County unemployment rate down slightly

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Van Wert County unemployment estimates dropped slightly during October, according to information released Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. After a slight increase in September, the county’s jobless rate decreased a tenth of a percent, from 3.9 percent to 3.8 percent, last month. According to figures provided by […]

Peters ordered held on $2 million bond

Van Wert independent news A Delphos man charged in connection with the death of a young child was ordered held on a $2 million bond, with 10 percent to be paid in cash, during an appearance Tuesday in Van Wert Municipal Court. Christopher M. Peters, 26, of 24249 Lincoln Hwy, Apt. 24, made an initial appearance […]

Ohio A-G has Christmas shopping tips

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine offers holiday consumer protection tips ahead of Thanksgiving weekend, one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. “We encourage consumers to take some simple steps to protect themselves,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Whether they’re shopping online or in stores, we encourage people to take their […]

Santa Claus to appear at Convoy park

Submitted information CONVOY — Santa Claus will be at Convoy’s Edgewood Park Community Building on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Children can chat with Santa and receive a treat from the Jolly Old Elf, while there will be crafts to participate in and refreshments will be served. Parents should bring a camera for […]

Christmas Garden lighting event delayed

Submitted information The annual lighting of the Christmas Garden, originally scheduled for this evening at the Children’s Garden in Smiley Park, has been moved to Friday night because of a 90 percent chance of rain for today and this evening, said organizer Jim Clay. The event will feature lots of beautiful lights, as well as […]

Fair board sets reorganization meeting

Submitted information The annual reorganization meeting for the Van Wert County Agricultural Society Board of Directors (fair board) is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, November 26, at the Fair Board Office. The public is welcome to attend.

Our blessings at the Niswonger

As nearly 1,200 people laughed and enjoyed Elf: The Musical at the Niswonger last night, I couldn’t help but think of the many people it took to put the show on our stage.  It was a spectacular show, with superb music, gorgeous sets, and colorful costumes. It’s a hilarious story about Buddy, the Elf, which also […]

County barn fire

Four fire departments were called to fight a barn fire at the resident of Doug Germann, 7580 Wolfcale Road (above and below), shortly after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Firefighters from Van Wert, Ohio City, Wren, and Convoy responded to the fire with personnel and equipment. There reportedly were animals in the barn, but all were rescued […]

Carmensita A. Michael

Carmensita A. Michael, 74, of Convoy, passed away at 12:02 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2016, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born February 27, 1942, in Van Wert, the daughter of Lois (Gillespie) Lippi, who survives in Convoy, and Albert Lippi, who preceded her in death. She married John W. […]

Deborah L. Bushong

Deborah L. Bushong, 53, of Van Wert, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016, at her residence. She was born May 20, 1963, in Kenton, the daughter of Patricia C. (Hackworth) Akom, who survives in Scott. Other survivors include her stepfather, David Akom of Scott; and a brother, Keith (Julie) Jordan of Harrod. Two brothers, Timothy […]