Health Dept. reports 1 COVID-19 death

VW independent and submitted information As of Wednesday, the Van Wert County General Health District reports one additional COVID-19 death of a resident of Van Wert County, bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths to 80. The age range of the deceased is 60-69 years. The health department reports an increase in 113 confirmed cases […]

Ohio City awarded funds from Ohio EPA

Van Wert independent news OHIO CITY — Ohio City is receiving $833,930 from the Ohio EPA to improve wastewater infrastructure and to make other improvements. The money, which does not have to be repaid, will be used to line the sanitary sewer lines in areas with known storm water inflow and infiltration and to replace […]

Increased patrols to continue on roads

VW independent and submitted information Thanksgiving Day may be over, but the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the Ohio Traffic Safety Grant, will continue to have an increased presence and patrols on the roadways during the remainder of the holiday weekend. Deputies are watching for various crash-causing violations including speeding, reckless driving, […]

Foster D. Coleman

Foster Douglas Coleman, 84, of Van Wert, passed away at 5:43 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home. He was born on February 12, 1937, in Pikeville, Kentucky, the son of Warren R. Coleman and Ollie (Harmon) Coleman, who both preceded him in death. Foster married Sharlene Coleman on February 19, […]

Irma Kay (Schilling) Bennett

Irma Kay (Schilling) Bennett, 78, of Ohio City, passed away at 11:34 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Van Wert Health. She was born on September 7, 1943, in Kenton, the daughter of Randall Rolo and Bessie A. (Johnson) Rodenberger and was raised by Goldie M. and Alfred C. Schilling of Kenton, and all of […]

5 criminal hearings held in local CP Court

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Five people appeared for criminal hearings this past week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Two of the defendants entered changes of pleas to various charges. Julie Survilla, 45, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to breaking and entering, a fifth degree felony and two counts of aggravated possession […]

Holiday gift idea… We are still basking in the afterglow of a very awe-inspiring Denver And The Mile High Orchestra concert last Sunday evening at the Niswonger. With every live concert experience, the Van Wert Live Team remembers our “why.” Everyone is coming off of a year of struggle and division. Witnessing the power of […]

Season in Review: 2021 Van Wert Cougars

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It may not have ended as hoped but it’s more than fair to say the 2021 season was a very successful one for Van Wert. Coming off a 2020 state championship season, the Cougars finished 12-2 (8-1) and earned a share of the Western Buckeye League championship for the first time since […]

Lincolnview wins!

Lincolnview’s Kendall Bollenbacher (15) boxes out for a rebound during Tuesday’s game against Ottoville. Bollenbacher finished the game with a double-double, 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the Lady Lancers enjoyed a 48-33 victory over the Big Green. Makayla Jackman added nine points and Carsyn Looser posted a game high 14 rebounds as Lincolnview finished […]

Changes made to area basketball schedules

Van Wert independent sports New dates and times have been set for most of this weekend’s boys’ basketball games that were postponed due to the success of Van Wert’s football team. The November 26 season opener between Van Wert and Crestview has been moved to February 15. The game will be played at Crestview High […]