The culmination of months of hard work took place on Wednesday, February 12 starting at the Branch Christian Church (previously the Ohio National Guard building) across from the Courthouse on Main Street in Paulding. The doors opened at 5:00 p.m. with people already waiting for the big event and their golden tickets in hand.
As people mingled and talked, videos were playing of the various pictures of the past along with the making of the montages that were about to be presented at the courthouse following the event.
About 10 minutes until the scheduled start time at 6:00 p.m. the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine arrived with his entourage. The governor made his way forward to his seat at the front, being greeted by local politicians and residents. As he moved to the front Tony Zartman, Paulding County Commissioner, introduced the Governor to the oldest veteran in Paulding County, Stanley Jordan, writer at the West Bend News.
The Bicentennial Celebration ceremony started with Paulding County Commissioner Roy Klopfenstein as the Master of Ceremonies and made the announcements and introduced the Pastor Greg Cramer who gave the invocation. The Boy Scouts of Troop 315 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Speakers of the evening included Bryce Steiner, Kim Sutton, Judge Michael Wehrkamp, Commissioner Mark Holtsberry, Commissioner Tony Zartman, and Erika Willitzer. The thoughts presented ranged from the past, present and future of the county along with the dedication of the Veterans who served their country by Holtsberry who during the speech had a standing ovation by the crowd for Stan Jordan.
Proclamations were read by state senator Rob McColley, representative Craig Riedel and an officer from the Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office.
The “No Compromise” motto is a story all in itself. It was summarized by Judge Wehrkamp in official style using the wording adopted by the State of Ohio.
Governor DeWine spoke about the resilience of the Paulding County residents in what was one of the most difficult counties to settle due to the conditions of the Black Swamp.
The commencement from Branch Christian to the Courthouse began with DeWine himself going across the street and seeing all 22 of the murals of photographs placed in the courthouse in such a way that the courthouse itself is not only a historical site but has become a gathering place of the past. Governor DeWine was given a tour by Commissioner Tony Zartman and Sheriff Jason Landers. His response was one of awe and appreciation of the dedication of the Bicentennial committee, believing there was no other courthouse in Ohio that had preserved its memory in photographs as well as Paulding County.
The collages were designed, and manufactured in Paulding County, Ohio by West Bend Printing and Publishing, Inc. All of the frames were beautifully hand crafted by Paulding County resident, Gary Mabis.
This event could not have taken place without the hard word and dedication of the Bicentennial Committee who included Commissioner Tony Zartman, Tony Burkley, Robert Iler, Melinda Krick, Lisa McClure, Jane Nice, Stan Searing, Bryce Steiner, Kim Sutton, Judge Michael Wehrkamp, and Erika Willitzer. The Paulding County Commissioners, who could see the vision of what this could be for future generations, also are to be thanked.
If persons would like to watch the February 12 celebration night they are welcome to visit https://www.facebook.com/watch/PauldingCounty200/
