OWS exhibit’s last day is March 30

By Hope Wallace This week I have been creating a digital file that will be used to develop the most complete online database ever on David Humphreys Miller’s artwork. Beginning with the 72 survivors of the battle of Little Big Horn, the images are being photographed and prepared for linking which involves editing such as […]

Real Estate Transfers 3/26/14

Collin E. Leaser and Leslie J. Leaser to Thaison E. Leaser and Danae N. Westgerdes, portion of inlots 2244, 2243, Van Wert. Austin B. Edwards by sheriff to Van Wert County Foundation, portion of inlots 861, 862, lot 150, Van Wert subdivision. David D. Schlemmer, Katty J. Schlemmer and Katty Schlemmer by sheriff to Pennymac […]

County unemployment falls to 6-year low

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor It was another positive unemployment report for Van Wert County, as the county saw its lowest jobless rates since 2008 in February. The county saw unemployment drop to 6.0 percent in February, giving it the 13th lowest unemployment rate in Ohio. The decrease, from 6.5 percent in January, is a big improvement […]

Iberdrola gives $7,000 to new rabbit barn

Submitted information The Van Wert Youth Rabbit Exhibitors and the Rabbit Barn Committee celebrated on Tuesday Iberdrola Renewables’ donation of $7,000 to fund the installation of the electrical system for construction of a new rabbit barn at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. The building has housed many different animals over the years, but has been […]

Klinger wins Kinstle car

It took nearly a month, but all four wheels of a Chevrolet Lumina placed on a 5-foot snow bank in front of Lee Kinstle’s GM Sales & Service’s showroom, 650 W. Ervin Road in Van Wert, finally touched solid ground. The car was placed on the snow in late February and area residents asked to […]

WBESC board approves employee raise

Van Wert independent The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board approved a small wage increase for employees during its March meeting at the Van Wert ESC office. Employees received a 1-percent base salary increase for the 2014-2015 school year. Also during the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Karla Treece as special education […]

Lincoln Highway meeting

Members of the Lincoln Highway Association, including Van Wert County resident Larry Webb (in blue sweater), met with State Senator Cliff Hite in Columbus on Tuesday to seek state funding to help maintain the historic highway in Ohio. (photo submitted)

Outdoorsmen Association plans events

Submitted information The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association has several events scheduled for the month of April. The club’s monthly business meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2, staring at 7 p.m., while trap shoots will be held every Tuesday evening beginning at 6. The fee is only $3.50 per 25 targets, but shooters […]

Salon donates to Aqua Park

JJ’s Hair on the Square will be sponsoring a $1 day at Camp Clay Aqua Park this summer. Local businesses purchase the day for the Van Wert community, access includes swimming, floating playground, zip-line, paddleboats, and a half-acre beach. To learn more, visit www.vwymca.org. Shown is Leslie Clark, a cosmetologist at JJ’s Hair on the […]

Donald D. Kraner

Donald D. Kraner, 76, of Rockford, died at 5:19 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Kindred Hospital in Lima. He was born October 10, 1937, in Portland, Ind., to the late Gerald and Verna E. (Thompson) Kraner. In 2009, he married Yong Cha Smith, who survives in Rockford. Other survivors include two sons, Wade and […]