VW independent staff/submitted information A new alignment involving six counties was discussed for approximately 40 years and it’s all but official now. The Ohio Department of Transportation operates within 12 districts, each encompassing from three to nine counties depending on density of population. After years of discussion, in February of this year, ODOT announced a […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Top Story
VW independent staff For the most part, Van Wert County dodged a bullet late Thursday night. Strong storms rolled into northwest Ohio and while there were strong winds, thunder and lightning and brief heavy rain in Van Wert County, other nearby areas were hit harder. There was a brief tornado warning issued for the Willshire […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff CONVOY — A vote on a new contract for members of the Crestview Employees’ Association OFT/AFT is on Monday night’s Crestview Local Schools Board of Education agenda. If approved by the board, the three year labor contract will take effect July 1 and run through June 30, 2029. Terms are expected to […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Morgan Trau/Ohio Capital Journal COLUMBUS — Ohio lawmakers were unable to reach a compromise on new data center regulations Wednesday before they went on summer recess. The House and the Senate didn’t have enough votes to pass Substitute House Bill 646, which created new rules and standards for the tech hubs. “We don’t think we […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Van Wert County Engineer Kyle Wendel has closed Stripe Rd. for repairs to heavy damage caused by dirt haulers. He noted the operation is not related to the data center. Wendel also said he hopes the road is repaired soon, but noted it depends on the schedule of the pavers. Once repairs […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Crestview softball program held its postseason awards ceremony to recognize athletes for their hard work throughout the season. Coach Meghan Lautzenheiser and her staff presented several awards during the event. NWC/District/All-Ohio awards (above, left to right): Kylie Williams (Honorable Mention NWC, Academic All-Ohio), Alli Thatcher (Honorable Mention NWC, Academic All-Ohio), Dakota Thornell (1st Team […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:39 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports CANTON — Delphos St. John’s is one win away from the school’s second state championship in the 2025-2026 school year. The Blue Jays, who won the Division VII boys basketball state championship in March, built up a 5-0 lead over No. 1 Tiffin Calvert in the Division VII baseball state semifinals, then […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 12:24 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Louise C. Showalter, 96, of Ohio City, passed away Wednesday evening, June 10, 2026, at Hearth & Home in Van Wert. She was born at home on November 21, 1929, in rural Pleasant Township, the daughter of George Hofmann and Edna (Dietrich) Hofmann, who both preceded her in death. On November 4, 1950, she married […]
POSTED: 06/12/26 at 8:43 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent sports LIMA — If you’re looking for something different on Saturday night, arena football is coming to Lima. The Ohio Legends, based in Marion, will meet the Michigan Raptors in an opening around American Arena League 2 opening round playoff game. The game will be played at the Apex Sports Zone, 4565 Elida […]
POSTED: 06/11/26 at 9:14 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A steady stream of people visited Vantage Career Center for 90 minutes on Thursday for more information on the planned $10 billion QTS data center, which will be built at the Mega Site on the east side of Van Wert. Representatives from QTS manned different information tables in the school’s commons area, […]
POSTED: 06/11/26 at 8:58 pm. FILED UNDER: News