Van Wert Police blotter 1/21-1/27/24

Van Wert Police Sunday, January 21 – charged Stephen Joseph Jared of Van Wert with criminal mischief after climbing a Van Wert city street light pole and disconnecting downtown speakers. Sunday, January 21 – arrested Lance Thompson in the 600 block of Temple St. on an outstanding warrant from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. Sunday, […]

Volunteers are the backbone

By Quincy Thompson The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is proud to highlight the indispensable contributions of its dedicated volunteers who play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional experiences to our community. Without their unwavering support, we would not be able to consistently bring world-class performances that leave audiences asking for more. On any given show […]

Chain reaction crash

One person was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, after a four-vehicle chain reaction accident on S. Shannon St., near Quick Lane. The crash occurred shortly after 7:30 this morning. Two cars sustained heavy damage, a third was moderately damaged and a pickup truck was lightly damaged. Three of the vehicles were towed from the […]

Chocolate Walk tickets are sold out

VW independent staff Tickets for Main Street Van Wert’s annual Chocolate Walk are sold out. The annual event will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, February in the downtown area.

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 1/30/2024

Tuesday January 30, 2024 402 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 30 in Tully Township for a report of reckless driving. 9:26 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Ohio 637 in Hoaglin Township on a report of a loose cow. 11:11 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on Ohio […]

Murder suspect to claim self-defense

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Court papers show a local man facing several serious felony charges in connection with the September death of a S. Vine St. man is planning to claim self-defense at his trial. A notice of intent to use self-defense at trial was filed earlier this month on behalf of Larry Andrus Jr., 48, […]

K9 retiring after nine years of service

VW independent staff/submitted information PAULDING — The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating K9 Cooper’s 10th birthday, as well as his retirement. Cooper was purchased with a generous donation from the Cooper Family Foundation. “I remember when Caleb and I went to pick out this dog,” Sheriff Jason K. Landers said. “We discussed how fitting […]

State looking at nitrogen for executions

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS – Could nitrogren gas replace lethal injection as Ohio’s method of executions? Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, together with state Reps. Brian Stewart and Phil Plummer and Executive Director Lou Tobin of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, announced on Monday the introduction of legislation to permit the use of nitrogen […]

Rear end collision

These two vehicles were involved in a rear end collision at N. Washington St. (U.S. 127) and U.S. 30 shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported but both vehicles sustained heavy damage. The crash was investigated by the Van Wert Police Department. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Beekeeping class to be held in Celina

VW independent staff CELINA — The Greater Grand Lake Beekeepers Association will host its 10th annual Beginning Beekeeping Class on Saturday, March 9, in Celina. The class will begin at 8 a.m. and last until 5 p.m at the Richardson-Bretz Building, 119 W. Fulton St, just behind the Mercer County Library. Participants will learn everything […]