SWCD now has tree seedlings available

Van Wert SWCD information The Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District has begun taking orders for tree seedlings.  The seedlings are available in packets of 10 at a minimal cost. The following seedling species are available: American Arborvitae, Austrian Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Eastern Red Cedar, Eastern White Pine, Norway Spruce, Arrowwood, Bald Cypress, […]

Payne couple has 1st baby of 2014

Van Wert County Hospital information For the Obstetric Department at Van Wert County Hospital, the arrival of the first baby born of the New Year is always an exciting time. “The New Year is a symbol of renewal and what could be better than welcoming a new baby,” said Sami Joseph, director of medical-surgical services, […]

Commissioners OK 2014 appropriations

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor The Van Wert County Board of Commissioners approved permanent appropriations for 2014 and also learned that the county’s decision to break with the Ohio State University Extension economic development program has also been agreed to by OSU Extension. The commissioners approved appropriations totaling $8,977,294 for Fiscal Year 2014, up from $8,380,324 in […]

Ohio A-G releases rape kit usage report

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that the number of previously untested rape kits submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for free testing has exceeded 5,000 kits. As of January 1, 111 law enforcement agencies had submitted 5,215 kits for free testing as part of Attorney General […]

New Council members affect city issues

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor The composition of Van Wert City Council will again change significantly this year, with half of that legislative body either deciding not to run for re-election or being defeated in either a primary or general election contest. For the sake of continuity, it helps that two incoming members have prior Council experience. […]

Snow run?

Van Wert County received several inches of snow overnight and snowplows were busy this morning clearing the roads for the start of the day. Lincolnview Local Schools, the only district scheduled to be in session today, canceled classes following a two-hour delay. Here, a jogger shows that snow doesn’t stop him from getting his morning […]

Lima teen Tased after fleeing twice

Van Wert independent/Delphos PD DELPHOS — A Lima teenager was a problem for Delphos City Police over the weekend. According to reports, Delphos police were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of South Bredeick Street to answer a call of a person trying to enter a residence. After officers arrived, they located a […]