Council meeting turns testy over trash talk

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Tempers flared during Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council and once again, much of it was connected to trash. Health, Service and Safety Committee Chairman Bill Marshall distributed folders to fellow council members with information about trash management in other municipalities around the area. “One of the many complaints from […]

Fifteen Years… Opening in 2007, The Niswonger Performing Arts Center has entertained well over 300,000 from the Central Insurance Stage in the majestic Saltzgaber Auditorium. Van Wert Live, along with Scott and Nikki Niswonger and The Van Wert County Foundation present an offering of three acts to honor the legacy of live entertainment in Van […]

Random Thoughts: winter, fall and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor This week’s Random Thoughts centers around the end of the winter sports season, fall sports and football season, Malaki Branham and NIL revisited. Finally over This sounds weird to say in late June, but the 2021-2022 winter sports season is finally over. It ended Sunday night when the Colorado Avalanche won the […]

Miller named United Way campaign chair

VW independent staff/submitted information United Way of Van Wert County Executive Director Vicki Smith has announced Marie Miller as the 2022-2023 campaign chair. “Marie has been a great partner with the United Way,” Smith said. “She has provided us with marketing help for two years prior to her going on our board. She is very […]

W. Main fire…

The Van Wert Fire Department, Van Wert Police Department and Van Wert County CERT responded to a fire at an apartment house in the 1100 block of W. Main St. at approximately 8:30 Monday evening. Check back later for more details. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

Van Wert resident “Saved by the Belt”

Submitted information Van Wert resident Roderick K. Bowen joined Ohio’s “Saved by the Belt” Club Monday after his safety belt saved him from sustaining life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred on Wren-Landeck Road in Van Wert County on May 12. Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Adam L. Saylor presented Bowen with a “Saved by the Belt” […]

Health Dept. has school, COVID vaccines

VW independent staff and submitted information The Van Wert County Health Department is scheduling additional opportunities to have children vaccinated for the upcoming school year. Walk-in clinics, with no appointment necessary, will be held from 1-3 p.m. July 11 and August 8 at 1179 Westwood Drive, Van Wert. The health department is also taking appointments […]

Bird’s-eye view…

Here is an aerial view of the U.S. 224/Ohio 127/Marsh Road roundabout. The photo provides a view looking north on 127 and it shows the actual roundabout taking shape, including the roundabout in the middle of the picture. As noted Monday, the area just north of the Van Wert city limits will be closed to […]

Central announces new benefits package

VW independent staff/submitted information Central Insurance, a leading property and casualty carrier, recently announced a new company-wide benefits package aimed at creating an unparalleled employee experience that reflects the company’s commitment to relationships. Leveraging benchmarking data from the technology industry which is known for pioneering forward-thinking flexible time off policies, the competitive package is designed […]

James B. ”Jim” Smith

James B. “Jim” Smith, 80, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, following an extended illness.  He was born August 14, 1941 in Dayton to William Everett and Mary Katherine Smith, who both preceded him in death.  He is survived by his special friend, Susan Tidwell; […]