By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal Despite Ohio ranking 12th in education overall, 68 percent of Ohio fourth graders were not proficient in reading and 68 percent of Ohio eighth graders were not proficient in math, according to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book. The study shows the percentage of Ohio students not proficient in reading […]
POSTED: 07/16/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information PAULDING — The Paulding Putnam Board of Trustees has announced that Nick Eltzroth, the cooperative’s current Chief Operating Officer, will become the cooperative’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Eltzroth will succeed current President and CEO Randy Price, who will retire on January 4, 2027, after leading the cooperative through three years of growth […]
VW independent staff/submitted information First United Methodist Church Preschool, serving children ages 3 to 5, is will host its annual open house and registration for the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, August 3, with two convenient sessions: 10-11:30 a.m. or 5-6:30 p.m. at 113 W. Central Ave. in Van Wert. It’s an opportunity to tour […]
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