Verville is the Student Athlete of the Week

Van Wert High School senior swimmer Emma Verville is this week’s Van Wert independent/Northwest Ohio Welch Trophy Student Athlete of the Week. Verville, who was nominated by athletic director Craig Hershey, placed first or second in four different events in a win over Ayersville on Tuesday night. Verville, a two sport athlete, also played tennis […]

Lange’s pin lifts Van Wert past Shawnee

Van Wert independent sports/submitted information It went down to the final match of the night, and sophomore Ben Lange was the hero in Van Wert’s  exciting come from behind 31-30 wrestling win over Western Buckeye League foe Shawnee on Thursday. The match started with the 126 pound weight class, where Van Wert senior Josh Dorsch […]

Motycka passes 1000 points, C’view wins

Crestview senior Paige Motycka surpassed the 1,000 point mark and the Lady Knights overwhelmed Ada 77-32 on Thursday night. Motycka (pictured above with head coach Mark Gregory) led the way with 29 points, which put her at 1,024 for her career. “I am very happy for Paige, her team, and her family,”  Gregory said. “She […]

Lady Lancers win big over Allen East

Van Wert independent sports Lincolnview stormed out to a comfortable 14-5 first quarter lead and never looked back on the way to a 60-33 Northwest Conference win over visiting Allen East on Thursday night. It was the first Northwest Conference win of the season for Lincolnview (6-9, 1-3 NWC). The Lady Lancers held the Mustangs […]

Lady Cougars lose to WBL foe Shawnee

Van Wert independent sports LIMA — It was a rough night for Van Wert, as the Lady Cougars were defeated by Shawnee 55-27 in girls’ Western Buckeye League basketball action on Thursday. Trailing 21-14 at halftime, Van Wert was outscored 34-13 in the second half. Cassidy Meyers led the Lady Cougars (4-11, 0-5 WBL) with […]

Head of OHSAA announces resignation

Van Wert independent sports/submitted information COLUMBUS — Dr. Dan Ross, Executive Director of the Ohio High School Athletic Association since 2004, has announced his resignation, effective September 15. The OHSAA Board of Directors accepted Dr. Ross’ resignation letter Thursday at its regularly-scheduled January meeting. Dr. Ross began his duties as the OHSAA’s ninth commissioner on […]

Longtime 1st Baptist pastor has retired

VW independent/submitted information Pastor Steve A. Robinson recently retired as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Van Wert after ministering at the church the past 15 years (since January 2003). Pastor Robinson has been in full-time Christian ministry since 1971 and has more than 45 years of ministry experience. He says that, although he […]

VW man gets prison term, 3 change pleas

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Eight people appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court recently for a variety of criminal hearings. Chelsea Bok, 27, of Van Wert, appeared this past Friday for an arraignment hearing. Bok pleaded not guilty to a charge of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a charge […]

MSVW announces Chocolate Walk date

VW independent/submitted information Local residents’ next visit downtown might be a little bit sweeter, according to Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Dan Baisden. The MSVW Promotions Committee announces the return of the Downtown Chocolate Walk, to be held Friday evening, February 9. Participating businesses will be open for this special event from 5-8 p.m. […]

Entrepreneurship Fair scheduled for Feb.

VW independent/submitted information The ninth annual Entrepreneurship Fair will be held from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, February 3, in the Community Room of Vantage Career Center. Organizers of the event include the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, and the Business Enterprise Center at […]