VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — A new study released this week shows Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving laws are having some effect. It finds that drivers in the Buckeye State are less distracted behind the wheel when compared to the nationwide average.
The statewide analysis from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows that Ohio drivers tapped on their phones 7.2 percent less than the average U.S. driver. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers averaged 23.6 phone taps per 100 miles, while Ohio drivers averaged 21.9.
In 2023, Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill prohibiting all drivers, in most circumstances, from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving on Ohio roads.
“A moment of inattention on the road can be all it takes to cause a devastating crash,” he said. “Although drivers in Ohio are keeping their eyes on the road more often than the nationwide average, I encourage more drivers to put their phones down as they travel. Nothing on your phone is worth risking your life for.”
While it remains legal for drivers in Ohio to have handheld phone calls while driving, CMT’s study found that handheld phone call rates in Ohio were five percent lower than the national average. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers spent an average of 0.82 percent of their time on handheld calls, while drivers in Ohio spent 0.78 percent of their time on handheld calls.
(more…)POSTED: 01/24/26 at 12:46 am
Submitted information
The Wild Willys/Navy Club Ship 726 fundraiser schedule for tonight (Sunday) has been postponed and rescheduled for 5-7 p.m. Sunday, February 1 .
POSTED: 01/25/26 at 11:37 am. FILED UNDER: News
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation today (Saturday) proactively declaring a state of emergency due to the damaging and dangerous conditions Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring to Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm could drop up to 12 inches of snow in parts of the state this weekend, including 11 inches or more of snow in Van Wert County. Frigid temperatures are also expected before, during, and after the storm.
The proclamation documents Governor DeWine’s directive on Friday that state agencies, including the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Transportation, provide additional resources and support to local communities as needed.
The proclamation also directs the Ohio Department of Administrative Services to suspend normal state purchasing requirements to procure any necessary resources or supplies to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Ohioans.
“I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it’s absolutely necessary to be out,” said Governor DeWine. “We’re expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly.”
POSTED: 01/24/26 at 12:26 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Here are the local churches that have canceled Sunday services due to the approaching winter storm. Check back for updates. Local and area churches are welcome to send cancellation information to editor@thevwindependent.com. The information will be published free of charge on the News and Church pages.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Van Wert has canceled all activities and services scheduled for Sunday, January 25.
North Union Church in Van Wert has canceled Sunday’s services.
Due to the severe weather and Governor Mike DeWine declaring a State of Emergency, First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert has canceled Sunday’s worship service.
All Sunday services at St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City, are canceled.
Sunday morning services at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert are canceled, and Worship Night services are postponed until 6 p.m. Sunday, February 1.
Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert has canceled Sunday’s service.
First United Methodist Church in Van Wert has cancelled Sunday’s worship and all other activities. Stay up-to-date at vanwertfirst.net.
VW independent staff
Due to the approaching winter storm, the Village of Convoy Historical Society’s program “Thomas Payne – The Power of Words” by James Lautzenheiser, scheduled for 2-5 p.m. Sunday, has been rescheduled for 2-5 p.m. Sunday, February 1, at the Convoy Opera House.
POSTED: 01/24/26 at 12:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine joined state officials from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Buckeye State Sheriffs Association to encourage Ohioans to prepare for the impending severe weather.
According to the National Weather Service, some parts of Ohio could see up to 12 inches of snow and extreme cold is expected.
“My main advice to everyone is to stay home if you can,” Governor DeWine said. “By staying home, you and your family will be in the safest place to ride out the storm; you give ODOT and local road crews time to plow the roads; and you can help ensure that law enforcement resources aren’t taxed.”
If you must be out on the roads, ODOT and OSHP offer the following advice:
- Plan your route ahead of time and leave early.
- Slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Check tire pressure, car battery, and windshield fluid.
- Make sure to carry a winter emergency kit with the basics you may need if you’re stranded.
- If you do find yourself involved in a crash or your vehicle breaks down, turn on your hazard lights, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as safely possible, remain inside, and call #677 or 911 for help.
- If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, clear the tailpipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure to give snow plows plenty of space.
POSTED: 01/24/26 at 12:45 am. FILED UNDER: News
This two-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. Friday at the Lincoln Highway and Middle Point Wetzel Rd. intersection. Middle Point Fire and EMS responded to the call and the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the accident. Deputies were at the scene as well. Bob Barnes photo
POSTED: 01/24/26 at 12:44 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Van Wert City Schools and Crestview Local Schools have been named as recipients of Ohio School Bus Safety Grants.
Van Wert was awarded $2,181, while Crestview was awarded $11,020. In addition, Delphos City Schools was awarded $17,872, while the Wayne Trace Local School District was awarded a grant of $44,358, and $35,444 is coming to the Parkway Local Schools.
The grant program gives schools and districts throughout the state flexibility to tailor safety enhancements to their unique needs. Funding may be used for the repair, replacement, or addition of authorized safety features on school buses in active service or for safety enhancements on new school bus purchases.
All schools and districts that applied for funding for eligible safety features received an award.
POSTED: 01/24/26 at 12:39 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
Should the approaching winter storm lead to the cancellation of church services on Sunday, churches in Van Wert County and the surrounding area are encouraged to send the cancellation information to the VW independent by emailing editor@thevwindependent.com. The information will be published on the News and Church pages. Please include the church name, times of services to be canceled and any other information, i.e. Sunday School, fellowship groups etc.
VW independent staff
Due to the weather forecast, Vantage Career Center’s Open House and Taste of Vantage event, scheduled for 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, January 26, has been postponed until February 9, from 5-7:30 p.m. Vantage’s 50th anniversary celebration scheduled for earlier in the day has been postponed until February 9 as well.
POSTED: 01/23/26 at 10:36 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
As expected, the Winter Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for Van Wert County and the surrounding area. The times remain the same, 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Earlier this week, most models predicted heavy snow would affect the Cincinnati area and points south, while sparing northwest Ohio. However, those models changed and are now predicting somewhere between 5-7 inches of snow in Van Wert County. Snow is expected to begin sometime Saturday evening and grow in intensity overnight into Sunday.
According to NWS Northern Indiana, travel is expected to become difficult, especially Sunday afternoon and evening. Residents are being encourage to delay travel, but if it’s absolutely necessary, take a winter storm kit with you, including jumper cables, a flashlight, shovel, and blankets.
Local road crews are prepping for the storm, including those with the Van Wert Street Department.
“We prepare for the worst but we hope for the better,” Van Wert Street Superintendent Steve Thomas said. “All the equipment has been checked out to battle whatever may come our way. Better to be over prepared than under prepared.”
“We ask that the citizens be patient and courteous to our plow drivers to clean the streets the best as possible,” he added. “If this does become a major snow event the primary street will concentrated on first.”
If at all possible, residents should remove cars from streets to make room for street crews.
(more…)POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
