Flowers in Full Bloom

The Peony Festival Committee is honoring five Van Wert County women as Flowers in Full Bloom. These women are at least 65 years young and exemplify the best in character, service, and dedication to their families, friends, and community. The 2016 Flowers in Full Bloom nominees are Jeanne Zeigler, Peg Waltz, Marilyn Foust, Rita Adam, and […]

Fire marshal: Be fire safe during holidays

VW independent/submitted information REYNOLDSBURG — With warmer weather approaching and Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers reminds Ohioans to be fire safe during the summer months.  Many fires are preventable and residents can reduce their risks of becoming a fire casualty by identifying potential hazards and following simple […]

Salvation Army donation

Van Wert County employees (above) donated $540 toward the capital campaign of the Salvation Army. The funds will be used for the social service building that is currently being renovated. The Salvation Army hopes to have all the renovations completed by September. (photo submitted)

No background checks for CC holders

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that Ohioans who have a valid concealed handgun license have now had background checks sufficient to purchase firearms without the red tape of another background check. The U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have agreed to Attorney General […]

Outdoorsmen to have D-Day rifle match

VW independent/submitted information MIDDLE POINT — The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association is having a D-Day commemorative rifle match to remember America’s heroes, both past and present, on June 4. Any military rifle, past or present, from any country, is allowed. The clinic begins at 9:30 a.m. and the match, which is open to members […]

Deborah Renner

Deborah Renner, 62, of Lima, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2016, at her residence. She was born January 13, 1954, in Lima, the daughter of Wesley Lloyd and Verna Wise, who both preceded her in death. On July 19, 2015, she married John Goodwin, who survives in Lima. Other survivors include two sons, Joe (Julie) […]

2016 Relay for Life shorter, but still fun

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Organizers of the local Relay for Life event have listened to feedback from participants who said the overnight cancer research fundraising event is too long and takes time away from family weekend activities. The result is a one-day, condensed edition that, while including pretty much all the traditional Relay for Life activities, […]

Indiana man arrested on heroin charge

VW independent/submitted information An Indiana man was arrested this week on drug charges, according to Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach. Nathan L. Egly, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was arrested by deputies on Wednesday on a charge of possession of heroin, a felony of the third degree. The arrest and subsequent charge was […]

4 appear in CP Court for criminal hearings

Van Wert independent news Four people appeared Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court for criminal hearings. Two people appeared for change of plea hearings. Arthur Halas, 23, of Celina, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of theft, a felony of the fifth degree. He then requested, and was granted, treatment in […]

BMV reminds parents to get kids photo ID

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — National Missing Children’s Day is May 25, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) reminds parents of tools available to assist in a quick recovery should a child be reported missing or abducted. When a child is reported missing, the first few minutes and hours are crucial. Parents must have […]