Robert Julian ‘Bob’ Rodgers

Robert Julian “Bob” Rodgers, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born December 29, 1942, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Robert D. and Marjorie (Schott) Rodgers, who both preceded him in death. Throughout his life, Bob followed his entrepreneurial spirit and became a successful owner and operator […]

Motorists should be vigilant for deer

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — During the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period, along with the fall breeding season and deer hunting season, AAA, Ohio State Highway Patrol, The Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are reminding motorists of the increase […]

Choirs at PFW…

All four Van Wert High School choirs participated in last Friday’s Three Rivers Choral Festival held at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Singers took part in a choral clinic facilitated by guest clinician Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt in Auer Performance Hall, learned about proper vocal technique with Dr. Matthew Giallongo, Director of PFW Vocal Studies, participated in […]

OSHP watching for impaired drivers

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods each year. As motorists travel throughout the state, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will be enforcing safe driving. Troopers will be highly visible and will crack down on impaired drivers and those failing to wear seat belts […]

Realtors help YWCA

“Women in Real Estate of Van Wert County” recently came together to adopt a room at the YWCA. These women work together daily and see the need being met by the YWCA, and they noted when women come together and support each other great things can happen. Anyone who would like to sponsor a room […]

Yost announces public service training

Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and nine partner agencies today announced The Mount Vernon Project: School of Public Service, a series of online trainings designed to give candidates for public office and newly elected officials at all levels of Ohio government an orientation to public service. Current public officials, too, are […]

Pigskin Pick’Em: state semifinals

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Ask any high school head football coach in Ohio – there’s nothing like practicing on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re doing that, you’re just one game away from competing for a state title in one of Ohio’s seven divisions. Entering Week No. 15, one Western Buckeye League team (Celina) is still going, while […]

Cougar bowlers sweep Bath in opener

VW independent sports LIMA — Van Wert opened the 2023-2024 high school bowling season with an impressive sweep of Bath at 20th Century Lanes on Monday. Boys The Cougars defeated the Wildcats 2,605-2,370. High games for the night went to junior Hayden Davis with a 194, sophomore Tristan Blackmore with a 192, junior Logan Sutton […]

Lancer bowlers split match with Elida

VW independent sports LIMA – Lincolnview and Elida split their bowling match at Westgate Lanes on Monday, with the Bulldogs posting a win on the boys’ side and the Lady Lancers rolling to victory on the girls’ side. Elida’s Xavier Boop led all bowlers with a 244-182-426 series, as the Bulldogs posted a 2,915-2,274 victory. […]

Sylvia Ann (Thomas) Alexander

Sylvia Ann (Thomas) Alexander, 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 19, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Valeria (Sponseller) and William Thomas. 70 years ago, she married the love of her life, Tom Alexander. Beginning in 1965, together with Tom, they built, founded, and worked together at Alexander & Bebout, Inc. […]