Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness are promoting Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which began on Sunday and runs through Saturday, June 28. It encourages all Ohioans to know what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm, and to practice severe weather […]
POSTED: 06/22/25 at 9:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information WILLSHIRE — The Willshire Sportsman’s Club has announced it’s annual Flea Market and Trade Days, which will be held from dawn to dusk July 24-26. The Willshire Sportsman’s Club is located at 3385 Ohio 81, two miles east of Willshire. Bring the entire family—admission and parking are free. There will be […]
POSTED: 06/22/25 at 9:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports When the 2025-2026 high school basketball season tips off, nearly every team in the Western Buckeye League and Northwest Conference will find themselves in the same division as last season. 2025-2026 divisional breakdowns were released by the Ohio High School Athletic Association on Friday and just one team, Bath, will change divisions, […]
POSTED: 06/22/25 at 9:01 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Submitted information Central Insurance retirees and guests held their May meeting on the 28th at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Lunch was a vibrant mix of lively conversations and delightful companionship. The following were in attendance: Dewaine Johnson, Doug Watson, Royce Baden, Phillip Steinen, Val Sluterbeck, Linda Holden, Sharon Baer, Ruth Ricker, Deb Boroff, Pam […]
POSTED: 06/22/25 at 9:01 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Robert L. Dowler, 86, of Hoagland, Indiana, passed away Saturday morning, June 21, 2025. Bob was united in marriage to Lois E. Bell on September 7, 1958 in Van Wert, and she preceded him in death on May 31, 2023. He is survived by his son, Mike Dowler of Hoagland, Indiana; daughter, Sandi (Luke) Selking […]
POSTED: 06/22/25 at 2:53 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It appears a case that has been in the local court system since late 2023 will finally come to an end on Tuesday. After several delays in his case, Ryan Houser, 39, of Rockford, is scheduled to be sentenced in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on single count of murder, an […]
POSTED: 06/20/25 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
A Fort Wayne-based American folk band – the Legendary Trainhoppers – took the stage at Fountain Park during Friday night’s Feel Good Fridays summer concert series. It was the third installment of the series, which will continue each Friday into early August. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 06/20/25 at 9:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Experts are warning that dangerously high temperatures are expected in throughout the area this weekend and early next week. The American Red Cross of the Indiana Region is urging everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe: What you should do Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Aim for […]
POSTED: 06/20/25 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — On Friday, Governor Mike DeWine issued the following reprieves of execution for three inmates on Ohio’s death row: Coleman has been on death row since 1996. Jackson was sentenced to death in 1997 and has now had five reprieves. Bryan killed a police officer in 2000 and has had […]
POSTED: 06/20/25 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor PAULDING — Trial dates have been established for a Grover Hill man accused of stabbing and killing another man in late May. Corbin Delgado, 20, is scheduled to stand trial August 27-29 in Paulding County Common Pleas Court. He’s facing charges of murder, an unclassified felony; felonious assault, a second degree felony, […]
POSTED: 06/20/25 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News