VW independent staff If you see a large law enforcement/first responder presence at Lincolnview Local Schools this Saturday, there’s no cause for alarm. The school is hosting the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office’s assailant training session, starting at 9 a.m. Deputies, fire and EMS and others are expected to be present for the drill. While […]
POSTED: 06/18/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information Over 60 members, volunteers, performers, directors, designers, supporters and friends gathered at the recent Van Wert Civic Theatre’s awards banquet to celebrate the dedication and countless hours of hard work that made the 2025-2026 season one to remember. Merit, Outstanding and Excellence awards were given out to many individuals. The production […]
POSTED: 06/18/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff In addition to Sunday being Father’s Day, the Sunday season will officially arrive at 4:24 a.m. EDT. It will also be the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. The sun will rise at 6:06 a.m. Sunday and won’t set until 9:13 p.m., a total of 15 hours and seven […]
POSTED: 06/18/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback returns for the summer season and will continue until the start of the fall sports season. This week’s Friday Flashback takes us back to late January of 2011, when Van Wert and Lincolnview both posted basketball wins. Below is the story as it appeared on the VW independent Sports page. […]
POSTED: 06/18/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Michael Alden “Mike” Higinbotham, 68, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by his family at his residence in Middle Point after a long illness. Mike was born in Frankfort, Indiana, on July 1, 1957, the son of Milton Ferrell Higinbotham, Jr. and Donna May (Waldron) Underwood. He worked as a brakeman on the […]
POSTED: 06/18/26 at 1:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
The Crestview baseball program concluded its season with head coach Kole Rolsten and his coaching staff recognizing the team’s accomplishments throughout the season. Special Awards (above, left to right): Huxley Grose (NWC Honorable Mention), Owen Heckler (NWC 2nd Team), Zaine Cereghin (NWC 1st Team, QAB Award), Luke Sawmiller (NWC 2nd Team, .350 Club Award, Pitching […]
POSTED: 06/18/26 at 6:46 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent staff/submitted information AAA projects 72.2 million Americans, including 3.4 million Ohioans, will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5. This year’s domestic travel forecast surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers, but the increase is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. The number of travelers driving and flying to their destinations is relatively […]
POSTED: 06/17/26 at 8:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor An Ohio City man convicted of sexual battery learned his fate during a hearing held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week. Seth Marbaugh, 34, was sentenced by Judge Martin D. Burchfield to 36 months in prison and was ordered to pay court costs. Once freed, he’ll be subject to […]
POSTED: 06/17/26 at 8:41 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor COLUMBUS — Govenor Mike DeWine has called on Ohio legislators to abolish Ohio’s death penalty, but it doesn’t appear the request has much support among lawmakers and other high-ranking state leaders. During a news conference held on Tuesday, DeWine confirmed his stance on the death penalty statute. In a twist, it was […]
POSTED: 06/17/26 at 8:40 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Lincolnview’s Holden Price (above) was named Division VI first team All-Ohio in the Ohio High School Baseball Association’s all-state team, while teammate Chayse Overholt (below) was named Division VI second team All-Ohio. In addition, Van Wert’s Trevor Halker was named honorable mention All-Ohio in Division IV. Photos courtesy of Hanna Young
POSTED: 06/17/26 at 7:47 am. FILED UNDER: Sports