Donald E. “Buddy” Mengerink, Sr., 88, of Van Wert, passed away at 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mercy-St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 25, 1937, in West Unity, Ohio, to Edward W., Sr and Dorothy (Mumford) Mengerink. He married the former Barbara Speelman. […]
POSTED: 07/16/26 at 6:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff/submitted information Due to a forcast that includes showers and thunderstorms plus wildfire smoke, Friday night’s Jesse LaBelle concert has been moved indoors to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to arrive, get settled, […]
POSTED: 07/16/26 at 4:11 pm. FILED UNDER: Arts & Entertainment, News
JaNahn Jane Sinn, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at her home in Van Wert, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 14, 1957, in Paulding County, to John and Lillian (Rager) Schlatter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant sister, Jan, and […]
POSTED: 07/16/26 at 3:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
After a long and very successful season, plus summer ball, volleyball, basketball and travel softball, Lincolnview was finally able to hold its annual softball banquet earlier this week. The Lancers had 16 NWC Scholar- Athletes, three All-Ohio Academic Athletes, seven All-NWC selections, four All-Northwest District selections, two All-Ohio selections and set six new school records. Lincolnview […]
POSTED: 07/16/26 at 2:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Submitted information Pitchers will now join catchers as the only players in high school softball permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout, effective with the 2027 season. This change was one of four recommendations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee during its June 14-16 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommendations were later approved by […]
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:36 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Submitted information Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027. The larger first base option was one of seven […]
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:36 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor CONTINENTAL — Some called it a once in a lifetime experience and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. Union Pacific’s locomotive No. 4014, known as “Big Boy” sounded its distinct Hancock Long Bell three-chime whistle as it rolled into the Putnam County village of Continental at 11 a.m. Wednesday, much to the delight […]
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Union Pacific’s giant steam locomotive, Boy Boy 4014, delighted thousands of people during a “whistle” stop in Continental on Thursday. After a 30-minute stop in the village, the train headed west through Paulding County into Allen County, Indiana. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Union Pacific’s locomotive No. 4014, known as “Big Boy” sounded its distinct Hancock Long Bell three-chime whistle as it rolled into the village of Continental on Wednesday. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Big Boy No. 4014 says goodbye to Continental on Wednesday. The final car is a restored Pullman car once used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Video by Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:21 pm. FILED UNDER: News