Unemployment rates mixed bag in Ohio

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Unemployment was up and down among Ohio’s 88 counties, with Van Wert County seeing a slight increase in joblessness in October, according to estimates provided this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Van Wert County saw its unemployment estimates increase a tenth of a point in November, from […]

Santa’s in town!

Santa Claus ditched his reindeer (only temporarily) for a vintage Ford Model T automobile (above) provided by the Kirchenbauer family for his visit to the city at noon on Friday. After motoring into town, Santa then talked to local children about their Christmas wishes at The Hotel Marsh in downtown Van Wert (below). The event […]

Ohio begins anti-drug billboard campaign

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — A new billboard campaign to raise public awareness about opiate abuse by encouraging public participation in drug use prevention and interdiction efforts has been launched by the Ohio Outdoor Advertising Association of Ohio, in partnership with Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Members […]

Children’s Garden sculpture

Smiley Park Children’s Garden has a new feature that has just arrived. A sculpture, “Reaching for The Stars” by artist Dale Rogers, has been donated by Fred and Louise Hartwig and placed in the garden. The sculpture honors Merlyn and Virginia Gudakunst, friends of the garden. Shown with the artwork is Rachel Hoverman, Master Gardener […]

Lady Cougars eye more improvement

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor After an 0-22 finish during the 2015-2016 basketball season, Van Wert made strides and ended last season 6-17. Now, the Lady Cougars are looking for more improvement during the 2017-2018 season. Head coach Rob Adams was hired shortly before the start of last season, but he believes things are going much […]

Van Wert falls to powerful Ottoville

Van Wert independent sports OTTOVILLE — The Van Wert Lady Cougars fell to Ottoville on Friday, 90-46. It was the season opener for both teams. The Lady Green led 25-14 after one quarter and 49-19 at halftime. Cassidy Meyers and Reagan Priest led Van Wert with 14 points apiece, while Abby Jackson chipped in with […]

MAC teams go 2-0 in semifinal games

Van Wert independent sports Midwest Athletic Conference members Marion Local and Minster are bound for state championship games in Canton next week. In Division VI state semifinal football action at Wapakoneta, Marion Local (14-0) defeated Liberty Benton (12-2) 31-13. It was the first time during the postseason that the Flyers surrendered points. The defending state […]

Another Crestview basketball game rescheduled

Submitted information CONVOY — The Miller City junior/varsity boys’ basketball game at Crestview scheduled for December 2 has been rescheduled for Monday, January 8.  The junior varsity game will start at 6 p.m. As previously announced, the Van Wert at Crestview junior varsity/varsity boys’ basketball game at Crestview scheduled for December 1 has been rescheduled for Friday, December 8.  […]

Roger Weigle

Roger Weigle, of Hamilton, Indiana, and formerly of Van Wert, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017, at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Delphos. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, November 30, […]

Fashion show helps provide kids food

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor It was a time of food and fashion as Van Wert Manor hosted the third edition of its Fashion Show at Wassenberg Art Center on Wednesday. Jacque Welch, administrator of Van Wert Manor, said the event got started three years ago as an extension of the extended nursing facility’s Learn with Friends […]