Rhett A. DeCamp, 81, of Van Wert, passed away at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born November 17, 1943, in Van Wert, to George and Mary (Resor) DeCamp. Rhett married Lois DeCamp. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of the Van Wert […]
POSTED: 05/08/25 at 8:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff/submitted information After months of rumors, the news became official Thursday afternoon. Downtown Van Wert is set to welcome a new dining destination with the arrival of Saisaki, an Asian fusion restaurant, opening this summer. Owned and operated by Andri and Leonora Purwanto, Saisaki will bring a creative blend of culinary traditions and […]
POSTED: 05/08/25 at 3:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:59 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 224 in Pleasant Township for a report of a deer stuck in a fence. 8:14 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to a location on Van Wert Decatur Road in the City of Van Wert for a subject with chest pain. […]
POSTED: 05/08/25 at 7:24 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Submitted information Central Insurance retirees and guests held their most recent monthly meeting on April 23 at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Lunchtime was filled with engaging discussions and great company. Following lunch, Nikki Wenzlick, PT and owner of Van Wert Physical Therapy shared insights on the services offered at the clinic, with a focus […]
POSTED: 05/08/25 at 7:15 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A pair of seniors at Van Wert High School have been chosen as winners of the 55th annual R.K. Self-Reliance Award. Sam Houg and Abigail Rollins were named during Wednesday night’s banquet at Vantage Career Center. They were chosen from a field of 10 finalists, five boys and five girls. Houg, the […]
POSTED: 05/07/25 at 9:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports In the home finale for Van Wert on Tuesday, the Cougars enjoyed a Senior Night sweep of a quad meet with Delphos Jefferson, Ottoville and Lima Central Catholic. On the boys’ side, Van Wert finished with 103.5 team points, followed by Ottoville (90.5), Delphos Jefferson (44) and Lima Central Catholic (14). The […]
POSTED: 05/07/25 at 9:54 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports HARROD — Lincolnview freshman Ila Hughes racked up more impressive numbers during Wednesday’s five inning 12-0 win over Allen East. Hughes tossed a one-hitter and fanned 12 of the 17 batters she faced, while issuing no walks. At the plate, Hughes finish 3-of-4 with a double and home run and three RBIs. […]
POSTED: 05/07/25 at 9:53 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A Van Wert woman charged in connection with the overdose death of a relative appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Wednesday morning. April Diltz, 46, of Van Wert, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of attempted corrupting another with drugs, a third degree felony. She was originally charged […]
POSTED: 05/07/25 at 1:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It’s a case that dates back to September, 2023, one that has been marked with several delays and Wednesday morning, there was another unexpected delay. Ryan Houser, 39, of Rockford was scheduled to be sentenced in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on a charge of murder. However, as the hearing began, […]
POSTED: 05/07/25 at 10:42 am. FILED UNDER: News
In his final home appearance of the season, Van Wert’s Owen Scott set a new stadium record in the 1600 meter run by spanning the one-mile race in 4:17.56 during Tuesday’s quad meet with Delphos Jefferson, Lima Central Catholic and Ottoville. A full story on the meet will be published later. Wyatt Richardson/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 05/06/25 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports