By Quincy Thompson Van Wert Live has announced the addition of Michael Brett as the new technical director at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. While new to the Van Wert Live staff, Michael is certainly no stranger to the world of technical production. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Brett has built a […]
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 6:15 am. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Two people were able to safely escape from an early Sunday morning fire in downtown Van Wert, but the structure itself sustained significant damage. The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to 113 W. Main St. at 6:23 a.m. Sunday. Firefighters arrived on the scene and saw smoke coming from the building, […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Students at Lincolnview Elementary were recently treated to a creative and inspiring visit from children’s book author and illustrator Jonathan Miller, whose imaginative stories and unique artistic techniques captivated students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Miller, best known for his playful books featuring an adventurous wiener dog named Sammy, shared his […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) has announced the launch of a new suspicious activity reporting system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to gather actionable information on potential threats of violence. Developed by OHS and its private partner Vigiliti, the Safeguard Ohio app uses AI to encourage users to provide as much information […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Due to low interest, a kickball tournament scheduled for September 26-28 has been canceled. The tournament was an attempt to raise funds for Van Wert’s 2026 July 4, 2026, celebration. Navy Club Ship 726 will continue to look for ways to fund the celebration.
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:54 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Off Stage Productions Inc. has announced the cast and crew for “The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant” by Leslie Kimbell. Director Mary Blanche Hengstler has put together a cast of nine actors, eight of whom have been in previous Off Stage shows, and one making her first appearance on a community theatre […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports This week’s Monday Mailbag features questions about two points or no two points, the WBL football race and Ohio State. Q: Did Van Wert consider going for the two point conversion after scoring late against Celina? Name withheld upon request A: When I talked to head coach Keith Recker after the game […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:51 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports Cross country Knights run in Auglaize County The Crestview boys finished second and the girls fourth at the Minster Classic at Four Seasons Park on Saturday. Derek Young finished third overall with a time of 16:37, followed by Lincoln Smith in fifth at 16:54, Kale Vining in sixth at 16:57, Andy Heth […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports Here are this Friday’s high school football broadcast schedules for 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM. The games will mark the halfway point of the regular season. Both games will air live. WKSD will feature a Green Meadows Conference matchup from Defiance County as the Hicksville Aces (1-3) host the Antwerp Archers (1-3). […]
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
The Van Wert Fire Department was summoned to the 100 block of W. Main St. in downtown Van Wert early this morning after a blaze broke out in one of the buildings. Mutual aid was provided by Ohio City, Convoy and Middle Point. Check back later for more information. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 09/14/25 at 11:22 am. FILED UNDER: News