SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor A pair of energy-related open houses were held in Van Wert on Tuesday – one dealing with a proposed solar farm, and the other regarding AEP power grid upgrades. Butterfly Meadows Two representatives of Butterfly Meadows declined to speak with the VW independent or the Times Bulletin during Thursday’s open house at […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: Top Story
VW independent staff Van Wert County EMA Director Matt Saunier has provided 48-hour rainfall totals for various spots around Van Wert County from storms that moved through this week. Here are the measurements between 4 p.m. Monday and 4 p.m. Wednesday at official designated EMA spots: Saunier said some areas around the county could see […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Two semi-trucks jackknived with 15 minutes and within 150 feet of each other on U.S. 30 Thursday afternoon. The first accident ocurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. along eastbound U.S. 30, near the Lincoln Highway exit ramp. The second accident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. in the same location but in the westbound lane. Both trucks […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The grand marshal for the 100th Wren Homecoming parade has been announced. The committee has chosen Ashley Meyer (right) along with Elizabeth Shellabarger (left), the owners of the Wren Restaurant. Over the past four years since they took ownership of the restaurant they have been extremely community focused by routinely holding dine-and-donates for various causes. These causes are not […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 8:25 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff Eight people were arraigned on various criminal charges in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, one defendant appeared in court for violating his probation. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings. Arraignments Anthony Oliver, 31, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 8:25 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Helen “Kay” Doster, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at VanCrest Nursing Home in Payne, surrounded by her family. Helen was born on May 7, 1939, to Mary Elizabeth “Betty” and Edward Tinlin, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 13, 1955, she married Dennis Lee Doster, who preceded her […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 2:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Demolition work on the former Best Auto Sales building on N. Washington St. in Van Wert took place on Wednesday. A Brownfield Grant of nearly $370,000 went toward the cost of the demolition and cleanup. Once work is complete, the property will be redeveloped into much-needed public parking to support nearby businesses and residential units. […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 12:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 2:36 p.m. – Dispatched Van Wert Fire to an area of Lincoln Highway in Pleasant Township for a report of utility lines down and sparking. 3:02 p.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Carpenter Road in Washington Township for a report of a stop sign being down. 3:30 p.m. – […]
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 7:51 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor Van Wert County dodged a bullet. Severe storms that raced into Indiana from the Chicago area early Tuesday afternoon were expected to possibly hit Van Wert County with force began to diminish in strength as they approached northwest Ohio. While there was plenty of thunder and lightning, some gusty winds and a […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 8:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information PAULDING — Members of Paulding Putnam recently donated $13,512 to 17 local charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program. Thanks to the 80 percent of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund, Paulding Putnam has provided more than $814,835 to northwest Ohio […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News