Video: working train layouts

Along with many vendor tables, the Van Wert County Historical Society’s Railroad Heritage Weekend Model Railroad Show & Swap featured several working layouts. The layouts were enjoyed by model railroaders young and old, and provided inspiration to anyone who enjoys the hobby. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Search warrant executed in Delphos

VW independent staff DELPHOS — Weapons and ammunition were seized from a home in Delphos and one person is in custody. The Delphos Police Department and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team executed a search warrant during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 18, at a home in the 200 block of N. […]

Radio stations set broadcast schedules

VW independent sports Local radio stations 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM have announced their broadcast schedules for the rapidly approaching 2026 high school football season. WKSD will offer a variety of games featuring teams from the Green Meadows Conference and Northwest Conference, while WERT will continue on as “The Voice of the Van Wert Cougars.” […]

Letters to the Editor

The VW independent welcomes the opinions of readers in the form of letters to the editor, provided the submissions are in good taste and refrain from attacking individuals. The VW independent has the right to decide whether or not any reader submission will be published. Letters may be subject to editing and may not be […]

A day in the life of a poll worker

To the Editor, I feel compelled, after so much disinformation being spewed in the last couple of days, to just let the general public know about the day of a poll worker in Van Wert County.   It begins about 5 a.m., maybe earlier if you really want to look especially nice. You begin to head to […]

Civil suit filed by sex offender’s neighbors

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A convicted sex offender living in Van Wert has been named as defendant in a civil lawsuit filed in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. The suit, filed on Wednesday by Toledo attorney Steven L. Crossmock, seeks monetary damages from David Bradford, who lives on Ohio 116 outside the Van Wert city […]

Trade Days to start next Thursday

Submitted information WILLSHIRE — The Willshire Sportsman’s Club’s annual Trade Days event will be held from dawn to dusk Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 23-25 at 3385 Ohio 81, two miles east of Willshire. Bring the entire famiy – admission and parking are free. There will be all types of flea market items, crafts, cement […]

DSJ announces new Hall of Fame class

VW independent staff/submitted information DELPHOS — The Hall of Fame of St. John the Evangelist Catholic School was created in 2004 to honor and recognize those whose deeds and actions exemplify the spirit of Delphos St. John’s. The honorees are recognized in four categories: Professional Achievement, Arts/Athletic Achievement, Service to Mankind and Service to St. […]

Area gas station robbers caught, jailed

VW independent staff PAULDING — Two people suspected of holding up a gas station/convienence store in Paulding earlier this week have been arrested and jailed. Robert Louis Chatman III, 21, and Kirsten Lynn Cox, 18, both from Defiance, are facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Online records from Paulding County Common Pleas Court show Chatman is […]

Box City event canceled due to smoke

VW independent staff Due to air quality concerns caused by Canadian wildfire smoke, tonight’s Haven of Hope Box City event at Fountain Park has been canceled. Organizers hope to reschedule the event.