“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

source: NIV version

Peace & Love, 

—Pastor Dwayne

A tribute to my bride on number 65. At 6 o’clock in the evening on a beautiful summer day in early August, on a Saturday night, the bell ring out at the small country Church at Turkey Creek. The little girl that they had watched grow up in a small church, and the farmer’s only daughter, was getting married. It was a beautiful summer day in Indiana out in the country. Our 65th anniversary passed rather quietly, not much fanfare, very little hoopla. We had hoped for a party but it didn’t happen.

Makes me wonder about the institution of marriage. Why did God make two different sexes. Why do we naturally pair up and be together. There are some real advantages of being married. I never liked to be alone. I have unmarried friends and they seem to be fine and are free to do anything they wish.

The Bible says that two become one. This is stated in Genesis 2, and the exact same wording a total of four times. When I have a question I often go to Mrs Google. She says two becoming one means a husband and wife leave their individual family units and form their own family, in a permanent bond. A single team making decisions and a future together. The Bible also talks about the bond or spiritual union between Christ and the Church as marriage. It talks about the marriage supper of the Lamb.

This is a bond that cannot be broken. The Bible says let no man put asunder. I was raised in the Mennonite faith and we were taught no divorce under any circumstances. Because of this I always considered marriage to be permanent. The only problem is sometimes you get a lemon. I am not sure what happens then.

I fortunately have a wife that is hardworking, has a strong faith, and was the best possible mother to our children and wife to me. She has a sense of what to do when a medical problem arrives and sometimes she is better than the doctor. She would have made a terrific nurse.

 The marriage bond is one of the best things that God ever invented.

No matter what comes up you have someone on your side watching your back. Especially as you get older and health problems arise you realize that each of you need a bit of help, even someone to cheer for you when you are down.

—James Neuhouser

Writing prompts. I’ll never run out of them. So much to write; so little time. 

The good thing about writing a newspaper column is that a deadline comes with it. But the bad thing about writing a newspaper column is that a deadline comes with it. At times, I’ve thought it might be best to schedule a sabbatical for myself. I’d put new writing on hold, focus on publishing my books, and then return to the column. 

But then something comes along and renews my energy. When a recipe for Get Well Custard appeared in my newsfeed, it reminded me of an essay I’d written a few years ago about how we care for one another. I had forgotten what I’d written, so I read it again. My own writing is often new to me.  

Most of us would agree that creative writing is a learned skill. It takes time. It takes editing. Then more time and more editing. It’s work, but it’s fun work.   

In 2023, I published a book about my brother Stevie who had Down syndrome. I knew the book would sell well. After all, Stevie had done the marketing by just being himself all his life. We scheduled a few book signings, and his friends came to see him and have him sign the front cover of the book.  

A young friend recently asked if I ever receive feedback from readers regarding my newspaper column or books. I didn’t mean to sound boastful when I told her yes – I receive cards and letters from people I don’t even know. I then laughed as I told her my answer sounded like a Glen Campbell song: “getting cards and letters from people I don’t even know.” Then I had to tell her who Glen Campbell was. 

A few weeks back, after my Newspaper Clippings story was published, I began receiving comments through texts and emails – 14 messages. All good. 

I suspect part of the reason I receive encouraging feedback is that I tend to keep my words uplifting and steer clear of anything that may cause division. I like to think I write about God without using the word God, mostly because God is bigger than any one word. 

There are those who believe humanity is more awake than ever to the happenings of the world. We’re asking questions and having new conversations. Things once considered impolite or even impossible to discuss are being discussed. 

I would have connected some dots years ago, but I didn’t know there were dots to connect. Being open to new possibilities helps us look beyond beliefs and assumptions that may separate us. We just need to keep in mind that we never know what we may not know.

Whoever said that all the world’s a stage had it figured out. We’re discovering how much truth that sentence holds, and many of us have decided it’s okay to stop watching the show and begin rewriting the script.  

Life on earth means we arrive with nothing in our hands. We spend our days collecting things before departing with nothing in our hands. 

But look at that beautiful soul of ours, meant all along to be the collector of things. Collections rich in memories. Collections full of wisdom. Collections of those little things we refer to as acts of kindness. 

We can spend every moment extending love. Even while we sleep, we’re renewing our energy and restoring a little inner peace. Those naps? A gift to ourselves. 

My brother Stevie often led our mealtime prayers. We always listened carefully because he could be hard to understand. After he finished praying, there were smiles as we pointed out how many times we heard him bless the food and mention his family. 

His prayers always included the words “more love.” Looking back, I realize how much Stevie understood about love. When he said those two words, it was his way of speaking love into his world. 

And now, when I think of him and miss him, I hear him tell me to put my wings on and buckle up. We’re walking each other home, and we’ve got work to do.   

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

Toledo Speedway recently shared, Richard Childress Racing announced the formation of an ARCA Menards Series program, with Cleetus McFarland returning to the team to chase the 2027 championship, including a race at Toledo Speedway on May 15th. McFarland will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing during his first full ARCA Menards Series campaign. McFarland joined the team earlier this season, competing in two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events.

Attica Raceway Park & Fremont Speedway will keep the current series. The All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads/Kistler Racing Products Attica Fremont Championship Series Presented by the Baumann Auto Group for the 410 sprint teams and the Real Geese Decoys/Real Capz Attica Fremont Championship Series for the 305 sprint teams will continue in the 2027 racing season. With the departure of AFCS promoter Duane Hancock, both Fremont Speedway and Attica Raceway Park officials have indicated the series will be a big part of both tracks’ plans in 2027.

The offical 2027 Attica Raceway Park Track Champions, 410 Winged Sprints, Cap Henry. This was Cap’s 4th straight track championship and 5th over-all at Attica. Bryan Sebetto won his first 305 Wing Sprint Championship. UMP Late Model Devin Shiels from Britton, Mich recorded his 6th championship at the track since 2016. 

Attica Raceway Park passed out $50,000 in point fund money for the top 10 in points in the track’s three weekly divisions that competed in the 2026 season. Rain washed out 11 of the scheduled events in 2026, meaning 13 races were contested.

The 2026 Rumble In Fort Wayne returns to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum December 18th and 19th. The Midgets headline the two days bringing in racings top drivers. Also, this year the 600cc Wing and Non-wing Midgets, several classes of Race Karts, Mini Wedges and Quarter Midgets.

Friday, October 23rd Montpelier Motor Speedway IN hosted the first night of the Annual Monster Mash Weekend. Drew Charlson won the UMP Modified Feature, Josh Gamblin found Victory Lane in the Hornet Class. Vienna Ohio’s Eric Wilson took the win in the DIRTcar Super Late Model Division.

Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!

Congratulations to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Defiance, Ohio for receiving a $1,000 grant from Defiance Moose Lodge #2094. This grant was for the chicken dinners at their Fest-For-All event which took place on October 11. Pictured are (l-r) Patty Nezick – Fest-For-All chairperson and Roberta Phlipot – Moose Lodge Treasurer.

Congratulations to The Huber Opera House and Civic Center for receiving a $1,000 grant from the Defiance Moose Lodge #2094. The Moose Lodge holds a donor advised fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. This grant will be used for their wine and beer tasting event coming up on November 13th.

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

Indianapolis, Indiana was filled with a sea of blue jackets from October 20th through October 24th. Thousands of FFA chapters from across the nation, including 11 Paulding FFA members, their 2 advisors, and 1 chaperone who traveled to Indianapolis for the 99th Annual National FFA Convention. Our members had a busy schedule full of educational and leadership experiences that allowed them to learn more about agriculture industry and FFA. On October 20th, members departed Paulding HS and had a busy day touring J&M manufacturing and the Coopers Turkey Processing Plant. They then got to go shopping and spend the evening at Topgolf. After golfing, members headed to their hotel to wind down for the night.

On October 21st, members woke up and headed to the Indy 500 Tour. Members were able to kiss the famous bricks at the end of the raceway and tour the museum. Students were able to see many famous race cars and memorabilia from races as well as some hands-on activities such as changing a racecar tie and a simulation of driving on the race track. From the Indy 500 tour, the members then traveled to Umbarger Show Feeds for another tour. This tour taught members how Umbarger’s provides a variety of different show feeds that farmers all across the country use to feed their animal operations. They were given a tour of the operation and got to see the feed made for certain show feeds. Members then got dinner from The Old Spaghetti Warehouse. From there students got to attend an Avery Anna and Ty Myers concert before heading back to the hotel for the night.

On October 22nd, the members woke up bright and early to attend the opening session of the National Convention. Members listened to the keynote speaker Scott McKain, who spoke about finding your drive and staying committed until the end. Students then explored the expo center before the next session started. At the 2nd general session, Officers Darcy Taylor and Myrriah Manz walked across the stage for Paulding as we received the prestigious 3-Star National Chapter only 22 chapters in Ohio received this 3-Star Rating. This is the 6th year the chapter has been nationally recognized. Later that evening, members ate dinner at Binkley’s which served American dishes. Then the students had a great time at the rodeo before going back to the hotel for the night.

On October 23rd, members woke up and ate breakfast before an exciting day. The students got to go to the Indianapolis Zoo for the afternoon. From there, some members went back to the school. The other students got to go back and explore the expo center. 

On the last day of the National Convention, October 24th, members and advisors were up very early to attend the American Degree Ceremony, where they watched 7 Paulding FFA members walk across the stage to earn their American FFA Degrees, which is the highest FFA degree possible. The seven members were Anna Clamens, Harley Collins, Grace Goyings, Maci Kauser, Jalyn Klopfenstein, Kadence Thomas, and Hopeful Rose. Five other members also earned their American FFA Degrees that were unable to attend including; Matthew Bail, Brooke Kilgore, Brooklyn Schlatter, Johnathan Lipps and Marley Parrett. The Paulding FFA Chapter is very proud of these twelve members and their accomplishments. After the ceremony the Paulding FFA headed back to Paulding after a fun-filled week. The Paulding FFA would like to say a special thanks to the Paulding FFA Alumni for their support to the Paulding FFA and its members. 

Congratulations to the Sight Conservation of Defiance, Lion’s Club for receiving a $1,000 grant from Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 for the upcoming Halloween Parade taking place on October 31 in downtown Defiance. 

The Moose Lodge holds a donor advised fund under the umbrella of the Foundation.

On Veterans Day, November 11th, 2026, the Paulding FFA Chapter along with  the Paulding Middle School Student Council, will host a program honoring the veterans in our community and beyond. 

The program will begin at 1:00 pm in the Paulding High School gym, with the doors opening at 12:20 pm that day. We ask that all veterans park in the circle drive and enter through the High School (door #2), where you will be greeted by the Paulding FFA chapter members. 

The program will feature all of our Paulding students from grade K-12, and will include songs by the elementary students and the MS & HS choir, and the high school band, as well as readings from selected essay winners and other special interviews and readings done by Paulding FFA Chapter and middle school student council members. Afterwards, there will be refreshments for the veterans to enjoy. 

Our veterans have done so much for this country and our community, we truly want to honor them. We take pride in our community and want to invite all veterans to join us on November 11th at 1:00 p.m. as we remember and honor you!