Crestview softball player Dakota Thornell has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Heidelberg University, a Division III school in Tiffin. Photo submitted
POSTED: 02/23/26 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Mitchell Gene Beech, 60, passed away at Stillwater Hospice Home Southwest of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday morning, February 22, 2026. He was born on November 20, 1965, in Van Wert to Harold Duane Beech, who preceded him in death, and Betty (Myers) Beech. Other family survivors include his son; Mace (Elise) Beech of Fort Wayne; […]
POSTED: 02/23/26 at 3:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
By Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones/special to the VW independent The Van Wert Fire Department recently held its annual awards ceremony to recognize the firefighters and EMTs who serve the City of Van Wert each day. The event brought together members, retirees, families, city leadership, and supporters to honor the work being done across […]
POSTED: 02/23/26 at 10:51 am. FILED UNDER: News
By Quincy Thompson What’s better than a Sunday afternoon filled with platform shoes, sparkling costumes, and some of the most recognizable pop songs ever written? At 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center will come alive with the music of one of the most iconic pop groups in history when Mamma Mania!, […]
POSTED: 02/23/26 at 9:59 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 February 17-20, 2026. Joseph L. Warnecke, Sherry R. Warnecke to Lucas Rental Properties LLC – Delphos inlots, lot 832. Estate of John D. Rist to Kelly S. Rist – Middle Point inlots, […]
POSTED: 02/23/26 at 8:46 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate Transfers
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — A weekend blaze destroyed a residental garage in the Ohio City area. After a 911 call, Ohio City Volunteer Fire and EMS was dispatched to the 7100 block of Wren Landeck Rd. at 6:36 p.m. Saturday. Van Wert, Willshire, Wren and Rockford fire departments were summoned for mutual aid […]
POSTED: 02/22/26 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Members of Isaac Van Wart Chapter of the NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) held a regular meeting this month and heard a wonderful presentation by Van Wert County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger. The topic was Isaac Van Wart and how he, John Paulding and David Williams became the first heroes of the Revolutionary […]
POSTED: 02/22/26 at 9:37 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society and Community Days Committee will host a Thirty-One Bag Bingo on Saturday, March 7, at the Edgewood Park Building in Convoy. The doors will open at 9 a.m. and bingo will start at 10 a.m. Those interested can play 20 games of bingo for $25. […]
POSTED: 02/22/26 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
One person was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after this two-vehicle accident in Van Wert. It occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday on S. Washington St., when a southbound SUV went left of center and truck the northbound pickup truck. The accident was investigated by the Van Wert Police Department, and the Van Wert […]
POSTED: 02/22/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports After leading Lincolnview to an outright Northwest Conference boys basketball championship, head coach Brett Hammons has been named NWC Coach of the Year in balloting done by fellow conference coaches. A year after Lincolnview went 5-18 (0-7 NWC), Hammons guided the Lancers to a 17-5 (6-1 NWC) 2025-2026 season, along with the […]
POSTED: 02/22/26 at 9:28 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports