Kenneth J Doner, 89, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. He was born on July 21, 1935, in Van Wert to Paul and Ruth (Ritchie) Doner, who both preceded him in death. Kenneth married his life long sweetheart, Carol J. (Miller) Doner, who survives. They would’ve […]
POSTED: 06/24/25 at 12:22 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A Rockford man convicted of shooting and killing his girlfriend in Van Wert in early September of 2023 was sentenced this morning and there were no surprises. Ryan Houser, 39, will spend the next 15 years to life in prison, the mandatory sentence for murder, for the shooting death of Barbara Ganger. […]
POSTED: 06/24/25 at 12:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Monday, June 23, 2025 6:11 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Lincoln Highway in the City of Van Wert for a report of a vehicle parked in the back yard. Upon checking the vehicle, deputies located a subject sleeping in the back seat of the vehicle. It was discovered that the subject had […]
POSTED: 06/24/25 at 7:47 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor While there are more steps to go, a data center in Van Wert moved a bit closer to reality Monday night. By a unanimous vote, Van Wert City Council approved an ordinance to accept an annexation application for nearly 775 acres of Mega Site land owned by The Marsh Foundation, north of […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff The Van Wert High School Class of 1975 is planning its 50th reunion for Friday and Saturday, August 29-30. Details Friday night, August 29 Party on the Patio from 7-11 p.m. at Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with light snacks, a cash bar and entertainment by Wilson-Kimball. Satuday, August 30 Guided […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
A parking accident on Kear Rd. Monday morning damaged an apartment unit and a car. The driver’s foot slipped and hit the gas, causing the car to jump the curb and struck the apartment. Van Wert EMTs were called to the scene but were not needed. The Van Wert Police Department investigated the accident. Bob […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 10.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.15 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 7.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 19.5 cents per gallon lower than […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:16 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information The YWCA of Van Wert County is once again offering the USA Track & Field “RunJumpThrow” program to the Van Wert community this summer. “We really enjoy putting this program on for youth in our area, and we’re excited to offer it again this year,” said Betsy Hamman, YWCA Director of […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:16 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Quincy Thompson This Friday night, Fountain Park will come alive with Let’s Get It On – A Tribute to Marvin Gaye, a dynamic live show that pays homage to the legendary Prince of Motown through the songs you know and love – like “Let’s Get It On,” “What’s Going On,” and many more. Backed by […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
John J. Freund, 92, of Van Wert, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2025, in Van Wert. He was born September 29, 1932 in Delphos to Elmer and Mable (Mox) Freund. In April of 1953, he married the former Marlene Oehrtman. John owned and operated Freund’s Nursery in Van Wert with his wife for 37 […]
POSTED: 06/23/25 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries