hospice will host its annual Hospice “Beacon of Hope” dinner and charity auction on Thursday, October 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Junior Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
The event is free, with RSVP required by Thursday, October 1, to comhealthpro.org/events or 419.238.9223. A social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Burtch’s Barn to Table, and silent and live auctions hosted by Bee Gee Realty and Auction. Proceeds from the event benefit CHP Home Care & Hospice, a nonprofit, 501c3 organization supported by the United Way of Van Wert County.
Red Oak Realty and OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital will be honored as “Friends of Hospice,” for their continued support of the CHP Hospice program and its events.
This year, the family of the late Jared Fleming will be honored and share about their hospice experience.
Fleming was served by CHP Hospice prior to his passing at age 31 in May, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Jared was known to friends and family as the life of the party, a gifted giver, a witty one-liner master, and a leader by his presence.
A 2013 graduate of Van Wert High School, he earned a degree in sport industry from The Ohio State University. He was a state champion at Van Wert High School and holds Ohio State cross country and track records in the 800-meter run. He displayed Hebrews 12:1-2, his favorite Bible verse, on his running shoes.
Fleming worked in sales, living in Chicago, Illinois, and San Diego, California, before returning to Van Wert to be with his family prior to his passing.
“The Beacon of Hope is a very important event for CHP,” said Kim Mason, Volunteer and Events Coordinator. “The purpose is not only to raise funds for local hospice care, but also to raise awareness about the many services we offer here in Van Wert County.”
Hospice can be a heavy topic, but Mason says the Beacon of Hope event is designed to be entertaining, enjoyable, and educational.
(more…)POSTED: 09/20/26 at 8:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
After moving “road closed” barricades and driving around them, this car became stuck in flood water on Harner Rd. between Ohio 81 and U.S. 33 Saturday morning. Wren Fire and EMS was dispatched just before 10:30 a.m. and Willshire Fire also responded. According to Wren Fire Chief Chris High, the Decatur (IN) Fire Department was initially called for mutual aid for a boat, but the request was canceled after the occupants of the car got out and walked to dry land. According to High, the depth of the water was believed to be 3-4 feet. He strongly encouraged people to obey road closures until the water recedes. Wren Fire Department photo
POSTED: 09/20/26 at 8:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
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The Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association will meet for their fall luncheon program at 12 p.m. Friday, October 9, in the recently-opened Marsh Foundation Equine Center on Lincoln Highway. The Equine Center paved parking lot is located off of Stripe Road.
The luncheon meal will be prepared by Collins Fine Foods and includes a hot BBQ pork sandwich, pasta salad, fruit cup, and a cookie. The meal cost is $11 with a meal reservation needed by Wednesday, October 7. Meal reservations may be made by contacting Jean Minnig at 419.203.0642 or via email, jaminnig@hotmail.com.
The guest speaker will be Marsh Foundation Facilities Marketing Director Bailey Carder. She will share the vision for The Marsh Foundation Equine Center and conduct a facility tour for attendees.
A brief business meeting will be held following the tour.
POSTED: 09/20/26 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles, News
