Editor’s note: As the end of 2025 draws near, the Van Wert independent is publishing a recap of what it judges to be the Top 10 stories of the year. Articles featuring two stories each will be published daily, with the top two stories published on Wednesday, December 31. Today’s article features the No. 8 and No. 7 top stories.
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
No. 8 — A major milestone made possible through a public-private partership was celebrated during a ceremony held at the Van Wert County Regional Airport in early September.
The September 6 ceremony marked a coveted runway extension at the airport in Van Wert. Airport officials, political representatives, and supporters gathered to hear about the benefits of 1,000 feet of additional runway and 400 feet of overrun that will allow corporate airplanes to fly directly into Van Wert. Those in attendance were then bused along the runaway for a ribbon cutting ceremony, then were taken back to the terminal to observe a take off and landing on the newly extended runway.
“I think it’s the ultimate gate opening to Van Wert,” Airport Board President Andrew Davis said at the ceremony. “This gives the opportunity for businesses from all over the country – all over the world – to come directly into Van Wert without having to go somewhere else first. It’s a big step for the city, the county and the area.”
(more…)POSTED: 12/26/25 at 11:08 pm
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
PAULDING — New trial dates have been established for a Grover Hill man facing murder and other charges.
Corbin Delgado, 21, is now scheduled to stand trial April 14-17 in Paulding County Common Pleas Court on one count of murder, an unclassified felony; felonious assault, a second degree felony, and assault, a first degree misdemeanor. The dates were set during a pre-trial conference held on Monday.
The charges against Delgado are tied to the fatal stabbing of another Grover Hill man, Derek Pontius, 40, in May.
Paulding County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a disturbance in the 16000 block of Road 24, southwest of Grover Hill, shortly before 1 a.m. May 27. The initial caller reported a male was being argumentative and had a knife. Deputies arrived at the scene within minutes and found Pontius, suffering from stab wounds. Life saving measures were administered by deputies and members of the Grover Hill EMS and Pontius was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, but was pronounced dead.
Delgado was identified as the suspect in the attack but he had fled the scene on foot. Within an hour, a deputy located him in the Village of Grover Hill and a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted the deputy in apprehending Delgado. He was booked in the Paulding County Jail, where he remains in lieu of $1 million bond with a 10 percent provision. In September, a motion made by Delgado to modify his bond was denied by Judge Beckman.
Delgado was originally scheduled to stand trial August 27-29, but it was delayed indefinitely after he requested to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. He also requested a new attorney.
“I Corbin Delgado wish to request new legal council (sp) for ineffectiveness of council (sp),” he said in a handwritten letter to Judge Tiffany Beckman. “(Court appointed attorney) John Hopkins refuses to effectively represent my case based on both the facts of the case and my wishes as his client. He continues to cause undue delay and is misrepresenting before the court.”
He underwent a mental health evaluation and was later found competent to stand trial and withdrew his request for new legal counsel. However, paperwork filed with the court November 21 indicates Hopkins withdrew as Delgado’s lawyer, and attorney Zachary Maisch was appointed as his new attorney.
POSTED: 12/26/25 at 11:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — The holidays may be winding down, but the risk of fire involving live Christmas trees is getting greater by the day. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding Ohioans to keep fire safety in mind by removing dried-out trees from their homes before they become a potentially dangerous fire hazard.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than a third of Christmas tree fires happen in the month of January. What makes dried out trees so dangerous is that once ignited, the fire spreads quickly, burns intensely, and can destroy a home within minutes.
“The longer a real tree stays indoors, the dryer it gets and the more dangerous it becomes,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “Dry trees burn hot and fast, and if they catch fire, everything around them is at risk – both property and lives. We strongly urge Ohioans to start the new year safely by getting those real trees out of their homes, garages, or porches, and dispose of them in a safe and responsible manner.”
While your real tree is still up, it’s important to keep it well-watered since a well-hydrated tree is far less likely to ignite than a dry one. As long as a real tree is in your home, you should check the water level daily and never let the stand run try.
POSTED: 12/26/25 at 11:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Editor’s note: As the end of 2025 draws near, the Van Wert independent is publishing a recap of what it judges to be the Top 10 stories of the year. Articles featuring two stories each will be published daily, with the top two stories published on Wednesday, December 31. Today’s article features the No. 10 and No. 9 top stories.
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
No. 10 – the 10th biggest story of 2025, according to the VW independent, was a state championship team hailing from Van Wert County.
For the first time in school history, the Crestview Knights captured the OHSAA Division IV boys state cross country championship. The Knights won the title in November at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park near Columbus. The Knights, who also were No. 1 in the Division IV OATCC (Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches) poll, finished with 86 team points, enough to outdistance runner-up and NWC foe Columbus Grove (99). The state championship came a year after the Knights finished as the runner-up in Division III. The team also became the first Van Wert County cross country team to win a state title.
“Last year we had unexpected success at the Division III level, being state runners-up and after that we were completely focused once we stepped off the podium last year,” Crestview head coach Randy Grandstaff said after watching his team win the titlie. “Their hard work and dedication to be No. 1 this year was all that needed to be done and they did it today.”
“These boys came into the season with a state championship as their top goal,” he continued. “Each week, I would set the bar a little higher with the workouts and all they did was exceed them week after week. They came into the season running fast and kept getting faster. We had two boys run in the 15s this year and go past a school record that stood for a long time.”
Lincoln Smith led Crestview with a 17th place finish and a time of 16:07. Derek Young (16:22) and Hudson Perrott (16:23) finished 25 and 26, followed by Kale Vining (43rd, 16:38), and Andrew Heth (63rd, 16:53). Caleb Thomas (73rd, 17:32) and Ian Owens (150th, 17:54) also competed for the Knights.
No. 9 – Plans were shared for a pair of notable local projects. During a late July gala event held at the Brumback Library, plans were officially unveiled for an expansion project at the Van Wert County Historical Society. VWCHS Trustee Mark Hurless, who is spearhearding the project and the $1.5 million fundraising campaign, said a state-of-the-art 4,900 square foot building will be constructed on the Historical Society campus. Once complete, the structure will house, among other things, a new research and genealogy center, four additional display rooms and a meeting room.
(more…)POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
A blighted property lawsuit filed against an outgoing member of Van Wert City Council has been dismissed by the City of Van Wert.
Online records from the Van Wert County Clerk of Court’s Office show the suit, which was filed on September 24 against Judith A. Hammond, AKA Judith A. Bowers, was dismissed in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday, December 23.
The dismissal came 17 days after the property in question, at 600 Leeson Ave., was sold at auction. The on-site auction was conducted by Straley Realty & Auctioneers with an opening bid of $5,000. Information on the winning bid was not immediately available, but a source said the final sale price was $10,000. Information on the buyer was not readily available.
Bowers was served with a 15-day notice on January 3 of this year to bring the property into compliance. A 3,000 square foot building on the property has been vacant for years. Van Wert Law Director John Hatcher filed suit in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on September 24, claiming the building adversely affects the surrounding community and nearby property values. The city was seeking an order to have Bowers bring the property into compliance, order it demolished at her cost, or an order to transfer the property to a new owner.
The auction was held three days ahead of a court hearing to act on a motion for summary judgement.
Bowers is finishing her second term as a member of council. She sought re-election last month but finished fifth out of five candidates in a race for three at-large seats. Her term will officially end on December 31.
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
BLUFFTON — Bluffton University is strengthening its commitment to access and affordability by expanding key financial aid initiatives designed to make a high-quality Bluffton education attainable for more students and families, including those from Van Wert County.
Bluffton’s “Be a Beaver Program” has been updated to broaden eligibility and better reflect today’s financial aid landscape. The program now guarantees full tuition coverage for qualifying students based on a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 0 or less, using a combination of federal, state and Bluffton University aid.
To qualify for the Be a Beaver Program, students must:
• Apply and be accepted as a first-time freshman
• File the FAFSA and receive an SAI of 0 or less
• Hold a 3.1 cumulative high school GPA
• Maintain full-time enrollment until graduation
The award remains renewable for up to four years, provided students continue to meet academic progress and financial aid requirements.
“We’ve seen tremendous interest in Bluffton’s academic programs and affordability initiatives,” said Claire Kleman, vice president of advancement and enrollment management. “By expanding the Be a Beaver Program to be based on Student Aid Index, we are opening the door for even more students to benefit from this support and continue to remove barriers for families navigating college costs.”
Bluffton has also expanded its County Connect Grant to two more counties. This grant automatically awards $1,000 to students who live in or attend high school in Allen, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam and now Auglaize or Van Wert counties in Ohio.
(more…)POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
BEREA — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are reminding all motorists to drive sober, buckle up, and make responsible choices behind the wheel during the ongoing holiday travel period.
“We want every family to enjoy the holidays without tragedy,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., of the Turnpike Commission. “If you plan to drink, please plan ahead for a sober ride. Whether it’s a designated driver, a ride-hailing service, or staying put for the night, making that decision before you celebrate is the best gift you can give your loved ones.”
To accommodate an increase in holiday traffic, construction in work zones across the Ohio Turnpike will be limited to two work zones including one near Exit 180 (Akron) and state Route 8 in Summit County and at milepost 185 in Summit County with a mainline bridge replacement (in both directions) over Tinkers Creek. Two lanes of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions will remain open and the speed in these zones is limited to 60 miles per hour.
During the 2024 Christmas holiday travel period, the Ohio Turnpike recorded 692,207 vehicle transactions and nearly 39 million vehicle miles traveled.
“Even when the forecast looks favorable, Ohio weather can change quickly,” said Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E. “If winter conditions develop, impaired driving becomes even more dangerous. Please make responsible choices—drive sober, and if you’ve been drinking, hand the keys to someone who hasn’t. Your decision can save a life.”
“As motorists, we all have choices that directly impact safety on our roadways,” said OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Driving sober is one of the simplest and most important. If you’re celebrating this season, designate a driver before the night begins. It’s a small step that ensures everyone gets home safely to the people who matter most.”
The motoring public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Van Wert County offices, including those in the Van Wert County Annex, will be closed for the New Year’s holiday, Thursday and Friday, January 1-2. All offices will re-open on Monday, January 5.
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Members of the Van Wert student section – the Cat Pack – gaze at the U.S. flag during the Star Spangled Banner before Tuesday’s varsity boys basketball game against Columbus Grove. The Cougars fell behind by eight in the second quarter but roared back for a 68-50 victory. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/VW independent
POSTED: 12/23/25 at 11:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The Van Wert Municipal Building will close at 11:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) and remain closed on Christmas Day. Normal hours will resume on Friday, December 26.
Van Wert Municipal Court will be closed Wednesday-Friday and will re-open on Monday, December 29.
Van Wert County offices, including the Annex will be closed Wednesday-Friday and will re-open on Monday, December 29.
POSTED: 12/23/25 at 11:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, has selected Lincolnview High School senior Keira Breese (shown above) and Van Wert High School senior Maria Parrish (shown below) as the Students of the Month for December. 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. This program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for their achievements in school and community. Breese and Parrish are pictured with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair. Photos submitted
POSTED: 12/23/25 at 11:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
