Friday, January 9, 2026 3:26 a.m. – Dispatched Spencerville EMS to a residence on Venedocia St. Mary’s Road in Jennings Township for a subject having a seizure. 8:26 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Prospect Avenue in the City of Van Wert to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 8:36 a.m. […]
POSTED: 01/12/26 at 12:53 pm. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
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 5-9, 2026. Bernard Lea to Scott Eric Froning – Willshire inlots, lot 7. James D. Miller to Grace Land Group LLC – a portion of Section 30 in Union Township; a […]
POSTED: 01/12/26 at 9:19 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate Transfers
Margaret L. “Peggy” Bolenbaugh, 85, of Grover Hill, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. She is now reunited with her husband, Bill and son, Gregg. Peggy was born on June 25, 1940, in Van Wert, to Harold and Ilo (Ladd) Ross, who both preceded her in death. On June 29, 1958 she married Carl […]
POSTED: 01/12/26 at 12:02 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
A big crowd was on hand on the home side for Saturday’s non-conference boys basketball game between Van Wert and Division VI No. 1 ranked Marion Local. The two teams were separated by just one point at halftime but the Flyers pulled away for the win. Those in attendance were also treated to a halftime […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 10:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff CONVOY — Orders are now being accepted for the Village of Convoy’s Military Tribute Banner Program. The program is designed to honor local veterans, active duty, reserve, and National Guard members with military banners displayed in the community and is a way of thanking the brave men and women of the U.S. […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert Elementary School Jumpin’ Jammers wowed the crowd during halftime of Saturday’s boys basketball game between the Cougars and Marion Local. The jump rope team is comprised of students in grades 3-5. The Jumpin’ Jammers won last year’s Ohio Has Talent! competition. Enjoy this short clip of the jumpers in action. Video by […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 9:55 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — For the fourth consecutive year, traffic fatalities have decreased in Ohio. According to preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the number of traffic fatalities in 2025 dropped approximately three percent in Ohio as compared to 2024, a difference of 32 lives. The decrease continues the downward trend […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 9:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Todd Wolfrum will serve as chairman of the Van Wert County Commissioners in 2026, and Stan Owens has been named vice-chairman. The selections were made during the recent re-organizational meeting of the commission. The commissioners – Wolfrum, Owens and Thad Lichtensteiger – are scheduled to meet between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. each […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 9:51 pm. FILED UNDER: News
By Quincy Thompson As we look back on 2025, one thing is abundantly clear: the arts continue to bring people together in powerful ways, and not just from around the block, but from across the country. Inside the walls of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the momentum continued all year long. In 2025, the Box […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 9:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
VW independent sports Lincolnview 68 Miller City 58 MILLER CITY — Max Hammons scored 21 points and Chayse Overholt hit five treys and finished with 20 points, as Lincolnview put the wraps on a very successful weekend with a 68-58 non-conference road win over Miller City Saturday night. Gavin Evans added 15 points and Marshall […]
POSTED: 01/11/26 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports