VW independent sports OTTOVILLE — Will Sheets supplied the muscle inside, Owen Heckler provided some long distance pop and Hayden Perrott and Liam Putman made solid contributions during Crestview’s 51-36 win over Ottoville Friday night. Sheets scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds, with 10 points coming in the second quarter and seven more […]
POSTED: 12/26/25 at 11:04 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Benjamin Cody Schaffner, 15, of Van Wert passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon, December 22, 2025, at Ohio Health-Van Wert Hospital. He was born on July 10, 2010, in Lima, the son of Abby (Ashbaugh) Roehm of Van Wert and Dakota Allen Schaffner of Van Wert, also surviving is his step father, Ryan M. Roehm. Other […]
POSTED: 12/26/25 at 2:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Thursday, December 25, 2025 4:12 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy Fire to a report of an unknown fire on Lincoln Highway in Tully Township. 9:23 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Ohio 118 in Liberty Township for a report of reckless driving. 9:43 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Wren Landeck Road […]
POSTED: 12/26/25 at 8:27 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Editor’s note: As the end of 2025 draws near, the Van Wert independent is publishing a recap of what it judges to be the Top 10 stories of the year. Articles featuring two stories each will be published daily, with the top two stories published on Wednesday, December 31. Today’s article features the No. 10 and […]
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A blighted property lawsuit filed against an outgoing member of Van Wert City Council has been dismissed by the City of Van Wert. Online records from the Van Wert County Clerk of Court’s Office show the suit, which was filed on September 24 against Judith A. Hammond, AKA Judith A. Bowers, was […]
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information BLUFFTON — Bluffton University is strengthening its commitment to access and affordability by expanding key financial aid initiatives designed to make a high-quality Bluffton education attainable for more students and families, including those from Van Wert County. Bluffton’s “Be a Beaver Program” has been updated to broaden eligibility and better reflect today’s financial […]
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information BEREA — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are reminding all motorists to drive sober, buckle up, and make responsible choices behind the wheel during the ongoing holiday travel period. “We want every family to enjoy the holidays without tragedy,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., […]
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Van Wert County offices, including those in the Van Wert County Annex, will be closed for the New Year’s holiday, Thursday and Friday, January 1-2. All offices will re-open on Monday, January 5.
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 1:59 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Ohio 81 in Willshire Township for a report of trespassing. 0445 hrs. – Dispatched Wren EMS to a residence on Ohio 49 in the Village of Wren for a subject with back pain. 8:46 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of […]
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 6:01 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 127 in Pleasant Township for a report of reckless driving. 8:45 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of West Main Street in the City of Van Wert for a report of a loose dog. 9:43 a.m. – Dispatched Ohio City […]
POSTED: 12/25/25 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement