$2.2 million in cocaine nabbed in Toledo

VW independent/submitted information TOLEDO — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Toledo Police Chief George Kral, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Marlon Miller, and U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison announced Thursday that a drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of cocaine with an estimated street value of $2.2 […]

Students give to SA

Lincolnview Elementary School recently donated $822 for The Salvation Army’s Fill-A-Quart program. Shown are (from the left) Lt. Josh Morales of The Salvation Army, students Jake Gerdeman, Abby Williamson, Ozzy Ingledue, and Pace Early, and Lincolnview Elementary Superintendent Nita McKinney. (photo submitted)

Ohio House passes agri-tourism measure

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — State Representative Tony Burkley (R-Payne) announced the Ohio House’s passage of Substitute Senate Bill 75, legislation that protects providers of agritourism from civil liability in the situation that injuries occur during agritourism activities. The bill was heard in the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, of which Rep. Burkley is […]

Crestview sets pops concert

The Crestview High School Music Department will present its pops concert, Friday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditeria. The jazz band, high school band, high school chorus, and Knight Vision show choir will be performing. Shown is Knight Vision, which will perform its competition show that evening. (Crestview photo)

Roy F. Thompson Jr.

Roy F. Thompson Jr., 82, of Rockford, died Wednesday, May 4, 2016. He was born February 12, 1934, in Cincinnati, the son of Roy Sr. and Margaret Thompson, who both preceded him in death. On May 26, 1956, he married the former Mona Weinman, who survives. Other survivors include four children, Romona (Kevin) Carver of […]

Elks name ‘Students/Volunteers of Year’

VW independent/submitted information Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, held its Youth Recognition Breakfast on Tuesday in conjunction with Elks National Youth Week. Approximately 100 people, including students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and principals, attended. During the event, Lodge Scholarship Chair Diana Kiehl recognized local scholarship winners, who were forwarded to […]

Wee Care celebrates

Wee Care Learning Center celebrated Wednesday its receiving a 1-Star Award from the Ohio Department of Education’s Step Up to Quality program. The voluntary program allows daycare centers to go above and beyond basic childcare licensing requirements and earn additional recognition for the programs they provide. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

Leadership Class raises funds for flags

VW independent/submitted information The 2016 Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class recently held a fundraiser to support Main Street Van Wert (MSVW). The class sold raffle tickets to community members and interested businesses until April 21. On April 22, Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Adam Ries joined the Leadership Class to draw […]

Disaster exercise

The Van Wert County Emergency Management/LEPC held a tabletop exercise Wednesday at Wren Fire Department that simulated a hazardous materials crash, fire, and chemical explosion in downtown Wren. Discussion centered on mutual aid, how to adequately notify the public to evacuate in a timely and safe manner, and sheltering residents until the threat was over. […]

3 appear in VW Common Pleas Court

Van Wert independent news Three people appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas on Wednesday, with two of those changing their pleas from not guilty to guilty. David Brooks, 32, of Delphos, changed his plea to guilty on a charge of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony offense. A second count of aggravated possession of […]