By Quincy Thompson March will be arriving with a bit of Irish flair at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center as The Celtic Angels take the stage on Sunday, March 1. This performance marks the very first time The Celtic Angels have appeared at the Niswonger, and they’re kicking off the month in spirited style, just […]
POSTED: 02/10/26 at 11:45 am. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
Monday, February 9, 2026 12:14 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Monticello Spencerville Road in Jennings Township for a report of a domestic dispute. 5:18 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on Van Wert Decatur Road in the City of Van Wert to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 5:44 […]
POSTED: 02/10/26 at 11:35 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor 50 years is considered a milestone worthy of a celebration and that’s just what happened at Vantage Career Center on Monday. The Van Wert-based career center opened in 1976 as “Vantage Joint Vocational School” has expanded in more ways than one over the years, with the size of the campus growing and […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 10:09 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor CONVOY – A pair of presentations highlighted Monday’s monthly meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education. Treasurer/CFO Ashley Whetsel explained in detail the district’s current financial outlook for the next five years. She noted there is uncertainty due to property tax reform, along with an effort to abolish property taxes […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 10:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting Active Threat and Rescue Task Force training from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday of this week at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Ohio 49 in Convoy. The Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Van Wert Fire Department, and the Van Wert Police Department will also […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 10:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation reported a strong increase in participation following Saturday’s Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, with attendance growing from seven participants last year to more than 20 attendees this year. The workshop served as the kickoff to 2026 Business Boot Camp, a free six-week program designed to […]
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports It took two overtimes but Van Wert was able to notch one in the win column Monday night, which was also Senior Night at the The Den. The Cougars topped Lima Central Catholic 58-50 for the team’s first victory of the season. The four seniors who enjoyed the win during the final […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports This week’s edition of Random Thoughts centers around boys basketball WBL and NWC title chases, girls tournament draws and Super Bowl LX. WBL title chase Just two teams have perfect records in WBL play and they’ll meet this Friday night, as defending champion Shawnee (14-5, 7-0 WBL) comes into Van Wert (15-4, […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports Presale tickets are being made available for Friday’s boys basketball showdown between Van Wert and Shawnee. A large crowd is expected for the game, which will be played at Van Wert High School. The winner will earn at least a share of the Western Buckeye League championship. Presale tickets will be sold […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 9:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Van Wert Police Sunday, February 1 – arrested Derek Eland for domestic violence in the 900 block of Southway St. Monday, February 2 – handled a criminal mischief report for an incident that occurred in the 1200 block of S. Shannon St. Monday, February 2 – an unruly juvenile was reported in the 500 block […]
POSTED: 02/09/26 at 9:18 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement