SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor The man chosen as Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s running mate in his bid for Ohio governor has a name that is well known to this area. Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) was formally named by Ramaswamy on Wednesday. “I’m excited to announce Rob McColley as my running mate to be the next […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 9:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff 26 teams from around Ohio will be competing in the 10th annual Van Wert FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics qualifier on Saturday, January 17. Competition matches will start at approximately 10 a.m. and run through the day. The competition is free and open to the public. There are 12 qualifying tournaments in Ohio. 2-4 teams […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 9:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information A collaboration between the YMCA of Van Wert County and Central Mutual Insurance Company focused on supporting local veterans during the winter season. Through the partnership, 51 veterans in the community received essential winter care bags as a small token of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Central Insurance generously assembled […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information GREENVILLE — Spirit Emergency Medical Services is once again investing in the future of emergency medical care by offering a paid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification class beginning February 23. This accelerated, boot-camp–style course is designed to prepare motivated individuals for a rewarding career serving their communities in just six weeks. […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff Two criminal defendants appeared for sentencing in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Wednesday morning, while five others facing various charges also appeared in court. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings. Gunnar Faterkowski, 19, of Van Wert, was sentenced to three years of community control, 180 days electronic […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 1:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 1:56 p.m. – Deputies responded to a location on South Shannon Street in the City of Van Wert to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 2:55 p.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to assist Grover Hill EMS for a subject not breathing in Paulding County. 4:42 p.m. – Deputies […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 8:50 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent sports Girls basketball Paulding 48 Crestview 33 PAULDING — Balanced scoring by Paulding was a big factor in a 48-33 win over Crestview Tuesday night. Addison Pease, Tori Schlatter, Kayleigh Dunham and Anya Mead each scored 10 points in the win. The Lady Panthers (9-1) led 14-11 after one quarter, 25-18 at halftime […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 7:06 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Stephen G. Cobb went to be with his Lord and Savior. Steve was born in Van Wert on December 22, 1944, to Delmar and Mildred (Rolston) Cobb. He graduated from Van Wert High School in 1962 and from Bowling Green State University in 1967. Steve was married to the late […]
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 1:02 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff/submitted information GasBuddy has released its 2026 Fuel Price Outlook and the forecast calls for the yearly national average price of gasoline to fall back below $3 per gallon for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The yearly U.S. average is projected to be $2.97 per gallon, down 13 cents from 2025’s […]
POSTED: 01/06/26 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Citywide Christmas tree pickup is underway in Van Wert and the street department will continue it through Friday, January 16. Christmas trees should be placed by the curb and should be clear of all ornaments, lights, tinsel etc. and not in any type of bags. The pickup is for live Christmas trees […]
POSTED: 01/06/26 at 9:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News