SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor The Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Court courtroom was quite full Thursday afternoon, but it wasn’t for the usual type of business conducted there. Instead, a brief ceremony was held to administer the oath of office to Eva Yarger, who was recently appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to fill the seat previously held […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Monday is Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Most federal, state and local government offices will be closed for the day. Van Wert County offices will be closed, along with Van Wert Municipal Court, but the Van Wert Municipal Building will be open.
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Ohio Secretary of State candidate Allison Russo spoke to area voters and met with Democrats during a recent campaign stop in Van Wert County. “I’m running to restore trust, integrity, and transparency in elections and to fight so that every voter feels confident their vote matters. I’m a firm believer that […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has reached a major milestone, performing more than 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries since launching the program in 2020. “We’ve had the robot for five years now,” said Thomas Conte, MD, Van Wert Hospital chief of surgery. “As a rural facility, we’re on the cutting edge. It gives patients […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert Civic Theatre’s production of Barefoot in the Park continues tonight through Sunday. It plunges newlyweds into the hilarious chaos of their first apartment. The Neil Simon classic explores the clash of personalities, revealing the comedic struggles found at the early crossroads of marriage. Showtimes Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m., while […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Crestview’s Zoey Ross (above) is double teamed by Lincolnview’s Keira Breese (12) and Brooklyn Byrne (24), while below, Joey-Kate Carey tries to drive by Crestview’s Kenzie Harting. The two teams met in the regular season finale at Ray Etzler Gymnasium Thursday night, and Crestview pulled away for a 50-38 victory. The Lady Knights were led […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:32 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports LIMA — Shawnee used a big second quarter to pull away from Van Wert on Thursday night. The Indians outscored the Cougars 15-3 in the second period and from there, Shawnee went on to win 62-43. Katie DeAmicis drilled three treys in the opening quarter but Van Wert trailed 17-14 at the […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 9:31 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Paula Jean Wexler, 78, of Columbus, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Kobacker House. Paula was born on April 21, 1947, in Toledo to Paul and Nancy Warden. Paula grew up in Van Wert and was the eldest of eight children. She moved to Columbus in 1969. She was a loving mother to […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 4:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Central Insurance retirees and guests held their first luncheon of the New Year on January 28, at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Those attending were (front row, left to right): Chuck White, Terry Knebel, Dewaine Johnson, Doug Watson, and Val Sluterbeck. Back row: Paula Giessler Scott, Sharon Baer, Phil Steinen, and guest Kay Sluterbeck. The […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 1:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Sandra K. Tracy, 78, of Van Wert, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 29, 1947, in Defiance, to James and Helene (Reynolds) McCulley, who both preceded her in death. On May 4, 1968, Sandra married the love of her life, Stanley Tracy. Together they were […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 1:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries