Paula Miller/special to the VW independent March is designated as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This observance focuses specifically on the contributions of people with developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome) and celebrates the value of inclusion in every part of our community. From schools and workplaces to neighborhoods and volunteer […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:49 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) recently introduced “Trey’s Law,” legislation designed to strengthen protections for victims of sexual abuse and ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their crime. Trey’s Law works to ensure that child victims of sexual abuse in Ohio cannot be silenced through […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Members of Van Wert FOP Lodge 62 are extending a heartfelt thank you to everyone that attended the Lodge’s third annual community dinner and fundraising event, which was held on February 21 at Willow Bend Country Club. Thanks to the generosity and support from the community, local business owners, members and their families, the Lodge […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 7.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.76 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. However, that trend doesn’t appear as though it will continue. Monday afternoon, gas prices at many gas stations in Van Wert […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports The latest installment on Random Thoughts centers around a seemingly strange OHSAA rule, rematches, a great game, “tie” games, a good run, 100 wins and good luck wishes. What in the world… There are pros and cons to the changes made in basketball sectionals and districts. The biggest change is the higher […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Sandra K. (Terry) Gallaway passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Sandra was born on February 13, 1945, in Van Wert, to W. Dale and Joan L. (Burgo) Terry, both of whom predeceased her. On December 30, 1966, she was united in marriage with Jerry L. Gallaway, who survives. Sandra is […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 6:27 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Taylor Shae Baker, 34, of Van Wert, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born August 26, 1991, in Van Wert, to Steven Baker and Teresa Wood. He currently worked at Prestress Service Industries in Decatur, Indiana. Shae enjoyed gaming, working on cars, and most importantly spending time […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 1:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
By Quincy Thompson After much anticipation, The Robert Cray Band is finally making its way to Van Wert, welcomed to the stage by presenting sponsor Tekni-Plex. Originally scheduled to appear in 2024, the show had to be rescheduled, leaving many blues fans patiently waiting for the return of one of the most celebrated guitarists of […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 11:25 am. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment
Van Wert Police Monday, February 23 – officers assisted a distraught male in the 500 block of Burt St. Tuesday, February 24 – a welfare check was conducted in the 100 block of S. Washington St. Wednesday, February 25 – an officer was dispatched to Rural King in reference to an unwanted person at the […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:40 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Sunday, March 1, 2026 4:01 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Gordon Avenue in the City of Van Wert to assist the Van Wert Police Department. 9:18 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Wren Landeck Road in Jennings Township for a report of loose cows. 9:37 a.m. – Deputies responded an […]
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 9:40 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement