Michael David Schlechty, 65, passed away Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, at his home in Van Wert. He was born on January 25, 1960, in Medina, Ohio, the son of Charles J. and Diane (Brainard) Schlechty, who both preceded him in death. Family survivors include his daughter, Emmalee Bass and husband Timothy of Van Wert; […]
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 11:33 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff Recycling collection in Van Wert County has been put on pause for today (Tuesday), due to trucks freezing and being unable to operate. The Van Wert County Solid Waste Management District will resume recycling collection tomorrow.
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 10:18 am. FILED UNDER: News
The following real estate transfer information has been provided by the Van Wert County Recorder’s Office. The transfers listed below took place between January 12-16, 2026. Linda S. Roehm, Eugene W. Roehm to Debora Sue Berry – a portion of Section 28 in Willshire Township; a portion of Section 33 in Willshire Township. Kevin R. […]
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 9:12 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate Transfers
Delphos Police On 1-13-2026 – officers responded to the 200 block of N. Main St. for a disturbance between a male and female. Upon arrival to the area officers found that the two subjects had left in a vehicle. Officers located the vehicle with the male and female inside. While investigating the original call of […]
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 8:48 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Monday, January 19, 2026 1:56 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 127 in Pleasant Township for a report of a utility pole down. 4:26 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Lincoln Highway in Washington Township for a report of a vehicle in the ditch. 6:30 a.m. – Deputies responded to […]
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 8:43 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports This week’s edition of Random Thoughts centers around a perfect weekend, a trivia question and the answer, a first place showdown, a stunning result. 6-0 I’ll admit, I don’t know much about the whole 67 thing, but I do know about 6-0. That was the combined record of Van Wert, Crestview and […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 11:04 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor There was no July 4 parade in Van Wert last year but that won’t be the case this year when the country celebrates 250 years. Since last summer, Van Wert-based Navy Club Ship 726 has been making plans for this year’s celebration, which includes a parade and more. Club Commander Ken Myers […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:56 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff It was quite a journey and there could be another opportunity in the future but for now, a local man’s quest to compete in the Winter Olympics is over. The 2026 U.S. Olympic men’s bobsled team was announced on Monday and Ryan Rager name was not among the eight who made it. […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:54 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information A magical fairytale mash-up is headed to the stage as Into the Woods, sponsored by First Federal Bank of Van Wert and Laurie’s Naturescapes, is presented by the Van Wert Civic Theatre Youth Theatre. This enchanting musical weaves beloved storybook characters into one humorous and heartfelt journey, exploring what happens after “happily ever […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:53 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Karla Rae Sheets, 70, of Van Wert passed away Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, at the Concord Care Center of Toledo. She was born on September 16, 1955, in Van Wert, the daughter of Carl L. Sheets and Viola Margaret (Prichard) Sheets, who both preceded her in death. Karla is survived by her son, Aaron […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 12:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries