The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association has named Van Wert’s Micah Cowan (10) Division IV All-Northwest District as a defensive back, while Xavier Kelly (11) was named second team All-NW District as a running back. Monica Campbell photos
POSTED: 11/21/25 at 1:53 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
We are saddened to share the passing of Charlene Rickard, 65, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Vancrest Nursing Home. She was known for her kind heart and the way she could touch the lives of those around her. Even with the limitations she lived with throughout her life, she left an impression on everyone […]
POSTED: 11/21/25 at 12:54 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Thursday, November 20, 2025 12:18 a.m. – Deputies, along with Ohio City EMS and Van Wert EMS, responded to a residence on U.S. 224 in Pleasant Township for a report of a subject not breathing. 4:31 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy EMS to a residence on Reidenbaugh Road in Harrison Township for a subject with severe […]
POSTED: 11/21/25 at 8:42 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It’s all systems go for a new elementary playground at Lincolnview. During Thursday night’s monthly meeting, the Lincolnview school board unanimously approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with Midstates Recreation for the purchase and installation of new playground equipment and surface material, at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. Superintendent […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 10:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information A Van Wert native is being remembered with a personal tribute at Eggerss Stadium. Bryce Beckman, a 1975 graduate of Van Wert High School, passed away two months ago. A few of his close friends from that class decided they wanted to do something special for Beckman. They came up with […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 10:07 pm. FILED UNDER: News
One person was transported by ambulance to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after this two-vehicle accident on U.S. 224, near Liberty Union Rd. The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday. A westbound Dodge Durango had stopped on U.S. 224 waiting on another vehicle that was making a left hand turn into a private entrance. While stopped, the […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 10:07 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — A new bill aimed at closing a loophole in the state’s Sex Offender Registry and Notification (SORN) laws has passed the Ohio House. According to State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.), House Bill 102 expands residency and loitering restrictions for registered sex offenders, ensuring stronger protection […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 10:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the bracket pairings for next week’s football state semifinals. The geography of the schools involved in each region is the primary factor in determining how the regional champions will be paired in the state semifinals. A team’s regional seed, state rank and won-lost record […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 9:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Phyllis A. Stemen, age 96, of Grover Hill, passed away Wednesday, November, 19, 2025, at her home. She was born in Continental on June 16, 1929 to Homer and Addie (Anspach) Prowant, who both preceded her in death. She was married to Oliver E. “Ollie” Stemen, who preceded her in death in 1978. Phyllis retired […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 9:01 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ruth E. Frysinger, 99, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. She was born on August 1, 1926, in Mercer County to Denver Emerson Pond and Mary P. (Baucher) Pond, who both preceded her in death. On June 23, 1944, she married the love […]
POSTED: 11/20/25 at 8:55 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries