SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A Van Wert man facing 20 child pornography charges is facing prison time after changing his plea. During a hearing held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Jonathan Landwehr, 29, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty to two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, both […]
POSTED: 07/23/25 at 2:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 4:48 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on West Carmean Street in the Village of Ohio City to assist a stranded resident. 6:02 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on Mentzer Church Road in Tully Township to check an abandoned 911 call. 6:29 a.m. – Deputies responded to a […]
POSTED: 07/23/25 at 7:51 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Unemployment increased in Van Wert County from May to June, according to the latest figures supplied by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The increase wasn’t large, as it went from 4.2 percent in May to 4.6 percent last month. In June of 2024, it was 4.4 percent. The figures […]
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 8:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information The spirit of unity and compassion was on full display during this year’s Ignite Project, as volunteers from across the Van Wert area came together to serve those in need. The recent three-day event, organized by Community Relief of Lima and Love INC of Van Wert County, set a new record with 68 projects […]
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff A Grover Hill man is facing a pair of misdemeanor charges after a Monday night accident at a golf course in Van Wert. According to information supplied by Police Chief Doug Weigle, it occurred at approxiamtely 10:20 p.m. John Anthony Allen, 32, went off the road and ended up wrecking in the […]
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor COLUMBUS – It’s a tradition that began in 1850 and it’s still going strong – the Ohio State Fair. The fair begins its 12-day run today in Columbus. Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel will be on hand at 10 a.m. to cut the ribbon as part of the opening […]
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 8:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
This week has been designated as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week and the Van Wert County Commissioners signed a proclamation honoring local community corrections workers. In the proclamation, the commissioners noted community corrections is an essential part of the justice system and commended the trained professionals who work in the field. Photo submitted
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 8:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
D&B (above) was crowned as the 2025 Lambert Days softball champion, while Balls & Dolls (below) finished as the runner-up in the weekend tournament. Photos submitted
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 2:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Pamela Sue Fackler, 61, of Van Wert, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025. She was born April 12, 1964, in Marion, Indiana, a daughter of Claude Powell Sr and Mary Wallen. Pamela wed James Fackler, who passed away. She is survived by two children, Adam (Katie) Wells of Delphos, […]
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 10:37 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Claudia Sue McGhee, 83, of Van Wert, passed away Sunday night, July 20, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert. She was born December 2, 1941, in Van Wert, to Robert G. Green and Helen L. (Sherburn) Green, who both preceded her in death. On November 10, 1962, Claudia married David LeRoy McGhee and he preceded […]
POSTED: 07/22/25 at 8:55 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries