Father, in the Name of Jesus, I make a fresh commitment to You to live in peace and harmony, not only with the other brothers and sisters of the Body of Christ, but also with my friends, associates, neighbors, and family.

I let go of all bitterness, resentment, envying, strife, and unkindness in any form. I give no place to the devil in Jesus’ Name. Now Father, I ask Your forgiveness. By faith, I receive it, having assurance that I am cleansed from all unrighteousness through Jesus Christ. I ask You to forgive and release all who have wronged and hurt me. I forgive and release them. Deal with them in your mercy and loving-kindness.

From this moment on, I purpose to walk in love, to seek peace, to live in agreement, and to conduct myself toward others in a manner that is pleasing to You. I know that I have right standing with you and Your ears are attentive to my prayers.

It is written in Your Word that the love of God has been poured forth into my heart by the Holy Ghost Who is given to me. I believe that love flows forth into the lives of everyone I know, that I may be filled with and abound in the fruits of righteousness which bring glory and honor unto You, Lord, in Jesus’ Name. So be it! Amen.

Scripture References:

Romans 12:16-18, Mark 11:25, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:2, 1 Peter 3:8,11,12, Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 4:27, Romans 5:5, Psalm 91:11, Philippians 1:9,11

Peace & love,

—Pastor Dwayne

Years ago, when our family discussed who would inherit Grandma Parnham’s candy dish, my husband was glad to learn that his grandmother had already shared her thoughts.  She told them that he was the grandchild who had made the most use of it, so it should be his. 

And so it was. After 50 years on Grandma’s kitchen countertop, the green Depression glass dish changed hands and has now been in our home for nearly 40 years. 

If only the candy dish could tell me its stories. I’d like to hear about lemon drops and ribbon candy. Or was it orange slices? Maybe it was circus peanuts. 

I’m not a fiction writer, but I’d consider writing a book about my interview with the candy dish. I’d want to know how many times Grandma lifted the lid to refill it and where the dish came from. Was it a gift? I’d ask about the youngest hands that ever lifted the lid – and the oldest. I’d want to know who couldn’t keep their hands out of it and what their favorites were. 

I’d ask it to tell me some good stories about Grandma and Grandpa’s five children – Doris, Harold, Richard, Virginia, and my mother-in-law, Patricia. 

If I could watch a few scenes from their lives on the farm, I’d choose to see how Grandma taught her daughters to sew. There would have been a first time each child sat in front of the sewing machine. A first time threading the bobbin. A first time completing a clothing project and modeling it for the rest of the family. And the candy dish would have been a witness. 

In our box of memorabilia from the Parnham side of the family is an Ohio State 4-H Report Form that Patricia had completed at the age of 14. In her cursive handwriting, she answered a question about how her 4-H work could benefit the community: “I can help other people learn to sew.”

She penned those words in 1942, not knowing what a talented seamstress she would someday become. Not knowing how many homecoming and wedding dresses she’d someday sew for the women in her life. Not knowing that her quilts would win blue ribbons at the county fair.   

Patricia’s oldest sister Doris was also a talented seamstress. When our daughters were born, she and Uncle Ted came to visit with gifts in hand. Aunt Doris was the seamstress who created Doggy Pillow, a pillow that went on to be loved so much, he is now fragile with age and tucked away in a dresser drawer. He was the inspiration behind my Doggy Pillow poem. 

Many people remember Harold as their school principal, but we knew him as Uncle Harold and his wife as Aunt Virginia. Our fondest memories of the two may be the impromptu visits they made to our home when they were out on Sunday afternoon drives. We were glad they made our home one of their stopping points. Through their visits, our daughters learned how family remains connected, and our candy dish was likely pleased to see familiar faces once again. 

Uncle Richard served in the Navy before coming home to work at the Farm Bureau. He and Aunt Fern raised their children in Montpelier and, as a family, they helped farm the 70-acre property. 

Lunch at Grandma’s house meant she would serve a meal that ended with homemade pie for dessert. Everyone knew to be quiet so Grandpa could listen to the farm news report on the radio. Afterward, they headed outdoors, where even the girls knew how to drive a tractor. 

Another of Grandma’s daughters, Virginia, was fondly known as Aunt Ginny; her husband, Dante Fabiani, was Uncle Don. The two had met at Tri-State College, now Trine University, in Angola, Indiana. Aunt Ginny was a talented homemaker who passed her interest in needlework on to her daughters. 

A visit to the Fabiani Theatre on the Trine campus is a fun one, for in the lobby is a framed portrait of Virginia Fabiani. And it makes us smile just knowing that’s really a portrait of Aunt Ginny. 

The Parnham family scrapbook is full of photos that had never been labeled with names, so I’ve enlisted help from cousins. It’s somewhat comical that sorting through the box of papers remains on nearly everyone’s January to-do list, year after year. 

Reading through the memorabilia is fun, yet it can leave us with a sense of emptiness – a feeling that part of the story is missing. If they were still here, we’d ask them to tell their stories once again. This time, we’re older. This time, we really do want to hear about their younger days. In their own words. 

Perhaps a grandmother’s candy dish is never about candy. Maybe it’s an invitation that draws people together to do the ordinary things families do. Maybe it’s a lesson in how to sit down and stay awhile. 

Marlene Oxender is a writer, speaker, and author. She writes about growing up in the small town of Edgerton, her ten siblings, the memorabilia in her parents’ estate, and her late younger brother, Stevie Kimpel, who was born with Down syndrome. Her three published books, Picket Fences, Stevie and Grandma, You Already Am Old, are available on Amazon. Marlene can be reached at mpoxender@gmail.com

ANTWERP – Polyethics Industries Inc. will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility here at 5278 Rd 424. Polyethics makes garbage bags and agricultural films, including products made with recycled materials, primarily for private label customers.

Polyethics expects to create 250 full time equivalent jobs and generate $12 million in new annual payroll by December 31, 2030, making the project one of the county’s most significant industrial investments in recent years.  

Led by CEO Derek Rynard, Polyethics has invested in film production, bag converting and in-house quality testing to deliver consistent product quality.

Derek Rynard, CEO of Polyethics Industries Inc., noted, “For 35 years, our team has earned customers’ trust by delivering quality products and finding better ways to make them. We are bringing that experience to Antwerp, closer to the customers we serve. The support from this community has been remarkable and I look forward to building a workplace that people here are proud to join.”

Prior to opening the Antwerp facility Polyethics’ only presence in the US was limited to brokering, selling, and purchasing plastic for recycling purposes. 

Keller Logistics owns the former DANA/Boston Weatherhead facility and has revitalized it for modern manufacturing.  Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics Group, stated: “A company crossing a border to build a U.S. operation needs more than a building. It needs a partner who can assist until every piece is in place. Keller invested in and refurbished the Antwerp facility for exactly this reason: to bring new companies to Paulding County and give them a place to grow. Polyethics proves it works, and they are the perfect partner to help us continue that growth. Keller is always looking for ways to keep building in this county, and we are proud to welcome Polyethics to it.”

Kiki Rynard, CSO of Polyethics, said: “The support we have received from Keller Logistics, RGP/Jobs Ohio, Tim Copsey in the Economic Development office, and the people of Paulding County, has been extraordinary. They have helped us move quickly and made us feel at home. We want to create opportunities for local families, be a good neighbor and build a team that takes pride in what we make here.”

During its September meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.437 percent Job Creation Tax Credit for eight years, following recommendations from JobsOhio and its regional partner, the Regional Growth Partnership.

On Sunday, September 20, many Paulding County Volunteer First Responders gathered for an appreciation meal. Pictured above are those who were able to attend. Paulding County is so grateful for these heroes who give of their time, energy, and sleep to care for others in need. Thank You for taking care of us!

Howard Kent Mawer, age 84, of Elkhart, IN, formerly of Paulding, OH, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at The Harmony of Elkhart surrounded by his family.

He was born in Toledo, OH on July 22, 1942 to his late parents Howard and Vera Alice (Pope) Mawer. On July 8, 1989, he married Jacqueline (Bevins) Mawer who survives.

Kent was an entrepreneur at heart, having many businesses over the years, including the Paulding Sears Store in 1970s, Mawer Glass in Paulding in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by being a sales manager for Paragon Glass, formerly Temp-Pace Glass for 21 years, retiring in 2013.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he was part of the Berlin Brigade during the Cold War in the 1960s. Kent was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587. He had an attention to detail in many things and enjoyed fishing, visiting with family, traveling, especially to the mountains, and spending time with his grandkids.

Kent will be lovingly missed by his wife, Jackie Mawer, children: Steve (Lena) Mawer, Annamay (Roberto) Acosta, Jon (Monette) Mawer, Tony Bevins, Ruben Branham, and Tyannya Anglemyer; grandchildren: Shawn (Amber) Bevins, James (Katie) Adkins, Roberto A. Acosta, Alexis Branham, J Branham, Shayla Branham, Anastasia Bevins, Logan Bevins, Veronica ( Andrew) Ostrander, Seth Mawer, Troy Mawer, Owen Mawer, Emma (Trent) Greene, Hunter Warner; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Larry Mawer, Mark (Lisa) Mawer, and Marcia (James) Simcox.

He was preceded in death by a son, Johnny Ray Branham.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with Pastor Bud Larimore officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township where military rites will be accorded by the Paulding VFW Post #587.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home

Memorial contributions may be made in Kent’s memory to Elara Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

This year’s Wayne Trace District Art Show, featuring the works of students in grades K-12, will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Junior High Gym.  

New this year:  We are inviting Wayne Trace Alumni to share one of their art pieces as well—we’d love to see what you have been creating since you graduated!  Works would need to be ready for display (matted, mounted, or framed without glass), and can be dropped off in the high school office between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. the week of the show, April 13-17, or brought to the junior high gym Friday afternoon, April 17, between 3:30-6:00 p.m. All works can be picked up after the show.

By: Mark Holtsberry

Charles Franklin Stiner was born on October 20, 1886, in Antwerp, Ohio. He was the son of John Stiner, born in 1831 in Switzerland, and Mary Jane “Jennie” (Cram) Stiner, born in 1859 in Ohio. John was a Civil War veteran who served with Company G, 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a unit comprised of Paulding County men.

John and Mary were married on November 12, 1876, in Paulding County. By 1880, they were raising Annie, born in 1866; Maggie, born in 1868; and John A., born in 1871. These were children from John’s first marriage to Sarah Susanna (Cluts) Stiner, who was born in 1844 and passed away in 1875. Sarah and John were married in 1864.

John and Mary had Susanna in 1877 and Jacob in 1879. John was a farmer. John and Mary later added Simeon N., born in 1884, and Charles F., born in 1886. This farming family was busy raising children when tragedy struck. John passed away on February 1, 1887. He was buried in Slough Cemetery in Antwerp.

By 1890, Mary had moved the family to Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. Simeon and Charles were in school. By 1900, with only two children remaining at home, Mary found it easier to raise the boys.

In 1907, Mary remarried a man named Eli Maynard Munson. By 1910, Eli, Mary, and Charles were living in Battle Creek, Michigan. Charles was working as a laborer in the laundry business.

On June 5, 1917, Charles found himself back in Antwerp, where he registered for the World War I draft. He was listed as short (5’3”), medium build, with gray eyes and light red hair. He was single and working as a clerk for Joseph Yager, who operated a local laundry.

On June 25, 1918, Charles joined the National Army out of Paulding County. He was assigned to the 158th Depot Brigade for training. He served until July 31, 1918, when he was transferred to the Quartermasters Corps. He was honorably discharged on March 14, 1919.

By 1920, Charles was working in Antwerp as a laundryman. His work with restaurants, hotels, and other patrons earned him the respect of the town’s residents. His honest dealings were his stock and trade.

By 1930, feeling the effects of the Great Depression, Charles moved back to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he continued in the laundry business. After a short stay, he returned to Antwerp. He was working as a salesman for a local restaurant and living with Charles and Rosetta Bissell at 215 South River Street.

Charles’s mother, Mary, passed away in 1939 and was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. By 1940, Charles was still living in Antwerp, residing with his sister and brother-in-law.

In 1942, Charles registered for the World War II draft. At the age of 55, he was not selected. Around this time, he moved in with his employer, Hattie Yager, the wife of Joseph Yager, who continued to operate the Antwerp laundry service.

Within the next two years, Charles moved back to Battle Creek, Michigan. With his health failing, he passed away on April 4, 1949. He was buried alongside his mother and stepfather at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lot J-100, Grave 1.

… Until Next Time!

Paulding County voters turned out at 30.5% for the November 4, 2025 General Election, according to unofficial results released Tuesday night. With all 16 precincts reporting, the election featured contested village council races, multiple township trustee positions, and 21 local issues ranging from school levies to fire and EMS renewals.

Municipal Court:

Suzanne Shuman Rister ran unopposed for Judge of the Paulding County Municipal Court and received 2,838 votes.

Village of Antwerp:

Nine candidates vied for four Antwerp Village Council seats. The top four vote-getters were John L. Devore III (203), John E. Ganger III (186), Derek R. Demongeot (174), and Jason Franks (174). Other candidates included Dean Rister (156), Bryce M. Steiner (138), Daniel J. Lehman (114), Jeff G. Rhonehouse (106), and Joel V. Steiner (51).

Other Villages:

• Grover Hill: Trudy Wilkin narrowly defeated LeAnn Lester, 15–14, for village council.
• Haviland: Ronald Ruger edged Robert Pease, 23–22.
• Latty: Barbara Sinn (26), Darlene Knapp (25), and Bethany Stoller (25) filled open seats.
• Oakwood: Kelly Tumblin (75) topped Gregory Hill (67).
• Payne: Jennifer Zartman (132) won slightly over Jason Miller (130).
• Paulding: Timothy Boss (365), David Burtch (358), Greg Reinhart (342), and Barbara Rife (338) claimed four council seats.
• Scott: Stephen Yoder (9) beat Eric Baker (6).

Township Trustee Races:

• Auglaize Township: Jim March (167) and Gary J. Lewis II (170) were elected.
• Benton Township: Joseph Thome (159) and Mark Crosby (151).
• Carryall Township: Thomas Michael Zuber (387) and Benjamin Kauser (382) were elected, with Nick Bragg (270) and Nathan Zuber (226) trailing.
• Crane Township: Kevin Stuart (149) and Joe Sukup (138).
• Harrison Township: Chad Benschneider (189) and Bob Young (166) earned seats.
• Jackson Township: Brandon Manz (349) and Dennis Sanderson (259).
• Latty Township: Blake Sinn (130) and Gabe Sinn (118).
• Paulding Township: Alex Straley (578) was re-elected, with six write-ins for Adina Layman.
• Washington Township: Terry Baker (73) led over Colton Merriman (63), Luke Spangler (57), and Joseph Cramer (40).

School Boards:

• Antwerp Local: Jayme Landers (633), Anita Bok (603), and Robert Herber (552) retained seats.
• Paulding Exempted Village Schools: Karen Saxton (1,287) and Leanne Den Herder (1,139) won over Jason Germann (678).
• Wayne Trace Local: Blane Stoller (663), Jeremy Moore (634), and Paul DeJarnett (538) were elected.
• Vantage Career Center JVS: Renewal passed 62.7% to 37.3%.

Countywide Levies:

The Paulding County Jail levy passed 2,053–1,611 (56–44%). The OSU Extension renewal levy also passed comfortably at 61–39%.

Local Issues:

• Village of Antwerp: Voters approved a replacement tax levy 221–154 (59–41%).
• Carryall Township: Cemetery renewal passed 63–37%, and the fire levy renewal passed 75–25%.
• Latty Village: Both additional and replacement tax levies passed by wide margins.
• Oakwood: Voters rejected new fire and EMS levies, each failing by about 59–41%.
• Paulding Village: The proposed 1% income tax failed 355–233 (60–40%), but electric aggregation passed 309–270 (53–47%).
• Paulding Exempted Village Schools: The proposed income tax increase failed 1,188–755 (61–39%).
• Wayne Trace Schools: Income tax renewal passed narrowly, 483–424 (53–47%).
• Antwerp Local Schools: Renewal levy passed 456–368 (55–45%).

Overall, voters showed support for renewals and replacements of existing levies while resisting most new or increased taxes.

Results remain unofficial until certified by the Paulding County Board of Elections.

Eric Miller, the Commander of Antwerp VFW Post 5087, officially signed a Proclamation that designated Antwerp VFW Post 5087 as a part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s National Purple Heart Trail. This significant recognition makes Antwerp VFW Post 5087, the second VFW post in the State of Ohio to be included in this honored network.

The Purple Heart Trail is a designated network of roads, highways, and trails across the United States that honors the sacrifices of military personnel who have been wounded or killed in combat. Established by the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s Purple Heart Trail Committee, it serves as a symbol of gratitude and recognition for the bravery of these service members. The trail aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the sacrifices made by veterans, fostering a sense of community and respect across the nation.

The addition highlights the VFW Post’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of military personnel and fostering community awareness.

The Paulding County Republican Party hosted its annual banquet on Wednesday, October 2, drawing a record crowd of more than 300 guests to hear from a full slate of statewide and local officials, candidates, and party leaders. The evening began with an invocation by Pastor Ric Beals of First Christian Church in Paulding, who prayed for the nation’s leaders and asked for God’s blessing on the meal and gathering. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by David Kern, Defiance County Republican Chairman, followed by the National Anthem sung by Gina Campbell, 1st District State Central Committeewoman.

Party Chairwoman Laurie Lucas welcomed the crowd and led a moment of silence in memory of Turning Point Action founder Charlie Kirk. She thanked the many volunteers and sponsors who helped make the banquet possible and emphasized the importance of strong grassroots efforts in Paulding County.

Ohio Senate President Rob McColley introduced featured speaker Vivek Ramaswamy, who delivered a keynote address focused on his vision for Ohio’s future as he campaigns for governor. Ramaswamy said Ohio must reclaim its historical role as a national leader, pointing to the state’s legacy in industry and innovation. He called for eliminating the state income tax, reducing property taxes, cutting red tape, and improving educational standards. He emphasized school choice, merit-based advancement, and preparing students for both college and skilled trades. Ramaswamy also spoke of his family’s immigrant roots and his belief that Ohio can again lead America forward. “We don’t just want to make Ohio great again—we want to make Ohio greater than we have ever been,” he said to loud applause.

Several elected officials and candidates also addressed the crowd. State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein encouraged young attendees to get involved in local government and understand the responsibilities of county officials. State Rep. Angie King highlighted her work on the Ohio Property Protection Act, legislation banning foreign adversaries from purchasing land near critical infrastructure. Candidate for state treasurer Jay Edwards described himself as a “common-sense conservative” and voiced concern over rising property taxes. Paulding County Auditor’s Office employee Angie Stoller announced her candidacy to succeed retiring Auditor Claudia Fickel, pledging transparency and continued modernization of the office. Fellow auditor candidate Shawn Schuette, a teacher at Crestview schools, also spoke briefly, stressing collaboration and efficiency. State Rep. Jim Hoops, term-limited from his current seat, shared his campaign for state senate, while former state representative Craig Riedel also outlined his bid for the seat being vacated by McColley. Judge Colleen O’Donnell, a candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court, described her experiences presiding over immigration cases at the southern border and promised to uphold constitutional conservatism if elected. Congressman Bob Latta, who represents Paulding County in Washington, reminded the crowd of the narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House and urged continued grassroots efforts heading into the 2026 election.

The banquet also featured remarks from congressional candidates seeking to unseat long-time Democrat Marcy Kaptur in Ohio’s 9th District. Derek Merrin and State Rep. Josh Williams both energized the audience with calls for stronger border security, elimination of DEI policies, and an “America First” economic agenda. Williams shared his personal story of overcoming poverty, disability, and adversity, crediting faith and perseverance for his rise to public service. “The American dream is the ability to dream for a better tomorrow and the government getting out of the way,” Williams said.

The program additionally included speeches from Tony Schroeder, 1st District State Central Committeeman and Putnam County Chairman, and Gabe Guidarini, Ohio field representative for Turning Point Action, proclaiming the importance of keeping Charlie Kirk’s message alive to young Americans. State treasurer candidate Michael Zuren presented his priorities for financial transparency and taxpayer protection.

Local party chairwoman Laurie Lucas closed the evening with thanks to volunteers, central committee members, and sponsors who helped make the record-setting banquet possible. She noted the strong youth turnout, with more than 25 students in attendance thanks to sponsorships from local leaders. “This is beyond my wildest imagination,” Lucas said. “Together we are building something special here in Paulding County.”