Nancy Ann Smith, 63, of Lima, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Mercy Health in Lima. She was born on April 30, 1962, to Paul and Mary Lou (Ringwald) Butler, who both preceded her in death. Nancy is survived by her close friend, Rick Cira of Lima; her children, Kyle (Anita) Smith of […]
POSTED: 12/18/25 at 1:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Submitted information COLUMBUS — The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the schedule and host sites for the upcoming girls and boys basketball state tournaments in March. The University of Dayton Arena will continue to serve as the epicenter of both state tournaments, while Wright State University with host some girls and boys state […]
POSTED: 12/18/25 at 10:43 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Students at the Van Wert School at the Goedde were able to showcase their food preparation abilities and teach a bit of history Wednesday evening. The Van Wert City Schools Board of Education held its monthly meeting at the school and the students presented a chuckwagon spread that was second to none, […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Wednesday evening’s meeting of the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education was the final one for one of its members. After serving three four-year terms, Scott Mull chose not to seek re-election in November. While reflecting on his time as a board member, Mull said some of his fondest memories including […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information LIMA — The Ohio State University at Lima will host the Northwest Conference Scholastic Bowl Tournament starting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. High school teams from around the Northwest Conference will go head-to-head in an exciting round-robin scholastic bowl tournament. Varsity and junior varsity teams are expected from Allen East, Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Crestview, Delphos Jefferson, […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The Van Wert County Fairgrounds will host the popular Bang for Your Buck Raffle on Saturday, January 31 at the Jr. Fair Building. This exciting evening offers great food, games, and the chance to win big prizes — all for one ticket price. Tickets are $100 each and include one person’s entry, a […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff The Office of Criminal Justice Services has announced over $3.9 million in federal grants to reduce violence against women in Ohio. One of the recipients of a Violence Against Women Act grants is the YWCA of Van Wert County, which has been awarded $51,765. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants assist […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Five Lincolnview student-athletes recently signed letters of intent to continue their studies and compete in various sports at the collegiate level. The five, in order, from top to bottom: Noah Peters, Wittenberg University (track); Lainey Spear, UNOH (softball); Abigal Dannenfelser, Trine University (bowling); Keira Breese, Eastern Michigan University (rowing), and Jakeb Frysinger, Defiance College (soccer). Photos submitted
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:43 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Submitted information The Board of Directors of First Federal of Van Wert has announced the promotions of Sheila Tumbusch, Stephanie Phillips, and Ashley Metzger. Tumbusch was promoted to senior mortgage loan officer, Phillips was promoted to loan officer/lending manager, and Metzger was promoted to branch manager of the 820 N. Washington St. location. Tumbusch was […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:43 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
Submitted information NEW BREMEN – Crown Equipment, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, today announced that Alex Dicke will join the company in March, 2026 as senior vice president. He will be the fifth generation of the Dicke family to serve as a senior executive for the company. Dicke will succeed John Tate, […]
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Business