SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Ohio’s unemployment rate decreased statewide in April, according to new figures released this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. From March, jobless rates decreased in all 88 counties and ranged from a low of 2.0 percent in Holmes County to a high of 4.7 percent. Both counties are […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff WAPAKONETA — A Willshire woman arrested in late April in Auglaize County after she was caught with more than $20,000 worth of meth has pleaded guilty to a felony charge. Records from the Auglaize County Clerk of Courts Office show Nicole Cooper, 43, appeared in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information LIMA — The University of Northwestern Ohio’s 106th annual commencement exercises will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. A total of 745 graduates from the College of Applied Technologies, College of Business, College of Health Professions, College of […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $200 to the Van Wert County Council on Aging. The monies will go towards supporting their upcoming 13th annual designer purse bingo fundraiser scheduled for Friday, June 12. The agency will use the donation to purchase designer handbags which will be displayed […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Several clergy appointments have been announced by the Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, presiding Bishop of Diocese of Toledo. The appointments will have a direct impact on St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert and other area churches. The full list can be found on the Church page.
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information TOLEDO — Bishop Daniel E. Thomas has announced clergy appointments, effective July 1. The appointments will affect St. Marys of the Assumption Parish in Van Wert, along with several other area churches. Reverend Christopher G. Bohnsack will shift from Pastor of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Van Wert, to Parochial Vicar […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent sports Van Wert’s Trevor Halker has been named first team All-Western Buckeye League baseball, while two teammates also earned all-league honors. Easton Putman was named third team All-WBL, one of just two freshmen to earn all-league honors, while Griffin McCracken was named honorable mention All-WBL. Kasey Gross of St. Marys Memorial was named […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 12:31 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Everett Marshall Farmer, 62, of Van Wert, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after an extended battle with esophageal cancer. Everett was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Marshall Farmer and Nancy Jean (Raabe) Farmer. He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley “Nicole” (Andrew) Ross, and his […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 11:42 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 8:18 a.m. – Dispatched Middle Point EMS to a residence on Plum Street in the Village of Venedocia for a subject feeling lightheaded. 8:23 a.m. – Deputies responded to a location on Fox Road in the City of Van Wert to assist a motorist locked out of their vehicle. 8:23 a.m. […]
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:57 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent sports Softball Lincolnview 2 Patrick Henry 0 BOWLING GREEN — Lincolnview is one win away from a spot in the Division VI softball state tournament. The Lancers scored just two runs during Wednesday’s regional semifinal game against Patrick Henry, but that’s all that was needed, as Lincolnview recorded a 2-0 victory over the […]
POSTED: 05/27/26 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports