Jay Whitney Simson passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. He was born in Oneida, New York to Edward Lee and Ina Mae (Teeman) Simson on November 8, 1953. Both parents predeceased him. He attended SUNY in Morrisville, New York receiving an associate’s degree in journalism. He worked for several local newspapers as a reporter […]
POSTED: 06/17/25 at 6:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff/submitted information The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just after 1 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Van Wert Decatur Rd. and U.S. 224 in Pleasant Township. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 GMC Terrain, operated by John J. Freund, 92, […]
POSTED: 06/17/25 at 6:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Monday, June 16, 2025 12:32 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on North Washington Street in the City of Van Wert for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer that had occurred on U.S. 224 in Jackson Township. 1:29 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Cooper Road in Pleasant […]
POSTED: 06/17/25 at 9:14 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent staff The First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert’s Vacation Bible School returns next month and the theme is “Building on the Rock – Building our Foundation with Jesus!” VBS will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. July 8-11 at the church, 110 W. Crawford St. Signups are available online at www.myvbs.org/firstpresbyofvanwert.com.
POSTED: 06/17/25 at 6:12 am. FILED UNDER: Church
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor While there won’t be an Independence Day parade in Van Wert this year, there is some good news – there will be a July 4 parade in the city in 2026. As reported on Monday, the Independence Day parade was most recently organized, set up and run by American Legion Post 178, […]
POSTED: 06/16/25 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor CONVOY — While a final decision has yet to be made, the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education has taken another step toward improving some of the district’s athletic facilities. During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the board unanimously agreed to transfer $8.7 million from the district’s general fund to the capital projects […]
POSTED: 06/16/25 at 8:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
2026 Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy paid a visit to Van Wert on Monday. During the fundraising event, he spoke to a group of local business people who gathered at R Place Stone Grill. The former presidential candidate is seeking to replace current Governor Mike DeWine, who cannot run again due to term limits. […]
POSTED: 06/16/25 at 8:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff All Van Wert County offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, which is considered a federal holiday. Van Wert city offices, including the Municipal Building and Van Wert Municipal Court will be closed that day as well. State and federal government offices will be closed […]
POSTED: 06/16/25 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
United Way of Van Wert County recently granted Operation Back to School a check for $2,500. The money was given on behalf of the Community Impact Funds, which allows organizations that are tax exempt to apply for help with a one-time need or project in Van Wert County. The funds received are to aid in […]
POSTED: 06/16/25 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The City of Van Wert, in partnership with ODOT, is proposing a roadway reconstruction project along Leeson Avenue in the City of Van Wert. The roadway reconstruction will start at John Brown Road and end nearly 90 feet west of Rose Drive. A section of sidewalk on the south side of Leeson Avenue […]
POSTED: 06/16/25 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News