Cougar boys outclassed by O-G Titans

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports OTTAWA – The Van Wert Cougars had a bad shooting night Friday as Ottawa-Glandorf defeated the Cougars 83-52 in a Western Buckeye League boys’ basketball game on Friday. The Cougars started off in the hole as O-G took a seven-point lead, 15-8, in the first quarter. The Titans led by 11, 32-21, […]

Ohio unemployment up slightly in Nov.

VW independent/ODJFS information Ohio’s unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in November 2015, up slightly from 4.4 percent in October, according to figures released Friday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio’s nonagricultural wage and salary employment increased 9,900 over the month, from a revised 5,427,100 in October to 5,437,000 in November 2015. […]

Attorney general warns of ‘puppy scams’

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine warns that some animal breeders and sellers who advertise online are con artists. In 2015, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office received about 30 complaints from consumers who said they bought a puppy or other pet online but never received anything in return. The average […]

Totes of Love

The YWCA of Van Wert recently received a donation of 75 handbags and totes collected by Leland Smith during the agency’s Totes of Love campaign. The totes were filled with much needed supplies also donated by community members during the tote drive. Leland Smith employees recently presented Jamie Evans, YWCA housing director, with the totes […]

VWCH Thrift Shop has holiday promotion

VW independent/submitted information The Van Wert County Hospital Thrift Shop, 131 E. Central Ave., will be having a $2 Christmas Only Bag Sale from December 21-26. The shop will close at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 24, and be closed Christmas Day. The shop will be open for regular hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) on Saturday, December 26.

VWCH given tablets

Van Wert County Hospital recently received a donation of two tablets for its pediatrics department. After Albany Roth (front left) was hospitalized for a few days, her family decided to work with their church, Landfair United Methodist Church in Celina, to raise funds to buy the hospital two tablet computers for children who have to stay […]

Local schools embrace career readiness

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Career readiness. It’s a term that Vantage Career Center and other vocational schools are familiar with, since it’s been their focus for decades. However, traditional school districts such as Van Wert City Schools — who in the past stressed that a college education was crucial to succeeding in life — are now […]

Vets Service Commission sees changes

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor It’s appropriate that the term “changing of the guard” is a military one, since it aptly describes the retirement of two Van Wert County Veterans Service Commission members with a total of approximately 33 years of service and the appointment of two new commission members. Board members Steve Gehres, who served 25 […]

Fiddlin’ around

The DePue Brothers Band entertained with their inimitable brand of fiddle playing during the final concert of the Christmas season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. The group, comprised of brothers who grew up in Bowling Green, played a variety of music, including a number of Christmas favorites. (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)

C’view honors outgoing board member

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor CONVOY — The Crestview Local Board of Education honored outgoing member Mike Schlagbaum, heard an update on a solar energy discussion, and also heard an update on the district’s safety plan during its December meeting on Thursday. Schlagbaum, who had served five years on the board, was given a plaque by Superintendent […]