Juanema Isabella (McElhannon) Hitchcock

Juanema Isabella (McElhannon) Hitchcock, 95, of Belvedere Commons of Seneca, Seneca, South Carolina, went to be with her Heavenly Father and brothers and sisters in Christ at 3:24 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, 20 years after her sweet husband of 58 years, Jesse Franklin Hitchcock. Nema, also known as “Sweet Blue Eyes”, was born on […]

Top 10 stories of ’24: No. 4, No. 3

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Editor’s note: As the end of 2024 draws near, the Van Wert independent is publishing what it judges to be the Top 10 stories of the year. Articles featuring two stories each will be published daily, with the top two stories published on Tuesday, December 31. Today’s article features the No. 4 and […]

Boil water advisory in Willshire

VW independent staff WILLSHIRE — A pair of water main line breaks/leaks have prompted a boil water for resident in the Village of Willshire. The advisory is expected to remain in place for at least 24 hours. Check the Willshire Village Facebook page for more information.

Sunday earthquake could be felt locally

VW independent staff HICKSVILLE – An early Sunday morning earthquake occurred in northwest Ohio and could be felt in parts of the area, including Van Wert County. According to the United States Geological Survey, a 2.9 magnitude earthquak, which is considered minor, originated approximately 0.5 miles south-southeast of Hicksville at 6:46 a.m. No damage was reported.

Saturday night hoops…

Van Wert’s Xavier Kelly (2) passes the basketball during Saturday’s game at Ottoville. The Cougars came up just short, losing the game 45-44. A game recap can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

Tips on improving financial stability

Submitted information COLUMBUS — As Ohioans finalize their New Year’s resolutions, which often times involves saving money, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Financial Institutions is sharing tips to highlight ways that individuals and families can achieve financial stability and prosperity in 2025. According to the 2025 Financial Resolutions Study from Fidelity Investments, approximately 65 percent of survey respondents stated […]

County offices closed two days this week

VW independent staff Van Wert County Offices, including those in the Annex, will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. County offices will re-open for business on Thursday, January 2.

Holiday tournament champs!

Lincolnview won the championship at the T&T Automotive Holiday Tournament in New Bremen. The Lancers earned the title with a 47-40 win over New Bremen on Friday and a 61-44 victory over Anna on Saturday. Photo submitted

Weekend roundup: girls, boys hoops

VW independent sports Boys basketball Ottoville 45 Van Wert 44 OTTOVILLE — The foul line was the difference during Saturday’s game between Ottoville and Van Wert. The Big Green finished the game 9-of-15 from the free throw line while Van Wert was 0-2, with both attempts coming with 2.3 seconds left in the game. The […]

Year end game…

Van Wert guard Keaten Welch (above) sizes up a shot attempt against Ottoville on Saturday. Teammate Griff McCracken (below), launches a three pointer against the Big Green. The game went down to the wire after rallying from an eight point deficit, Ottoville held off the Cougars for a 45-44 victory. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent