Council temporarily OKs Haven of Hope

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent writer If the necessary steps are taken, a men’s homeless shelter will open — at least temporarily — in Van Wert. The decision by Van Wert City Council allows Haven of Hope to open the shelter on North Market Street upon receipt of necessary permits, and it allows it to remain open while […]

Access limited to commissioners’ office

VW independent/submitted information Due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), access to the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners’ Office will be limited, effective Tuesday, March 24, until Ohio Governor Mike DeWine lifts his declared state of emergency in Ohio. All regular business at the county commissioners’ office will continue as scheduled, […]

COVID-19 deaths at 6; state cutting costs

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Monday afternoon that Ohio will take steps to cut expenditures in state government.  “Commercial activity is slowing down across Ohio, and as a result, state revenues will also go down dramatically. It is important, as Governor, that I take action now,” said Governor DeWine. “The earlier […]

VW Live events canceled, rescheduled

VW independent/submitted information Due to the state ban on mass gatherings and necessity for social distancing, the Van Wert Live events scheduled at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center through May 3 have been canceled or rescheduled.  Canceled shows include The Isaacs & Terry Bradshaw (April 17), Here Come The Mummies (April 25), Paul Keels (April […]

RLF defers payments; some loans available

VW independent/submitted information Since the first case of coronavirus in the U.S. was confirmed last month, residents and many businesses have been impacted. In anticipation of this impact, last week, the Revolving Loan Fund Board made a decision to offer loan payment deferrals for three months, without interest, for current loans, with the ability to reassess.   […]

Board of Elections has new information

VW independent/submitted information Per the direction of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, effective Monday and until further notice, the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office will be open with limited staff and hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Board of Elections staff members will be available to answer telephone […]

Patricia Louise Fellers

The Fellers family is sad to announce the passing of Patricia Louise Fellers on March 20, 2020. Pat passed away as a result of extended illness while at Van Wert Manor.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Gorman and Thelma Hurst Gorman; a brother, Dan (Linda) Gorman; her husband Bill J. Fellers; […]

Janet Ruth Davis

Janet Ruth Davis of Wren passed away at 10:50 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Swiss Village in Berne, Indiana.  She was born to Joseph G.E. Pence and Thelma V. (Davis) Hutchins on April 17, 1935. Janet was united in marriage to Larry “Moe” Davis on October 9, 1955, in Decatur, Indiana, and together they […]

Council to hold public meeting tonight

Van Wert independent Van Wert City Council will be holding its meeting in person, according to a statement Sunday by Council President Jon Tomlinson. “After discussion with the mayor, the plan is to hold tomorrow’s Council meeting as scheduled. We will consider tomorrow’s meeting under the Governor’s “Essential Government Functions” (exception).”  The meeting is also […]

Judge continues jury trials through May 1

VW independent/submitted information In response to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s “stay at home” executive order, Van Wert County Common Pleas Judge Martin D. Burchfield has ordered that all Common Pleas jury trials through May 1 be continued and rescheduled, along with holding as many hearings and conferences as possible by telephone or video link.