Dotting My Teas By: Marlene Oxender

I was recently asked if I could name a food that ages you. I chuckled as I learned the answer was a clever one: birthday cake. But even better was the second answer: wedding cake.

I grew up in a small town where wedding anniversaries were often announced in the newspaper along with a photo of the couple. The entire community was invited to attend a reception in honor of the couple who’d been married an awfully long time. 

It was a big deal back then. If the couple had been married for 25 years, they were celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. If they’d been married 50 years, it was their golden anniversary. 

The reception was often held in a church basement where we’d find a decorated cake at the punch table. Nuts and mints were served in little paper cups. Guests would find a seat and sit and talk for a while. The men wore suits and ties. The women wore dresses. 

As a child, I could never understand why older people were in disbelief about how old they were getting to be. After all, they were there through it all. They were the ones who lived each day. 

I remember attending my Grandma and Grandpa Imm’s 50th wedding anniversary reception. Grandma saved the greeting cards they’d received, and even today I sift through them and read the names of family and friends who’d signed the cards.   

In one of the boxes from their estate was a cake topper that’s gold in color with the words “50th Anniversary” displayed across the top. Days after I’d placed it in the box of things I’d be giving to the secondhand store, I decided I should flip through their little photo book and see if that cake topper was in their anniversary pictures. And there it was – sitting atop their two-tiered anniversary cake.   

That meant I would need to dig the item back out of the box and store it in my box of vintage anniversary cards. Our mother had also saved some silver wrapping paper with a paisley print design. Now that I have a granddaughter by the name of Paisley, I may someday give her a gift wrapped in that silver wrapping paper from 1972. 

In a few years, my nieces and nephews will begin celebrating their silver wedding anniversaries. I’m sure they’ll be delighted to open a greeting card from me and find a 25th Anniversary paper napkin from my mother’s collection of stuff she saved for us. 

My siblings and I are in a group text, and if anyone is having a birthday or anniversary, it’ll be mentioned early in the morning. It’s an interesting conversation with plenty of comments about numbers – how old we are or what anniversary we’re celebrating. 

As the years tick by, we add numbers to the numbers and begin to understand why all those older people were in disbelief regarding their age. Our photos show how much we’ve changed. We notice how we styled our hair and what was in fashion back in the day. The shoes. The dresses. The tuxedos. 

The last time the subject of peach tuxedos came up in our sibling text thread, it made me wonder if there’s a dessert by the same name. After searching online and finding nothing, I came up with my own recipe that I tweaked and named “Peach Tuxedo Parfait.” 

And since bow ties are often worn by the groom, I searched for a main dish recipe that includes bow tie pasta and decided upon Chicken Marsala – a favorite of mine. 

Of course the menu wouldn’t be complete without an Anniversary Day Salad – which could be any salad you’d like to serve.

If I could spend time once again with my grandparents, I’d laughingly tell them about my search for anniversary day recipes. I’d ask them if they’d like a Tuxedo Latte, and they’d ask me what a latte is. It’d be fun to take them to a coffee shop and see what flavor they’d decide to order. Mine is coconut.

I’d show them how our cell phones now bring our anniversary wishes to us on a screen rather than in a greeting card delivered to our home mailbox. They’d learn what an emoji is and how it’s a new way of communicating.

They’d be happy to know their grandchildren are still in touch with each other, discussing what’s happening today as well as memories of times we’d gathered for family weddings.

My grandparents were married in April of 1923, and I have a copy of their wedding day certificate. I wonder what color Grandpa’s suit was and if he wore a bow tie or a necktie. I’d tell Grandma I know just one detail about her wedding dress – it was made by her neighbor lady. I’d ask her what it looked like and if there are any photos from that day. 

I’d tell them how today’s anniversary receptions often take place electronically through shared photos, brief messages, and a string of emojis. We’d likely agree that the way we celebrate has changed, but the intention hasn’t. We mark the day and honor the years. 

The color of wedding day tuxedos keeps returning to my sibling text thread simply because it’s a fun memory. Even the search for tuxedo recipes gave us something to talk about. 

I imagine Grandma and Grandpa would tell us something we already know: Traditions may change, but the time we spend together talking about memories from yesterday and our plans for tomorrow – served with a dressed-up dessert – is part of the joy of living. 

Peach Tuxedo Parfait

2 cups peaches, sliced 

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt 

1½ cups vanilla pudding or yogurt

1 cup granola or chocolate cookie crumbs 

Mini chocolate chips and/or mini candy bar bowtie

In a bowl, gently toss the peaches, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let sit 10 minutes so the peaches become glossy and saucy. In each parfait glass, repeat layers of peaches, granola, and pudding.  Top with chocolate.

