VW independent staff/submitted information CINCINNATI — AAA projects 81.8 million people, including 3.4 million Ohioans, will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving. In Ohio, AAA predicts nearly 3.4 million […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 10:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor More details have been released about plans to expand Lima-based Allen County Regional Transit Service into Van Wert County. According to Brian Wildermuth, ACTRA Executive Director-Operations, the service will be phased in starting in January, 2026, and will be microtransit with smaller van services and demand response. “Microtransit will be in zones […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 10:07 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Cassidy Rank/Lincolnview FFA Reporter 15 members of our chapter had a blast in Indianapolis, Indiana, attending the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo from October 28- 31, accompanied by Crestview FFA and Parkway FFA. For many, it was a new experience in which they learned many ways to strengthen their leadership skills and become […]
Submitted information CONVOY — The Convoy community Thanksgiving service will be held at the Convoy Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 24. Let us give thanks with a grateful heart. Pastor Bud Walls will bring the message and the adult choir will present a special under direction of Keith Bowers, accompanied by Linda Holden. […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 10:00 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff/submitted information HICKSVILLE — A Defiance County man previously sued for unethical business practices is headed back to court amid new allegations. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit in Defiance County Common Pleas Court accusing an online consulting business, Ecommerce Business Builders (EBB) and its owner, and its owner, Cole Dockery of […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff A reminder that a memorial ceremony will be held this Saturday for a Van Wert County Sheriff’s deputy who died 90 years ago while in the line of duty. On April 18, 1935, Deputy Forrest LeRoy Good, 44, was fatally shot while investigating a grain theft near the Ohio–Indiana state line, approximately […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports This week’s installment of Random Thoughts centers around slow starts and the state semifinals, possible repeat champions, a tough night for area football teams, the nearly impossible halfway point, small upsets big, Shedeur Sanders 0-3 to state semis? Here’s a question – has any Ohio high school football season started the season […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 9:56 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
David R. Sheets, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on September 29, 1945, in Decatur, Indiana, to Leland and Merle (Dull) Sheets, who both preceded him in death, David was a proud member of the community he called home throughout his life. David […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Stephen Lee McGannon, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on August 10, 1954, in Van Wert, to Frank and Pauline “Polly” McGannon Jr., who both preceded him in death. Steve spent his life in the embrace of the community he cherished, […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 2:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Van Wert Police Sunday, November 9 – a criminal trespassing report was taken from an incident that occurred in the 1100 block of W. Main St. Sunday, November 9 – a criminal trespassing report was taken in the 1100 block of S. Shannon St. Sunday, November 9 – a welfare check was conducted in the […]
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 12:55 pm. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement