Legislation an attempt to limit ODH orders

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — State Representative Craig S. Riedel (R-Defiance) joined his House colleagues Wednesday in passing legislation that reduces state agency regulations and improves oversight of state health department orders.  Senate Bill 1, originally introduced by State Senators Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) and Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), was amended to limit any orders issued by […]

Six appear for Common Pleas hearings

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Six people appeared this past week for criminal hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Of those, two sentencing hearings were held. Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge David Cheney, on assignment from the Ohio Supreme Court, sentenced Taylor Vannett, 21, of Van Wert, to two years of community control, […]

OHSAA starts new training campaign

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Inspiring student-athletes to continue training during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has launched the #howicompete campaign, which will collect and promote messages and videos posted by OHSAA member schools, media and the OHSAA’s allied organizations. With school facilities shuttered, student-athletes are not permitted to gather together, […]

Gov. makes necessary state budget cuts

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided updates Tuesday on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with budget cuts at the top of the list for the day.  State budget impactDue to the economic impact of COVID-19, Governor DeWine announced $775 million […]

Be aware of IRS scams…

The phone rings. You see a government agency is calling. You hear a monotone voice on the other line claiming to be the IRS asking for your social security number for your stimulus check.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the primary consumer protection agency, has cited this as a common scam targeting American consumers during COVID-19. While […]

YWCA awarded state domestic violence $$

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced his office distributed nearly $1 million in funding to domestic violence shelters and coalitions across the state, including a local domestic violence program, to assist battered men, women, and children in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “While we have been asked to stay […]

Patrol issues motorcycle safety reminder

VW independent/submitted information COLUMBUS — May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorcyclists to ride trained and sober. As summer approaches, motorists should be aware of an increase in motorcycles on the roadways.  In 2019, there were 3,585 traffic crashes involving motorcycles that resulted in 165 deaths and […]

VW County real estate tax reminder issued

VW independent/submitted information With the tax collection date for the second half of the 2019 tax year quickly approaching, there are a few things the staff of the Van Wert County Treasurer’s Office would like to make taxpayers aware of. Bills will be mailed by June 1 and will be due Monday, July 20. Taxpayers need […]

Erie helps out during COVID-19 pandemic

VW independent/submitted information Erie Insurance has put in place a number of initiatives to help its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is providing financial relief, flexible payment options, community support, and more. Here’s what to know. Customer dividends, mailed directly to policyholders in May: Most people are doing the right thing by staying home […]

‘VW Strong’ t-shirt curbside pick-up set

VW independent/submitted information Curbside pick-up is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 6, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., at the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce office, 118 N. Washington St. in Van Wert. All shirts ordered prior to May 1 will be available for pick up on Wednesday. Make checks payable to Van Wert Chamber of Commerce […]