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Renovation work took place throughout the summer. <em>Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent</em></figcaption></figure> 236</div> 237 238 239<p><strong>SCOTT TRUXELL/</strong><em>independent editor</em></p> 240 241 242 243<p>Vantage Career Center Superintendent Rick Turner shared good news at Thursday nightâs monthly meeting â the new Vantage Academy of Medical Careers has occupancy.</p> 244 245 246 247<p>He noted the Adult Education Business Offices have started moving into the building, and the medical programs will move in November 17-18. High school medical programs are scheduled to begin moving December 21-22.</p> 248 249 250 251<p>Board members are expected to take part in a walkthrough before the boardâs December 3 meeting. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for January 25, the same day as the Taste of Vantage and Open House.</p> 252 253 254 255<p>The Vantage Academy of Medical Careers is in the former Thomas Edison building across the street from the main campus.</p> 256 257 258 259<p>The focus now turns to renovation work at the main building on the Vantage campus and Turner said those renovations will begin sometime between October 15-20.</p> 260 261 262 263<p>âPhase 1 will repurpose the current Adult Education offices to become the district office,â Turner explained. âScheduled completion of this phase is the end of December. We hope to have the January or February board meeting in our newly renovated space. We will also plan a monthly Board of Education meeting to be held in our new Academy of Medical Careers once all of our programs are moved in.â</p> 264 265 266 267<p>A transfer of $1.3 million from the general fund to the capital projects fund for the renovations was approved.</p> 268 269 270 271 <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/10/01/vantage-boe-shifts-funds-for-main-building-renovations/#more-210779" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Vantage BOE shifts funds for main building renovations">(more…)</span></a></div> 272 </div> 273 274 <div id="topstorybottom"> 275 <p class="topstorydate">POSTED: 10/01/26 at 9:17 pm</p> 276 </div> 277 278 279 <div id="postcolumn"> 280 281 282 283 284 <div id="entry"> 285 <div id="entrytop"> 286 <h2 class="title"> 287 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/10/01/special-reconnect-order-issued-by-puco/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Special Reconnect Order issued by PUCO">Special Reconnect Order issued by PUCO</a> 288 </h2> 289 </div> 290 <div id="post"> 291<p><em>Submitted information</em></p> 292 293 294 295<p>COLUMBUS — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has issued itsâ¯Special Reconnect Orderâ¯for the upcoming winter heating season. The Special Reconnect Order helps Ohioansâ¯served byâ¯PUCO-regulated utilities reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service during the winter heating season between Monday, October 12, through April 16, 2027.â¯Â </p> 296 297 298 299<p>Anyâ¯residentialâ¯customer of a PUCO-regulated electric or natural gas utility may take advantage of theâ¯provisions contained in theâ¯orderâ¯once per winter heating season. Last winter heating season, more thanâ¯227,637 Ohioansâ¯used the Special Reconnect Order.â¯â¯â¯ </p> 300 301 302 303<p>âFor more than three decades, the PUCO has issued its Special Reconnect Order, providing assistance to hundreds of thousands of households in Ohio each year. This order is one of the ways the PUCO is able to help families remain connected to their primary heating source during the winter months,â stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. </p> 304 305 306 307<p>Underâ¯the Special Reconnect Order, customersâ¯must pay the utility no more than $175 plus any applicable reconnectionâ¯charge, which cannot exceed $36. If theâ¯utilityâsâ¯reconnectâ¯charge is greater than $36, the balanceâ¯above $36â¯may beâ¯charged toâ¯the customerâ¯on the customerâsâ¯next monthly bill.â¯â¯â¯â¯ </p> 308 309 310 311<p>The Special Reconnect Order also applies to customers seeking to establish new electric or natural gas serviceâ¯provided they are served byâ¯PUCO-regulated utilities. Rather than paying the full security deposit that may be required for new service, customers can pay up to $175 and the balanceâ¯above $175 may be charged to the customer on the customerâs next monthly bill.â¯â¯â¯â¯ </p> 312 313 314 315<p>There is no income eligibility requirement to use the Special Reconnect Order; however, customers whoâ¯are at or below 175 percent of the federalâ¯income guidelines may apply for assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)â¯winter crisis programâ¯to pay the $175â¯amount.â¯â¯â¯ </p> 316 317 318 319<p>Ohioans looking to use the Special Reconnect Order should contact their electric or natural gas utility between October 12 and April 16, 2027â¯toâ¯find out how to apply the assistance to their bill.â¯Utility representatives will explain the order and set up a payment planâ¯to address anyâ¯remaining balance on your account after the $175 has been applied.â¯Aâ¯list of PUCO-regulated utilitiesâ¯is available on the PUCO website.