County approved for state relief for mid-March storms

Pickup truck fire…

The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to a pickup truck fire in the 11000 block of Van Wert Decatur Road shortly after 8:30 a.m. Thursday. The fire was put out quickly although the truck appeared to be a total loss. The preliminary investigation pointed to a lithium battery that was being carried in the back of the pickup bed and due to rain, moisture had gotten into the battery and caused it to catch fire. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

PUCO issues customer protection order

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — On Wednesday, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio issued an order directing AEP Ohio to implement measures to protect other customers from potentially being impacted from data center customers’ effects on energy prices.

Data center customers will be required to provide AEP Ohio with 180-day notice of their intent to return to default service, known as the Standard Service Offer (SSO). Upon receiving notice, AEP Ohio will procure energy to serve the customer through separate stand-alone auctions or spot-market purchases, with the entirety of the cost assigned to the data center customer. This ensures that the costs to serve the data center customer do not impact other customers also on AEP Ohio’s default rate.

“We continue to implement safeguards to ensure that other customers are not impacted by costs to serve large loads like data centers,” PUCO Chair Jenifer French said. “Ohio is fully committed to protecting customers from added costs related to data center buildout. Today’s action builds upon the PUCO’s efforts to create separate rate classes for data center customers, and the commitments under the Ratepayer Protection Pledge.”

Ohio law allows electricity and natural gas customers to choose their own energy supplier. In the event a customer does not choose its own energy supplier, the local utility (e.g. AEP Ohio) is required to provide this service. To do so, distribution utilities conduct wholesale auctions to serve the load of all customers not enrolled with a retail energy supplier, or their local government aggregation program.

Read more about data centers and electricity in Ohio

Sentencing hearings held in local court

VW independent staff

Three separate and unrelated sentencing hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

After failing intervention in lieu of conviction, Storm McGinnis, 35, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 60 days in jail and was ordered to pay court costs for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony.

Joel Crawford, 38, of Van Wert, was sentenced to three years of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date, and 50 hours of community service for grand theft, a third degree felony. He must complete mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment, drug court, consume no alcohol or drugs without a prescription, and was ordered to pay court costs.

Thomas Burgoon, 44, of Van Wert, was sentenced to five years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date on three counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, fourth degree felonies. He must perform 50 hours of community service, seek and maintain employment, undergo mental health/substance abuse assessment and any treatment and was ordered to pay court costs. He must also register as a Tier 2 sex offender, meaning he’s required to register his address every six months for 25 years.

Cougar practice…

The Van Wert Cougars spent some of Tuesday morning preparing for the 2026 high school football season, with the team running through various drills at Eggerss Stadium. The Cougars will scrimmage Paulding, Lima Central Catholic and defending Division VII state champion St. Henry Friday night at the stadium, then will host Crestview in the second and final scrimmage the following Friday, August 14. The regular season will begin August 21 at home against Bryan. Just how will the Cougars do this season? Check Thursday’s Sports page for our annual WBL and NWC preseason predictions. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Visiting judge picked for civil suit

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A visiting judge has been appointed to preside over court proceedings involving a Van Wert man convicted of a sex crime involving a young child.

Retired Visiting Judge Stephen Bruns of Preble County has been appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to sit on the bench for the civil trial of David Bradford. In court filings dated July 30, Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield noted he is unable to preside over the case due to a conflict.

The suit against Bradford, 57, of Ohio 116, was filed on July 15 by a neighboring family whose young child was sexually assault by him in 2024. While the matter is public record, the VW independent has chosen not to  publish the names of the plantiffs.

Bradford is the husband of Van Wert County Auditor Jamie Bradford, who is not named in the lawsuit. She lost her bid for re-election during the May primary election.

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified compensatory damages for emotional distress, loss of use and enjoyment and property, along with punitive damages.

“Since the sexual assault and defendant’s criminal conduct, plaintiffs and plaintiffs’ children have been unable to use and enjoy their residential property peacefully and without fear,” the suit states. “Plaintiffs have suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety and fear for safety and well-being of plaintiff’s children…defendant’s conduct was intentional, willful, wanton, malicious and done with reckless disregard for the rights and safety of plaintiffs.”

Court records show no hearing dates have been established yet.

In a case heard by Visiting Judge James Brogan on January 30, 2025, Bradford entered a guilty plea to a prosecutor’s bill of information to a single count of attempted gross sexual imposition, a fourth degree felony. He was then sentenced to five years of probation, was ordered to have no alcohol or drugs without a prescription, undergo random screens, have no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with minors under the age of 13. In addition, Bradford was ordered to register as a Tier II sex offender, which means he must register his address twice a year for 25 years. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and court costs.

United for Sobriety hosting family picnic

Submitted information

United for Sobriety is inviting the community to its annual family picnic from 5-8 p.m. this Sunday, August 9, at Huggy Bear Campground, Ringwald Rd., Middle Point. The event is free and open to the public, welcoming anyone in recovery, family members, friends, and anyone who wants to support those on their recovery journey.

The family picnic is designed to provide a fun, safe, and substance-free environment where individuals and families can connect with others while enjoying a day of recreation and fellowship. Activities will include fishing, swimming, putt-putt, food, and family-friendly games, giving attendees an opportunity to build relationships and enjoy positive experiences together.

United for Sobriety is a collaborative community initiative dedicated to supporting long-term recovery by creating opportunities for connection, encouragement, and healthy living. The organization is a partnership between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and Trinity Global Methodist Church, working alongside community members and local organizations to reduce isolation and strengthen recovery support throughout Van Wert County.

Throughout the year, United for Sobriety hosts a variety of free sober activities that provide individuals and families with opportunities to connect in a welcoming environment. These include community celebrations, family events, monthly men’s and women’s gatherings, and faith exploration opportunities. By offering consistent, positive activities, United for Sobriety helps foster meaningful relationships and reminds individuals that recovery is about more than abstaining from substances—it is about building a healthy, connected, and fulfilling life.

Organizers hope the Family Picnic will introduce more people to the recovery community while providing a day of fun for individuals of all ages. Whether someone is new to recovery, has been in recovery for many years, supports a loved one, or simply wants to encourage others, everyone is welcome.

For more information about the Family Picnic, call Jane Schmid,

Drug Court Coordinator/IOP Coordinator at Westwood Behavioral Health Center at 419.203.6682. To learn more about United for Sobriety and stay up to date on upcoming sober events and activities throughout the year, visit and follow the United for Sobriety Facebook page.

Anonymous donation…

Frank Minnig presented a $5,000 check to Van Wert Salvation Army Major Deborah Weigner from an anonymous donor who wished to stay private.  The donation came in at a time when the food pantry was running low on so many crucial items to fill the food orders for families. Requests for food continue to increase weekly and the donation will allow the Salvation Army to purchase food. Donations are always appreciated in any amount to keep programs like the Salvation Army’s food pantry and weekly feeding program going. Photo submitted

Gas prices rise, another increase expected

VW independent staff/submitted information

It’s not the best news for the motoring public and it may get worse.

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 20.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.08 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 45.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 93 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 7.1 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.326 per gallon.
 
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $3.35 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.39 per gallon, a difference of $2.04 per gallon.
 
While Ohio’s average jumped nearly 21 cents, the national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.05 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 28.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 93.6 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Pump prices could soar again this week.

YWCA’s Purple Lights campaign returns

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County invites all Van Wert County residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in the Annual Purple Light Nights campaign this October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event aims to raise awareness of domestic violence, honor survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to abuse.

Purple is recognized internationally as the symbolic color for domestic violence awareness. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience some form of intimate partner violence—whether physical, emotional, financial, or psychological.

Throughout the month of October, the Van Wert County Courthouse, Municipal Court Building, and numerous local homes and businesses will be illuminated in purple as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to ending domestic violence. These lights serve as a tribute to victims and survivors and may be considered as a reminder to those currently in abusive situations that help is available through YWCA Survivor Services.

“From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Van Wert County suffered three fatalities associated with domestic violence,” said Julie Schaufelberger, YWCA Director of Outreach and Communication. “We hope Van Wert County residents and businesses will join us in this awareness initiative and help prevent more fatalities within our community.”

Strands of 70 purple lights shine brightly on porches, in windows and landscaping. Each order includes a Purple Light Nights reusable yard sign. Purple yard signs and lights can be purchased with a credit card at the Persimmon Collective store: https://ywcavanwert.org/van-wert-ywca-store

Those who prefer to purchase with cash or check should contact julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org. The final date to purchase is September 3.

The YWCA Survivor Services Program provides emergency and long-term housing and support services for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. All services are available to anyone in need—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. A 24/7 confidential hotline is available at 567.259.9501.

The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation.

Start dates for local and area schools

VW independent staff

It won’t long before local and area children head back to school. Here are the start dates for public schools around the area, plus Delphos St. John’s and Vantage Career Center.

• Crestview Local Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Delphos City Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Delphos St. John’s – Wednesday, August 19
• Lincolnview Local Schools– Wednesday, August 19
• Parkway Local Schools – Wednesday, August 19
• Spencerville Local Schools – Wednesday, September 2 for grades 1-12; Thursday, September 3 for kindergarten girls only; Friday, September 4 for kindergarten boys only; Tuesday, September 8 for all kindergarten students.
• Van Wert City Schools – Wednesday August 19 for grades 1-12; Wednesday, August 26 for preschool and kindergarten;  Thursday, August 27 for pre-K.
• Vantage Career Center – Thursday, August 20
• Wayne Trace Local Schools – Tuesday, August 18