Burchfield becomes new CP Court judge

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Martin Burchfield became just the third Van Wert County Common Pleas judge in three decades when he was sworn in by his predecessor, retired Judge Charles D. Steele, on Thursday. Judge Steele, who was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judge Sumner E. Walters, after that judge’s election to the Third […]

Man gets prison for violating probation

DAVE MOSIER/Van Wert independent Six people appeared for hearings in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Thursday, with one of those sent to prison after admitting he violated his community control sentence. Andrew Graham, 19, of Delphos, admitted his violated his probation by being terminated from the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) […]

Foundation gives wishes to terminally ill

Community Health Professionals information Everyone has different wishes or dreams of things they hope to do during their lifetime. For some it may be taking a family vacation or visiting a loved one that has moved away. Many people put off their wishes and dreams until the future. But for those diagnosed with a terminal […]

Marilyn Jeanne (Brown) Kampf

Marilyn Jeanne (Brown) Kampf died Thursday, January 29, 2015. She was born April 6, 1940, the only daughter of Earl Eugene and Vivian Ruth (Linke) Brown, who both preceded her in death. She married Robert C. “Bob” Kamp, who preceded her in death in 1999. Survivors include a brother-in-law, Richard (Virginia) Kampf of Washington state. […]

Sex offender gets prison for violation

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor Six people appeared for a variety of hearings in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, including a Van Wert man sentenced to prison for failing to register as a sex offender. Dustin Hiser, 31, was sentenced by Van Wert County Probate-Juvenile Judge Kevin Taylor to 17 months in prison on […]

Balliet retires from VW Fire Department

Van Wert Fire Dept. information Van Wert Fire Chief James M. Steele recently announced the retirement of Firefighter/Paramedic Gerald C. “Junior” Balliet Jr. from the Van Wert Fire Department. Firefighter Balliet was hired on September 5, 1989, and was at the time, and remains today a volunteer firefighter for the Convoy Fire Department. Balliet is […]

Crestview donation

Crestview High School’s Student Council recently held a “Walk for Bailey” for three days during students’ lunch period, and high school students and staff raised money for Bailey Stegaman, whose family home was destroyed by fire. The Crestview FFA chapter also donated to the cause. Austin Cunningham, president of Student Council and Justin Overmyer, vice […]

Ohio A-G offers tips to protect info online

Ohio Attorney General’s information COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine encourages Ohioans to protect their personal information and take steps to avoid identity theft. The warning coincides with Data Privacy Day (January 28), when organizations around the world promote data protection and cybersecurity. “Everyone plays a role in protecting personal and private information,” Attorney […]

Challenged Higher open house

Challenged Higher Drop-In Center held a successful open house event on Friday, January 23. The nonprofit center provides mental health peer support, education, and social recreation. Members celebrated a new logo and street sign. Pictured (from left) are: Lindsey Muhlenkamp, associate director; Megan Sanderson, executive director; Charles Hire; Ron Burt, trustee; Tami Hire, board secretary; […]

Benefit planned for former OC resident

Submitted information OHIO CITY — There will be a benefit for Betty (Kline) O’Day this Saturday, February 7, at the Ohio City Community building. O’Day was a resident of the Rockford Villa Apartments in recent decades, but was born and raised in Ohio City. She enjoyed making potholders and giving them to friends and strangers, […]