Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently installed their new officers for the 2025-2026 lodge year. John E. Ream (left) was installed as the new Exalted Ruler for Van Wert Lodge. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are known for their promotion of Americanism, Drug Abuse Education and support […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 8:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information MIDDLE POINT – The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association will host a modern military match on Saturday, March 29, at the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Club, 9093 Ringwald Road. The safety briefing will be held at 9:15 a.m. and the match will start at 9:45 a.m. Any modern military rifle may be […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 8:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports After six seasons at the helm, Van Wert girls basketball coach Hannah Phlipot has stepped down. Her resignation was accepted by the Van Wert school board Wednesday night. The Cougars finished the 2024-2025 season 3-20 (0-9 WBL). In six seasons, Phlipot’s teams compiled a record of 49-85 (24-29 WBL), including back-to-back winning […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
The Crestview boys basketball team recently concluded its season with head coach Doug Etzler and his coaching staff recognizing the team’s accomplishments throughout their season. NWC Scholar-Athletes (pictured above): Owen Heckler, Jacob Schumm, Hayden Perrott, Liam Putman, Braxton Leeth, Mathew Dealey, and Wren Sheets. Special awards (pictured below): Tommy Heffner (70 percent Free Throw Club, […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports All local spring sports coaches are reminded that after each game or event, win or lose, to send scores, scorebook pages, statistics and/or any other relevant information to sports@thevwindependent.com. Screenshots of the information are also accepted at 419.681.2130. Sending the information, or having an assistant coach, team manager or other team representative send […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports/submitted information COLUMBUS – The 2025 Divisions IV, V, VI and VII boys basketball All-Ohio teams were announced Wednesday by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association. The All-Ohio teams are based on nominations from the seven districts of the OPSMA, which vote on the all-district teams from regular-season accomplishments. The list includes Cameron Elwer […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 1:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Shirley Ann Carroll, 73, passed away, Tuesday afternoon, March 25, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born on March 12, 1952, in Van Wert, the daughter of Walter Hammons and Leona Ferne (Copper) Hammons, who both preceded her in death. On July 12, 1968, she married Jimmie Ray Carroll, who […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 1:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Van Wert Police Sunday, March 16 – arrested Maquel R. Baraket, 30, of Van Wert for OVI. Sunday, March 16 – a disorderly conduct report was taken in the 400 block of E. Main St. Sunday, March 16 – arrested a juvenile for domestic violence in the 600 block of E. Crawford St. Sunday, March […]
POSTED: 03/26/25 at 9:28 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor While tornadoes aren’t the only kind of spring storms, history shows Van Wert County is prone to twisters. In fact, National Weather Service records dating back to 1950 show the county has had 39 tornadoes of varying strength. 34 of those tornadoes have occurred since 1990, while the overall total of 39 […]
POSTED: 03/25/25 at 8:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor When it comes to tornadoes, Van Wert County is one of three Ohio counties with nearly 40 of them since 1950. Records from the National Weather Service show there have been 39 known tornadoes in the county since 1950 (34 since 1990), which ties Van Wert County with Franklin and Miami counties […]
POSTED: 03/25/25 at 8:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News