VW independent staff/submitted information Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has announced the winners of the 2025-2026 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Americanism Essay Contest. This fraternal year, the theme for the contest was, “What Does Service to Your Country Mean To You?” The students competed in divisions by […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:52 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor The number of calls handled by the Van Wert Fire Department in 2025 decreased by nearly 10 percent compared to the previous year. According to the fire department’s annual report, compiled by Chief Jon Jones, the VWFD handled 2,057 calls last year, down from 2,216 in 2025, and the fewest since 2020, […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff A winning $60 million Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in Van Wert last month has been claimed, but the winner or winners will remain anonymous. According to a press release from the Ohio Lottery, the prize was claimed by The Happy Trails Trust, represented by local attorney Shaun A. Putman. The winner […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The year 2051 – that’s when a time capsule buried at Vantage Career Center on Friday will be opened. Students and staff gathered Friday to bury the capsule filled with an item from each of Vantage’s programs, along with a few additional pieces. The burial was completed by the school’s Construction Equipment Technology program. Superintendent […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Extended early voting hours Registered voters in Van Wert County can take advantage of extended early in-person voting hours this week. The Van Wert County Board of Elections Office will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 27, 29, 30, and May 1; 7:30 […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Community members are invited to attend a free skin lesion screening clinic from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. The clinic is open to the public and offered on a walk-in basis and no registration or appointment is required. During the event, a physician will evaluate any concerning skin […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Baseball Van Wert 7 Delphos St. John’s 6 (11 innings) DELPHOS — A bases loaded walk scored Griffin McCracken in the top of the 11th inning and Van Wert was able to hold on for a 7-6 win over Delphos St. John’s at Stadium Park on Saturday. A two-out RBI single by […]
POSTED: 04/26/26 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Submitted information Central Insurance retirees and guests gathered on March 25 for their monthly lunch at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Everyone settled in, grabbed their favorite buffet picks, and spent the afternoon catching up, swapping stories, and enjoying a relaxed meal together. Joining the group this month were Dewaine Johnson, Sue Karst, Viv Langhals, […]
POSTED: 04/25/26 at 9:35 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
VW independent sports TROY — The Crestview girls placed 12 out of 16 teams and the Knights boys finished 10 out of 15 teams at Friday’s Troy Relays. Troy won the team title on the girls’ side with Springfield finishing as the runner-up. Miamisburg was the team champion on the boys’ side, with Troy placing […]
POSTED: 04/25/26 at 9:22 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
Van Wert picked up a big WBL tennis win with a 3-2 road victory over Wapakoneta on Friday. The Cougars received wins from Zach Stoller at first singles, Beau Bear at third singles and the first doubles team of Ben Verville and Kaz Moynihan. Van Wert is slated to return to action at home against […]
POSTED: 04/25/26 at 9:08 am. FILED UNDER: Sports