Van Wert Fire Department Lt. Zach Merkle rescues two cats from heavy smoke caused by a fire inside a home in the 900 block of McKinley St. on Saturday. The fire department was summoned to the scene just before 6 p.m. According to Lt. Nick Steyer, the blaze began in the crawl space. It was […]
POSTED: 05/11/25 at 7:45 am. FILED UNDER: News
Michael Steven “Gabby” Gaskill, 75, of Dixon, passed away peacefully at his sister’s home in the early morning hours of Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Known affectionately as Gabby, Michael proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, completing two and a half tours in Vietnam. A thrill-seeker at […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:18 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Thursday May 8, 2025 7:55 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Gordon Avenue in the City of Van Wert to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 8:09 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 127 in Liberty Township for a complaint of reckless driving. 10:00 a.m. – Deputies responded […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent staff/submitted information The CEO Program held its ninth annual banquet on Thursday, honoring 92 seniors from Van Wert, Lincolnview, and Crestview High Schools. Now in its ninth year, the CEO Program was started by Program Coordinator Kerry Koontz to give students hands-on experience in the working world. What began with just 17 seniors […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban property taxes in Ohio has taken a step forward. According to a press release issued on Friday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost accepted the petition title and summary of the proposed constitutional amendment, “Abolishment of Taxes on Real Property.” The Attorney General’s […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has selected Van Wert High School senior Amanda Burenga as the Student of the Year for the Van Wert Lodge. She was selected as the Student of the Month for December. She will graduate from Van Wert High School this month. Students […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
On Thursday, seventh and eighth graders at Lincolnview Local Schools had the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the community to complete meaningful service projects throughout Van Wert County. Those community service activities took place at several locations, including the Children’s Garden at Smiley Park, Camp Clay, Jubilee Park, and Van Wert […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The Van Wert High School vocal music department will present its final concert of the year at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The freshman choir, sophomore women’s choir, select choir, and concert choir will take the stage. The ensembles will perform various music, including pieces from their […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Voters across Ohio approved 64 out of 99 school tax issues, on the May 6 primary election ballot. That includes school issues in Delphos and the Parkway Local Schools district. According to the Ohio School Boards Association, this is markedly higher than the 2024 primary election, when voters approved […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:00 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Baseball Van Wert 12 Kenton 1 (five innings) KENTON — Van Wert erupted for eight runs in the second inning and the Cougars overwhelmed Kenton 12-1 in five innings on Friday. Finley Dickinson had two RBI singles in the second inning, Hayden Dowler, Cam Wert and Sam Houg each had an RBI […]
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:00 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports