VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Outgoing Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Thursday that a statewide human trafficking operation conducted this month by dozens of agencies resulted in the arrests of 122 people seeking to buy sex – including from minors. “This operation brings us to 1,065 arrests since our statewide stings began […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Just call them district champions. Lincolnview captured a Division VI district championship with a 3-0 win over Fairview Thursday at Wapakoneta. Ila Hughes held the Apaches in check by scattering four hits and striking out 12. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth, when the Lancers scored two runs on a pair […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports Van Wert 4 Upper Sandusky 1 UPPER SANDUSKY — No. 6 seed Van Wert captured a Division IV sectional championship with a 4-1 win over No. 5 seed Upper Sandusky on Thursday. The win puts the Cougars (12-12) in the district semifinals against No. 1 seed Bath at 2 p.m. Wednesday at […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Van Wert’s Zach Stoller competed at the Division II tennis district on Thursday and the junior opened with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Eian Etchill of Sandusky St. Mary’s Central Catholic, then recorded Cooper Brokaw 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals. However, Henrique Marson of Ottawa Hills ended Stoller’s season in the semifinals, 6-1, 6-1. Stoller, […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent staff Due to the weather forecast, Friday’s Van Wert Area Community Concert Band performance has been moved from Fountain Park to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the free concert will begin at 7 p.m. The band is directed by Richard Sherrick and features members from […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 3:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Robert Gene Mefferd, 87, of Van Wert, passed away Wednesday morning, May 20, 2026, at The Van Wert Manor. He was born on March 28, 1939, in Convoy to William Frank and Bertha (Adams) Mefferd. Robert married Eunice Rafert on December 16, 1961. Bob grew up on a farm in Convoy. He graduated from Crestview […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 11:57 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Submitted information Central Insurance retirees and guests met on April 29, for their monthly luncheon at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. The group settled in with their favorite buffet choices and spent the afternoon catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying an easygoing meal together. This month’s attendees included (bottom row, left to right): Patty Kiehl, […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 6:49 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 12:41 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Dutch John Road in Union Township to check an abandoned 911 call. 2:43 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy EMS to a residence on Shepherd Street in the Village of Convoy for a subject who fell. 4:26 a.m. – Deputies responded to a residence […]
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 6:43 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor The Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education and administrators took some time during Wednesday’s monthly meeting to honor three staff members who are retiring. Elementary cross categorical intervention specialist Ruth Brotherwood (three years), elementary library aide Marsha Weldy (four years) and STEM teacher Christie Wendel (27 years) were praised by Superintendent Jeff […]
POSTED: 05/20/26 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Van Wert American Legion Post 178’s annual Memorial Day service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Woodland Cemetery. Following the ceremony, everyone is invited back to Post 178 on W. Main St. for a light lunch.
POSTED: 05/20/26 at 8:33 pm. FILED UNDER: News