Wednesday, February 25, 2026 1:56 p.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 224 in Harrison Township for a report of a loose dog. 2:14 p.m. – Deputies responded to an area of the Van Wert Paulding County Line Road in Jackson Township to assist a disabled motorist. 5:51 p.m. – Deputies spoke with […]
POSTED: 02/26/26 at 9:48 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It appears as though recent break-ins at pharmacies in northwest and southwest Ohio may be tied to similar burglaries that occurred in this area last September. Three intruders went down the line from Defiance County to Van Wert on September 11 – Hicksville Pharmacy and Home at 5:20 p.m., Oukley’s Pharmacy in […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Several area fire deparments are recipients of the new Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grant that was established via House Bill 96. Convoy Fire & EMS, Middle Point Fire Department, Scott Fire & EMS, Grover Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Paulding Fire Department, Rockford Community Fire Department, Mendon Union Fire Department, […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information The intersection of Ohio 613 and Ohio 637,near the village of Melrose in Paulding County will become a four way stop this spring. It’s one of eight intersections in northwest Ohio that are being converted to all-way stops by Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 to improve safety. The locations selected […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have selected Lincolnview High School seniors Kendall Hoffman and Alexis Hoaglin as the recipients of the Student of the Month for January. Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award. Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
PAULDING — Cub Scout Pack 1317 in Paulding and Boy Scout Troop 315 are gearing up for one of the most exciting traditions of the scouting year — the annual Pinewood Derby. The local Pinewood Derby will take place at 1 p.m. this Saturday at the Commissioners Building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds. Scouts will […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:08 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Wednesday night’s Division VI girls basketball district semifinals at Van Wert High School produced a pair of low scoring, but close games. In the opening game, No. 2 seed Wayne Trace trailed No. 3 seed Crestview 20-18 at the end of the third quarter, but the Raiders used an 18-10 fourth quarter […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Danny Ray Routt, 78, of Cavett, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Divine Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Rockford. He was born January 16, 1948 in Paulding, a son of Fredrick L. and Betty (Taylor) Routt, neither of whom survive. He is survived by two sons, Jeffery (Lori) Routt of Rockford, and […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 7:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Submitted information For over 50 years, First United Methodist Church Preschool has been a pillar of early childhood education in downtown Van Wert. The Christian-based preschool, serving children ages 3-5, has annoucned its upcoming Open House and ongoing registration for the 2026-2027 school year. Located at 113 W. Central Ave. in Van Wert, First UM […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 12:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
Ronald Eugene Robeson passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loved ones and faithful dog Frankie. Ron was born October 8, 1939, in Van Wert, to Mary (Shingledecker) and Franklin (Bud) Robeson, who both preceded him in death. On May 2, 1964, Ron married the love of his life, […]
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 12:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries