Elks donation…

The Golf Committee of Van Wert Lodge No 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently made a $500 donation to the Grover Hill Elementary Music Department. Golf committee member Randy Schreiber presented the check to Michele Sperry on behalf of the Grover Hill Elementary Music Department. Photo submitted

MSVW Block Party to be held August 8

VW independent staff/submitted information Get ready for an exciting evening of food, fun, shopping, and live entertainment at the Main Street Van Wert Block Party, taking place from 4-10 p.m. Friday, August 8, at Fountain Park. The free community event will offer something for everyone with over 10 food trucks, more than 20 local market […]

Hamfest to be held this Sunday

Submitted information The annual Van Wert Hamfest will be held this Sunday morning, July 20, 2025, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds Administration Building Annex. The event, sponsored by the Van Wert Amateur Radio Club, will begin at 8 a.m. and will feature indoor and outdoor vendors displaying radio, computer, and electronic flea market items. […]

VWPD has busy day…

Officers with the Van Wert Police Department had their hands full on Wednesday as they were called to four different accident scenes around the city. The first one (above) occurred just before 2 p.m. at the intersection of Ervin Rd. and Park St. Shortly before 2:30 p.m., an accident (below) occurred at the intersection of […]

Golf donation…

The Golf Committee of Van Wert Lodge No 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently donated $500 to the Hickory Sticks Golf Club. The money will be used for the annual Kids Golf Clinic. Pictured left to right are Golf Committee member John Jones with Hickory Sticks Director of Golf Corey Clifton. Photo submitted

Op-ed: Overide property tax vetoes

By Steve Stivers Ohio’s business community is facing mounting challenges, and skyrocketing property taxes are at the top of the list. At the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, we represent more than 8,000 businesses of every size, industry, and region across our state. When we surveyed our members last year, one message came through loud and clear: the […]

New brand, fiber internet plans unveiled

VW independent staff/submitted information PAULDING — Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (now known as Paulding Putnam) proudly introduced its bold new brand during its annual Member Appreciation Day event on July 12, celebrating the cooperative’s history and future. With over 1,200 members, families, and guests in attendance, the event marked a major milestone in Paulding Putnam’s […]

Lawrence John ‘Jack’ Baird Sr.

Lawrence John Baird Sr., 83, of Van Wert went to be with his Lord on Monday evening, July 14, 2025, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on April 21, 1942, in Van Wert County and has lived in and around Van Wert all his life. He was the son of […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 7/15/2025

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 2:32 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on U.S. 127 in Hoaglin Township to check an open 911 call. 8:17 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to a residence on North Franklin Street in the City of Van Wert for a subject with a foot injury. 9:06 a.m. – Deputies […]

Steyer family preps for annual Arizona trip

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor For the fifth consecutive year, a local family, along with local donors and local volunteers are doing their part to help those in need on the other side of the country. The annual journey from Van Wert to the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona, was born during the COVID-19 […]