SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor It’s a case that goes back nearly 45 years with a defendant who is almost 80 years old and claims he’s innocent. Now, he’s getting a chance that could help prove his claim. Last week, Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield signed an order for new DNA testing […]
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff A Van Wert man accused of causing the death of another man in late 2024 has changed his plea. During a hearing held Wednesday morning in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Joshua Sargent, 44, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted corrupting another with drugs, a third […]
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Hours of training have paid off for five more Scott firefighters who have earned their Firefighter 1 certification (left to right): John Rosswurm, Bryce Rosswurm, Sam Steffen, Adam Stoller and Owen Manz. Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS – State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) recently introduced House Bill 786 – legislation that works to combat AI Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). “It is our responsibility to protect Ohio’s most innocent, and as technology continues to advance, we must also adapt to ensure the […]
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 8:46 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert Fire to a location on Westwood Drive in the City of Van Wert for a report of a gas leak. 8:49 a.m. – Deputies spoke with a resident from Lincoln Highway in Pleasant Township for a report of possible trespassing. 9:44 a.m. – Deputies spoke […]
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 7:25 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent staff/submitted information CONVOY – Students and staff at Crestview Local Schools, along with community members were able to interact with State Representative Jim Hoops (R–Napoleon) on Tuesday. Rep. Hoops, who is currently a candidate for Ohio’s State Senate District 1 seat held by Senator Rob McColley, spent the day touring the campus. Rep. […]
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 6:58 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Van Wert LIVE has announced the eagerly awaited lineup for this year’s “Feel Good Friday” Summer Concert Series. Thanks to the generosity of the Van Wert County Foundation, music enthusiasts can indulge in free concerts set to captivate audiences throughout the summer. Before Feel Good Fridays start, the Van Wert Area Community Concert […]
POSTED: 04/08/26 at 6:30 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Van Wert County and Mercer County are two of 11 Ohio counties that Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the use of the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to support areas that were significantly impacted by severe winter storms that occurred between January 24-27. The 11 counties are: Locally, snow […]
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Community members interested in uncovering their roots and exploring the rich heritage of Van Wert County are invited to attend the first meeting of the Genealogy and Local History Club. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, on the second floor of the Brumback Library. The new group aims […]
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:07 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information CONVOY — The Village of Convoy Historical Society Museum will be open on Saturdays starting this Saturday, April 11, through October 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free but memberships are available and donations are always appreciated. What you’ll see The museum is open and will continue to be a […]
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News