The Van Wert County Courthouse

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025

A. KOCH/special to the VW independent What a fantastic way to spend an evening! Van Wert Civic Theatre and Jerry Zimmerman have another hit in their theater. G. I. Holiday Jukebox is a salute to the Stage Door Canteen of the 1940s, as it says in the program. My grandpa told me stories about those […]

POSTED: 12/08/15 at 8:06 am. FILED UNDER: News

Area residents can bring their pets out for some holiday cheer and a photo opportunity with Santa and the Grinch at 540 Martial Arts (134 E. Main St.) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, December 12.  Photos are generously provided by Gibby’s Photography. Donations will be collected and all proceeds will benefit the Van Wert […]

POSTED: 12/08/15 at 8:03 am. FILED UNDER: News

Gasoline price information Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 7.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.89 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 not moved in the last week to $2.03 a gallon, according to […]

POSTED: 12/08/15 at 7:50 am. FILED UNDER: News

Betty Louise (Coats) Joseph Coombs, 85, of Rockford and formerly of Celina, died at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford. She was born August 5, 1930, in Mercer County, the daughter of Howard Franklin and Mildred Leona (Roberts) Coats, who both preceded her in death. On October […]

POSTED: 12/08/15 at 7:16 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Dave Koz (right) and friends (from the left) Candy Duffer, Righteous Brother Bill Medley and vocalist Johnathan Butler entertained with a variety of smooth jazz sound during their Christmas concert Sunday night at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)

POSTED: 12/07/15 at 9:48 am. FILED UNDER: News

Ohio Dept. of Health information COLUMBUS — The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids and parents and to help ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) wants to remind parents to keep safety in mind when choosing toys for young children when out […]

POSTED: 12/07/15 at 9:47 am. FILED UNDER: News

MercyMe vocalist Bart Millard sings one of the Christian group’s hits during Saturday’s concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. The concert was followed on Sunday by smooth jazz musician Dave Koz & Friends, which included pop icon Bill Medley. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

POSTED: 12/07/15 at 9:46 am. FILED UNDER: News

Wren Christmas Society information WREN — Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in Wren at the Santa House at the corner of Ohio 49 and Jackson Street, from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, December 12, and Friday and Saturday, December 18-19. Carriage rides, hot chocolate, and cookies will be available during Santa hours.

POSTED: 12/07/15 at 9:45 am. FILED UNDER: News

Corner Treasures owners Deb Fisher (left) and Rae Bigham recently cut the ribbon on their new store, located at the corner of Main and Market streets (former Barnhart’s Furniture). Looking on are Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce board members, Mayor Don Farmer and Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Adam Ries. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert […]

POSTED: 12/07/15 at 9:44 am. FILED UNDER: News

Van Wert swim team information CELINA — The Van Wert Cougar swim team traveled to Celina for the annual Celina Sprint invitational involving 15 teams, including six Western Buckeye League schools. The Van Wert boys took fourth place, while the girls finished 11th. Celina took first place for the boys and Versailles took first place […]

POSTED: 12/07/15 at 9:35 am. FILED UNDER: Sports