Runser now faces federal criminal charge

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A former Van Wert attorney who gave up his right to practice law last year after he was accused of misappropriating funds from an estate and trust he managed, now faces criminal charges related to the same issues. C. Allan Runser, 72, has been charged with one count of mail fraud by […]

Election Day voting

Voting this morning was categorized as “fairly heavy” as those who haven’t already voted head to the polls to cast their ballots. There are a number of races on the ballot, especially in the villages and townships, as well as three state issues — including one to legalize marijuana use — and several local issues. […]

State campaign seeks greater fire safety

State Fire Marshal’s information Five people were killed in fires in October, bringing the yearly total to 102.  This represents an 11 percent increase in fire fatalities from this time last year.  Due to this increase, State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers is asking all Ohioans to commit to fire safety and prevention in their […]

YWCA offers women’s self-defense class

VW independent/submitted information The YWCA of Van Wert County will be offering a free one-night self-defense class for women, on Monday, November 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.  The class is provided by the Van Wert Self Defense Team and is one more way women can be empowered. The self-defense classes are designed to teach […]

Eaton offers United Way Bag Bingo event

VW independent/submitted information Members of the Eaton United Way committee will be hosting the sixth annual United Way Bag Bingo. The event will be held on Saturday, November 14, at the Van Wert County Council on Aging, 220 Fox Road in Van Wert. Doors open at 8:15 a.m., with early bird bingo scheduled for 9 […]

Gasoline prices up, but head back down

Gasoline price information Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 12.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.26 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 fallen 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.18 […]

L’view plans parent-teacher conferences

Lincolnview Local Schools information Lincolnview Local Schools will host parent-teacher conferences on Monday, November 23, from 4:30-8:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, November 24, from noon to 8 p.m. There will be no school on Tuesday. The conferences give parents a chance to discuss their child’s academic progress with classroom teachers. The junior and senior high school […]

Virginia P. Harter

Virginia P. “Ginny” Harter, 83, of Van Wert, died at 5:37 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2015, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born July 14, 1932, in Toledo, the daughter of Dale and Lena (Pollock) Scott, who both preceded her in death. On July 8, 1950, she married Max Harter, who […]

Della Rae Ringwald

Della Rae Ringwald, 96, of Van Wert, died at 9:55 a.m. Sunday, November 1, 2015, at Roselawn Manor in Spencerville. She was born May 17, 1919, in Middle Point, the daughter of Thomas and Maude (Neer) Armstrong, who both preceded her in death. She married William H. Ringwald, who died in 2011. Survivors include three […]

Josephine Defevers

Josephine “Jo” Defevers of Van Wert died at 5:37 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2015, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by family members and a friend. Survivors include two children, Frances Joy Kline and Don Defevers, both of Van Wert; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters; and a brother. Memorial services will […]