Ohio A-G releases charitable giving tips

Ohio attorney general’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine offered good giving tips and introduced a new charity guide for businesses to help Ohioans avoid charity scams this holiday season. The recommendations coincided with “Giving Tuesday” (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), an initiative that promotes charitable giving. “Many charities do great work, and we […]

Shopping and singing in downtown VW

This past weekend, my sister was visiting from Paoli, Indiana, for Thanksgiving. Looking for something to do on Friday, I said, “Let’s go downtown Van Wert and do some shopping!”  This is something I would not have suggested for many years. Although it was lightly raining, we parked downtown and walked all around, frequenting numerous shops. Now […]

Animal shelter overcomes challenges

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor The Van Wert County Humane Society Shelter wasn’t always viewed in a positive light. In fact, the past year has been a series of challenges for a new Humane Society board that has taken real ownership of a facility that has been the site of mistreatment of animals in the past under […]

Kaufman seeks county commissioner job

VW independent/submitted information Staci A. Kaufman has filed nominating petitions as a Republican for election to the January 2, 2017, term of Van Wert County commissioner. Kaufman currently serves as superintendent of Vantage Career Center, following her appointment by the Vantage Board of Education in 2007. She has devoted the past 25 years to workforce […]

Ohio gasoline prices increase slightly

Gasoline price information Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 2.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.83 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,345 gas outlets in Ohio. This compares with the national average, which has fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.04 […]

BGSU choirs to perform at 1st UM Church

VW independent/submitted information First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, Ohio will host two of Bowling Green State University’s finest choral ensembles this Friday, December 4, at 7 p.m. The BGSU A Cappella Choir and the Women’s Chorus will both be in concert in the sanctuary of First UM Church. The A Cappella Choir is directed […]

State GOP head to speak at VW luncheon

VW County Republican information Ohio Republican State Chairman Matt Borges will be the featured speaker at the monthly luncheon series hosted by the Van Wert County Republican Party on Friday, December 11, at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. Borges was elected chairman of the state Republican party in April 2013 and has a […]

DeWine has Cyber Monday shopping tips

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — As consumers shop online during Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is encouraging Ohioans to protect their personal information and avoid scams online. “It’s a busy time of year, but it’s important not to let your guard down when it comes to identity […]

State trooper shoots, kills Celina man

Ohio State Highway Patrol information CELINA — A Celina man was shot and killed when he assaulted an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper in that city early Sunday morning. Justin D. McHenry, 22, succumbed to injuries received when he accosted a trooper at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday. According to investigators, the unnamed trooper was sitting […]

Mendon sets Town Hall Christmas event

VW independent/submitted information MENDON — The 17th annual Town Hall Christmas event will be held in this village Friday and Saturday, December 4-5. A total of 85 Christmas trees, decorated by area residents, organizations, and businesses will be on display at the Mendon Town Hall. Admission to the tree festival is $1, with children 12 […]