IRS provides info on student tax credits

Internal Revenue Service information WASHINGTON ― With another school year now in full swing, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded parents and students that now is a good time to see if they will qualify for either of two college tax credits or any of several other education-related tax benefits when they file their 2014 […]

School officials talk about report cards

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Van Wert County school district officials had several comments to make on the recent State Report Card results released late last Friday. Trent Kreischer, director of curriculum and instruction at Crestview Local Schools, which had the best marks of the three county districts, said a highlight for him was that Crestview improved […]

Gasoline prices decrease last week

Gasoline price information Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 11.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.31 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,345 gas outlets in Ohio. This compares with the national average that has fallen 4.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.39 […]

Ohio A-G announces video competition

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced the start of the sixth annual Take Action Video Contest, which gives Ohio high school students a chance to win up to $2,500 in college scholarships. “In order to be informed consumers, students must be able to recognize common scams, guard against […]

Latta introduces propane gas measure

U.S. House of Representatives information WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio) has introduced the Propane Supply and Security Act, legislation to prevent future propane shortages and coordinate response efforts during emergency situations. In light of what is expected to be another harsh winter, this legislation will address the root causes of the propane shortages […]

Cougar golf team loses WBL match

Van Wert golf team information WAPAKONETA — The Van Wert varsity golf team traveled to Wapakoneta Country Club on Monday and came up short by eight strokes, 169-177. Drew Waymen of Wapak finished as medalist with a 1-over-par 37. Close behind was Van Wert senior Brandon Hernandez with his best nine-hole round of the year, […]

Lancer v-ball team loses to Parkway

Lincolnview volleyball information ROCKFORD — The Lincolnview Lady Lancers volleyball team traveled to Parkway to play the Panthers and lost in three games by scores of 15-25, 13-25 and 19-25. Statistical leaders include the following: Serving – Baylee Neate 10/10 and Ashton Bowersock 7/7 with 1 ace. Hitting – Katie McClure 24/28 with 10 kills […]

Kellie Jo May

Kellie Jo May was received into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 2:20 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2014, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born January 14, 1974, in Van Wert, the daughter of Cynthia K. (Lewis) and Bradley D. Dickson. She adored her only son, Ian […]

Local schools get state report card grades

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor COLUMBUS — Area schools received their grade cards this past Friday from the state, with mostly decent marks for the three county schools: Van Wert, Crestview and Lincolnview. Crestview had the best results, overall, with mostly As in the six categories for which grades were given for the 2013-2014 school year. The […]

Postcard art

A new exhibit, Symphony of My Heart, artist Saffron Goetschius’ collection of “mail art” – an assortment of mixed-media postcards that expresses a range of emotions from humor to loneliness – opened this weekend at Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert. In the photo above, Goetschius (center) greets those who attended the reception held Saturday […]