Abby L. Shumaker

Abby L. Shumaker, 33, of Marion, passed away Saturday evening, July 23, 2016, in Paulding. She was born January 24, 1983, in Van Wert, the daughter of Barry M. Shumaker, who preceded her in death, and Roseanne L. (Adams) Font, who survives in Paulding. Other survivors include her stepfather, Richard Font of Paulding; two daughters; […]

City sees results from clean-up efforts

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor During its meeting Monday evening, Van Wert City Council voted to prepare legislation for a $1,000 donation to the Van Wert County Humane Society and to allow left-hand turns from Court Street onto Main Street, heard updates on efforts to crack down on code violators within the city, and also learned more […]

Red Cross: Blood shortage still remains

VW independent/submitted information FORT WAYNE, Indiana — While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout […]

Warrior Trail dedication this Saturday

VW independent/submitted information OHIO CITY — The Warrior Trail bicycle and walking path will be formally dedicated this Saturday, July 30, at 10 a.m. at the new shelterhouse at the south end of Main Street trail site in Ohio City. As part of the dedication, the Warrior Trail Committee will be giving away two free […]

Discounted fair ride bands now on sale

VW independent/submitted information Ride bands for the 160th Van Wert County Fair, August 31-September 5, are now on sale for $10 until Saturday, July 30, at noon. The cost for ride bands increases to $13 from August 1-27, then to $16 during the fair. Season/membership tickets are $22 each, while people can also purchase any […]

Daniel S. Roop

Daniel S. “Dan” Roop, 75, of Celina, passed away at his residence at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2016. He was born April 7, 1941, the son of George and Sarah (Dull) Roop, who both preceded him in death. On February 7, 1968, he married the former Linda L. Geyer, who survives in Celina. Other […]

Chamber Business Expo coming in Sept.

VW independent/submitted information The Van Wert Biz Expo & Taste of Van Wert County, after selling out of exhibitor space last year with more than 1,000 attendees, returns Thursday, September 22. Businesses can grow their bottom line and visibility in northwest Ohio at this year’s Expo, all at Wassenberg Art Center, 215 S. Washington St. […]

DEA limits drugs that can be turned in

VW independent/submitted information Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach has announced new limitations to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Prescription Drug Turn-In program. Sheriff Riggenbach said changes in the program are a result, in part, of changes made at the federal level as to what the DEA will accept for destruction. The sheriff’s […]

City house fire

Van Wert firefighters were out Sunday night to battle a fire at a city duplex at 230-232 South Ave. The American Red Cross Disaster Team also responded to the house fire, which occurred sometime after 9 p.m. on Sunday. Also called to the scene was AEP to shut off power to the building. The duplex […]

Ohio gasoline prices continue to decline

VW independent/submitted information Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 10.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.05 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,345 gas outlets in Ohio. This compares with the national average, which has fallen 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.15 […]