SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A Paulding County man facing a dozen child pornography charges changed his plea in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. He was one of eight defendants to appear before Judge Martin D. Burchfield on Wednesday. Plea changes Alec Shull, 24, of Cecil, pleaded guilty to pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday of this week, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) cast his 2,635th consecutive vote, marking the longest consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. As first reported by Roll Call, a newspaper and website in Washington, DC, Congressman Latta has maintained a perfect voting record since 2020. “Every […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Girls basketball Wapakoneta 50 Van Wert 35 Van Wert kept pace in the first half but Wapakoneta used a 22-11 second half scoring advantage to pull away from the Cougars 50-35 on Thursday. Wapakoneta led 18-12 after the first quarter, with Sawyer Szelagowski accounting seven points. All of Van Wert’s first quarter […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Submitted information WAPAKONETA — Host Wapakoneta dominated Van Wert in Western Buckeye League wrestling action, winning 73-5 win on Thursday night. The Cougars were led by Briggs Wallace and Jillian Sempkowski who both picked up wins.The loss drops Van Wert to 6-5 (3-3 WBL) on the season. Girls matches 100 – Kelsey Greve (W) fall […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent staff The National Weather Service Northern Indiana has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire region, including Van Wert and Paulding counties, from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday. In addition, the National Weather Service Office in Wilmington has issued a Winter Storm Watch from 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 3:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Due to the upcoming weather and low temperatures, the Van Wert County Solid Waste Management District will do their best to collect curbside recycling between January 23-30. However, there may be some routes/streets that are missed. To help alleviate this issue the drive-thru at the recycling center at 1135 N. Washington St., Van […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 11:58 am. FILED UNDER: News
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 6:04 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Wren Landeck Road in Liberty Township for a motor vehicle crash involving a deer. No injuries were reported. 9:42 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Green Street in the Village of Willshire to retrieve property that was recovered. 2:28 p.m. […]
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:44 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Editor’s note: this story has been updated with information provided by Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones. VW independent staff/submitted information A city home sustained heavy damage during a late Wednesday morning fire. The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to the scene in the 600 block of N. Race St. shortly after 10:40 a.m. […]
POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The Van Wert County Treasurer’s Office has completed the bills for the first half collection of 2025 real estate tax and they have been mailed out. The due date for this billing period will be Wednesday, February 11. The Treasurer’s Office is open on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday […]
POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Don’t miss out on the sweetest event of the year as Historic Main Street Van Wert invites the community to enjoy a fun and flavorful stroll through downtown at the annual Chocolate Walk from 5-8 p.m. Friday, February 13. Participants will be able to visit a variety of downtown businesses – some familiar favorites and […]
POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News