City flag football registrations accepted

VW independent/submitted information The Van Wert Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for its NFL Flag Football and Cheerleading Program. These programs provide young participants with a fun and exciting opportunity to engage while learning lessons in teamwork. This year, two age categories will be offered for both programs: 5-7 and 8-10 year […]

Missing woman’s remains believed found

VW independent/submitted information METAMORA — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Fulton County Sheriff Roy Miller, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony announced Saturday that law enforcement discovered human remains that are believed to be Sierah Joughin. The remains, which were found last night while authorities were searching an area around […]

Defiance woman killed in car-semi crash

VW independent/submitted information PAULDING — A Defiance woman died as a result of injuries received in an accident in Paulding County on Saturday evening. Abby Shumaker, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by Paulding County Coroner Dr. Joseph Kuhn. According to investigating troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio […]

Betty Lou Adkins

Betty Lou Adkins, 81, of Van Wert, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born December 13, 1934, in Paulding County, the daughter of Loyal Thomas “Bud” Cavinder and Cecile (Kipker) Cavinder Jordan, who both preceded her in death. Survivors include two children, […]

City cracks down on dilapidated buildings

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor After years of frustration, Van Wert city officials, led by Van Wert Mayor Jerry Mazur, are putting legal pressure on owners to clean up neglected properties. The mayor, along with City Engineering Supervisor Bill Lawson, City Law Director John Hatcher, and Van Wert City Council’s Health-Safety-Service Committee, led by First Ward Councilman […]

Hot fiddle playing!

Country Fiddler Chris Higbee (above) heated up an already sweltering Fountain Park on Friday as he showed off his fiddling chops, and also sang and played guitar, during a concert that was part of the Summer Music Series sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

Local radio stations hit streaming highs

VW independent/submitted information Listening to radio stations on smart phones, mobile devices, and computers is hitting new highs for local stations WKSD Classic Hits 99.7 and Unforgettable 1220 WERT-AM. First Family Broadcasting President Chris Roberts announced that the stations, both owned by First Family, recently surpassed the 1-million performance level since January of this year. “We’re […]

Wiffleball tourney sign-up dates released

VW independent/submitted information WREN — Wrenway Park Wiffleball Warehouse Tournament organizers announce wiffleball sign-up will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, August 1, at the Wren Restaurant. The first 15 teams who submit the $100 entry fee will get the chance to be the silver anniversary wiffleball champions. Who knows when the line will form? […]

VWPC to hear city rezoning requests

VW independent/submitted information There will be a Van Wert City Planning Commission meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 11, in City Council Chambers for a change in zoning in the 900 block of South Shannon Street and a change in zoning for the southwest corner of Washington Street and Ervin Road.

Abducted woman’s whereabouts sought

VW independent/submitted information WAUSEON — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Fulton County Sheriff Roy Miller, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony are asking for assistance from the public for tips regarding the disappearance of a Metamora woman. Sierah Joughin, 20, was last seen Tuesday evening riding her bicycle near Evergreen […]