Roundabout construction, other local projects on tap

Strong storm rolls through the area

VW independent staff

Tuesday night became a bit wild as a powerful storm system blew through the area. The Scott area appeared to be most affected, with numerous power poles down and a gas leak. At one point, a tornado warning was issued for Scott, along with other parts of Paulding and Van Wert counties, but it’s not known if a twister actually touched down. Tornado warnings were also issued for Defiance, Putnam and Allen counties.

After the storm, Dutch John Rd. at Elm Sugar Rd. was closed off to traffic.

A second storm system moved in about 45 minutes to an hour after the first one and brought heavy rain, plus ping pong ball size hail that was reported by the Wren Fire Department. Check back for updates.

VWFD’s Ankney earns a promotion

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Fire Department has announced the promotion of Captain Brian Ankney to the position of deputy fire chief, which became effective on Sunday, March 29.

Deputy Chief Ankney began his career with the Van Wert Fire Department on February 6, 2001. Through dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service, he has steadily advanced through the ranks. He was promoted to lieutenant on August 8, 2017, and later to captain on January 7, 2021.

Chief Jon Jones said throughout his career, Ankney has demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational knowledge, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of both the community and department personnel.

“Brian’s experience, leadership, and dedication to the fire service make him well-suited for this role,” said Fire Chief Jon Jones. “We are confident he will continue to serve the City of Van Wert with professionalism and integrity.”

As Deputy Fire Chief, Ankney will oversee daily operations, supervise personnel, lead training, manage the Fire Inspection Bureau, and support emergency response. He will also assist with department administration, policy development, training and compliance, fire prevention efforts, and represent the department in the fire chief’s absence.

Hearings planned, one moved to NPAC

Submitted information

The City of Van Wert’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 4 p.m. Monday, April 27, regarding proposed amendments to the City of Van Wert, Ohio Code of Ordinances Sections 150.03 and 150.15, zoning definitions and permitted and conditional uses.

The meeting will be held in Council Chambers, 515 E. Main St. and interested persons may appear and be heard at the hearing.

One week later, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, Van Wert City Council will hold a public hearing on a re-zoning request to the I-2 general industrial district upon annexation into the city. The hearing will be held at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Ohio 118. The property in the petition is located immediately east of U.S. 127, south and east of U.S. 224, west of Mendon Rd. and north of U.S. 30, the site of a planned data center.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard.

The petition for conditional zoning, all related materials, and the report and recommendation of the City Planning Commission will be available for public inspection at the office of the Clerk of Council, City of Van Wert, 515 East Main St., during normal business hours prior to the hearing.

Elks award…

Van Wert Elks Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently honored their “Officer of the Year” for the 2025-2026 Lodge year. Selected as the “Officer of the Year” was Valerianne Mullins, Lodge Lecturing Knight. In addition to her lecturing knight duties, she served as the children’s Christmas party chairman as well as promoting other events. Mullins (pictured above with Lodge Exalted Ruler John Ream) received a framed certificate from the Grand Lodge, which was signed by the Grand Exalted Ruler (National President) Bryan R. Klatt. Photo submitted

Van Wert FD maintains ISO rating

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Fire Department has received its latest evaluation from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and is pleased to announce it has maintained its ISO Class 3 rating while continuing to make measurable progress toward a Class 2 designation.

The department’s score increased from 73.62 to 74.22. Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones said while the increase may appear modest, the ISO grading system is highly detailed and competitive, and even small gains represent meaningful improvements in training, staffing, and overall service delivery.

ISO ratings serve as a national benchmark for fire protection and can directly influence insurance premiums for residents and businesses. Only about five to six percent of fire departments nationwide hold a Class 3 rating, while approximately three percent achieve a Class 2 rating.

“This is a strong reflection of where our department stands today and where we’re headed,” Chief Jones said. “Maintaining a Class 3 rating while continuing to improve shows the commitment of our firefighters and the impact of the City’s investment in staffing, training, and equipment. We are building toward Class 2 in a very deliberate and sustainable way.”

Jones said several recent initiatives have positioned the department for continued improvement.

A key component is the addition of a three story training tower, which allows firefighters to conduct realistic, multi level training evolutions. ISO places significant emphasis on this type of hands on training. The tower strengthens operational readiness by preparing crews for real world conditions. The project was a collaborative effort between Vantage Career Center and the City of Van Wert, demonstrating a strong partnership that supports both emergency services and workforce development.

Retired teachers group to meet

Submitted information

The Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association (VWARTA) will be meeting for a spring luncheon program at 12 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. The luncheon meal cost is $13 and a reservation is needed by 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8. Reservations may be made by contacting Jean Minnig at 419.203.0642, or by email, jaminnig@hotmail.com.

The luncheon menu includes: cup of potato soup, mini chicken salad croissant, gelatin salad and dessert, along with coffee or iced tea.

The program speaker will be retired area educator Tona King, who will share her experiences lived in achieving a longtime goal of becoming a published children’s author. A few books will be available for purchase and for signing by the author.

A business session will follow which will include an update on STRS news, local association concerns, and community volunteer opportunities.

For more information on ORTA (Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association) or the local Van Wert Area Retired Teachers group, contact Deb Kleinhenz at 419.203.2283.

City, county offices to close early

VW independent staff

The Van Wert Municipal Building will close at 11:30 a.m. for Good Friday this Friday, April 3. All Van Wert County offices will close at noon on Friday.

JobQuest Expo planned for Wednesday

VW independent staff/submitted information

Community members are invited to attend the 2026 JobQuest Expo, a free public job fair taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds – Jr. Fair Building.

Hosted by Van Wert Works and OhioMeansJobs of Van Wert County, the event will feature more than 40 employers representing industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, agriculture, transportation, construction, public service, and more. The JobQuest Expo is designed to connect jobseekers directly with employers while also helping individuals explore career pathways available in the region.

Attendees can expect:

• Face-to-face connections with employers who are actively hiring
• Opportunities to explore careers across a wide range of industries
• A mini computer lab for completing job applications on-site
• A Community Resource Networking Area featuring education and workforce partners
• On-site interviews with select employers, offering candidates the opportunity to take immediate next steps toward employment

“This event is about helping people see what’s possible right here in our region,” said Lauren Buchanan, Workforce Development Manager for Van Wert Works. “We have employers offering strong career pathways, competitive opportunities, and innovative work environments, and JobQuest brings those opportunities together in one place.”

Earlier in the day, local students will participate in a career exploration session, connecting their interests and aptitudes with real-world careers. The public is encouraged to attend during the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. job fair.

For more information, including a full employer list and preparation resources, visit www.vanwertworks.com.

Yinger eyeing a rather “lofty” goal

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A Crestview High School graduate is flying high these days and hopes to help others do the same while at the same time working toward his ultimate goal. Garrett Yinger, who graduated with the Crestview High School Class of 2024, is now a flight instructor and is offering lessons to locals at the Van Wert County Regional Aiport.

After graduating from high school, Yinger headed to Florida and King Sky Flight Academy for training to get his initial pilot’s license, which he obtained in Van Wert. While at the flight school, Yinger was involved with a structured flight program to get certified and has logged approximately 300 flight hours. 

While offering flying lessons, Yinger is also building up hours to go to a regional airline or a corporate pilot position and he’s taking online college courses to help build his resume to be more competitive with airlines or a possible corporate position. To obtain a position with an airline, he’ll need to log at least 1,500 flight hours, along with commercial, multi-engine and ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) licenses.

“It takes a while but that’s the ultimate goal,” Yinger said.

Currently, Yinger is currently able to offer flight instruction on any propeller driven aircraft or any aircraft under 12,500 pounds that doesn’t have a type rating.

“Any kind of basic flying like learning how to fly and I can teach more complex single engine aircraft as well,” he explained. “The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours total time. It breaks down into different hours like cross country time, instruction time and solo time…I can get you to those 40 hours and once you take the test and pass you get your private pilot’s license.”

Yinger said his interest in flying began during his junior year in high school and began taking discovery flights at the local airport.

$20M to help build new Delphos school

VW independent staff/submitted information

DELPHOS — Governor Mike DeWine announced on Monday that students in Delphos will soon have a brand-new middle school to call their own, after more than 12 decades in their existing building.

Jefferson Middle School was originally constructed in 1904. Governor DeWine visited the middle school for a celebratory event with students, educators, and community leaders, where he announced that Delphos City Schools has been awarded $20 million through a one-time grant opportunity administered by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to replace the current middle school with a modern facility.

“For 122 years now, this building has served the community well and has been a fixture of life growing up in Delphos,” Governor DeWine said. “But as important as it is to appreciate our history, it’s also important to look toward the future. For today’s students to reach their full potential, they need a school building that reflects the world they are growing up in. They need modern learning spaces that encourage creativity and innovation.

“This project would not have been possible without the support of the General Assembly, including Senate President Rob McColley, House Speaker Matt Huffman, State Representative Roy Klopfenstein, and State Senator Susan Manchester,” he added. “Their support for this project – as well as the additional support from the local school board – will help ensure students in Delphos have the same opportunities as students across the state.”

The award marks the beginning of a collaborative planning process with OFCC to design a future-ready middle school that may be standalone or attached to the existing high school. The district plans to contribute approximately $2.25 million in additional local funding, with the potential for more as the project progresses.