Voter turnout, candidacy interest low

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor As expected, voter turnout in Van Wert County for Tuesday’s election was light. Of the 19,901 registered voters in the county, 4,303, or 21.7 percent, cast ballots early in-person, by mail or at the polls on Tuesday.  Turnout wasn’t the only thing that was light – interest in elected positions was light […]

Bond violation, other hearings held

VW independent staff Five criminal hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Friday, October 31, and Wednesday, November 5. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings. Bond/probation violations Ernie Ginter, 24, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing a drug screen. Judge Burchfield revoked his […]

Ohio House passes House Bill 433

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) have announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 433, legislation to modernize the state’s amusement ride inspection fee structure. “This legislation isn’t about raising fees,” Rep. Klopfenstein said. “It’s about making sure every operator pays their […]

Honoring veterans…

As part of their Senior Capstone Project, Mrs. Switzer’s senior English classes at Van Wert High School placed 300 flags at the entrance to the school campus to honor Van Wert County’s veterans, active-duty forces, and first responders.  Members of the VFW post 5803 Auxiliary were in attendance to pass out R.A.P. (random act of […]

Majority of school tax issues pass in Ohio

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio voters approved 66 percent of the school tax issues on Tuesday’s general election ballot, according to unofficial results compiled by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). The passage rate marks a 15-point increase from last year’s general election, when 51 percent of issues passed. Renewal proposals, which maintain […]

Pigskin Pick’Em: Week No. 12

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports Three rematches highlight this week’s Pigskin Pick’Em games, as we get ready for Week No. 12. It’ll be interesting to see how those rematches and other games go and we’ll see how, if at all, the bye week has/had any affect on teams that are seeded 1-4. Last week I went 9-2 […]

VWCO Sheriff’s activity log 11/4/2025

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 6:16 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 30 in Washington Township to remove debris from the roadway. 7:01 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Richey Road in Pleasant Township for two stray dogs. 8:09 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Ohio 118 in Liberty […]

Final local November 4 election results

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Van Wert City Council will have three new members in 2026. Two of the newcomers will fill at-large seats – Dewaine Johnson, who collected the second highest vote total (924) and Hall Block, who finished third with 812 votes and secured the final open seat. Incumbent At-Large Councilwoman Jana Ringwald garnered the […]

All Van Wert County issues approved

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor The only two countywide issues on Tuesday’s ballot in Van Wert County passed by a wide margin. The overwhelming majority of voters who cast ballots approved property tax replacement levies for Van Wert County Council on Aging. A five-year, 0.25 mill levy was approved 3,394-879, while the other, a five-year 0.2 mill […]

Deadline near for Marsh trustee applications

VW independent staff/submitted information A reminder that The Marsh Foundation is seeking a qualified and community-minded individual to fill the position of a retiring trustee. The six-year term for this position will begin on February 3, 2026, and conclude on February 2, 2032. Additional six-year terms may be granted at the discretion of the Judges […]