The Van Wert County Courthouse

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Barring a guilty plea or a continuance, Van Wert County’s first murder trial in seven years will take place in mid-August. The charges against Larry Andrus Jr., 48, are connected to the September 30, 2023, death of Roy D. Watts, 59, at his home on South Vine Street. According to a police […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 10:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff/submitted information Business Boot Camp 2024 offered an immersive journey for aspiring and established entrepreneurs focused on igniting business growth, knowledge sharing, and fostering community development.  The first of the three-part program, the Entrepreneur Workshop, was held in February. Designed to empower attendees with crucial insights, resources, and best practices for business success, […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 10:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News

Independent staff/submitted information Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 62 has organized a local food drive. Dates of participation are Monday, August 12, through Saturday, September 14 . There will be labeled collection barrels at the following collection points: Van Wert City Police Department, 515 E. Main St.  Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, 113 N. Market […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News

Submitted information Van Wert City Schools has announced its 2024-2025 free and reduced price meals policy for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Each school office and the central office has a copy of the policy, which any interested party may review. […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News

Independent staff/submitted information On Saturday, August 10, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the Harley C. Jones Memorial Rotary Amphitheater in Celina’s Bryson Park by the lake. The program will begin at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. Opening the program singing The National Anthem will be vocal […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 9:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News

Jo Ann Phipps, 92, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at Vancrest of Payne.  Jo Ann was born December 14, 1931, at home in Paulding County, to Cathryn (Price) and Adam Winans, who both preceded her in death. On August 5, 1950, Jo Ann married Jack (John W.) Phipps, who passed away in April 2016. […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 2:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Tuesday July 30, 2024 4:18 a.m. – Dispatched Wren and Ohio City EMS to a residence on Walnut Grove Church Road in Willshire Township for a subject who had fallen. 6:33 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on U.S. 33 in the Village of Willshire to check an abandoned 911 call. 10:11 a.m. – […]

POSTED: 07/31/24 at 8:11 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Since the COVID-19 pandemic, shortages of parts and materials have been commonplace in a variety of businesses and industries and the road construction business is no exception. The ongoing Leeson Ave. reconstruction project came to a temporary halt for a little over a month, from mid-June well into July, due to problems […]

POSTED: 07/30/24 at 9:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News

It made its debut last Thursday and now, it’s operational. The newly refurbished Van Wert National Bank clock at the corner of Main and Washington streets in downtown Van Wert became functional late Tuesday afternoon, thanks to the work of Smith’s Bell and Clock Service employees. The clock, which dates back more than 100 years, […]

POSTED: 07/30/24 at 9:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff The deadline is fast approaching to file paperwork for local issues to on the November 5 ballot. Paperwork must be filed with the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office by 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 7. According to Director Pam Henderson, various renewal issues will be on the fall ballot, along with […]

POSTED: 07/30/24 at 9:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News