â¯â¯Â </p> 320 321 322 323<p>More informationâ¯about energy assistance programs and ways to save on home heating bills this winter is available on the PUCOâs websiteâ¯<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__links-2D1.govdelivery.com_CL0_https-3A-252F-252Fpuco.ohio.gov-252Fwps-252Fportal-252Fgov-252Fpuco-252Futilities-252Felectricity-252Fresources-252Futility-2Dassistance-2Dprograms-253Futm-5Fmedium-3Demail-252B-2526utm-5Fsource-3Dgovdelivery_1_010001a0f39671c0-2D3ea256bf-2D65b5-2D4318-2D889c-2D52a53955b422-2D000000_wmesF06QLMgGroisBpUMGpWnTgkfz-2DXDJT48CUegBas-3D452&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=FC13PzDbVZ8qhVsUeHYgLJLYUVcrkfTA5q3JvQduqoI&m=Xwg0dPb8Z4P80tZlnsXTxrgAp7uXYtcBXWGJ4f7HHGfrL9SsxzxHu_YUNCIx5trD&s=bQLQ2b8wumY-8xu4UaE6-scxJlHl7g4c92ehTxomaN0&e="><u>here</u></a>.⯠</p> 324</div> 325 </div> 326 327 <div id="entrybottom"> 328 <p class="date">POSTED: 10/01/26 at 9:16 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 329 </div> 330 331 332 <div id="entry"> 333 <div id="entrytop"> 334 <h2 class="title"> 335 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/10/01/gas-tax-pause-to-begin-this-weekend/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Gas tax pause to begin this weekend">Gas tax pause to begin this weekend</a> 336 </h2> 337 </div> 338 <div id="post"> 339<p><em>VW independent staff</em></p> 340 341 342 343<p>COLUMBUS — Ohioâs three month pause on taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel will start this Sunday.</p> 344 345 346 347<p>Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519 Thursday morning. The legislation, which was approved by state lawmakers earlier this week, stops the collection of Ohioâs tax of 38.5 cents per gallon of gasoline and 47 cents per gallon of diesel fuel through January 2, 2027.</p> 348 349 350 351<p>According to estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission, the pause should save the average driver up to $55 over the next three months.</p> 352</div> 353 </div> 354 355 <div id="entrybottom"> 356 <p class="date">POSTED: 10/01/26 at 12:49 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 357 </div> 358 359 360 <div id="entry"> 361 <div id="entrytop"> 362 <h2 class="title"> 363 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/2
36310748/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Cougars in parade…">Cougars in parade…</a> 364 </h2> 365 </div> 366 <div id="post"><div class="wp-block-image"> 367<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="550" height="367" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Football-homecoming-parade-2026-e1790907531627.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-210749"/></figure> 368</div> 369 370 371<p>Members of the Van Wert High School football team took part in Wednesday nightâs homecoming parade in downtown Van Wert. Among others, the parade also featured the Cougar Pride Marching Band, cheerleaders and a number of retired Van Wert City Schools teachers who served as grand marshals. The annual Powder Puff flag football game took place Eggerss Stadium after the parade. Van Wert will host St. Marys Memorial Friday night. <em>Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent</em></p> 372</div> 373 </div> 374 375 <div id="entrybottom"> 376 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/30/26 at 10:01 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 377 </div> 378 379 380 <div id="entry"> 381 <div id="entrytop"> 382 <h2 class="title"> 383 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/states-minimum-wage-to-increase/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to State’s minimum wage to increase">State’s minimum wage to increase</a> 384 </h2> 385 </div> 386 <div id="post"> 387<p><em>VW independent staff/submitted information</em></p> 388 389 390 391<p>COLUMBUS — Ohioâs minimum wage will go up on New Yearâs Day.</p> 392 393 394 395<p>The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Complianceâs Bureau of Wage and Hour Administration has announced that Ohioâs minimum wage will officially increase to $11.40 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.70 per hour for tipped employees, The increase represents a 3.5 percent increase from the current rates of $11 for non-tipped employees and $5.50 for tipped employees.</p> 396 397 398 399<p>The change reflects the mandate of a constitutional amendment passed by Ohio voters in November 2006, which states Ohioâs minimum wage shall increase on January 1 each year by the rate of inflation.</p> 400 401 402 403<p>In addition to the wage rate adjustment, the threshold for business applicability will also change. Effective January 1, 2027, the Ohio minimum wage will apply to businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $420,000, which is an increase from the current $405,000 threshold.</p> 404 405 406 407<p>For employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of $420,000 or less per year after January 1, 2027, and for 14- and 15-year-old workers, the state minimum wage remains tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Any changes to this rate would require an act of the U.S. Congress and the President’s signature.