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.”
(more…)POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:59 pm
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
A Paulding County man facing a dozen child pornography charges changed his plea in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. He was one of eight defendants to appear before Judge Martin D. Burchfield on Wednesday.
Plea changes
Alec Shull, 24, of Cecil, pleaded guilty to pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, a second degree felony; pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, a fourth degree felony, and illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, a fifth degree felony. In exchange for the guilty plea, nine similar charges were dismissed. The alleged crimes occurred between mid-December, 2024 and mid-January, 2025. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. February 25.
Trenton Younts, 52, of Middle Point, changed his plea to guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. He then requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and his case was stayed pending completion of the treatment program. He was ordered to pay court costs.
Ernie Ginter, 24, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony. He requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and his case was stayed pending completion of the treatment program. He was ordered to pay court costs.
Jordan Jackson, 32, of Lima, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, all fifth degree felonies. He was then sentenced to 90 days in jail and was ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of $898.
Carol Boyd, 51, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty of an amended charge of theft, a first degree misdemeanor. Sentencing was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. February 26.
(more…)POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:59 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday of this week, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) cast his 2,635th consecutive vote, marking the longest consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
As first reported by Roll Call, a newspaper and website in Washington, DC, Congressman Latta has maintained a perfect voting record since 2020.
“Every vote is an opportunity to speak for the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, and it is my duty in Congress to make sure their voices are heard,” Congressman Latta said. “Missing a vote means silencing their voice in Congress, and that is not something I take lightly. This streak isn’t about setting a record, it’s about accountability.
I’m honored to hold the longest, consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives,” he added.
“Congressman Latta’s exemplary attendance record is the gold standard for every House Republican. Bob is a team player and shows up ready to work for the people of his district,” Majority Whip Leader Tom Emmer said. “That’s really what service is all about.”
Latta has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since December, 2007, when he replaced the late Paul Gillmor. He has since won re-election nine times.
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 9:57 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The National Weather Service Northern Indiana has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire region, including Van Wert and Paulding counties, from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday. In addition, the National Weather Service Office in Wilmington has issued a Winter Storm Watch from 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Monday for Mercer and Auglaize counties and points south. The current forecast says Van Wert and Paulding counties could receive in excess of six inches of snow. Mercer and Auglaize counties are expected to receive between 4-7 inches of snow.
Throughout the area, roads and especially bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult.
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 3:01 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Due to the upcoming weather and low temperatures, the Van Wert County Solid Waste Management District will do their best to collect curbside recycling between January 23-30. However, there may be some routes/streets that are missed. To help alleviate this issue the drive-thru at the recycling center at 1135 N. Washington St., Van Wert, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, January 23, and all next week, January 26-30, for residents who would like to bring their recycling in.
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience this has on Van Wert County residents, however we ask for your patience and understand during this difficult time,” Director Jeff Harmon said.
POSTED: 01/22/26 at 11:58 am. FILED UNDER: News
Editor’s note: this story has been updated with information provided by Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones.
VW independent staff/submitted information
A city home sustained heavy damage during a late Wednesday morning fire.
The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to the scene in the 600 block of N. Race St. shortly after 10:40 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found a working fire with heavy involvement in a bedroom in the rear corner of the residence. Initial reports indicated two possible occupants inside the structure.
According to Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones, crews quickly established a water supply, advanced attack lines and began both fire suppression and a primary search of the home. Additional alarms were sounded to bring in mutual aid from Middle Point and Ohio City for manpower and support. Vertical ventilation was performed to improve interior conditions and assist with fire control.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 11:17 a.m. Crews remained on scene for overhaul, investigation, and to ensure no extension of the fire into concealed spaces.
Chief Jones said the cause remains under investigation. The estimated property loss is approximately $65,000, with an additional $20,000 in content loss. No serious injuries were reported.
Along with Ohio City and Middle Point fire departments, Van Wert County CERT and the Van Wert Police Department provided mutual aid at the scene.
CERT is now working to raise support for the victims. After meeting with the family, it was determined that clothing and monetary donations are needed.
(more…)POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert County Treasurer’s Office has completed the bills for the first half collection of 2025 real estate tax and they have been mailed out. The due date for this billing period will be Wednesday, February 11. The Treasurer’s Office is open on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to -4 p.m.
The office accepts payments in the form of check, cashier’s check, money order and credit or debit cards. A 2.5 percent fee will be charged for all card payments by the credit card processor and an electronic check payment is available for a fee of $1.50. You can pay up to ten parcels for a single fee with your account and routing number with the electronic check. If you prefer to pay in cash, you may take your bill in its entirety, along with payment, to The First Bank of Berne, at 102 Christopher Crossing, Van Wert, next to Walmart. The First Bank of Berne will accept payments through the due date of February 11. Partial payments will not be accepted.
Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments may be made online by visiting the county website at www.vanwertcountyohio.gov and clicking on Treasurer’s Office, then clicking on Payment Options. If you would like to make a payment over the phone, call 844.419.0200. You will need your parcel number, which is located on your bill, for all phone payments.
Anyone with questions about their property tax bill should call the office staff between the above business hours at 419.238.5177.
POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Don’t miss out on the sweetest event of the year as Historic Main Street Van Wert invites the community to enjoy a fun and flavorful stroll through downtown at the annual Chocolate Walk from 5-8 p.m. Friday, February 13.
Participants will be able to visit a variety of downtown businesses – some familiar favorites and others they may be discovering for the first time – while enjoying delicious sweet treats along the way. The Chocolate Walk is a perfect opportunity to explore downtown, support local businesses, and enjoy a memorable evening with friends or that special someone.
The cost is $25 per ticket or $40 for two tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the Main Street Van Wert Office at 136 E. Main St., Collins Fine Foods, The Maeve Salon, and R Place Stone Grill. Tickets may also be purchased via Venmo, and will be held at the door for pickup.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of these event sponsors:
- Van Wert County Foundation
- TekniPlex Consumer Products
- Superior Credit Union
- OhioHealth
- First Financial Bank
- Cooper Farms
Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price said their support helps Historic Main Street Van Wert continue hosting events that strengthen downtown businesses and community connections.
POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Middle Point Lions Club is sponsoring a sandwich supper before the Lincolnview boys basketball game against Delphos Jefferson on Friday, February 6.
Sandwiches will be served in the Lincolnview cafeteria from 4-6 p.m. that day and the menu will include BBQ pork sandwiches, shredded chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, cookies, brownies and Joan’s famous “scotcheroos.” Proceeds will benefit the Middle Point Lions scholarship fund.
POSTED: 01/21/26 at 9:34 pm. FILED UNDER: News
