New Sears store opens

Local Sears store owner Kirk Berryman cuts the ribbon on the store while h is wife, Erica, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce board members and Mayor Don Farmer look on. The store, which is now located in the former Fashion Bug store on Fox Road and features an enhanced assortment of Sears merchandise, will be open from 8 p.m.-midnight on Thanksgiving Day and then reopen at 4 a.m. on Black Friday to provide plenty of holiday shopping for local residents. In addition to a large assortment of merchandise, the Van Wert Sears store also offers online ordering and free shipping to a customer’s door for items that weigh less than 75 pounds. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)