Meeting planned for all VWHS juniors

VWHS information There will be an excellent opportunity for all parents of high school juniors to discuss areas of mutual concern regarding the college admission process. The presentation will address such topics as; dealing with choosing a college, application procedures, entrance requirements, ACT tests, SAT tests, visitations, costs, scholarship information, and financial aid procedures. The […]

Sharon Joan Coleman

Sharon Joan Coleman, 80, of Canton and formerly of Van Wert, died at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2014, at The Pines Lakeside Therapy Center in Canton. She was born January 22, 1934, in Ohio City, the daughter of the late Harry and Maude (Krugh) Thomas. She was the youngest of nine children and was […]

Kelly sworn in as new councilman at-large

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Former Van Wert City Council member Kirby Kelly was sworn in Wednesday evening to replace former councilman at-large Brent Crone, who resigned his position, effective the end of April. Kelly had represented the Third Ward on City Council during a two-year term that began in 2010, but left Council after making an […]

Robbery suspect given prison terms

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A total of 13 people appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court for hearings held Wednesday. Van Wert resident Trent Webster was given a prison term Wednesday during his sentencing hearing on charges related to a robbery at the Rambler’s Roost on December 15, 2011. During his sentencing, Webster claimed that […]

County ED director new fair bd. director

VW County Fair information With less than 100 days to the 2014 edition of the Van Wert County Fair, the fair has a new fair director representing Pleasant Township. Following the resignation of Terry Childs on April 18, the fair board voted to give Van Wert Economic Development Director Sarah Smith a more official role. […]

VWHS does well in Moot Court contest

AUDREY NICOLAI/special to the VW independent COLUMBUS — Students in Van Wert High School’s AP Government class represented their school well at the first Moot Court Competition held in Ohio May 20 at the Ohio Supreme Court.  Eight students in Bob Priest’s class volunteered to be on a team where they had the opportunity to […]

A-G extends demolition program deadline

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced that he is extending the deadline for the Ohio Attorney General’s Moving Ohio Forward demolition grant program.  The deadline to complete demolitions to receive funding was May 31 and will now be extended to September 30. “By extending the date, counties will […]

Marsh Foundation honors foster parents

Marsh Foundation information One of the most meaningful things you can do in life to help a child is to become a foster parent. Recently, The Marsh Foundation honored several families who’ve done just that. The annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner was held at The Marsh Hotel in downtown Van Wert. May is Foster Care […]

Lincolnview board recognizes retirees

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor The Lincolnview Local Board of Education honored several retiring staff members, hired several new employees and also accepted the resignation of high school principal Kelly Dye during its May meeting on Tuesday. The board first recognized nine staff members who had 222 years of experience between them. Retiring employees, and their years […]

Kelly to replace Crone on City Council

The Van Wert County Republican Central Committee met on Tuesday evening to elect officers and to select a replacement for outgoing Van Wert City Councilman Brent Crone. Current chairman Martin Burchfield was re-elected to that position, while Thad Lichtensteiger was elected vice chair, Gary Corcoran treasurer and Linda Stutz secretary. Former City Council member Kirby […]