SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FROM THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District is offering one $1000 scholarship to a student studying agriculture, natural resources or closely related fields at any Ohio college or university during the 2025/2026 academic year. The recipient of the scholarship needs to have completed their freshman year in college, and must be a Van Wert County resident.
Scholarship applications must be received at the Soil and Water Conservation District by May 22, 2026. The Scholarship Committee of the Soil and Water Conservation District will review the applications and announce the recipient in July. Scholarship money will be sent directly to the recipient’s college or university at the beginning of the academic year.
Criteria for determining the recipient will be: area of study, grades, activities, leadership, and commitment to conservation practices. The SWCD reserves the right to refuse any applications not meeting requirements.
Scholarship applications are available at the Soil and Water Conservation District office, 1185 Professional Drive, Van Wert or on-line at www.vanwertswcd.org. You may also email becky@vanwertswcd.com. Applications and two reference forms need to be received at the office by May 22, 2026.
Van Wert SWCD and Farm Bureau co-host Ag Banquet
The Van Wert SWCD held their 76th Annual Meeting by co-hosting with the Van Wert Farm Bureau at the Ag Banquet on Tuesday, August 5 at Life House Church, Van Wert, OH. A SWCD election was held for two supervisor positions on the SWCD Board of Supervisors five member Board. Dustin Schaadt and Phil Young were elected to serve a three year term commencing January 1, 2026.
Dinner was provided by Lock 16 Catering. The speaker was Jolene Brown who delivered a powerful presentation on succession planning.
Claire Keysor, Emma Wells and Luke Heffelfinger were the SWCD Scholarship recipients. Tom and Doug Jones were recognized by the SWCD and received the Conservation Farmer Award. This award is given to honor individuals for their conservation achievements. Farm Bureau honored their scholarship recipients, Luke Heffelfinger and Emma Wells.
The Van Wert Ag Hall of Fame Award was presented to Fred Pond for his many agricultural accomplishments.
Sponsors for the evening were: Farm Bureau and the Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District.
Pictures from the Annual Meeting 2025
Scholarship recipients Luke Heffelfinger, Claire Keysor, and Emma Wells (not pictured). Board members Craig Pohlman, Brett Schumm, Dave Kemler, and Elliot Callow.
Ag Hall of Fame Recipients- Fred Pond
Pictured with SWCD board members Craig Pohlman, Brett Schumm, Dave Kemler, and Elliot Callow
Conservation Farmer of the Year- Tom and Doug Jones pictured with SWCD supervisor Dave Kemler
Contact Us
Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District
1185 Professional Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891US
(419) 238-9591 or (567) 259-4253 email: becky@vanwertswcd.com
Hours
Open today | 07:30 am – 04:00 pm |