Submitted information Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach recently held his office’s annual awards banquet at the Elks Lodge in Van Wert. Sheriff Riggenbach believes it is important to acknowledge and recognize staff for exceptional performance throughout the year. Staff are nominated by fellow staff members for each award, which is then reviewed by an […]
POSTED: 12/20/24 at 6:40 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The Optimist Club of Van Wert is seeking applications for its annual service award scholarship. Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert high schools. Vantage students from these home schools are also eligible. The criteria are hours of community service through a church, non-profit organization, […]
POSTED: 12/20/24 at 6:39 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Girls basketball Miller City 36 Lincolnview 35 Lincolnview came up just short at home, falling to Miller City 36-35 on Thursday. The Lancers (3-5) led at the end of each of the first three quarters, 10-9 after the first period, 29-16, and 33-29 after three periods. However, the visiting Wildcats (8-2) outscored […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 10:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports It was a rough night for Van Wert wrestlers, as the Cougars lost to Celina 60-15 at home on Thursday. Owen Bates, Renson Spear and Briggs Wallace won their matches for the Cougars (2-1 WBL). 285 – Cash Patrick (C) 3-2 OT decision over Breese Bollenbacher 106 – Owen […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 10:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Gary Ashbaugh, 69, of Van Wert, passed away early Thursday morning, December 19, 2024, at his residence. He was born on October 16, 1955, to Gayle A. and Phyllis Ann (Stripe) Ashbaugh and was a graduate of Lincolnview High School. Gary dedicated his life to public service and community engagement, serving as a former Pleasant […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 5:54 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Van Wert will lose its Big Lots store, as the discount retailer prepares to close all 900 remaining stores after a potential sale to a private equity firm fell through. The Columbus, Ohio-based chain made the announcement on Thursday. Going out of business sales will be held at all Big Lots stores. Van Wert independent […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 4:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Two Willshire residents were taken into custody this afternoon after unsuccessfully fleeing from Van Wert Police not once, but twice, first by car and then on foot. At approximately 1:15 p.m., a Van Wert Police officer observed Jesse James Stemen, 35, in a vehicle. The officer had knowledge of a warrant […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 3:30 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information TULLY TOWNSHIP – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a Wednesday evening fatal crash that involved two semi-trucks. Troopers were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. 30 at Ohio 49 North near Convoy at 6:16 p.m. Wednesday. A preliminary investigation revealed that Amie Marie Cook, […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 8:19 am. FILED UNDER: News
Wednesday December 18, 2024 12:38 a.m. – Deputies spoke to a resident from South Linn Street in the Village of Convoy for a complaint of harassment. 1:05 a.m. – Dispatched Scott and Van Wert EMS to a residence on Rumble Road in Hoaglin Township for a subject with cardiac issues. 6:28 a.m. – Deputies responded […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 7:50 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Gregory B. Schaffner, 59, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. Born on November 27, 1965, in Van Wert, he was the beloved son of Milo and Beverly “Jo” (Fowler) Schaffner and the cherished husband of Cheryl (Crider) Schaffner. Greg dedicated over 20 years of […]
POSTED: 12/19/24 at 6:59 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries