By: Mark Holtsberry

Lloyd Aaron Sutton was born in Grover Hill, Ohio, on October 8, 1891. He was the son of Jacob Sutton, who was born on March 7, 1842, in Randolph County, Indiana, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ann (Kinkade) Sutton. Jacob had two previous wives who passed away: Isabella, who died in 1874, and Charlotte, who died in 1877. Jacob and Elizabeth were married on August 30, 1879, in Paulding.

By 1890, the Sutton family was living in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County. Jacob was a farmer. The couple were the parents of John, born in 1880; Cornelius, born in 1880; Catherine “Katie,” born in 1882; Daisy, born in 1885; and twins Floyd and Lloyd, born in 1891. The older boys helped on the farm while the younger children attended school.

By 1906, Lloyd had quit school. By 1910, Jacob’s daughter Daisy had married and moved away. Catherine and her husband, Warren Hadley, had moved in with Jacob and Elizabeth. Lloyd and Floyd remained at home, working on the farm.

On June 5, 1917, in Toledo, Lloyd registered for the World War I draft. He had been living in Toledo for several years, working as an inspector for a block-bearing company. Lloyd was described as short and slender, with brown eyes and dark hair, and was single.

Lloyd joined the National Army on June 27, 1918. He was assigned to the 24th Company, 6th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, where he served until July 19, 1918. On August 1, 1918, he was promoted to Private First Class and assigned to Company A, 333rd Infantry, serving until October 5, 1918. He was then transferred to Company E, 138th Infantry, where he served until his discharge. He served in the Meuse-Argonne sector and was slightly wounded in action on October 31, 1918. Lloyd received an honorable discharge on April 1, 1919.

After returning home, he met a young woman named Mary Ann Brenner. She was born on July 11, 1898, in Ohio. The couple married and moved to Latty, Ohio, by 1920, where Lloyd worked as a farm laborer.

Lloyd’s father, Jacob, passed away on February 21, 1921, and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Lloyd and Mary’s daughter, Kathryn, was born in 1920, followed by Lloyd D. in 1923, Gloria in 1925, Dorothy in 1927, and William in 1929. By 1930, the family was living at 406 North Cherry Street in Paulding.

Lloyd had become a mail carrier. By 1940, the Sutton family was still living at 406 North Cherry Street, and all of the children remained at home. In 1942, Lloyd registered for the World War II draft, although he was not selected because of his age.

On April 22, 1944, Lloyd passed away and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Mary later worked for the Division of Aid for the Aged in Paulding as a caseworker, retiring in 1959. She passed away on September 24, 1969, and was buried beside her husband in Live Oak Cemetery.

The youngest child, William, served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He passed away in 2020 and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery.

…Until Next Time!

Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker

We all have routines we do and most of them make us feel good. A routine is not a  bad habit if it doesn’t bother anyone and if it benefits you .

One of my routines is a cup of coffee the first thing in the morning.  I just cannot focus if I don’t drink coffee. Just one cup to get started. 

Another thing that I personally do that I have always done is brush my teeth and tap the tooth brush 3 times on the sink before putting it away. Why?  I don’t know I just have always done it and I guess it’s just a habit. Brush brush brush and tap tap tap.

Some people have different habits when they eat. Someone told me that they don’t let any food on their plate touch each other and they eat one thing at a time.  This is their way of eating  and I may have to try it. 

Now my grandpa used two utensils to eat. He had a fork in one hand  and a spoon in the other. For some reason he would pick up food with the fork and put it in the spoon to eat. If it was soup he would eat with 2  spoons. 

One of my habits (maybe bad) is that I sneeze so loud I scare people, even the cat. Plus when I sneeze I do it maybe 5 times in a row.  One time I sneezed so loud it scared my little grandson and he cried. 

I guess a real lady should put her hanky over her nose and do a little “aaaaccchoooo”. Why do I sneeze loud? I don’t know why but if I didn’t sneeze loud, I would feel like I never sneezed. Just one of my habits I do.

Some sports people do a certain routine before a big game or competition.  Some wear a certain pair of socks. Michael Phelps, the famous gold medalist swimmer did this: 

Before diving into the pool, he would swing his arms violently to slap his back, then put on his headphones and listen exclusively to “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas to lock into his zone.

