Oak Ridge Boys perform

The Oak Ridge Boys brought their tested and true brand of Country music — and lots of Christmas music — to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio on Friday night. The famed quartet sang some of their biggest hits (yes, “Elvira” was one of them) in the first half of the show and […]

Mendon plans holiday activities

Information submitted MENDON — The 14th annual Mendon Festival of Trees and Christmas Walk will be held Friday, Saturday, December 7-8, in downtown Mendon. Unless otherwise noted, hours for the festival are 6-9 p.m. Friday, and 1-5:30 p.m. Saturday. This year’s theme is “A Town Hall Christmas,” and a number of activities have been scheduled […]

Santa comes to Van Wert

Santa Claus came to Van Wert riding on a fire truck Friday morning and then talked to local children (above) and one big kid (below) during the annual event sponsored by the Van Wert Lions Club. Not sure if the mayor was asking for a bigger budget for Christmas, but we taxpayers hope he has […]

Historical Society sets Dec. events

Historical Society information The Van Wert County Historical Society has a number of events planned in December at the Gift Shoppe of the Seven Oaks. Those include the following: December 1 – “Sneak Peek” from 4-8 p.m. December 2 – “Chocolates and Cheese Tasting”, and author Jim Mollenkopf from 2-4:30 p.m. December 8 – Area […]

Richard P. Bogart

Richard P. “Rick” Bogart, 74, of Van Wert, died Sunday, November 18, 2012, at his residence. He was born January 18, 1938, in Lima, the son of the late Ewing Paul and Hildegarde Elizabeth (McNamara) Bogart. Mr. Bogart retired from Central Mutual Insurance Company in Van Wert. He was a member of St. Mary of […]

Norma L. Wollet

Norma L. Wollet, 90, of Middle Point, died at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at Van Wert Manor. She was born October 6, 1922, in Washington Township, Van Wert County, the daughter of the late Delmer and Ethel (Jenkins) Stemen. On March 8, 1943, she married Alfred Wollet, who preceded her in death on […]

Doyle R. Shaw

Doyle R. Shaw, 82, of Van Wert, died at 1:19 a.m. Friday, November 23, 2012, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born October 3, 1930, in Hoaglin Township, Van Wert County, the son of late Dewey and Leah (Richards) Shaw Sr. Doyle loved antique cars and tractors, his family and friends. […]

Richard L. Williams

Richard L. Williams, 47, of Van Wert, died early Wednesday morning, November 21, 2012, at his residence. He was born July 2, 1965, in Van Wert, the son of Betty (Kohn) Williams and Wayne Williams, who both survive in Van Wert. Mr. Williams had worked for Williams Construction in Van Wert for 28 years. He […]

Red Cross volunteer helps in disaster

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Following the devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, thousands of volunteers poured into storm-stricken areas on the East Coast to help provide meals, shelter, debris removal and other assistance to victims. Among those heading to the area was Van Wert resident Rodney Knauss, a Disaster Services volunteer for the […]

Thanksgiving program

The Van Wert City Schools’ pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, currently housed at the former Washington Elementary School, recently had a Thanksgiving program. Shown are kindergarten students from each classroom bringing an item to be shared with classmates. (VWCS photo)