 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

By: Ron Burt

Unfortunately, weather prevented most tri-state racetracks from hosting their 4th of July weekend events. Most speedways offer big payouts and sometimes double the track points and fireworks on the 4th of July. Now tracks are looking at their schedules to make up these races.

Do you want to relive the days of Bryan Motor Speedway? The History Mystery Man on youtube visits Bryan and takes a trip out to the former racetrack and shows everyone what it looks like now. He also talks to former racers, shows old pictures, hears stories, visits a barn nearby that has 2 former cars in it, and takes a trip to Cecil and visits Harts Machine Service and finds out what a huge roll that shop had in racing locally and nationally. When you search youtube, type in “Ghost Track In Small Town American Gem Bryan, OH”.

Oakshade Raceway, Wauseon OH, July 4th. The normal 4 classes, plus the Vintage American Race Cars. To the delight of many fans about 20 vintage racecars were on display behind the grandstand for spectators to see the cars up close and ask owners questions and take pictures. Most of the cars on display ran weekly at Bryan Motor Speedway, Avilla, Bearfield, Angola, Butler and other tri-state speedways. On display, a collection of Modified Coups’, Super Modifieds Sprint Cars and Roadsters. The American Vintage Race Cars raced 2 heat races and a feature. They are set to return August 15th for the final time at Oakshade Raceway this season.  Nightly Program: Top 3 Feature Finishers: DIRTcar UMP Late Models: 1st Colin Shipley, 2nd Kyle Moore, and 3rd Carter Murday. Late Model Sportsmen: 1st Jarett Rendel, 2nd Chris Williams, and 3rd Sam Estes. Dominator Stocks: 1st Brad Eitniear, 2nd Josh McNicol, and 3rd Scott Hammer. Sport Compacts: 1st Ryan Okuley, 2nd Jason Deshler, and 3rd Geoff Wesnick.

Fremont Speedway, Fremont OH, July 4th. Normal Saturday Events 3 Classes. 410 Winged Outlaw Sprints: 1st Kalib Henry, 2nd Cap Henry, and 3rd Bryce Lucius. 305 Winged Sprints: 1st Jamie Miller, 2nd Bryan Sebetto, and 3rd Jimmy Mcgrath. Fremont Dirt Trucks: 1st Shawn Valenti, 2nd Dave Golembiewski, and 3rd Kent Brewer.

The 2026 DIRTcar Summer Nationals are in our area and will finish up the grueling 34 race schedule this upcoming week. The Annual Series started on June 9th and runs nightly with only two breaks. It’s hard on drivers and race teams. Unfortunately, 9 races have been canceled because of weather. Four drivers have run all 15 events, and 142 drivers from 19 states have registered for one or more races. Montpelier Speedway in Indiana hosted the tour, Tuesday, July 7th Frank Heckenast Jr. won Late Model Feature, and Trevor Neville won in the UMP Modifieds. The following night July 8th, the Series went to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, MI and Jackson Michigans, Rusty Schlenk parked his Late Model in Victory Lane winning his 301st feature race in his career and David Stremme won the UMP Modified Feature.

The Summer Nationals will wrap-up the Series Tour at Butler Motor Speedway, July 9th, Crystal Motor Speedway, July 10th, Oakshade Raceway, Wauseon Ohio, July 11th and the final race will be Sunday, July 12th, Wayne County Speedway, Orrville, Ohio. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out! www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/ 

By: Mark Holtsberry

Elyehue Lee Underwood

This fella was born May 25, 1898, in Paulding County. The son of Orlando Addison Underwood, born June 9, 1878, in Paulding, and Mary Jane (Lee) Underwood, born May 12, 1880, in Harlan County, Kentucky.

This couple was married July 24, 1898, in Paulding. By 1900, a son, Elyehue, was born. This family was living in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County. Orlando was farming. On January 28, 1901, a son, Ora Edward, was born. In 1903, a son, Olen Aaron, was born. A daughter, Cleo Belle, was born in 1904. By 1910, this family was still living and farming in Blue Creek Township. The children were in school. In 1914, Elyehue left home at the age of fifteen. On March 5, 1914, Elyehue arrived in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He lived in Cottom, Ontario, Canada. On May 28, 1917, Elyehue came home to Van Wert and joined Company D, 2nd Ohio National Guard, out of Van Wert. This unit was consolidated into the 145th United States Infantry. This occurred November 17, 1917. He served in Company C. He was transferred to Headquarters Company March 27, 1919. He served in the Meuse-Argonne defensive sector. Slightly wounded October 16, 1918. On March 20, 1919, he boarded the ship “Great Northern” at Brest, France. On March 27, 1919, the ship landed in Hoboken, New Jersey.

On April 16, 1919, he was honorably discharged. In 1920, Elyehue stayed in the military. He was stationed at the Aviation Field, Riverside, California. Also in 1920, he married Helen Ruth (Mumy), born September 9, 1901, in Kansas. On January 25, 1921, a son, Vernon Lee, was born, followed by Helen Louise, August 19, 1922, and Donald Charles, October 24, 1925. He served in World War Two as a radioman second class.

