City Council looks at budget cuts, lawsuit

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Van Wert City Council looked at moving some money around to help balance the 2018 budget during its regular meeting on Monday, but the consensus is that cuts will still need to be made to keep the city in the black. City Auditor Martha Balyeat noted that, although original plans were to […]

Ohio A-G certifies amendment petitions

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has certified two petitions for proposed amendments to the Ohio Constitution. On November 17, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office received two written petitions to amend the Ohio Constitution, entitled “The Initiative and Referendum Amendment for Counties and Townships” and “The Ohio Community Rights Amendment,” from a petitioning committee called […]

Photos with the Grinch

Area residents can get professional photos with the one and only Grinch in the Christmas Garden at Smiley Park on Saturday, December 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Area residents can always get pics with Santa, but this is a once in a lifetime chance to go Kodak with the man in green. This is […]

Santa Claus coming to Edgewood Park

VW independent/submitted information CONVOY — Santa Claus will be at Convoy’s Edgewood Park Community Building on Saturday, December 2, beginning at 1 p.m. Children can chat with Santa and receive a treat; there will be also be crafts to participate in and refreshments will be served. Bring a camera for pictures of one’s children with […]

United Way campaign ends

First Federal Savings & Loan recently completed its 2017 United Way campaign. Employee participation in the campaign was 100 percent and, together with the bank’s donation, saw an increase in donations over the previous year. First Federal Bank also won the Day of Caring Bank challenge this year and continues to be a supporter of […]

Season Preview: Lincolnview Lancers

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor Despite the loss of last year’s leading scorer (Ryan Rager), there’s reason for optimism for the 2017-2018 Lincolnview Lancers. Head coach Brett Hammons welcomes back four starters, including two second team All-Northwest Conference guards –5-7  senior Caden Ringwald and 5-8 senior Chayten Overholt, along with 6-3 senior forward Isiac Bowersock and […]

Kelly named to All-Ohio football team

Van Wert independent sports COLUMBUS — Van Wert’s Jacoby Kelly was named Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio by members of the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association, most of whom were voters for the former Associated Press All-Ohio teams. The Associated Press no longer coordinates postseason honors for high school sports. As a wide receiver for the […]

Football, basketball fun facts

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor Except for state championship football games, the 2017 fall sports season is in the books, and the winter sports season is underway. Accordingly, it’s a good time to talk high school football and basketball, and a bit of college football. Opening weekend changes If you didn’t know, a couple of changes […]

On the Air: WKSD/WERT

Van Wert independent sports Here is this week’s sports broadcast schedule for radio stations WKSD 99.7FM and WERT 1220AM and 104.3FM. Start times for high school games are approximate. Tuesday, November 28 Girls basketball – Antwerp at Paulding, 7:10 p.m. (WKSD) Wednesday, November 29 Ohio State baskeball – OSU at Clemson 6:30 p.m. (WKSD) Thursday, […]

Donald L. Brown

Donald L. Brown, 53, passed away suddenly Thursday, November 24,, 2017, at his residence. Donald was born in Dayton and raised in Van Wert. He was the son of Thomas C. Brown and Leila A. (Wortman) Brown, who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Thomas L. (Denise) Brown of […]