Lambert Days honors automotive pioneer

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor OHIO CITY — The Ohio City Park Board is sponsoring its 52nd Lambert Days celebration, beginning this afternoon and running through Sunday, July 19-21. The annual celebration honors American automotive pioneer John Lambert, whose Lambert gasoline buggy was the first practical gasoline-powered automobile available for sale in America. He initially designed and […]

Governor signs state budget legislation

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Amended Substitute House Bill 166, Ohio’s Fiscal Year 2020-21 general operating budget, into law. “I am proud that this budget will significantly impact the lives of Ohioans through its unprecedented investments,” said Governor DeWine. “It lays the groundwork for a better Ohio for generations to […]

Community Concert Band to have concert

VW independent/submitted information On Friday July 26, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.   Music to be performed will include a tribute in celebration of the 50th anniversary […]

O’Hagan to throw out first Wiffleball pitch

VW independent/submitted information WREN — Wren area resident Karen O’Hagan has been selected by the Wrenway Park Wiffleball Committee to start the Wren Homecoming celebration on August 16 by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for the 28th year of Wiffleball action at 5:50 that evening.  O’Hagan is involved with many volunteer groups beneficial to […]

Summer Music Concert moved to NPAC

VW independent/submitted information Due to extreme weather conditions, the Fountain Park Summer Music Series will be moved to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio this Friday.  The NPAC will be rocking Friday night as Satisfaction! The Rolling Stones Tribute rolls into Van Wert to provide the community with a night of fun and […]

City announces John Brown Road closing

VW independent/submitted information According to Van Wert Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming’s office, John Brown Road, between Grill Road and Production Drive, will be closed starting Friday, July 26, for a street reconstruction project.   The road closure will be in place until the project is completed.

Great fun was had at Town Creek Live!

Thanks to all who came out Saturday to attend our fifth Town Creek Live! Such great fun with new things to do and music familiar and new to listen too! Puppet shows and maker workshops, an art exhibit that visitors made and the food trucks stayed for late snacking. The evening was spent with people […]

Club waterfalls photo shoot postponed

Due to serious medical issues and transportation difficulties, the Van Wert Area Photography Club has decided to postpone its photo shoot of Greenville Falls, Ludlow Falls, West Milton Falls, and Charleston Falls for two weeks — that’s until Saturday, July 27. The hope is that all issues will be resolved, or at least improved by then.  […]

VWAPAF gives patrons their $$ worth

There is a buzz of excitement this week at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. We are celebrating the art of saving. The Bundle & Save opportunity is now underway. Of the 28 live events this season, patrons can select three or more and create their own series of shows. Traditionally, this has been called the […]

2 get prison; 15 arraigned in CP Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor A total of 15 people entered pleas Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court to grand jury indictments. In addition, two Rockford residents were given prison sentences related to identity fraud, racketeering, and tampering with records offenses, among others. Carolyn Sears, 59, was given a total of nine years in prison […]