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
VW independent staff/submitted information COLUMBUS — Authorities have filed criminal charges against 46 people as part of a crackdown on organized retail crime across the state, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced on Tuesday. “A team approach gives law enforcement the upper hand to dismantle theft groups that harm Ohio’s businesses and consumers,” Wilson said. […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 8:24 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Jessica Kristeen Small, 51, of Convoy, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Jessica was born on October 26, 1974, to Tim and Janet Wollet. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher whose life was defined by the love she gave to others. Jessica […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 1:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Patricia Ann (Grabowski) Rayman, 79, of Van Wert County, passed away peacefully at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima Inpatient Hospice at 5:13 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, after a courageous battle with Myasthenia Gravis at Mercy Health. Blessed with a rare and gentle humility, her life was a beautiful tapestry of kindness, selfless giving, […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 1:06 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Delphos Police On 8-3-2026 – officers were sent to the Love’s Truck Stop to investigate a minor private property crash involving two semi tractor-trailers. On 8-3-2026 – officers spoke with employees at a business in the 1100 block of Elida Ave, who reported that a male had stolen items from the business and then left. […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 8:42 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Monday, August 10, 2026 12:05 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 127 in Liberty Township for a report of a subject walking in the roadway. 4:44 a.m. – Dispatched Convoy EMS to a residence on U.S. 224 in Harrison Township for a subject with abdominal pain. 5:59 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert […]
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 7:57 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement