It is with love and saddened hearts we share Barbara Ann “Barb” (Ellerbrock) Rickard, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Vancrest Health Care in Van Wert. Barbara was known for her skill and experience with sewing and alterations. She worked for varous local cleaners providing this service, as well as for […]
POSTED: 10/23/26 at 1:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Thursday, October 22, 2026 4:24 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of U.S. 30 in Pleasant Township for a report of a vehicle being sideswiped by a semi. Deputies determined the incident occurred in the State of Indiana. 1:01 a.m. – Dispatched Middle Point EMS and Van Wert EMS to a residence on Lincoln […]
POSTED: 10/23/26 at 11:45 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
Mary “Janet” Motycka, 76, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully in Farmington, Arkansas, at her daughter’s home on Saturday, October 17, 2026. She was born in Van Wert on November 3, 1949, to parents Mary “Marjorie” Blake and Malvern Blake. Janet grew up and lived in Van Wert and attended Van Wert Public Schools, graduating […]
POSTED: 10/23/26 at 11:37 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Michelle F. Foertch, 36, of Warren, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at St. Joseph Warren Hospital. She was born June 15, 1990, in Van Wert, the daughter of Norman Foertch Jr. and Kathleen (Bates) Sprague. Michelle graduated from Van Wert High School. She worked as a welder, a job she thoroughly enjoyed and […]
POSTED: 10/23/26 at 8:02 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 4:24 a.m. – Dispatched Van Wert EMS to a location on Lincoln Highway in Ridge Township for a subject with low blood pressure. 11:22 a.m. – Deputies responded to an area of Wetzel Road in Jackson Township for a report of two loose dogs. 2:02 p.m. – Deputies responded to an […]
POSTED: 10/23/26 at 6:44 am. FILED UNDER: Law Enforcement
VW independent sports Van Wert sophomore Grace Kitson has been named honorable mention All-WBL, making her the only Cougar to receive all-league volleyball honors. After leading the Titans to an outright Western Buckeye League championship, Maddie Hauenstein was named WBL Coach of the Year. Shawnee’s Gianna Upshaw was named WBL Player of the Year. Here […]
POSTED: 10/22/26 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports Volleyball Bath 3 Van Wert 0 In the Division IV sectional finals at Bath High School on Thursday, the No. 2 seed Wildcats topped No. 7 seed Van Wert in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-13. Van Wert’s season came to an end at 2-21. Crestview 3 Allen East 0 CONVOY — No. […]
POSTED: 10/22/26 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
POSTED: 10/22/26 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: Kay-toons
Submitted information CONVOY — A century-old barn that captured widespread attention during its nearly mile-long move to Lincoln Ridge Farms, established in 1919, is preparing to make history again, this time as the setting for a new annual tradition of giving. Lincoln Ridge Farms and Slusher’s Jewelry of Van Wert will host the inaugural Black […]
POSTED: 10/22/26 at 9:03 pm. FILED UNDER: Top Story
VW independent staff An out-of-state man is facing criminal charges locally, in connection with an incident near the Van Wert city limits. On Monday, October 19, Van Wert County deputies arrested Rodney Barnswell, 41, of Folcroft, Pennsylvania, for burglary, a felony of the second degree. The arrest was made at a residence in Ridge Township. According […]
POSTED: 10/22/26 at 9:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News