Injury accident

Four people were reportedly injured in a two-vehicle crash between a car (above) and a minivan (below) that occurred at the intersection of U.S. 224 and U.S. 127 on Friday morning. The accident remains under investigation by the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. (photos by Rick McCoy for the Van Wert independent)

C’view bd. hears about bond refinancing

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor CONVOY — The Crestview Local Board of Education discussed bond refinancing and long-range planning during its November meeting on Thursday. Board members heard a presentation on bond refinancing from David Conley, a consultant with Rockmill Financial Consulting, a Lancaster-based firm that provides a wide array of financial services to government entities. Included […]

DeWine warns Ohioans of holiday scams

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine warns consumers of scams to avoid this holiday season. “Scams don’t take a break during the holidays, and when people are busy or distracted, they may be more likely to fall for a scam,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We just encourage people to be careful. Take […]

PUCO offers winter heating safety tips

Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) offers home heating safety reminders as the winter season arrives. Those tips are as follows: Once a year, have furnaces, vents, flues, and chimneys inspected by a qualified service professional. Never use an oven to heat the house. This can damage the oven and may […]

Marjorie Ann Tufte Purmort

Our beloved Marjorie Ann Tufte Purmort embarked upon life’s final journey Thursday, November 17, 2016. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 19, at First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Crawford St. in Van Wert. A private graveside service will follow. She was born at her grandmother’s home in York, North Dakota, […]

Lois L. Sutton

Lois L. Sutton, 95, passed away at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at her residence in Ohio City. She was born on March 27, 1921, in Ohio City, the daughter of Ray F. and Willa Naomi (Kampf) Ickes, who both preceded her in death. On May 3, 1940, she married Claybern Zachriah Sutton, who […]

VWCS Board discusses stadium issues

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor The Van Wert City Board of Education heard more discussion on football stadium options during its November meeting on Wednesday. Several local residents, as well as a former student who now lives in Indiana, were on hand to talk about a plan to renovate Eggerss Stadium. Larry Mengerink and Kent McMillen have […]

New Goodwill retail store opens in VW

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Goodwill Easter Seals of Miami Valley officials were on hand Wednesday to officially open their new 11,000-square-foot Goodwill retail facility in the Towne Center retail development. Local officials, including Van Wert Mayor Jerry Mazur and County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger, were also on hand to welcome the new store, which provides retail items […]

Accused rapist pleads to lesser charge

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A man accused of rape pleaded to a lesser charge during hearings held this week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Dale Wright Jr., 24, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of gross sexual assault, a felony of the third degree, during a hearing presided over […]

Federal-Mogul strike

Members of United Steelworkers Union Local 14742 are currently on strike after rejecting what Federal-Mogul Corporation called is “last, best, and final” offer this past Sunday. Above, Federal-Mogul retirees join current employees on the picket line, while (below) local Democrats (at right) brought in pizza and drinks Wednesday to feed strikers on the picket line. While […]