Video: VW’s Gabe Steyer pins his opponent

Van Wert’s Gabe Steyer won his 138 pound match against Preston Wiechart of St. Marys via a second period pin on Thursday night. However, the Roughriders won the dual match 42-31. The Cougars will travel to New Haven (IN) on Saturday to wrestle in the 16-team Bill Kerbel Invitational. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Robert L. Mager

Robert L. “Bob” Mager, 79, of Delphos, died Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born June 19, 1938, in Ohio City to Ray and Ardolia (Collins) Mager, who both preceded him in death. On April 30, 1960, he married Madelyn L. Horstman, who died July 3, 1996. Survivors […]

What’s new in 2018 at the Niswonger

The year 2017 has ended with a flourish at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Four of the final six concerts were sell-outs, and those that weren’t, nearly were. We now enter a new year and the second half of our season.  There will be 11 concerts and shows for you to enjoy, and that doesn’t include rentals such […]

Understanding the Sunny 16 lighting rules

There’s a good chance that if you are new to photography, or are happy with the results your camera produces using its auto setting, the Sunny 16 Rule won’t mean much to you.  However, back in the old days, it was a good thing to remember because auto settings were not all that common. Basically, […]

Watercolor Society Exhibit to start soon

The American Watercolor Society Exhibit will open on January 6 (hopefully) during regular gallery hours. Trucks seem to be freezing up and delivery has been delayed. They do seem to be back on schedule, however. This is an international based exhibit with some of the artists being from different parts of the globe. Please drop […]

Wolfrum files congressional seat petition

VW independent/submitted information U.S. Fifth District congressional candidate Todd Wolfrum of Van Wert filed his petition Wednesday at the Lucas County Board of Elections to be on the May primary ballot. Wolfrum is seeking the seat of incumbent Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green). Despite being in Washington for a decade, Wolfrum says Latta has failed to […]

Crestview board swears in new members

Van Wert independent CONVOY — The Crestview Local Board of Education held a special meeting on Wednesday to swear in first-time board members Nan Grace and Jake Sawmiller, and re-elected member Lori Bittner, as well as . Grace, a lifelong member of the Crestview district, has three children ages 9, 12, and 14 — one […]

Man sentenced to prison on drug count

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A Van Wert man was given a prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to a drug-related charge on Wednesday. Corey Davis, 25, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of illegal manufacture of drugs, a felony of the first degree. Two other charges were dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea […]

Flores to address human trafficking issue

VW independent/submitted information The definition of human trafficking is “the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation”. Don’t think human trafficking happens in your zip code? Think again. Come learn about what could be going on in […]

Knights, Lancers, Cougars hoops previews

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor The holidays are behind us, students are back in school and area basketball teams can return to normal practices schedules and games. Van Wert will play twice this weekend, Crestview will play Friday and Monday, while Lincolnview will play on Saturday. Below are brief previews of the games. Crestview Knights Crestview […]