SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
One of the most shocking and tragic incidents in U.S. history occurred 25 years ago. We refer to it quite simply as “9/11.”
September 11, 2001, was the day four jetliners were hijacked and used to carry out terrorists attacks in New York City and Washington DC. A fourth attack was aborted when passengers aboard one of the jets revolted and overpowered the hijackers, causing the aircraft to crash in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Two of the jets hit the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan, causing the eventual collapse of those structures, while another crashed into the Pentagon.
In all, the attacks, along with the jet in Pennsylvania, claimed 2,977 lives.
The news of what had happened started to trickle in. Coverage began after the first jet hit one of the Twin Towers. Many people were watching live television coverage when the second tower was hit and many more were watching when the towers collapsed. News came in of the attack on the Pentagon, along with the crash in Pennsylvania, then the second tower collapse. All of it happened between 8:46 a.m. and 10:28 a.m. on that fateful Tuesday morning.
Americans of all ages were glued to radios and televisions that day. We wanted to know exactly what happened and why it happened. There were fears of other attacks. We were in disbelief that day and we began to mourn those who had been lost while wondering what was next. Many churches opened their doors for people to unite, to grieve, to reflect and to pray for those lost, their families and the country.
(more…)POSTED: 09/10/26 at 8:32 pm
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Public Safety honored Ohioans on Thursday for their remarkable service to the nation and their communities at the annual Ohio Patriot Awards Ceremony, held in recognition of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ODPS Director Ben Suver recognized employees, military veterans, and representatives from law enforcement agencies across the state. The awards highlight individuals and families who have devoted their lives to public service, as well as those whose military and law enforcement traditions span generations.
One of the recipients was Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers.
“These awards reflect far more than acknowledgment — they honor the courage, dedication, and selfless commitment of those who consistently put the safety and well-being of others first,” Suver said. “We are proud to celebrate individuals who exemplify the spirit of duty and patriotism.”
The full list of award recipients:
(more…)POSTED: 09/10/26 at 8:28 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine recently announced a number of statewide appointments, including that of Brent Stevens to the Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees for a term that began on September 4, and will end June 9, 2032.
Stevens serves as the executive director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation.
POSTED: 09/10/26 at 8:27 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is reminding all citizens that Friday, September 11, is Patriot Day and the Lodge is asking all to observe this holiday.
After the terrorist attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. when nearly 3,000 Americans died, Congress approved 407-0 to designate September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. President George W. Bush signed Public law 107-89 into law on December 18, 2001. On this day, the flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff. The president also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) marking the first plane crash on September 11, 2001.
The Elks are asking all citizens to fly their flag at half-staff on this day and to observe a moment of silence for those who perished on this day.
POSTED: 09/10/26 at 6:28 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A pair of arraignments, a sentencing hearing and plea change hearings were among the hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.
Arraignments
Jeffrey Kallas, 25, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to harassment with a bodily substance, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30.
Cyle Black, 40, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a third degree felony. He was released on a surety bond; pre-trial set for 9 a.m. September 30.
Sentencing
Eric Orndorff, 43, of Van Wert, sentenced to two years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date for non-support of dependents, a fifth degree felony. He is to seek and maintain employment, undergo substance abuse assessment and treatment, consume no alcohol or drugs without a prescription, undergo random drug screens. Judge Burchfield also ordered Orndorff to pay partial appointed counsel fees and court costs.
Change of pleas
Dominique Barrows, 32, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charged of attempted having weapons while under disability, a fourth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. October 21.
(more…)POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
This Friday, September 11, will mark 25 years since the horrific attacks on the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the same day a jet crashed into a Pennsylvania field after a passenger revolt.
The VW independent is asking readers to share memories of that day. While the attacks occurred 25 years ago, the day remains vivid in the minds of many Americans.
- Where were you and what were you doing when you first heard about the attacks?
- How did you learn about them i.e. radio, TV, word of mouth, etc?
- What were your first thoughts?
- What do you remember most about that day and the days that followed?
- Please feel free to share any other memories you may have.
Please consider sharing your memories with us for a story that will be published this Friday. You may email your memories to editor@thevwindependent.com. Please include your name and where you live. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. Thursday, September 10.
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:50 pm. FILED UNDER: News
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society held its annual director election on on Monday and the following people were elected to director seats that were open for this election cycle:
- Jackson Township: Roger Wilkin
- Jennings Township: Kathy McColllow
- Pleasant Township: Jennifer Balliet
- York Township: Justin Owens
- Southern Region: Brian Etzler
The Liberty Township position did not have a petition submitted and will be filled by appointment at the Agricultural Society’s Annual Meeting on November 14.
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society thanked everyone who participated in this year’s election and congratulated the newly elected directors. The Agricultural Society looks forward to their continued service and involvement in supporting the Van Wert County Fairgrounds and the agricultural community.
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is responsible for the operation and management of the Van Wert County Fairgrounds and the annual Van Wert County Fair. The Agricultural Society is committed to providing a place that promotes agriculture, education, community activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors throughout the year.
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:48 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has announced that applications for the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships are now available to any high school senior.
Applications for the Elks National Foundation’s 2027 Most Valuable Student contest are available online at enf.elks.org/mvs. The MVS scholarships are only available to graduating seniors who will be attending a four year college or university. Applicants don’t have to be related to a member of the Elks. The deadline for filing the application is November 12.
The Most Valuable Student information has been distributed to the guidance offices at the local schools.
In addition, Legacy Awards scholarships applications for children and grandchildren of Elks are now available. This contest is open to any high school senior who is the child or grandchild, including stepchildren or legal ward of an Elk member in good standing for at least two years. The applicant must apply online only at enf.elks.org/leg. The deadline for Legacy Awards is February 1, 2027.
Anyone who needs more information on any of the scholarship programs should contact the lodge scholarship chairperson, Linda Stanley at 419.238.4827.
On Wednesday, Mrs. Germann’s eighth grade American History class raised the American and Ohio flags donated by the Van Wert VFW Post 5803 Auxiliary. Pictured from left to right are Finley Case, Tula Cologne, VFW Auxiliary representative Suzi McClure, Mavis Hull, and Jesse Elston. Photo submitted
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 12 traffic deaths over the four-day Labor Day weekend reporting period, which began at midnight on Friday, September 4, and ran until 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 12. None of the fatal crashes occurred locally.
The Highway Patrol said the 12 deaths were the result of 12 crashes. At least one of the crashes involved alcohol. In the fatal crashes, at least one person was not wearing a seat belt.
During the extended holiday weekend, troopers made 426 arrests for impaired driving and 70 arrests and drug-related charges and they issued 2,136 citations for seat belts. Throughout the state, troopers responded to 502 crashes, issued 1,525 citations for distracted driving and helped more than 1,500 drivers.
This year had a decrease in deaths compared to last year in Ohio. In 2025, 23 people died in 20 crashes on the state’s roadways over the Labor Day holiday weekend. This year’s total was also lower than 2024’s total, when 15 deaths were reported.
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A reminder – the City of Van Wert’s final scheduled brush pickup of 2026 will begin on Monday, September 14. Brush must be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. that day.
- The city will not pick up limbs larger than four inches in diameter or more than 10 feet long.
- The city will not pick up brush that has been left behind by a professional tree trimmer or private contractor. If a homeowner utilized a trimming service, they are responsible for disposing of the tree.
- Brush placed in bags or boxes will not be picked up.
- Do not place brush by trees, poles, manholes, catch basins, water meters, fire hydrants or parked vehicles. It must be visible from street.
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 8:46 pm. FILED UNDER: News
