Big Boy to roll through the area again

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor When Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive passed through Continental in early June, it was estimated that between 6,000-7,000 people flocked to the small Putnam County village to get a glimpse of it. Continental is a village of roughly 1,100 people, which made traffic, parking and actually getting near […]

Precautions urged to avoid cyclosporiasis

VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff is urging Ohioans to take extra precautions when handling fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease that has sickened hundreds of people across multiple states recently, including Ohio. As of July 2, ODH is reporting 177 cyclosporiasis cases in […]

Motorcycle vs. semi-truck…

A motorcyclist was flown for treatment after colliding with a semi-truck early Thursday afternoon. Van Wert County deputies, along with firefighters from Ohio City and Van Wert were dispatched to the intersection of Ohio 118 and Ohio 81 shortly at approximately 12:45 p.m. No other information is available yet. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Training Academy offers VR courses

VW independent staff/submitted information LONDON (OH) — The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy has rolled out its third series of immersive virtual reality courses, expanding next-generation training for law enforcement agencies across the state. “Virtual-reality training matters because we know, without a doubt, that the best training our law enforcement professionals can get is reality-based […]

Janet M. Mohr

Janet M. Mohr, 92, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Pendleton, Indiana. She was born on January 7, 1934, in Venedocia, to Luther and Starley Williams, who both preceded her in death. On October 22, 1955, Janet married Byron Mohr. Together they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage before […]

Deadline near for BOE applications

VW independent staff This Friday, July 10, is the deadline for anyone interested in filling a vacant seat on the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education. Several applications have been received so far. The seat came open July 1, following the resignation of Thaison Leaser, who is moving just outside the school district. Leaser […]

Softball, baseball facilities getting facelift

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Lincolnview’s softball and baseball programs have played at a high level in recent years, earning NWC championships and competing at regionals and for state titles. Now, the facilities where they play will be getting some upgrades to match the high level of play. At a special meeting held on Wednesday, the Lincolnview […]

Arraignments, sentencing hearings held

VW independent staff Seven defendents were arraigned and three others sentenced on various charges during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings. Arraignments Shawna Clark, 49, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to assault, a fourth degree felony. She was […]

Flock cameras under the microscope

By Morgan Trau/Ohio Capital Journal The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision restricting law enforcement’s ability to use sprawling cell phone location data is bringing to light questions about the legitimacy of Flock Safety cameras used by police in Ohio and elsewhere. Several such cameras are in use in the city of Van Wert. Police use “geofence […]

Wrenway Park addition…

Ground has officially been broken for Wrenway Park’s permanent press box, with Commissioner Jack Davis, committee member Mark Slusher and Wren Mayor Monica Davis helping kick off the project. They said the addition is another exciting investment in the future of the park. Wren will come alive as the “Wiffleball Capital of Ohio” with the […]