Then there is Michael Jordan:

Basketball legend Michael Jordan was known for wearing his University of North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform in every game. He continued this ritual throughout his entire NBA career, believing it brought him good luck and success on the court. (Wonder if he washed them?) 

Former MLB slugger Jason Giambi had an unusual “golden” ritual. When he was in a hitting slump, he would wear a gold lamé thong to break out of it. Though it may have been a humorous attempt to break bad luck, it became a legendary story in baseball lore.

One Hall of Fame baseball player ate chicken before every game, while another sportsman had a routine of eating a sub sandwich.

The iconic pre-game ritual that was the Lebron James chalk clap. It was a routine that formed a special connection between him and his fans. He captured the attention of the entire stadium, as they waited quietly for the iconic moment when he grabs the powder, rubs his hands together, and tosses the chalk in the air – and when he did the crowd would erupt – he’s pumped, the fans are pumped and it’s game time!

So we know that picking our noses or biting our fingernails isn’t really kosher, but some still do it.

People like routines because they are used to doing things a certain way and maybe brings good luck . 

Not all routines or habits are bad, it’s just who we are and how we think.

Do you have a routine or habit you do ? Drinking a lot of  coffee? Wearing certain socks? Eating something for good luck ? And I have a habit right here: “Let me know and I’ll Give you a Penny For Your Thoughts.”

In a Christian context, perseverance refers to the steadfastness and determination to continue in faith and obedience to God, despite challenges, trials, and tribulations. It encompasses maintaining hope and trust in God’s promises, enduring hardships, and remaining faithful in one’s spiritual journey. Perseverance is often seen as a virtue that strengthens character and faith.

James 1:2-5 (NIV)  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James 1:12 (NIV): “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will give you the strength to endure any challenging situation that you may face. I guarantee it. Learn to trust in him today by placing it in his hands and leaving it there. What have you got to lose? Smile! Jesus Loves and So do I!

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

By: James Neuhouser

I wake up this morning in a melancholy mood, we had plans on going to church but it just didn’t happen. I listen to Psalms 111, and it speaks to me and I feel every emotion at once. 

Some good news lately that changes my entire outlook on life. I listen to Psalms 111 to 130, which runs for well over an hour.

“Midnight shadows fill this bedroom, Fear keeps coursing through my mind. Tired eyes refuse their resting, Still I whisper desperate prayers.”

Someone had suggested that I rewrite some of my highlights, and I would love to but new things keep coming up. For some reason I can’t stop writing even though I might wish too. I’ve got a story in my head about the inventor of dynamite, Alfred Nobel. Such an amazing story that affected his entire life, and perhaps changed the course of history. 

This week I had an epiphany. Something that I had probably thought about but this time it hit me. The difference between good and evil. Something that will tell you the difference. Most times it seems like evil is winning. It’s always about 50-50. Sometimes evil seems to be leading but we already know who is going to win the game. 

The difference is that good is eternal, infinite, evil is finite, i mi tot will end. I don’t know if everything infinite is spiritual, but everything that is spiritual is infinite. Let me give you an example of things on earth that are infinite. 

Names are infinite,  picking a name you could always add a letter or perhaps subtract one. The name Niceiana would be a good one. Every housing project is a name like River Creek.

“Lord please hear this broken cryin’ Calm my shaking heart tonight. Stay beside this weary body, Carry me through darkest hours.”

By: Ron Burt

Oakshade Raceway

Wauseon, OH, Saturday, June 13th – Colin Shipley won the DIRTcar UMP Late Model Race at Oakshade Saturday night. He started on the pole and for 25 laps fought off his stepfather, Rusty Schlenk, to get the win. It really got interesting when the two lead cars caught up to slower traffic. Shipley had some tough decisions to make as he approached heavy traffic running side by side with the veteran Schlenk. Colin began working through the lapped traffic, but he couldn’t separate any from the experienced veteran. After clearing the first batch of lapped traffic, the two drivers battled side for the lead with Schlenk trying to make the high side work. Shipley hugged the low side. The young driver stayed focused, not making any mistakes to fend off Schlenk to earn the race win. Casey Noonan finished third followed by Carter Murday and Devin Shiels.

Dylan Jessen survived a close call to get the win in the Late Model Sportsman feature to become the first (and only) repeat winner this season in any class at Oakshade, 2nd Josh Robertson, 3rd Dylan Hough, 4th Chris Williams, and 5th Mike Jessen. Dominator Stock Feature 1st Jeff Foks Jr., 2nd Mason Luttrell, 3rd Jake Rendel, 4th Scott Hammer and 5th Chane Stuckey. Sport Compact Feature, 1st Cory Gumm, 2nd Ryan Okuley, 3rd James Stamper, 4th Wesley Belkofer, and Adam Thomas.

Here’s Saturday’s Feature winners from Angola Motorsport Speedway, Saturday, June 13th, Late Model Tommy Cook, Modified Brandon Pulver, Street Stocks Lee Reed, Hornets Corbin Henderson and Front Wheel Drive Outlaws Derek Simon.

Feature winners from Flat Rock Speedway, Saturday, June 13th Figure 8 Motor City Madness 50, Billy Earley, Late Model Sportsman Mike Young and track history was made in the Street Stocks. Regan Ford Sr won the Street Stock feature in a first-ever 1-2-3 for the Fords, beating his brother Dan Ford Jr in P2, and son Regan Ford Jr in third. 

On Friday, June 12th, at Limaland Motorsports Park, Luke Hall won the USAC Thunder Midget feature at Limaland in the Mike Streicher Memorial. 2nd Bryce Massingill, 3rd Chett Gehrke, 4th Ian Creager, and 5th Dylan Trost. The Modified Mayhem feature for UMP Modifieds went to Jeff Koz, and it was his first feature Modified win of the season, 2nd Dustin Moore, 3rd Brennan Sherman, 4th Dylan Woodling, and 5th Drew Charlson. Thunderstock Feature Top 5, 1st Nick Bowers, 2nd Todd Sherman, 3rd Rob Trent, 4th Zach Rush, and 5th Dan Wooten. Dirt Truck Feature Top 5, Page Perrine got his first career DTTS win, 2nd Chris Hicks, 3rd Tony Anderson, 4th Rolly Heyder, and 5th Brandon Dailey.

We are currently in the middle of Ohio Sprint Week, featuring the All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Winged Sprints. It all started at Attica Raceway Park, on Friday, June 12th. On the podium 1st Craig Mintz, 2nd Parker Price Miller and 3rd Zeth Sabo. Saturday night June 13th the Series went to Sharon Speedway and the top 3, 1st Zeth Sabo, 2nd Dale Blaney and 3rd Leyton Wagner. Sunday, June 14th heavy rain canceled Millstream in Findlay, and the track didn’t want the make-up date. Monday, June 15, the Series was at Wayne County Speedway and your podium was 1st Kalib Henry 2nd Darin Naida and 3rd Brandon Spithaler. On Tuesday, June 16th Eldora Speedway was rained out, with no make-up date left. Thursday, June 18th Waynesfield Raceway Park had the best race of the Series and the 3 drivers on the podium 1st Chris Andrews, 2nd, Bryce Lucius and 3rd Nate Dussel. Friday the Series goes to Fremont Speedway. Atomic Speedway was scheduled to have the final race Saturday, June 21st. This was posted by Atomic Speedway 6/15/26 on their Facebook page. “We’re disappointed by the decision made to move the Ohio Sprint Speedweek Finale from Atomic Speedway, but unfortunately these are the things that happen with our current situation. All presale tickets for the event will be refunded”. Ohio Sprint Week will now wrap up at Wayne County Speedway Saturday, June 21st and pay the Feature winner $12,000.00. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!

Taking the next step forward, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is seeking public comments on a project to construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Van Wert-Decatur Road, just west of the city of Van Wert.

In 2025, ODOT completed a safety study of the U.S. 224 and Van Wert-Decatur Road intersection to evaluate safety enhancement options such as a multi-way stop, traffic signal, or a roundabout. The study recommends transforming the three-legged T-intersection into a single-lane roundabout. Ohio’s Highway Safety Program is funding the project with construction slated for 2029.

Following a comparison of roundabout design options, ODOT recommends an off-center circular roundabout. The design allows for phased construction to reduce traffic impacts, requires temporary right-of-way (only for construction), and has the lowest construction cost.

