It’s a law: headlights, wipers both on

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding all motorists of the Ohio law requiring vehicle headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use. The law, which took full effect on January 1, 2010, is geared toward increasing visibility for motorists during unfavorable weather conditions thus reducing the possibility of injury crashes. […]

Almost time to ‘spring forward’

Just a reminder that it will be time for local clocks to “spring forward” early Sunday morning. Local residents should set their clocks ahead an hour when they retire tonight, as Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. County residents should also replace batteries in their smoke and monoxide detectors when setting clocks forward. […]

Be on lookout for financial con artists

When Ohioans pick up a newspaper or turn on the television news virtually any day, there is a story about a con artist who exploited the public’s trust for their personal financial gain.  In connection with this week’s observance of National Consumer Protection Week (March 6-12), the Ohio Department of Commerce is encouraging Ohioans to […]

VWHS grad deployed 2nd time to Iraq

Specialist Josh Ragan, U.S. Army, has recently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. Ragan is currently serving as a team leader in the 194th Military Police Company, 101st Airborne Division: the “Screaming Eagles,” which based in Fort Campbell, Ky. During its 12-month deployment to Iraq, the 194th MP Company will be training Iraqi […]

New pageant director has inside info

CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer The glitz. The glam. The girls. It can only mean one thing. It’s time for the annual Queen Jubilee pageant. While the pageant will remain largely the same, new pageant director Kylie Mills hopes to bring some of her own flavor to this year’s show, which will be held at 7:30 […]

County to return to Friday p.m. hours

Van Wert independent It’s no joke: the furlough program for Van Wert County offices will end on April Fools’ Day. That’s good news for people who want to record a deed or obtain a vehicle title on a Friday afternoon. It’s also good news for county employees, who will get an automatic 10-percent increase in […]

2010 Census: County loses, city gains

Van Wert independent/U.S. Census Bureau information According to figures released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau, neither Ohio nor the Van Wert County area have fared well in the last decade. While the news could be worse for the state, which did see population growth, that growth did not keep up with the national average […]

Law Enforcement 3/11/11

Van Wert Police March 9, 11:32 p.m. — A resident of the 800 block of George Street reported that someone took items from an unlocked vehicle parked at the residence. March 9, 5:52 p.m. — A resident of the 900 block of Kiger Street reported the theft of items from a vehicle that was parked […]

United Way taking funding requests

The United Way of Van Wert County announced Thursday that preparations are underway to begin the Admissions and Review process for 2011. New agencies are welcome to apply. To be considered, an organization must be incorporated, not-for-profit, and IRS exempt. It must also have an active, volunteer board and have some financial and program management. […]

Latta resets courthouse conference date

U.S. Representative Bob Latta has rescheduled a Courthouse Conference in Van Wert County for Friday, March 25, from 9 a.m.-noon. The conferences are held to assist constituents that request help from the congressman and his staff for casework or issues related to federal agencies. The conference will be held in the Van Wert County Annex, […]