VW independent staff/submitted information The Career Education Opportunity (CEO) Program is celebrating its 10th year at Van Wert High School, marking a decade of providing students with meaningful, real world career experiences. The CEO Program is offered to seniors as an elective course that allows students to be released during the school day to participate […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Westwood Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Jackie Forthman recently achieved a highly regarded milestone in her journey toward long term sobriety. After two years of living substance free, Jackie graduated from Recovery Court. “A New Day the Right Way” is a program for adults who struggled with addiction […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff The Van Wert County Republican Party has scheduled a “Meet the Candidates Night” for next month. The event will be held on Thursday, March 12 at the Van Wert Elks Lodge. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and candidates will begin speaking at 6:30 p.m. Candidates who have confirmed they’ll attend: Candidates […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce will host its annual dinner and awards on Wednesday, March 18, at Willow Bend Country Club Those attending will be able to enjoy a St. Patrick’s “Pot O’Gold” themed event. Entertainment will be provided by Krendl, the talented illusionist, creator, and inspirationalist who has captivated audiences with […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $1,750 to the Haven of Hope Homeless Shelter of Van Wert County to assist them with their ongoing program to provide shelter to homeless men. The money is from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation. Since they […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:38 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Lincolnview 75 Fairview 68 (2OT) SHERWOOD — It took double overtime but No. 6 seed Lincolnview was able to stun No. 1 seed Fairview 75-68 in the Division VI sectional championship in Sherwood Thursday night. Lincolnview’s Kassidy Hammons sent the game into the first overtime with a trey that made it 53-53 […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
By Franklin Freytag COLUMBUS — In recognition of National Unclaimed Funds Month in February, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is reminding Ohioans to check for any potential money they might have waiting to be claimed. Whether the money is in your name, a loved one’s name, or your business, all it takes is a couple […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 9:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Debra (Morefield) Klausing, 70, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. She was born on August 25, 1955, to Peggy (Lamb) Morefield and Joseph Morefield. Debra is survived by her three daughters, Kari (Clyde) Thatcher of Van Wert, Kelli Cheney […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 1:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Submitted information VENEDOCIA — The Salem United Presbyterian Church of Venedocia would like to invite you to our morning service honoring Saint David’s Day on Sunday, March 1. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. with a light lunch to follow. Each year the church celebrates its Welsh heritage on Saint David’s Day as well […]
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 7:45 am. FILED UNDER: Church
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Two local veterans have become the seventh and eighth graduates of Van Wert Municipal Court’s Veterans Court, commonly referred to as CAMO (Courts Assisting Military Offenders) Court. Sgt. Thomas Losh (U.S. Air Force) and Sgt. Keith Ratliff (U.S. Army) were honored during a brief ceremony held in the Van Wert Municipal Court […]
POSTED: 02/18/26 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News