</p> 408 409 410 411<p>To ensure compliance, employers are required to display the official 2027 Minimum Wage poster, which is available on the Division of Industrial Compliance <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__u36632242.ct.sendgrid.net_ls_click-3Fupn-3Du001.Alvp-2D2BpzYTQ-2D2BckF-2D2FqPZDgyz-2D2FA3Rx-2D2BdMqmCvXOeUqLJ-2D2B9GManVSCi-2D2FtwYZSU8xY6tNIw-2D2BkcOgiUMvPZ4ec-2D2FUeAIHzBFoYsMhRDpuXrpsXOlK-2D2BhkDKv1cQhGkrgcZvog7Hj6AvJ-2D2FUIucXVA-2D2B8hxsqCrc2M-2D2B4eJnJBz7CQl2QbZ7nMwmgig0lTuX9Eh6V3WQC-2D2BTqFL8k-5FpIbxPfpDI69aAybPrpOfg13-2D2BnRq9m1GIM7tuH7cFM0nEfbYl-2D2FmSTl0Gh1qvrOwJaQQoCyyYAZLndF7rMTExMK3iXI24teTPS-2D2BTVfTMtCgQB-2D2Fna-2D2FrAYOSK7kyBXUO29t30veXWwGgVy-2D2FyN8bSglGYQK-2D2BtU6JqTXutSDwmH4EsIrU0NDq5Sq9qsu1Ykeh0jURh4xwkWxOSA8e8Ff9bFZAhN2kd-2D2FFHaR32B4WyZ80AEs8OBVTQk-2D2FRlo647Itroo3sbmdFfuWOH0Y7QXVzeO0Cb1NStKv1cNSrLIlvTi6T97-2D2B7CZ9Jl59VRWiqVEJCG8qaLzaheGrX8uOBJ6-2D2FBg0uMnmUYCG-2D2B9y47Zp9Nv9k7F6fh2U-2D3D&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=FC13PzDbVZ8qhVsUeHYgLJLYUVcrkfTA5q3JvQduqoI&m=gQSD3GOmkdRbjKYmpnDctBgzU9bAWm1wR_xs3ASAh44JQSFmxgLcdMc1S-6Ff0Xb&s=z0bKRjjwIZt9grlVF34ShP4ClWePYC0KLvAnH6gSxfE&e=">website</a>.</p> 412</div> 413 </div> 414 415 <div id="entrybottom"> 416 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/30/26 at 10:00 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/business/" rel="category tag">Business</a>, <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 417 </div> 418 419 420 <div id="entry"> 421 <div id="entrytop"> 422 <h2 class="title"> 423 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/man-claims-he-was-hit-but-no-evidence/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Man claims he was hit, but no evidence">Man claims he was hit, but no evidence</a> 424 </h2> 425 </div> 426 <div id="post"> 427<p><em>VW independent staff</em></p> 428 429 430 431<p>Was he hit or wasnât he?</p> 432 433 434 435<p>Last Friday, dispatch notified Van Wert County Sheriffâs deputies of a person who had been hit by a car at the North Union Church on U.S. 127 in Union Towns
435hip.</p> 436 437 438 439<p>Deputies arrived at the scene shortly after 9 p.m. and spoke with the alleged victim and possible witnesses. Three of the witnesses said they were setting up a baby shower at the church. One of them had been had been in and out of the church and noticed a shadowy figure near the entrance, but thought it was just a mailbox and didn’t investigate it. </p> 440 441 442<div class="wp-block-image"> 443<figure class="alignright size-full"><img decoding="async" width="350" height="255" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Police-siren-2-22-2022-e1658363991503.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-151597"/></figure> 444</div> 445 446 447<p>The witnesses left the church and got into a vehicle when they noticed a man laying in the ditch near the entrance. One of them them spoke to him and he claimed he had been struck by a vehicle and requested a ride to Defiance. </p> 448 449 450 451<p>The witnesses said they didn’t hear a crash or any screaming and they noted the man didnât want law enforcement involved, just a ride. </p> 452 453 454 455<p>The man told deputies he had been walking home to Defiance from Van Wert and explained that heâs a felon and was looking for a job in Van Wert, since he can only get certain jobs. He also said had a ride set up, but they canceled. The man said he left Van Wert around 6 p.m. and was walking home to Defiance when a dark colored vehicle with no lights on struck him. He thought it may have had a SRT badge, but had no other vehicle description.</p> 456 457 458 459<p>He claimed he was northbound on U.S. 127 near Convoy Rd. when he got struck. He believed the vehicle was speeding and he claimed to have gone airborne, but didn’t have any visible injuries. In a report, a deputy checked his clothing and noted there were no visible tears or marking.</p> 460 461 462 463<p>He said he then got up and limped to North Union Church (about 1.5 miles) before stopping and eventually being found. </p> 464 465 466 467 <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/man-claims-he-was-hit-but-no-evidence/#more-210733" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Man claims he was hit, but no evidence">(more…)</span></a></div> 468 </div> 469 470 <div id="entrybottom"> 471 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/30/26 at 10:00 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 472 </div> 473 474 475 <div id="entry"> 476 <div id="entrytop"> 477 <h2 class="title"> 478 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/homecoming-parade-5/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Homecoming parade…">Homecoming parade…</a> 479 </h2> 480 </div> 481 <div id="post"><div class="wp-block-image"> 482<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="367" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Marching-band-9-2026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-210752"/></figure> 483</div> 484 485 486<p>Here are more images of Wednesday nightâs Van Wert homecoming parade. The annual parade took place downtown, two days ahead of the homecoming football game against St. Marys