Van Wert Police blotter 5/31-6/6/2026

Van Wert Police Sunday, May 31 – officers conducted a welfare check in the 400 block of Zimmerman Ave. Sunday, May 31 – arrested Cyle J. Black in the 600 block of E. Crawford St. for persistent disorderly conduct. Sunday, May 31 – a report was made in reference to a possible menacing incident in […]

Peony parade…

Fortunately, the rain held off and the Peony Festival parade went on as scheduled on Saturday, with the Van Wert High School Cougar Pride Marching Band taking part in the annual event. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent 

Data center meeting this Thursday

VW independent staff This Thursday, June 11, is when a community event will be held for residents to learn more about a planned data center that will be built in Van Wert. It will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. at Vantage Career Center. “Think of it like a science fair,” Van Wert Area Economic Development […]

Primary election results now certified

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has certified the official results of the May 5 primary election, marking the completion of the statewide canvass conducted by Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections. The certified results include all eligible ballots cast on Election Day, during early in-person voting, by absentee […]

Annual car show coming to Rockford

Submitted information ROCKFORD — The Rockford Lions Club’s 32nd annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise‑In is scheduled for Friday, June 19, in downtown Rockford. Registration will be held from 4-7 p.m., with judging beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony starting at 8:45 p.m. The event will feature food and drinks, along with a 50/50 drawing. Classic cars, community fellowship, and family‑friendly […]

Western Buckeye ESC awarded grant

VW independent staff PAULDING — The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center has been named as a recipient of $100,000 Industry Sector Partnership Spark Grant. It will provide additional transition and workforce navigation services for all Paulding and Van Wert County schools to assist students with early job exploration, workplace readiness training, and real-world problem-solving experiences.  Additionally, […]

Cougars at state!

Van Wert’s Micah Cowan (above) earned a place on the podium at the OHSAA track and field state championships over the weekend. Cowan finished eighth in the Division III 300 meter hurdles (40.03). Meanwhile, Flannery Foster (below) wrapped up her freshman campaign with a 13th place finish in the discus (112-05). Photos courtesy of Monica […]

Knights set records!

Crestview’s 4×100 relay team of Graylie Grose, Ellie Ward, Delanie Balliet and Lydia Grace finished third with a school record time of 49.95 at the OHSAA track and field state championships in Columbus. Meanwhile, the boys 4×200 relay team of Drayden Hoffman, Hayden Perrott, Liam Putman and Brentyn Rodriguez was the runner-up in Division V […]

Peters at state!

Lincolnview’s Noah Peters competed in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles at state, finishing 10th in the preliminaries of the 110 (15.20) and 12 in the prelims of the 300 meter hurdles (40.51). Wyatt Richardson photo

Blue Jays in baseball state tournament

VW independent staff/submitted information Delphos St. John’s is among the teams that will play in this week’s OHSAA baseball state tournament. The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the pairings and schedule for the tournament, which will be hosted by 7 17 Credit Union Park in Akron and Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton. […]