Barbara V. Morris

Barbara V. (Poe) Morris, 94, of Van Wert, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Defiance Area Inpatient Hopsice. She was born on June 19, 1927, in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, the daughter of the late J. Clifford and M. Murae (Davies) Poe. On April 6, 1947, she married Donald W. […]

Children donate

During Trinity and North Union’s Vacation Bible School, held July 12-15 at Trinity UMC, the children were encouraged to give one plastic bin of baby items such as baby toys, wipes, and sippy cups for the PLC’s Baby Boutique. Altogether, the kids brought in 108 items, enough for three bins. PLC officials said that they […]

Huggy Bear storm damage

An overnight storm system toppled this camper at Huggy Bear Campground in Middle Point. It happened shortly after 1:30 this morning and two occupants suffered minor bumps and scrapes and were rescued by the Middle Point firefighters, who cut through the roof. Awnings on several other campers were ripped off and a half dozen small […]

2021 NWC title race should be exciting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor The 2020 high school football season will kick off on Friday, August 20, for all Northwest Conference teams except Delphos Jefferson (see below) and this year’s NWC title race should prove to be very entertaining, with several teams in the mix for the title. Below are brief capsules of each NWC […]

NIL and more addressed by the OHSAA

Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio High School Athletic Association recently updated its member schools on several legislative issues that have developed or are in discussion within the Ohio General Assembly and their implications for schools and interscholastic athletics. Included in the recent legislative action are Name, Image and Likeness, transgender student-athlete participation, restoration of […]

Races, issues to appear on Nov. 2 ballot

Van Wert independent news City and village council races, along with races for school boards, township trustee, a proposed Charter Commission and various local issues will be on the November 2 general election ballot in Van Wert County. Wednesday, August 4, was the deadline to file petitions for issues or candidates in time for the […]

Two downtown VW businesses relocate

VW independent staff/submitted information Two downtown Van Wert businesses have temporarily relocated to make way for Phase 1 of Van Wert Forward. Rhoades Insurance is now located at 122 N. Washington St. (beside the Chamber of Commerce Office), while The Warehouse has relocated to 105 W. Main St., next to Elite Interiors. Both businesses continue […]

Haven of Hope donation

Since Noah Girod has been incarcerated at the Allen Correctional Institution, he’s made his time count by earning his GED and passing four other courses. Since enrolling at Sinclair College in the spring of 2020, his transcript shows he’s made the Dean’s List all three semesters. In continuing his commitment to giving back to Van […]

Operation Back to School event coming

Submitted information First United Methodist Church, located at 113 W. Central Avenue in Van Wert, in partnership with many Van Wert businesses and churches has set the date of Thursday, August 19 for their sixth annual Operation Back to School event for Van Wert County high school students. This free event provides backpacks, school supplies, […]

BGSU student artwork opens on Thursday

Join us this Thursday at our next opening! On August 12, 6 p.m. we are featuring large format works by art students from Bowling Green State University. The exhibit; Varied Perspectives: explorations of atmosphere, diversity in education and life after a pandemic. Works by Etta Gallaway, Tiarra Tufts and Isabel Wolke will be on exhibit […]