Council moves on Muni Court bond issue

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A depleted Van Wert City Council was missing three members because of illness and a family death, but still managed to take steps to approve a new contract with the city firefighters’ union, as well as introduce legislation to fund a bond issue to purchase and renovate the former First Financial Bank […]

ODA sets gypsy moth spraying meeting

Ohio Dept. of Agriculture information REYNOLDSBURG — Areas across Ohio are slated to receive gypsy moth aerial treatments by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in early spring to slow the spread of the destructive insect. Department staff members will host several open houses in treatment areas that will offer attendees the opportunity to speak directly […]

Newlywed Game coming to Niswonger

Niswonger PAC information Be entertained and have a chance to win $100,000! Join the fun, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert for a night full of laughs, prizes, and love with “The ‘Not-So’ Newlywed Game”. The legendary Bob Eubanks, an eight-time Emmy Award winner, hosts […]

Putt Putt golf fundraiser this weekend

Van Wert Community Club information Just a reminder that Van Wert’s only traveling indoor charity golf tournament — Putt Around Van Wert — is being held this Saturday, February 1. Play will begin and end at Fricker’s on Fox Road. The cost is $80 per team of four players. Those who haven’t already signed up […]

Crestview plans delay for staff inservice

Crestview Local Schools information Classes will be delayed two hours for students on Wednesday, January 29, due to a follow-up session of the school safety training series. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department will conduct Wednesday’s inservice. Additionally, there will be no latchkey services offered at Crestview on Wednesday morning.

Iylene P. ‘Pat’ Pancake

Iylene P. “Pat” Pancake, 90, of Van Wert, died at 10:40 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2014, at her residence. She was born December 30, 1923, in Van Wert, the daughter of the late Howard Leslie and Almeda (Stout) Kennedy. She married Kenneth A. Pancake, who preceded her in death on April 7, 2012. Survivors include […]

I. Jean Paullus

I. Jean Paullus died at her Van Wert residence on Sunday, January 26, 2014. She was born September 6, 1930, a daughter of George and Mary (Geise) Brickner. On September 6, 1952, she married Jack Paullus, who survives her. She was a loving mother to her children, Joi (Paul) Mergy, Joe (Jessica) Paullus and Jeff […]

Pickler heats up Niswonger stage

CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer Blowing snow and bitter cold temperatures be damned. The blustery weather didn’t stop music fans from filling the Niswonger Performing Arts Center Saturday evening to see country music superstar Kellie Pickler take the stage in front of a sold-out crowd. Pickler joked with the crowd and thanked those in attendance for […]

Blowing snow, frigid temps hit area again

Van Wert independent It’s a new week, but the pattern of snow and frigid temperatures continues for another week, at least. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the area until 1 p.m. today, and a wind-chill warning that will be in effect until noon on Wednesday. High temperatures are predicted at […]

2 killed Sunday in Defiance County crash

Ohio State Highway Patrol information DEFIANCE — A double-fatality traffic accident occurred Sunday at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Ohio 66 north of Banner School Road in Tiffin Township, Defiance County. According to investigating troopers from the Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2002 Jeep Wrangler was headed south on Ohio 66 when […]