Top 10 of ’23: election, 2 separate murders

Editor’s note: The Van Wert independent is doing a series of articles on what it has identified as the top 10 local news stories of 2023. This is the final installment of the series, featuring the top two stories of the year. SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor No. 2 – Markward re-elected, city council gets three new […]

Local rest area closing for reconstruction

VW independent staff/submitted information CONVOY — The Ohio Department of Transportation will close the east and westbound rest areas along U.S. 30 in Convoy on Thursday, January 11, for demolition and replacement. Plans call for the replacement of all existing buildings and resurfaced parking areas. The rest area will be entirely closed with barricades, including […]

Van Wert man arrested for menacing

VW independent staff COLDWATER — A Van Wert man is facing a felony charge of menacing by stalking, for allegedly harassing his ex-girlfriend, a resident of Coldwater, by calling and texting her numerous times during a two-day period. Eric Seekings, 41, was arrested by Van Wert Police earlier this week. He was taken to the […]

Millions in drugs, cash, guns seized

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — The law enforcement task forces organized under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission confiscated more than $63 million in illegal drugs in 2023, including notable increases in cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. In 2023, the task forces also seized 400 firearms and $5,471,132 million in currency. Under OOCIC’s direction, task […]

Car hits tree

This car hit a tree at Lincoln Highway and Gilliland Road early Thursday afternoon. The car apparently swerved to avoid a collision at the intersection, then traveled traveled several hundred feet on the grass before striking the tree. The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Middle Point Fire Department were […]

Union Twp. Trustees to hold meeting

Submitted information The Union Township Trustees will hold their 2024 re-organizational meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 4, at the township building, 9987 Dixon Cavett Road, Van Wert.

State releases new unemployment figures

VW independent staff COLUMBUS — Mercer County had Ohio’s lowest jobless rate during the month of November, according to figures released this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Mercer County’s jobless rate was just 1.9 percent, while Wyandot County, Putnam County and Holmes County tied for second lowest at 2.1 percent. […]

Holiday weekend hoops roundup

VW independent sports Van Wert 60 Columbus Grove 51 Van Wert stunned previously undefeated Columbus Grove 60-51 on Friday night. The Bulldogs entered the game 3-0. The Cougars trailed 16-12 after the first quarter but outscored the visitors 21-8 in the second quarter to carry a 33-24 lead into halftime. Kaden Shaffer drained a pair […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 12/28/2023

Thursday, December 28, 2023 1:29 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on Washington Street in the City of Van Wert to assist Van Wert Police. 4:55 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Sycamore Street in the City of Van Wert to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 6:15 a.m. – […]

Top 10 of ’23: changes, pay raise saga

Editor’s note: The Van Wert independent is doing a series of articles on what it has identified as the top 10 news stories of 2023. The series will run through Saturday, December 30, and will feature stories that generated the most interest from the community. Today’s article features the No. 4 and 3 stories of […]