Concert in the park…

The Fleetwood Mac tribute group Rumours entertained a large crowd in Fountain Park for the second Feel Good Friday concert sponsored by the Van Wert County Foundation. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent

Date set for 44th Schumm family reunion

Independent staff and submitted information The 44th John George Schumm Family Reunion will be held this year on Sunday, August 1, on the grounds of Zion Lutheran Church in Schumm.    A catered lunch (asking a donation for the meal) will be served at noon or bring a packed picnic lunch. Beverages and ice cream will […]

DeWine: More Ohioans getting vaccinated

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Thursday provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Vaccine uptakeOhio continues to see increases in vaccine uptake across the state following the announcement of the Ohio Vax-A-Million initiative that was launched last month to increase awareness of the availability and efficacy of COVID-19 […]

United Way provides funds to VWECC

Independent staff and submitted information United Way of Van Wert County recently granted the Van Wert Early Childhood Center a check for $3,004.09. The money was given on behalf of the New Initiative Funds, which allows tax-exempt organizations to apply in order to help with a one-time need or project in Van Wert County.  The […]

State Farm agency gives to global charity

Independent staff and submitted information Tisha Fast State Farm has partnered with Kylie Owens, ambassador of Love+ One International, to raise money and awareness for the organization.  Love+ One International is a non-profit organization that helps provide access to life-saving medical care for children in Uganda. Learn more about their mission here: Love One International – Love A Child. Save […]

Niswongers give to Back to School event

Independent staff and submitted information Scott Niswonger was born and grew up in Van Wert, where he learned to fly, soloing on his 16th birthday.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Aviation Technology and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Technology degree in 2004.  In addition, Mr. Niswonger earned a Bachelor […]

Lancers set for OHSAA state semifinals

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor The end of the 2021 high school baseball season is near and Lincolnview is one of just four Division IV teams still playing in the 93rd annual Ohio High School Athletic Association tournament. The Lancers (23-8, T-6th OHSBCA poll)) are scheduled to take the field against Lucasville Valley (20-11, No. 18) […]

Health Dept. reports 1 new COVID death

Independent staff and submitted information As of Thursday, the Van Wert County General Health District reports another death of a county resident who tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of county COVID deaths to 56. The age range of the deceased is from 90-99 years old. The health department also reports an increase […]

5 people plead to grand jury indictments

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Five people entered pleas to grand jury indictments this past week during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Wesley Endicott, 34, of Fort Jennings, pleaded not guilty to one count each of having weapons under disability, a felony of the third degree, and aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree […]

Prosecutor names new victims advocate

Independent staff and submitted information The Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office announces the addition of April Ellerbrock as the new county crime victims advocate.  Ellerbrock will be providing services to victims of crimes prosecuted by the Prosecutor’s Office in Van Wert County. She will be a liaison between victims, the courts, and law enforcement, providing […]