Memorial. <em>Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent</em></p> 487 488 489<div class="wp-block-image"> 490<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="366" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Van-Wert-football-players-9-2026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-210753"/></figure> 491</div> 492 493<div class="wp-block-image"> 494<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="367" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Powder-Puff-2026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-210754"/></figure> 495</div></div> 496 </div> 497 498 <div id="entrybottom"> 499 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/30/26 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 500 </div> 501 502 503 <div id="entry"> 504 <div id="entrytop"> 505 <h2 class="title"> 506 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/new-delphos-mayor-takes-oath-of-office/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to New Delphos mayor takes oath of office">New Delphos mayor takes oath of office</a> 507 </h2> 508 </div> 509 <div id="post"> 510<p><em>VW independent staff</em></p> 511 512 513 514<p>DELPHOS — A new mayor has been selected in Delphos.</p> 515 516 517 518<p>According to a press release issued by the city, Doug Mullenhour will take over for Andre McConnahea, who stepped down September 4 to focus on his familyâs small business.</p> 519 520 521 522<p>Mullenhour, who was sworn in by acting Mayor Mark Clement Wednesday morning, was the cityâs mayor from 2020-2024. He planned to seek re-election but his nominating petitions were ruled invali
522d by the Board of Elections Office.</p> 523 524 525 526<p>Mullenhourâs term will expire at the end of 2027.</p> 527</div> 528 </div> 529 530 <div id="entrybottom"> 531 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/30/26 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 532 </div> 533 534 535 <div id="entry"> 536 <div id="entrytop"> 537 <h2 class="title"> 538 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/30/help-available-after-united-equity-failure/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Help available after United Equity failure">Help available after United Equity failure</a> 539 </h2> 540 </div> 541 <div id="post"> 542<p><em>Submitted information</em></p> 543 544 545 546<p>REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has completed a grain audit of United Equity Inc., with locations in Delphos, Spencerville, and Neptune, and found the facility to be in failure as defined in Ohioâs grain law. This finding makes the Ohio Grain Indemnity Fund available to support farmers who may have eligible claims from grain they have previously delivered to these locations.</p> 547 548 549 550<p>ODA grain program staff will be available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Friday, October 2, at the United Equity Inc. facility, 104 S. Main St., Delphos, to review documentation, assist in claim filing, and answer questions from farmers who may be impacted.</p> 551 552 553 554<p>The facilityâs grain handlers license was suspended September 10, 2026, after an initial department inspection of records indicated a financial shortfall. If you have outstanding grain obligations with United Equity Inc. and have questions, call ODA at 614.728.6410.</p> 555 556 557 558<p>Ohioâs Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers when a licensed handler becomes insolvent. Claims to the indemnity fund are handled through ODAâs Grain Feed & Seed Section in conjunction with the recommendation of the Ohio Commodity Advisory Commission.</p> 559 560 561 562<p>Ohio Revised Code gives priority to the automatic lien established and held by the department for the benefit of farmers in the event of a grain handlerâs failure or insolvency. The department’s liens will now have priority over all competing lien claims asserted against the handler, ensuring that the indemnity fund receives maximum reimbursement in the asset liquidation process.</p> 563</div> 564 </div> 565 566 <div id="entrybottom"> 567 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/30/26 at 12:26 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/farm/" rel="category tag">Farm</a>, <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 568 </div> 569 570 571 <div id="entry"> 572 <div id="entrytop"> 573 <h2 class="title"> 574 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/29/local-resident-celebrates-long-term-sobriety-milestone/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Resident celebrates long term sobriety">Resident celebrates long term sobriety</a> 575 </h2> 576 </div> 577 <div id="post"> 578<p><em>VW independent staff/submitted information</em></p> 579 580 581 582<p>Westwood Behavioral Health Center has announced that Jamie Fields recently achieved a highly regarded milestone in her journey toward long term sobriety.</p> 583 584 585 586<p>After three years of living substance free, Jamie graduated from Recovery Court. âA New Day, the Right Wayâ is a program for adults who struggle with addiction and subsequent legal problems. A joint collaboration between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and the Van Wert Court of Common Pleas, the program is overseen by Judge Martin D. Burchfield.</p> 587 588 589 590<p>County residents who are facing legal charges which are a byproduct of their substance use disorder may be referred to the program. Entry into the 18-24 month program is preceded by an eligibility interview with drug court coordinator Jane Schmid of Westwood Behavioral Health Center.</p> 591 592 593<div class="wp-block-image"> 594<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="565" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Judge-Burchfield-Jamie-Fields-9-2
