Poison hemlock problem worsens locally

CURTIS E. YOUNG/for the Van Wert independent Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), an invasive, exotic plant species from Europe and Asia, has been creeping into our midst and exploding in population over the past several years.  It was intentionally imported into the U.S. as an ornamental plant.  Initially, it was just a few plants here and […]

OFFD Mule & Donkey Show coming up

Old Fashioned Farmers Days information It is June and the Old Fashioned Farmers Mule Donkey and Mini Horse Show is fast approaching. Activities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.  Mini horses have been added to this year’s show, which anyone (young or old) can enter. Get a pet […]

Holiday at Home Parade entries sought

Holiday at Home information The Holiday at Home Parade Committee invites anyone interested to participate in the annual Fourth of July Parade. The parade will be held Friday, July 4, beginning at 11 a.m. All types of parade units are welcome. Awards will be given for “Best Marching Unit,” “Best Commercial Unit,” “Best Non-Commercial Unit,” […]

Local athletes do well at state track meet

Van Wert independent sports COLUMBUS — Several local high school track and field athletes did well this past weekend at the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s State Track Meet held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on the campus of Ohio State University. Top finishers who also earned All-Ohio honors include Crestview’s Mycah Grandstaff, who earned […]

71 graduate at Crestview High School

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor CONVOY — A total of 71 graduating seniors were honored Saturday during Crestview High School’s 54th annual Baccalaureate and Commencement held in the high school gymnasium. The Rev. Chad Strabbing of St. Paul’s Reformed Church in Ohio City, whose son, Samuel, was a member of the Crestview Class of 2014, gave the […]

Peony Festival parade

The Peony Festival Grand Parade was held under cloudless skies on Saturday on North Washington Street. This year’s peony queen, Crestview senior Chelsea Hancock, and her court (above) waved from their float, while 2014 Grand Marshal Larry Wendel and his wife, Gloria, wave from a convertible during the parade. (photos by Cindy Wood/Van Wert independent)

Musicians sought for OFFD competitions

Old Fashioned Farmers Days information Anyone interested in being in the talent show at this year’s Old Fashioned Farmers Days on July 5 at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, starting at 3:30 p.m., should contact Diane at 419.305.0549 for more information. Participants are also still needed for the fiddler, banjo and harmonica contest being held […]

Naomi Genevieve (McCoy) Wheeler

Naomi Genevieve (McCoy) Wheeler, 92, died Friday, June 6, 2014. She was born October 27, 1921, in Marshall, Illinois, the daughter of the late Rev. James E. and Dorothea B. (Zimmerman) McCoy. On June 1, 1940, she married Charles E. Wheeler, preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Joan C. Lockhart; 14 grandchildren; 20 […]

1st Summer Music Series concert

Papa Doo Run Run put on another great show in Fountain Park on Friday night, blasting out those classic hits from yesteryear, as perfect weather and a huge crowd, combined with a super band, equaled a stupendous opening for the 2014 Fountain Park Summer Music Series, sponsored by the Van Wert County Foundation, with assistance […]

Trio faces charges in Van Wert drug bust

VW independent/submitted information Three people have been arrested following a drug bust at a North Washington Street residence in Van Wert on Friday. Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced that the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force executed a drug search warrant of a room at 840 N. Washington St. following reports of […]