World War II veteran earns French medal

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A Van Wert County man and former World War II prisoner of war recently received France’s highest award: the Legion d’Honneur. Richard Beach was recently presented with the medal, which was created by Napoleon and is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. […]

Ohio A-G accepts law enforcement report

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has accepted the report issued by the Attorney General’s Advisory Group on Law Enforcement Training. DeWine appointed the 16-member group in December to examine how Ohio trains its law enforcement officers and make suggestions for improvement. “Ohio is one of the first states that has […]

Fisher seeking at-large City Council seat

Submitted information Local businessman Fred Fisher, a first-time candidate seeking the Republican nomination for one of three at-large Van Wert City Council seats, is asking for city residents’ support in the May 5 primary election. Fisher, a lifetime resident of Van Wert, said he wants to help the city prosper and grow. “We have a […]

Operation Round Up donates to groups

VW independent/submitted information PAULDING — Operation Round Up® gives Paulding Putnam County Electrical Cooperative members the option of having their bills rounded up to the nearest dollar every month, with those extra few cents going to benefit people in need within the co-op’s service territory. Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op began doing Operation Round Up in […]

CHP sets dinner/auction date

Community Health Professionals information Community Health Professionals will celebrate its 40th year of providing home health and hospice services in Van Wert County and throughout northwest and west central Ohio at its annual Hospice “Beacon of Hope” dinner/auction on April 30, 6 p.m. at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. Only a limited number […]

Stakeholders Summit

More than 50 community leaders are participating in a two-day Van Wert County Stakeholders Summit being held at Wassenberg Art Center to try and provide more focus for economic development activities within the county. The event, which will end Friday afternoon, is facilitated by the Van Wert County and Van Wert City Economic Development offices, […]

Local victims’ agencies awarded grants

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has awarded multiple Ohio crime victim service agencies, including Crisis Care Line of Van Wert and the YWCA of Van Wert County, with funding to promote the resources available to victims of crime. Eighteen agencies will […]

National Day of Prayer

Van Wert County Commissioners Todd Wolfrum, Stan Owens, and Thad Lichtensteiger were joined by Pastor Paul Hamrick, representing the Van Wert County Ministerial Association, to announce the National Day of Prayer will be celebrated locally on Thursday, May 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Van Wert County Courthouse. (photo submitted)

Ohio legislators OK Hite’s meningitis bill

Ohio Statehouse information COLUMBUS — State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) announced the passage of legislation this week that requires students to be immunized against meningitis. “This bill is about protecting Ohio’s children and families from preventable tragedies, and I am proud to honor not only my niece, but all those who have suffered from Meningitis,” […]

Wren Ballpark sets Opening Day activities

Wren Ballpark information WREN — The Wren Ballpark would like to announce Sunday, May 17, as its official Opening Day. Ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. with the raising of the flag and the singing of “The National Anthem”. A memorial dedication of a buckeye tree will be planted in honor of longtime ballpark supporter […]