It’s no game: don’t drink and drive

Submitted information OHIO/MICHIGAN STATE LINE — The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Michigan State Police are teaming up to sideline impaired driving during The Game on Saturday. There is definitely a rivalry between the two states when it comes to Big Ten football, but there is no rivalry when it comes to removing impaired […]

Fountain Park fun!

Van Wert’s Fountain Park has come alive for the holidays with the Christmas at Fountain Park display. A special opening night ceremony was held Wednesday night. Mayor Ken Markward flipped the switch, Santa and live reindeer made an appearance, and the Van Wert High School Select Choir sang Chrismtas carols. The annual display will be […]

Houser waives right to speedy trial

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A Rockford man charged in connection with the September shooting death of a Van Wert woman has requested a delay in his case. During a hearing held Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Ryan J. Houser, 38, signed a time waiver and requested additional time to prepare his case. The […]

Four people sentenced in local court

VW independent staff Below is a list of criminal hearings that were held between Thursday, November 16, and Wednesday, November 22, in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Judge Martin Burchfield presided over each hearing. Sentencings Shaun Berry, 43, of Delphos, was sentenced to three years of community control on 30 days in jail at […]

CHP honors Drake

CHP Home Care & Hospice has recognized Connie Drake for 40 years of service on the Community Health Professionals, Inc. Board of Directors. Brent Tow, CHP President and CEO presented Drake with a plaque and the honorary title of “Board Member Emeritus” at the November meeting of the nonprofit board. A lifelong nurse, Drake is […]

Klopfenstein seeks ethanol tax credit

VW independent staff COLUMBUS — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) has introduced legislation that will create a temporary non-refundable tax credit on sales of E15 and higher blended biofuels of 5 cents per gallon. The credit will be available to all businesses selling fuel containing at least 15 percent ethanol (E15). The tax credit will […]

Ohio Mr. Football finalists announced

VW independent sports/submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association has announced the finalists for the 2023 Ohio Mr. Football Award. The winner will be announced next Thursday afternoon in Canton prior to the start of the OHSAA football state championships. The prestigious honor has been awarded since 1987. Ohio’s Mr. Football was selected […]

Attention local winter sports coaches

VW independent sports All local winter sports coaches are reminded that after each game or event, win or lose, to send scores, scorebook pages, statistics and any other relevant information to sports@thevwindependent.com. Screenshots of the information are also accepted at 419.681.2130. Sending the information, or having an assistant coach, team manager or other team representative […]

Peggy L. (Kear) (Semer) Stuckey

This world has lost the most amazing, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that ever lived. Peggy L. (Kear) (Semer) Stuckey was born at Van Wert County Hospital on April 13, 1936, to Robert Eugene and Edith Lucina (Gernan) Kear. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Billie Gene Kear, Robert Eugene Kear […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 11/21/2023

Tuesday November 21, 2023 3:09 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Kneller Road in Liberty Township for a report of a domestic dispute. 5:30 a.m. – Deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a deer on U.S. 224 in Harrison Township. No injuries were reported. 9:00 a.m. – Deputies along with Van […]