Ignition fuse keeps blowing

I have a '97 Astro with around 93k miles on it and just recently we've had to replace the ignition fuse just about once a day. The first time it happened I crawled under the van and closed the circuit with a screwdriver and started it that way until I could figure out why it didn't start. Then I took it to a mechanic and they simply replaced the fuse and sent me on my way. That lasted for a few months then it started happening more frequently and now today, it blew the fuse again and now it won't start anymore. I have power to the rest of the van, (ie lights, radio, power windows) just nothing when I try to turn it over. When I try to replace the fuse, it blows the fuse right when I put it in. Before I actually take it in to a mechanic is this something simple I can look at, or am I looking at a pretty lengthy repair? Thanks.

Ryan

Sounds like the solenoid is bad in the starter. try a new starter