594026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-210677"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jamie Fields was recently celebrated with flowers, gifts, a certificate, lunch and a cake while surrounded by family, friends, and treatment team staff. <em>Photo submitted</em></figcaption></figure> 595</div> 596 597 598<p>The four-phase program requires regular drug screening, appearances before the judge at least monthly, and participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program, followed by traditional outpatient therapy services. </p> 599 600 601 602<p>Participants also attend weekly peer support meetings. The goal of the program is to provide intense support and accountability for adults who commit to living a substance-free life, maintaining employment and independent housing.</p> 603 604 605 606<p>The program was created in 2014 under the Honorable Charles Steele, together with Chief Probation Officer Bruce Showalter. The program was certified in 2017 by the Ohio Supreme Court. Recertification is required every three years.</p> 607 608 609 610<p>Treatment services for recovery court clients are provided by Westwood Behavioral Health Center which supports wellness through confidential and compassionate care. They offer mental health and addiction services, individual group and family therapy, IOP, psychiatric and psychiatric NP, on site pharmacy, case management and drug testing.</p> 611</div> 612 </div> 613 614 <div id="entrybottom"> 615 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/29/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></p> 616 </div> 617 618 619 <div id="entry"> 620 <div id="entrytop"> 621 <h2 class="title"> 622 <a class="title" href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/29/beautiful-night-for-harvest-moon-festival/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Beautiful night for Harvest Moon Festival">Beautiful night for Harvest Moon Festival</a> 623 </h2> 624 </div> 625 <div id="post"> 626<p><em>VW independent staff/submitted information</em></p> 627 628 629 630<p>It was a perfect night, complete with an actual Harvest Moon no less, for Main Street Van Wertâs Harvest Moon Festival. Saturdayâs annual event brought the community together for an evening filled with live music, family activities, market vendors, food and drink trucks, and fun in downtown Van Wert.</p> 631 632 633 634<p>The festival featured a variety of activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. Families enjoyed attractions including mechanical bull riding, face painting, and pumpkin painting, while the market vendors and food and drink trucks provided plenty of opportunities to shop local and enjoy a variety of food and drinks.</p> 635 636 637 638<p>Music was also a highlight of the evening, with performances by Andi Jo Taylor and Chaseân Tyler, who helped create an exciting atmosphere throughout the festival.</p> 639 640 641<div class="wp-block-image"> 642<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="429" src="https://thevwindependent.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Harvest-Moon-Festival-2026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-210669"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Among other things, those who attended the Harvest Moon Festival were able to enjoy live music. <em>Photo submitted</em></figcaption></figure> 643</div> 644 645 646<p>Attendees also enjoyed a car show and the opportunity to gather with friends, family, and members of the community.</p> 647 648 649 650<p>Main Street Van Wert officials extended a special thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the event possible. Their time, effort, and dedication played an important role in creating a successful festival.</p> 651 652 653 654<p>A sincere thank you also went out to all of the market vendors and food and drink truck vendors who participated and helped bring the event to life.</p> 655 656 657 658<p>âEvents like the Harvest Moon Festival are a wonderful way to bring our community together and showcase our downtown,â Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price said. âWe are grateful to everyone who came out and supported the event.â</p> 659 660 661 662 <a href="https://thevwindependent.com/news/2026/09/29/beautiful-night-for-harvest-moon-festival/#more-210656" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Beautiful night for Harvest Moon Festival">(more…)</span></a></div> 663 </div> 664 665 <div id="entrybottom"> 666 <p class="date">POSTED: 09/29/26 at 8:31 pm. 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