Random Thoughts: NIL, streaks, more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports This week’s installment of Random Thoughts centers around high school NIL, a classy gesture, streaks, a likely third rematch, Black Friday football and a big difference. NIL No big surprise here – OHSAA member schools have approved the NIL referendum, but the totals were a bit unusual. 447 schools voted yes, 121 […]

Cougar volleyball awards…

Van Wert High School’s annual volleyball banquet was held recently, with members of the team lauded for accomplishments on the court and in the classroom. Among the awards that were passed out: Most Kills, Bella Wise (85); Most Assists, Brissia Ickes (203); Most Digs, Maria Parrish (142); Most Aces, Brissia Ickes (43); Most Blocks, Flannery […]

Council learns of long tax credit error

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A mistake that goes back eight years could be beneficial to hundreds of Van Wert city residents but will be costly to the city itself. Monday night, Mayor Ken Markward told members of city council that a transfer of funds will be needed for city residents who were overcharged on their city […]

Busts unveiled…

Local officials, the Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and others gathered in downtown Monday afternoon for the unveiling of three busts of three men who were very prominent in the early history of the U.S. – Isaac Van Wart, for whom Van Wert County and Van Wert city […]

Offices to close Thursday, Friday

VW independent staff City of Van Wert and Van Wert County offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. That includes the Van Wert Municipal Building, Van Wert Municipal Court, the Van Wert County Courthouse and the Annex.

Latta, Kaptur introduce biparisan bill

VW independent staff/submitted information WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) have introduced the bipartisan Rear Admiral Alene Duerk Ship Renaming Act of 2025, legislation to honor one of northwest Ohio’s most distinguished trailblazers in military history, Rear Admiral Alene Bertha Duerk, the first woman in United States Navy history to achieve Flag […]

Lewis C. Girardot

Lewis C. Girardot, 88, of Convoy passed away Friday morning, November 21, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Van Wert. He was born on November 9, 1937, in Zulu, Indiana, the son of Clifford Clement Girardot and Laura Marie (Davis) Girardot, who both preceded him in death. On August 25, 1962, he married DiAnna Mae (Joseph) […]

Marcile Pontsler

Marcile Pontsler, age 85, of Jefferson, Georgia who entered rest on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Mrs. Pontsler was born in Van Wert County, the daughter of Eugene Clifford Clouse and Ruth Alice (Mongold) Pontsler Williams, who both preceded her in death. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Craig […]

Gas leak…

The Van Wert Fire Department was called to the 800 block of S. Race St. shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, after contractors struck a gas line while digging. Homes in the immediate area were advised of the accident. Enbridge officials were one the scene shortly after the accident. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Tour to showcase renovated historic spaces

Submitted information The community is invited to step inside two buildings one being downtown Van Wert’s most iconic landmark during Main Street Van Wert’s “Open Doors Downtown Tour” from 5-9 p.m. Friday, December 19. The special guided tour experience offers ticket holders a rare behind-the-scenes look at the beautifully restored Van Wert Forward Union-Block Building at 107 W. […]