Construction cost is estimated at $3.58 million.

The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposed design alternatives for the intersection by July 15, 2026. Comments regarding the project will be accepted at any time, but those received by the deadline will be included in the official public input summary report. Public input will help shape the final design.

• Use the comment form on the project website or contact the project manager directly (see below).

• Requests for interpretation service or reasonable accommodation may be submitted through the project website or by contacting the project manager.

Visit the project webpage to view the design alternatives and to submit feedback.

The Kiwanis Club was pleased to welcome Lynessa Watterson, the new Director of Paulding County Job & Family Services, during a recent meeting. She was introduced by Kiwanis member Lisa McClure.

Effective July 1, the previously consolidated Defiance and Paulding County Job & Family Services offices will separate in order to better serve their local communities and provide more focused, local support.

Watterson shared that she and her team will be working closely with area schools, courts, and the sheriff’s department to strengthen families throughout Paulding County. Some of the services provided by the agency include unemployment assistance, SNAP benefits, child and adult protective services, and Ohio Means Jobs programs.

The Paulding County Job & Family Services office is located at 252 Dooley Drive in Paulding and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Congratulations to the Huber Opera House & Civic Center in Hicksville for receiving a $2,000 grant from the Hicksville Community Fund, a fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. This grant will be used for the stage floor replacement project taking place at the Opera House.

Pictured above are (l-r) Jim Schmidt – Hicksville Community Fund Founder and Chris Feichter – Director of Operations at the Huber.

PAYNE, OH:

Keith Edward Carter, 91, of Payne, passed away Tuesday, June, 23, 2026, at his home.

Keith was born in Payne on July 16, 1934, a son of the late Ruth (Bradford) Hammond & George Carter.

Keith was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community member whose life was marked by hard work, service, and family. He proudly served his country in the Army 82nd Airborne. Many in Payne remember him fondly as the Payne barber, where he provided not only haircuts but also friendship and conversation. He later worked for BF Goodrich, Durable Medical, and Benton Township. On January 14, 1956, he married the love of his life, Ruth (Lunn), and together they built a loving family and shared many happy years. Keith was active in the Early Birds 4-H Club, a member of Flat Rock Masonic Lodge No. 580 for 65 years, active in the Paulding County Historical Society, and a Payne firefighter and EMT who played an integral role in establishing those services in the community. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, caring for his lawn, traveling with family—especially fishing trips to Wisconsin—and trying his luck on the slot machines. His kindness, dedication, and love for family will be remembered by all who knew him.

He will be sadly missed by his children, Sandra (Kelly) Davis, Brian (Pandora) Carter, & Christina (Samuel) Flynn; 10 grandchildren; & 15 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruth in 2003, and his sister, Nancy Karris.

He will be laid to rest privately in Lehman Cemetery.

Memorials are to the Paulding County Nurses Auxiliary (to support Paulding County hospice nurses) 250 Dooley Dr Ste A, Paulding, OH 45879.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com.

AgCredit has announced the recipients of its 2026 Joe Leiser Memorial Scholarships. This year, AgCredit awarded $25,000 distributed between twelve recipients to support their educational goals during the 2026–2027 academic year. Among them is Elyssa Renner, local to Van Wert County. Elyssa will attend Wright State University, majoring in Agriculture Business.

The scholarship program honors Joe Leiser, AgCredit’s first president and CEO, who was known for his deep-rooted passion for agriculture and his commitment to doing what was right for farmers. Each year, the program awards scholarships to dependent family members of AgCredit voting stockholders pursuing degrees in agriculture or related community-supported fields.

“Investing in students is an investment in the future of our industry,” said President and CEO Brian Ricker. “These scholarship recipients embody the dedication, resilience, and integrity that drive meaningful progress in agriculture. By supporting their educational journeys, we are helping cultivate the next generation of leaders who will carry our mission forward and make a lasting impact in their communities.”

About AgCredit

AgCredit is a cooperative lender and proud member of the Farm Credit System, which was created over 100 years ago to provide a reliable source of credit for the nation’s farmers and ranchers. AgCredit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. For more information about AgCredit or its Joe Leiser Memorial Scholarship program, visit AgCredit.net.