By Marty Schladen/Ohio Capital Journal Updated data from the Urban Institute underscores what candidates and pollsters are hearing in Ohio and around the country: Average people are having a harder and harder time getting by. Other measures, such as those of income fragility, also show widespread economic insecurity. The Urban Institute this week updated 2023 research […]
POSTED: 03/21/26 at 12:39 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor FAIRBORN — Marion Local’s size and length proved to be too much for Lincolnview to overcome, as the No. 1 ranked Flyers pulled away from the Lancers for a 46-30 win in the Division VI state semifinals at Wright State University’s Ervin J. Nutter Center Friday night, ending Lincolnview’s remarkable run. With […]
POSTED: 03/21/26 at 12:36 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
Gavin Evans (10) tries for two against Marion Local during Friday night’s Division VI state semifinal game at Wright State University. Grant Zielke (15) looks to pass against the Flyers and Marshall Hammons (20) prepares to shoot against Brayden Mescher. Photos courtesy of Hanna Young
POSTED: 03/21/26 at 12:35 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports A mere 13 miles separate Delphos St. John’s High School and Kalida High School, but the two will meet in the Division VII state championship game at UD Arena in Dayton today. It’s a rematch of the season opener between the two teams, which was won by the Blue Jays 45-30. No. […]
POSTED: 03/21/26 at 12:35 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
Thursday, March 19, 2026 4:32 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to a residence on John Brown Road in Pleasant Township for a subject who fell. 7:05 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Colwell Road in Union Township for a report of a suspicious vehicle. 7:22 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence […]
POSTED: 03/20/26 at 8:04 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent staff/submitted information Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach issued a statement early this morning that said his office is investigating the recovery of a body in Washington Township, in the eastern portion of the county. Sheriff Riggenbach said his office received a call at approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday about a deceased individual […]
POSTED: 03/20/26 at 6:57 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information A reminder that due to strong winds over the weekend and Monday, the City of Van Wert has scheduled a special brush pick-up. All brush must be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. Monday, March 23.
POSTED: 03/19/26 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) held a press conference on Wednesday to introduce new legislation that would require the sale of E15 blended fuel at all Ohio Turnpike service facilities. “As a farmer, I understand the importance of E-15,” Representative Klopfenstein said. “Ohio is […]
POSTED: 03/19/26 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Optimist Club of Van Wert held its annual oratorical contest earlier this month at CHP Home Care & Hospice in Van Wert. Students from Crestview and Lincolnview schools presented speeches on the topic, “The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community.” Three students from Crestview were this year’s winners. Mackenzie Kreischer was […]
POSTED: 03/19/26 at 8:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Robert Michael Klim, 70, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday morning, March 14, 2026, at VanCrest of Van Wert. He was born on August 16, 1955, in Youngstown, the son of Paul Klim of Springfield, Ohio and Alice Colleen (O’Connell) Klim, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife […]
POSTED: 03/19/26 at 2:04 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries