County spared severe storm damage

VW independent staff/submitted information There were some unsettling moments but Van Wert County came through last Thursday’s tornado outbreak unscathed, according to Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy. The worst hit area in the region was just over an hour south of Van Wert, in Logan County’s Indian Lake area, including Lakeview, Russells […]

Orchard Island damage

These pictures at Orchard Island in Logan County show the devastation caused by last Thursday’s EF-3 tornado. Residents, neighbors, volunteers and others were out in full force on Saturday to help begin cleanup efforts. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Several tornadoes hit south and east

VW independent staff Here is a list of tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service to have touched down in Ohio on Thursday, March 14. EF-1 in western Mercer County, west of Celina. EF-1 in eastern Mercer County and western Auglaize County, west of Wapakoneta. EF-3 beginning in southern Auglaize County near Fryburg, continuing through […]

DeWine declares state of emergency

Submitted information Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency across 11 counties impacted by last week’s severe weather. The counties include Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union counties. The declaration orders all relevant state departments and agencies to lend their services, equipment, supplies, and personnel as necessary […]

Myers to become Crestview HS principal

VW independent staff CONVOY — Pending board approval, Mimi Myers will be named as Crestview High School’s new principal. Myers currently serves as Crestview Director of Curriculum/Instruction, but will resign that position to become principal. The Crestview Local Schools Board of Education will vote on her appointment during tonight’s monthly meeting. She’s expected to be […]

Vantage hosts SkillsUSA competition

VW independent staff/submitted information Vantage Career Center recently hosted the Northwest Ohio Regional SkillsUSA Competition, an event that brought together hundreds of skilled students from 20 participating school districts. The competition provided a platform for students to showcase their career and technical skills in various fields, promoting excellence in career and technical education. The highlight […]

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — March 17-23 has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Ohioans to prepare themselves for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunder, lightning, tornadoes, and floods. Severe Weather Awareness Week is held annually each March. “As evidenced by last week’s […]

LCC, Russia, O-G among state teams

VW independent sports/submitted information COLUMBUS — The 102nd edition of the Ohio High School Athletic Association boys basketball state tournament begins Friday at the University of Dayton Arena. The Division IV and III semifinals are on Friday, followed by the Division II and I semifinals on Saturday. All four state championship games are on Sunday. […]

Jones to Ashland

Crestview High School senior Hunter Jones recently signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and baseball careers at Division II Ashland University. Jones is pictured with his mother Trisha, his father Steve and Crestview head baseball coach Jim Wharton. Photo submitted

Gerker shines!

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has announced that Everett Gerker, representing Van Wert Elks Lodge and the Ohio Elks Association, placed second in his age group at the recent Elks Regional Soccer contest. Everett competed in the 7 and under division and competed against the winners from the other […]