Outage affecting local 911 service

Submitted information There is currently a network server/interface outage affecting multiple areas of the United States and other areas around the globe. Some systems/networks are not available. Van Wert County is currently still receiving 911 calls, just not all information that normally comes with the call. Law enforcement is getting the voice but not the […]

Easy going concert…

If you like “trop rock” music, Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert is the place to be tonight. Gone 2 Paradise, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band will bring tropical vibes to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Gone 2 Paradise is considered one of the best Jimmy Buffett tribute bands in the country. Concessions will be […]

Warning issued about THC products

Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued a consumer alert regarding cannabis products containing Delta-8 THC that feature packaging appealing to children. This comes on the heels of cease-and-desist letters issued July 16 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to five companies for utilizing packaging that imitates food items […]

Friday Flashback: Cougars drop finale

Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback feature is back on the Sports page of the VW independent until the end of August. Each Friday, the VW independent will turn back the hands of time by featuring a sports story dating back 10 years or longer. This installment goes back to October of 2012 and the football […]

Judith M. Germann

Judith M. Germann, 92, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 19, 1931, to Donald and Ruby (Sterling) Putt of Middle Point, who both preceded her in death. In 1949, Judy graduated from Middle Point High School and was a cheerleader for three […]

Bomb squad called to Van Wert County

VW independent staff CONVOY — A bomb squad from Dayton was summoned to Convoy on Wednesday, after an possible unknown explosive device was found at a home on Ohio St. in the village. According to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the scene just before noon on Wednesday. Wright Patterson Air […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 7/17/2024

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:38 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Crawford Street in the City of Van Wert to assist the Van Wert Police. 2:37 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 30 in Pleasant Township to assist the Van Wert Police. 7:05 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area […]

Marsh horse program gets a boost

VW independent staff/submitted information The Marsh Foundation is in the midst of creating an equine therapy program on campus. The expanded clinical program will be another tool the organization can use to assist in the healing of Marsh clients and their families. In an effort to assist the program’s development, the Van Wert County Foundation has […]

Sales tax holiday notably expanding

VW independent staff COLUMBUS — Ohio’s annual sales tax holiday will look much different this year compared to previous years. For example, instead of just three or four days, it will last 10 days – 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, to 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 8. In conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly, Governor Mike […]

Hospital teaming up with local agencies

VW independent staff/submitted information In an effort to ensure area residents have access to nutritious food this summer, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is teaming up with United Way of Van Wert County and the West Ohio Food Bank to hold a pair of food drives. Preparations are underway for the first event that will take […]