Jeanne Olive Rhoades, 59, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Plain City. She was born on June 6, 1966, in Paulding, the daughter of David Wayne Rhoades, who preceded her in death, and Alice Annette (Mathew) Rhoades, who survives of Delaware, Ohio. Survivors include […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:15 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ginger Ann Brown, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Friday evening, January 16, 2026, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home. She was born on August 17, 1943, in Celina, the daughter of Rolland LeRoy and Ina Arlene (Stauffer) Blakeley, who both preceded her in death. On September 7, 1968, she married Herbert Junior Brown who […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:09 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Van Wert Police Sunday, January 11 – officers were dispatched to the 600 block of S. Walnut St. for a domestic dispute. Police spoke with a very distraught male and got him help. Sunday, January 11 – a report was taken for criminal trespassing and a possible assault that occurred on Towne Center Blvd. Tuesday, […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:03 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
By Quincy Thompson The Mercer County Civic Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Mercer County, has once again generously awarded Van Wert LIVE an $8,900 grant in support of the organization’s Community Impact Program. This meaningful program helps ensure that families and individuals who may not otherwise […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 9:51 am. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
Sunday, January 18, 2026 4:51 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Ohio 116 in Ridge Township for a report of a vehicle in the ditch. 5:22 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy EMS to a residence on Fife Road in Union Township for a subject having a seizure. 10:44 a.m. – Deputies responded to a […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 9:44 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Saturday, January 17, 2026 1:07 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Ohio 697 in Washington Township to assist the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 10:54 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on East Jackson Street in the Village of Wren to stand by as peace officers. 11:02 a.m. – Deputies responded to a […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 9:41 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Friday, January 16, 2026 9:52 a.m. – Deputies served a warrant issued by Miami County, Ohio, for a probation violation. Dustin Sheets, 38, of Willshire, was transported to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility. 10:28 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert Fire and EMS to a report of an injury accident on Marsh Road in Pleasant […]
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 9:40 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor With cold and snowy conditions outside, it may seem a bit early to talk about the July 4 holiday, but it’s really not. This year’s Independence Day holiday will be a special one, as the United States celebrates 250 years. The July 4 U.S. Semiquincenntenial will mark the 250th anniversary of the […]
POSTED: 01/18/26 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Ahead of the February 4 filing deadline for partisan candidates, two local elected officials are seeking the position of Van Wert County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge. Van Wert City Law Director John Hatcher and Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva Yarger have both filed petitions with the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office. […]
POSTED: 01/18/26 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Two dozen robotics teams gathered at Van Wert High School for Saturday’s 10th annual Van Wert FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics qualifier. The daylong competition was one of 12 qualifying tournaments held around Ohio, with 2-4 teams from each qualifier advancing to the state championship. Van Wert will return to competition next month in Cleveland. Photo […]
POSTED: 01/18/26 at 9:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News