Workforce reps speak

On Friday, April 17, the Van Wert Economic Development Advisory Group met at Vantage Career Center where Pete Prichard, Adult Education director at Vantage Career Center, spoke about the career technical training that prepares high school students and adults for future employment and further education. Guest speakers for the event were Steve Hillard (above right), […]

State drug OD task force issues report

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced on Friday the recommendations issued by the Overdose Prevention Task Force, which was formed by the attorney general last year to address issues regarding the real-time reporting of drug overdose deaths in Ohio. Attorney General DeWine created the task force, which was chaired by […]

Braun creates jobs

Braun Industries Inc. has taken advantage of the Van Wert City Job Creation Incentive Program to earn money for creating local jobs. The incentive program is for non-retail projects with a new payroll creation of at least $250,000. Companies taking advantage of this incentive can receive annual payments based on new payroll and job creation […]

National Crime Victims Week next week

VW independent/submitted information Every April, the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s Victims’ Rights Week will be held April 19-25, with […]

Telecommunicators proclamation

Van Wert County Commissioners Stan D. Owens (seated center), Todd Wolfrum (standing right) and Thad Lichtensteiger present a proclamation to 9-1-1 Director Kim Brandt (seated left) and Van Wert Police Department Dispatcher Shelly Smith in honor of dispatchers working in Van Wert County. April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. (photo submitted)

Cougar tennis team downs Wapakoneta

Van Wert boys’ tennis information The Van Wert boys’ tennis team got another big win on Thursday, this time defeating Wapakoneta 4-1, to stay perfect overall and in the Western Buckeye League. Match winners include No. 2 singles player Nick Etter, Eric Yeung at No. 3 singles, the No. 1 doubles team of Ryan Keber […]

VWCS board gives go-ahead for fireworks

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor The Van Wert City Board of Education approved a motion that could bring the Holiday at Home fireworks display to school property for this Fourth of July holiday, although not everyone was pleased with that decision. The board voted 4-1 to authorize Superintendent Ken Amstutz and Treasurer Mike Ruen to negotiate with […]

Fair board OKs online grandstand tickets

VW County Fair Board information The Van Wert County Agricultural Society Board (Fair Board) is now offering online tickets sales for grandstand acts for the 2015 Van Wert County Fair. The board has contracted with 168 Tickets to provide online bar-coded tickets that purchasers can print from home. The tickets will then be scanned as […]

Black Angus open

Owners of the new Black Angus on Main restaurant, 222 E. Main St. (formerly the Black Swamp Bistro), cut the ribbon for its grand opening on Thursday, while Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Board members and Chamber staff look on. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

WBESC board approves personnel items

Van Wert independent The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board approved a number of personnel contracts during its April meeting on Wednesday and heard Superintendent Brian Gerber provide information on Substitute House Bill 64, the state biennial budget bill. Prior to the board taking personnel action, Gerber reviewed proposed personnel actions with board members. […]