VW independent staff/submitted information LIMA — The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 hosted its annual truck and loader “roadeo” in Lima on Tuesday, putting their operator’s skill, precision, and knowledge to the test. 54 employees from across the nine-county district — Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot — took […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 9:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has announced that the Van Wert Lodge had a student place first in the state competition 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 […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 9:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Fifth graders from Van Wert, Crestview, Lincolnview and St. Mary’s of the Assumption School gathered at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Tuesday for Career Connections of Van Wert County’s “Let’s Get Down to Business” event. The interactive event allowed the students to explore businesses and careers through a series of hands-on learning stations and […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information The Van Wert Rotary Club has announced the induction of Kendra Goodlin as its newest member, continuing the club’s long-standing commitment to service above self and strengthening the impact of community leadership across Van Wert County. A Van Wert native, Goodlin was formally introduced and inducted during a recent Rotary meeting […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Summer is almost here, and the YWCA of Van Wert County is preparing for another season of serving youth throughout the community through its annual Summer Food Program and RunJumpThrow event. The Summer Food Program will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 8 through July 24 at Trinity Friends Church, 605 […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 9:12 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information ST. MARYS — Midwest Electric recently donated $15,780 to 25 west-central Ohio charities and community projects, including four in Van Wert County, through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund. Thanks to the 90 percent of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund, Midwest Electric has donated more than $1.4 million to over […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 9:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports Sectional softball Lincolnview 10 St. Henry 6 Second seeded Lincolnview built up a 9-1 lead then held on to defeat No. 8 seed St. Henry in the Division VI sectional championship game on Tuesday. Five of Lincolnview’s runs came in the second inning, including a solo home run by Kassidy Hammons. Later […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 7:37 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Donna J. Scott, 79, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at her home in Paulding. Donna was born on April 13, 1947 in Convoy to Ervin and Elizabeth (Burk) Fabian, who both preceded her in death. On September 3, 1966, she married James Scott, who preceded her in death in 2011. Donna worked in […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 10:37 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Monday, May 11, 2026 2:39 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence on Liberty Union Road in Pleasant Township for a report of an active car alarm. 7:22 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residential alarm on Ohio 116 in Jennings Township. 7:58 a.m. – Deputies, along with Van Wert Fire, responded to a report […]
POSTED: 05/12/26 at 7:56 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports Spring sports It hardly seems possible, but the 2026 high school spring sports season is starting to wind down. It’s easily the most compact sports season when compared to fall and winter sports, but I suppose that has to be that way. Starting it earlier means even more battles against the weather […]
POSTED: 05/11/26 at 10:28 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports