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
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 7:27 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy EMS to a residence on Harrison Willshire Road in Harrison Township for a subject having difficulty breathing. 8:13 a.m. – Deputies spoke to a resident from the City of Van Wert for a complaint of a registration violation. 12:17 p.m. – Deputies responded to a residence […]
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 8:02 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent staff/submitted information Heritage Ohio and the Ohio Main Street Program have announced the national accreditation of Main Street Van Wert. This recognition is awarded through the Ohio Main Street Program, which serves as the coordinating agency in Ohio for Main Street America. Van Wert became a member of the Ohio Main Street Program […]
POSTED: 02/11/26 at 9:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff A Van Wert man accused of assaulting another man and threatening to kill a retired Van Wert Police officer and his family was arraigned in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week. Devin Couch, 21, entered a not guilty plea to a single count of felonious assualt, a second degree felony. […]
POSTED: 02/11/26 at 9:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information After weeks of snow, ice, and a prolonged blast of bitter cold, Ohio has finally started to thaw out. With the mercury finally rising, now is the time to wash winter off your car or possibly face costly repair bills down the road. AAA is reminding drivers to get their cars […]
POSTED: 02/11/26 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
As part of the ongoing effort to combat crime in Van Wert County and to show support for local law enforcement officers, outgoing Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva J. Yarger recently used the Furtherance of Justice Fund to assist local agencies. A Team Awareness Kit was purchased for the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office to […]
POSTED: 02/11/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News