Wassenberg project seeks winter clothing

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor While area residents are pondering an extra trip to the gym to work off their Thanksgiving dinners and perusing store circulars for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Christmas deals, Native Americans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota are wondering how they will keep warm this winter. Wassenberg Art Center Executive […]

1st Fed ends United Way campaign

First Federal Savings & Loan of Van Wert recently completed its 2015 United Way campaign. Employee participation in the campaign was 100 percent and, together with the bank’s matching donation, had a 33 percent increase in donations over the previous year. In addition to the bank employee campaign, First Federal held two bake sales, along […]

IRS provides charitable giving guidelines

Internal Revenue Service information WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service reminds individuals and businesses making year-end gifts to charity that several important tax law provisions have taken effect in recent years. Some of the changes taxpayers should keep in mind include: Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances and linens. Clothing and household items […]

Moose gives to CHP

Moose Lodge 1320 recently presented a $2,000 donation to Community Health Professionals-Hospice in Van Wert. Here, John Smith of the Moose presents a check to Robin Waters. CHP Hospice provides comfort and support for patients and families in their homes, as well as at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, when a loved one […]

Ohioans urged to seek unclaimed funds

VW independent/submitted information Looking for some extra holiday cash?  The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds may have money Ohio residents didn’t know they had to spend on “Cyber Monday.” By checking the website or calling the toll-free phone number (877.644.6823), Ohioans can search for forgotten money that may be owed them. Unclaimed funds […]

M. Virginia Johnson

M. Virginia Johnson of Van Wert died at noon Thursday, November 26, 2015, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert. She was born September 29, 1920, in Wetzel, the daughter of Dewey Swartz and Verna (Hammons) Swartz Allen, who both preceded her in death. She married Glen H. Johnson, who also preceded her in […]

Lester H. Sherer

Lester H. Sherer, 90, of Haviland, died at 11:16 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born October 10, 1925, the son of Lester H. and Linnie I. Sherer, who both preceded him in death. On November 8, 1947, he married the former Carolyn J. Tomlinson, who […]

Christmas Garden lights up

Thousands of people showed up for the fourth annual Christmas Garden lighting ceremony held at the Children’s Garden in Smiley Park. Soup and hot beverages were served to those who came to see the gorgeous lights of the garden, while a lucky 25 children went home with Apple iPod Touch mp3 players. Jim Clay, founder […]

3 people get prison terms in CP Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A man sent to prison after multiple drunk driving convictions was one of six people who appeared Wednesday for hearings in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. David Schnelle, 52, of Convoy, was sentenced by Judge Martin Burchfield to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a felony of the third degree because of […]

Local OSHP post honors Williams, Recker

Ohio State Highway Patrol information Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Clayton A. Williams has been selected the 2015 “Trooper of the Year” at the Van Wert Post. The selection of Trooper Williams, 34, is in recognition of outstanding service during 2015. Fellow officers assigned at the Van Wert Post chose him based on leadership abilities, […]