Harper Roop, a 2026 Van Wert High School graduate, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Jared Fleming Running Scholarship. It was created in memory of 2013 VWHS graduate Jared Fleming, a 2012 state track and field champion and former Ohio State University student-athlete. It will be awarded annually to a VWHS graduate who […]
POSTED: 08/09/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Ohio City Fire and EMS was called to the intersection at U.S.127 and Ohio 709 for a three-vehicle accident late Saturday morning. The Buick and Honda collided at the intersection, then the Buick struck a motorhome. Both cars were towed from the scene while the motorhome sustained light damage. No one was injured. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 08/09/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Janet Elaine (Germann) Clifton, 88, of Wren, was called home to the Lord on Friday evening, August 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Donald Dean Clifton, who passed away on June 28, 1994, whom she dearly missed. Jan was born October 8, 1937, […]
POSTED: 08/09/26 at 7:22 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
VW independent staff/submitted information LIMA — The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 will convert three intersections to all-way stops to improve safety. Two of them are in Mercer County, with one near Rockford, while remaining change will occur in Paulding County. The changes are expected to begin in two weeks and are part of […]
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information TOLEDO — A teen from Convoy, a Payne man and three Paulding residents were among 17 people honored during a “Saved by the Belt” event. Olivia Hampton, 18, of Convoy, was wearing her seat belt during an early March accident on Waller Road at Ohio 49 in Tully Township. Maddox Treece, […]
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:29 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information This month and in early September, the Allen and Van Wert County Fairs are joining a youth-led statewide effort to fight hunger and give back to local community food banks by participating in the Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer contest. It’s presented by Farm Credit Mid-America and sponsored by Rural […]
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information Ohio 116/Ohio 117 between Venedocia St. Marys Road and Becker Road (between the Allen County line and the Mercer County line in Jennings Township) will close on Tuesday, August 11, for nine days for full-width paving. Access to all properties will be maintained with flaggers.
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently recognized Xavier Tyas for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Xavier is a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 35, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church in Van Wert. Tyas attended Vantage Career Center. He was presented a letter of commendation and a special […]
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff COLUMBUS – Citing ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs necessary for lethal injections, Governor Mike DeWine issued three more reprieves of execution: Other states have continued carrying out death sentences via lethel injection, while others have changed methods, including the use of a firing squad or nitrogen […]
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent sports The Cougars opened their season at home and picked up wins at first and third singles, but fell to Archbold 3-2 on Friday. Lauren Gearhart cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Baegan Gerken at first singles, while Allie Spieles enjoyed a similar win at third singles, 6-1, 6-1 over Claire Bailey. […]
POSTED: 08/07/26 at 8:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports