Study to look at transportation needs

Submitted information COLUMBUS — With rapid economic growth happening throughout the state, Governor Mike DeWine put funding into the recent transportation budget to allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to conduct a $10 million study to look at the state’s transportation needs now and into the future. The consulting team has been selected and the […]

Local quilt show winners announced

VW independent staff/submitted information The votes have been tallied and the People’s Choice Awards winners for the recent Old Fashioned Farmers Days Quilt and Needle Arts Show, held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds are as follows: Favorite Hand Quilted Bed Quilt 1st – Lois Weber; 2nd – Lois Weber; 3rd – Ruth Wheeler Favorite […]

Local church wins $5,000 mini-grant

Submitted information Although issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and addictions have been on the rise for years, since 2020 the problem has developed into a full-blown mental health crisis. This is true for people of all walks of life and belief systems, Christians and nonbelievers alike. The National Institute of Health claims nearly […]

The magic of Disney… Family fun in the summer sun will feel so good in Fountain Park at 7:30 p.m. this Friday. Back by popular demand, the family concert of the Feel Good Friday Series in 2022 makes a triumphant return. Get out the Disney costumes and join us for festive family memory-making with the […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 7/10/2023

Monday July 10, 2023 7:21 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to a location on U.S. 127 in Hoaglin Township for a subject with an unknown problem. 9:34 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Glenmore Road in Willshire Township to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 9:46 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy […]

Raise proposals amended, vote coming

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It wasn’t unanimous but Van Wert City Council took a step toward raising the salaries of certain elected officials, including salaries for those who are sitting on council next January. Raises were discussed at city council’s final meeting of June and Monday night, council members approved amendments to a pair of ordinances, […]

Law Director addresses fireworks law

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor The topic of fireworks was briefly addressed during Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council. While many people enjoy fireworks, there are some that don’t care for them inside the city limits. The reasons can vary, from those with PTSD to people with pets who are afraid of the noise and […]

Barthels named UW Campaign Chair

VW independent staff/submitted information United Way of Van Wert County Executive Director Ashley Bultemeier announced Courtney Barthels as this year’s campaign chair for 2023-24. “Courtney volunteered at the Day of Caring event in high school while a student ambassador at Vantage in 2013,” Bultemeier said. “After that, she joined the Board of Trustees and became […]

YMCA donates to Pave the Way project

VW independent staff/submitted information The YMCA of Van Wert County announced in May that all new membership fees during the month of June would be donated in support of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society’s “Pave the Way” project at the VW County Fairgrounds. The project will improve current walkways and pave new walkways that […]

Ottoville student named to state council

Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) announced today that 16 Ohio high school students, including one from Ottoville, have been selected for the 2023-2024 Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council. Cole Knippen is one of two northwest Ohio students named to this year’s council. Governor Mike DeWine created the inaugural council last […]