VW Council adopts Franklin Park measure

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Van Wert City Council approved a new memorandum of understanding with Van Wert City Schools for the Franklin Park project and also adopted enabling legislation for a pre-annexation agreement with Hoaglin Township for a portion of the 1,500-acre Jobs Ready Site north of the city. Following a presentation on the Franklin Park […]

New city sign installed

Members of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2014 pose with Mayor Don Farmer and Chamber board members at the first of three new signs being installed at entrances into the city. This sign is on U.S. 127 south of the city, between Rotary Park and the Van Wert Water Plant. […]

Interchange beautification moves forward

Van Wert independent/submitted information The U.S. 127/224 interchange on westbound U.S. 30 has a new look. Phase 1 of the County Gateway Landscaping Program that was started last fall through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) made impressive strides this weekend to provide a beacon to traffic on U.S. 30 that will help draw attention […]

Vantage Toss A Toy donations

For the third year in a row, Vantage Career Center has led the way on Toss-A-Toy donations.  Amy Grothouse, Junior Cosmetology and VCC teacher, heads up the annual event. “I truly am lucky to get to lead our students with this project,” she said. This year, Marcia Osenga and her Early Childhood Education class also played […]

ODH recommends influenza vaccinations

Ohio Dept. of Health information COLUMBUS — Influenza-like illness is now widespread throughout Ohio, and the numbers of associated hospitalizations are increasing rapidly. Last week alone (Week 50), there were 529 new confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations in Ohio, bringing the total to 985 since flu season began in October. Just two weeks ago, there were 202 […]

Extension educator offers tree care tips

CURTIS E. YOUNG/for the Van Wert independent There appears to be a revived interest in using real Christmas trees for the holidays. A real tree in the house adds to the ambience of the holidays with the scent of pine, spruce or fir wafting through the air.  However, real trees require special care to keep […]

Historic RR depot sign

Thanks to Bee Gee Realty and Auction Company`s donation, the Van Wert County Historical Society was able to purchase the sign from the old Middle Point Pennsylvania Railroad station, which was demolished in the early 1980s. Shown are (from the left) Dale Butler of Bee Gee Realty, Historical Society Trustee Bill Stanley, and Bob Gamble […]

City ED advisory group hears updates

Van Wert ED Advisory Group information The Van Wert Economic Development Advisory Group held its monthly meeting this past Friday.  The meeting was hosted by the Wassenberg Art Center, where attendees heard from Executive Director, Hope Wallace about the impact the art industry has on the region. A report was given by Van Wert City […]

Local businesses provide YMCA hoops

YMCA of Van Wert information Nine local businesses came together to donate $12,500 for the installation of four new basketball hoops with height adjusters, and also provided upgrades to four other basketball rims and backboards. This generous donation will allow younger children the opportunity to play on authentic hoops at the correct height for their […]

Park project topic for Council committee

VW City Council information There will be a Van Wert City Council Parks and Recreation Committee meeting today at 6:45 p.m. to finalize details of the proposed Franklin Park project. The meeting, which will be held in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St., is open to the […]