To the Editor: Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the people of Van Wert, Operation Christmas Child had a successful season in your area. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 7:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Letters to the Editor
Pamela P. “Pam” Beckner, 82, of Delphos, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s. She was born January 19, 1942, in Fort Jennings to Ivan and Ella Mae (Schille) Rupert, who both preceded her in death. On June 5, 1965, she was united in marriage to Harold Beckner. He survives in Delphos. […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 7:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff/submitted information Van Wert Police, the department’s drone and deputies with the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office searched the area in the 500 block of N. Franklin St. early this morning, after a passing motorist reported seeing what he thought was a young child walking during pre-dawn hours. According to Van Wert Police […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 10:52 am. FILED UNDER: News
Betty J. Johnson, 80, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 23, 1943, in Van Wert, the daughter of Robert Lloyd Dull and Marjorie Jean (Hoverman) Dull-Campbell, who both preceded her in death. Family survivors include her two sons, […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 10:33 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff A short jury trial, plea changes and arraignments were among the hearings held earlier this week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. Judge Martin Burchfield presided over each of the hearings. After a two-day jury trial, Tuesday and Wednesday, Robert K. Seibert, 37, of Sidney, was found guilty of failure to […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 4:52 am. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert Fire Department was called to CVS shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday to investigate a smoke odor investigation. The store had been evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department. The only thing that was found was a discarded cigarette was found on the entryway carpet and had stuck to the carpet. […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 4:52 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural Youth Academy session at Central Insurance on Tuesday. The pilot program will be presented through April, with each session taking place on the last Tuesday of each month at a different location within Van Wert County. “We have presented an adult leadership […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 4:51 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ahead of Super Bowl Sunday on February 11, the Ohio Investigative Unit and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control are reminding liquor permit holders of the steps they need to take to protect their establishments, employees, patrons and communities. The easiest step establishments can take to ensure their […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 4:51 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Two changes have already occurred and it appears at least one more change is on the way, one that will affect the girls and boys state basketball tournaments as we know them. One change already in place is the switch from the Martin RPI (Ratings Performance Index) to MaxPrep RPI. The Martin […]
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 4:50 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
Four Van Wert High School football players gathered Wednesday to sign letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From left to right are Caleb Bledsoe (Heidelberg), Keldyn Bill (Concordia), Conner Campbell (Ohio Dominican) and Gage Stemen (Siena Heights). Photo courtesy of Monica Campbell
POSTED: 02/08/24 at 4:49 am. FILED UNDER: Sports