The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to a deck fire in the 400 block of Burt St. just before 1:30 p.m. Monday. Firefighters quickly put out the blaze and damage was limited to about a quarter of the deck and an area of vinyl siding that was melted. Van Wert Police blocked off Burt […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to participate in the Optimist International essay contest for the 2025-2026 school year. The essay contest entry deadline is Thursday, February 12. The contest is open to all Van Wert County students who are under the age of 19 as of October 1, […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 9:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The deadline to purchase seedlings from the Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District is March 19. The seedlings are available in packets of 10 at a minimal cost. The following seedling species are available: Norway Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, White Pine, American Arborvitae, Sugar Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Wild Black Cherry, Swamp White […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 9:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports The first installment of Random Thoughts in 2026 includes congratulations, a tough stretch of games, the dean of WBL football coaches, and Kevin Stefanski. Belated congrats Congratulations to Van Wert wrestler Briggs Wallace, who recently earned his 100th career victory. There’s no doubt that 100 wins is a special mark and is […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 9:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Maria Louisa Martinez, 82, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 16, 1943, in Hondo, Texas, to Dionicia Morales, who preceded her in death. Maria lived a life defined by hard work, devotion, and […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 8:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary Louis Unterbrink, 73, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, in his home in Feldkirch, Austria. Born August 11, 1952, he was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse C. “Al” Unterbrink and Joann B. Unterbrink (Becker). After graduating from Ohio State University College of Dentistry, he was stationed on a military […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 4:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Friday, January 2, 2026 12:00 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy EMS to a residence on Ohio Street in the Village of Convoy for a subject with flu symptoms. 4:14 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on South Walnut Street in the City of Van Wert to assist the Van Wert Police Department. 10:42 a.m. – […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 1:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
By Quincy Thompson Van Wert LIVE is proud to present an unforgettable night of country music on Friday, January 30, when country icon Lorrie Morgan takes the stage at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., with platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jamie O’Neal joining her as special guest. This show’s Presenting Sponsor is First Bank of […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 10:32 am. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
The following real estate transfer information has been provided by the Van Wert County Recorder’s Office. The transfers listed below took place between December 29-31, 2025. David A. Merkle, Lisa K. Merkle to David A. Merkle, Lisa K. Merkle – a portion of Section 32 in Harrison Township. Dennis K. Smith, Pamela Bockey-Smith to Brock […]
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 9:29 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate Transfers
Members of the Van Wert High School Select Choir sing the National Anthem prior to Saturday’s basketball games against Lincolnview. The choir sang it twice – once before the girls game and once before the boys game. The two teams split, with Lincolnview winning the girls game and Van Wert winning the boys game. Full […]
POSTED: 01/04/26 at 9:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News