Forensic lab receives substantial grant

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — The State Fire Marshal’s forensic laboratory has been awarded a $239,250 grant to purchase cutting-edge technology to enhance its investigation capabilities. The lab investigates fires and explosions that occur across the state. This latest funding fulfills a three-year $771,000 grant, and is part of $3.4 million awarded to 11 crime […]

Local health board schedules meeting

Submitted information The regular monthly meeting of the Van Wert County General Health District Board of Health will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June `7, at the Van Wert County General Health District, 1179 Westwood Drive, Suite 300, Van Wert.

Crestview softball awards

The Crestview softball program recently held its postseason awards night to recognize athletes for their hard work throughout the season. Coach Ali Sawmiller and her staff presented several awards during the event that wrapped up the season. NWC Scholar-Athletes (above, left to right): Violet Dirr, Kaci Gregory, Kaylee Mollenkopf, Dakota Thornell, and Katie Sawmiller. Special […]

Beware of counterfeit bills

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office has received a report of counterfeit $20 bills being passed as real currency in the county. The Sheriff’s Office is urging caution as some of the bills appear very real. The $20 bill shown above has “copy money” printed on the front and back, but that’s not always the […]

Ribbon cutting

The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce marked the relocation of Red Oak Realty with a ribbon cutting at their new location at 905 S. Shannon St. Van Wert. Red Oak Realty was founded in February of 2021 by managing partners Amber Davis and Josh Ebbing. Currently, Ebbing is the principal broker and Davis is the […]

Eddie Munster coming to Middle Point

VW independent staff/submitted information MIDDLE POINT — In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the beloved television series “The Munsters,” the Van-Del Drive-In will host a special event featuring a screening of the classic film “Munster, Go Home.” Fans are in for an extra treat as Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster, will make a […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 6/4/2024

Tuesday June 4, 2024 2:13 a.m. – Deputies spoke with a resident from Defiance Trail Road in Hoaglin Township for a complaint of harassment. 7:38 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to a location on Towne Center Boulevard in the City of Van Wert for a subject with chest pain. 11:55 a.m. – Dog Warden […]

Andrus in court on motions request

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A man accused of fatally strangling another man, then fleeing the area appeared in court for a motion session on Monday. Larry Andrus Jr., 48, is charged with murder, an unclassified felony;  voluntary manslaughter, a first degree felony; two counts of involuntary manslaughter, first degree felonies; strangulation, a second degree felony, and […]

Vantage Bd. to vote on teacher contract

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor If all goes as planned, teachers at Vantage Career Center will soon have a new three-year contract. The Vantage Career Center Board of Education will meet Thursday night and will vote on a new three-year contact with the Vantage Teachers Organization, AFT, Local 4321. The contract will begin July 1 and will […]

Farm Focus scholarship winners named

Submitted information The recipients of the 2024 Farm Focus Inc. scholarships are Luke Heffelfinger and Lillian Mount awarded $2,000 each, and Levi Grace and Claire Keysor awarded $1,000 each. Heffelfinger (above left) is a 2023 Lincolnview High School graduate attending The Ohio State University Agriculture Technical Institute (ATI), Wooster. He is majoring in livestock management […]