NPAC season video

Here’s the promotional video for the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio’s 2018-19 season.

Richardson retires from VWPD in June

VW independent/submitted information After 25 full-time years in law enforcement, Van Wert Police Officer Stephen E. Richardson retired on June 5. He started with the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office and worked there for four years before coming to the Police Department on January 19, 1997, where he has worked for more than 21 years. […]

Local jazz group to play Arts in the Park

VW independent/submitted information OHIO CITY — Playing at Arts in the Park this Saturday is Van Wert Jazz. Made up of active local musicians, the group comes together to play jazz favorites. Come on out to the park for a wide variety of selections by the group, ranging from blues to bebop. The lineup for Saturday […]

VWAEDC announces annual meeting

VW independent/submitted information The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (VWAEDC) will have its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 12, starting at 6 p.m. in Vantage Career Center’s Community Room. During the meeting, VWAEDC staff members swill provide an update on economic development progress, demographic metrics, and future projects. Memberships for the 2018-19 year will […]

Random thoughts: Braun, football & more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor Van Wert has a state champion, her teammates had a good showing in Columbus, the NBA Finals and the NFL’s ongoing national anthem controversy are among today’s random thoughts. History made Van Wert’s Megan Braun did something that few people have the opportunity to do – win a state championship and […]

Building comes down!

A long-vacant building located at the corner of Main and Franklin streets in Van Wert came down with a crash on Monday. The demolition was completed through the Van Wert Land Reutilization Corporation (land bank) program administered by the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation. photos by Bob Barnes and Rick McCoy (aerial) for the […]

Ohio A-G releases START program report

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has released the Ohio START Interim Report, tracking the progress of the Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma) Pilot Program. Ohio START is an intervention program that provides specialized victims services, such as intensive trauma counseling to children who have suffered victimization due to parental drug […]

VW Elks to host annual Flag Day service

VW independent/submitted information Local residents are encouraged to attend the annual Flag Day services to be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at Elks Lodge 1197 in Van Wert. The annual event is sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, with the Boy Scouts of America also participating. Flag Day, celebrated each […]

Business Day donor

Foster Family Chiropractic is sponsoring a Business Day at the YMCA’s Camp Clay Aqua Center on June 12. Shown are YMCA Camp Clay Director Kevin Morrison (center) with Dr. Shad Foster (left) and Dr. Mark Fuerst of Foster Family Chiropractic.YMCA photo

VWFT gives to Summer Food Program

VW independent/submitted information The YWCA of Van Wert recently received a donation from Van Wert Federation of Teachers Local 4088. The funds were raised from staff and employees throughout the district. Jeff Hood, Local 4088 president, presented YWCA Executive Director Kimberly Laudick with a check for $1,250. The donation will be used to support the […]