He retired from the California State Highway Patrol. By 1930, Elyehue, Ruth, and family had moved to Dearborn, Wayne County, Michigan. He was working for a construction company. He was living with his brother, Olen, and his wife, Violet. By 1934, Elyehue was working as a construction engineer-foreman for the Victorville County Water District. He was running a W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration) crew. They were working on a new water supply system for Victorville County. Elyehue and his wife, Ruth, were living at 4485 Riverside, California. On December 5, 1937, Elyehue was going home to Riverside for the weekend to spend time with family. He was traveling down Cajon Pass and, apparently, he did not see the truck in front of him in time. He hit the brakes and slid 32’, and his sedan struck the truck from behind. Elyehue was killed instantly. Tuesday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m., funeral services were held in the chapel of the Simmons Mortuary at Riverside, California. The #1726 V.F.W., Odd Fellows, and American Legion were present. Burial was in the Legion Post plot at the Riverside Cemetery. His wife, Ruth, passed away June 14, 1955. She was buried beside Elyehue.

…Until Then!

Penny for Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker

“Long ago and far away, In a land that time forgot, 

“Before the days of Dylan, Or the dawn of Camelot.

“There lived a race of innocents, And they were you and me, Long ago and far away

“In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“Oh, there was truth and goodness In that land where we were born

“Where navels were for oranges, And Peyton Place was porn.

“For Ike was in the White House, And Hoss was on TV, and God was in His heaven n the Land That Made Me, Me

“We learned to gut a muffler, We washed our hair at dawn, We spread our crinolines to dry In circles on the lawn.

“And they could hear us coming

“All the way to Tennessee, All starched and sprayed and rumbling In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“We longed for love and romance, And waited for the prince, And Eddie Fisher married Liz, And no one’s seen him since.

“We danced to “Little Darlin”, And Sang to “Stagger Lee” And cried for Buddy Holly In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“Only girls wore earrings then, And three was one too many, And only boys wore flat-top cuts, Except for Jean McKinney.

“And only in our wildest dreams

“Did we expect to see?

“A boy named George with Lipstick, In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice, and when they made a movie they never made it twice.

“We didn’t have a Star Trek Five, Or Psycho Two and Three, Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, And Chester had a limp, And Reagan was a Democrat Whose co-star was a chimp.

“We had a Mr. Wizard, But not a Mr. T, And Oprah couldn’t talk, yet In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“We had our share of heroes, We never thought they’d go, At least not Bobby Darin, Or Marilyn Monroe.

“For youth was still eternal, And life was yet to be, And Elvis was forever,

“In the Land That Made Me, Me.

“We’d never seen the rock band That was Grateful to be Dead,

“And Airplanes weren’t named Jefferson, And Zeppelins weren’t Led.

“And Beatles lived in gardens then, And Monkees in a tree, Madonna was a virgin.

“In the Land That Made Me.”

I ran into this poem and really liked it. There will be a Part 2 next week. Enjoy this poem and I will give you a Penny For Your Thoughts.

By: Ron Burt

Tuesday, June 30, Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was a big night as expected at The Dirt Track at IMS on night one of the BC39 NOS Energy Drink National Midgets. How big is this event? Drivers from 4 different countries were represented in qualifying for tonight’s Stoops Star Spangled Showdown.  After qualifying, cars were put into 8, 8 lap heat races and the top two from each race advanced into the feature.

Box Score:

Fast Time: Steven Snyder Jr. 12.565

Heat Race Winners: 1. Kevin Thomas Jr., 2. Jacob Denney, 3. Kale Drake, 4. Bradley Cox, 5. Steven Snyder Jr., 6. Cannon McIntosh, 7. Cale Coons and 8. Justin Peck.

C Main Winner: Brandon Carr, Semi Feature 2 Zach Daum, Semi Feature 1 J.J. Yeley. 

Stoops Star Spangled Showdown Feature Top 5, 1st Drake Edwards, 2nd Kevin Thomas Jr., 3rd Gavin Miller, 4th Zach Wigal, and 5th Jake Swanson.

Winchester Speedway (IN) Sunday, June 28th, on the world’s steepest, and fastest high banked asphalt track in the country, it was the 2nd Annual Tom Bigelow Showdown for the 500 Sprint Car Series. Jackson Macenko, in his 27th start with the 500 Sprint Car Tour picked up his first career win with the series. Davey Hamilton Jr. who set fast time in qualifying was second and current Series point leader Kody Swanson was 3rd. Nineteen cars rolled off to start the 40 lap feature. It was announced Tuesday that feature winner Jackson Macenko will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut behind the wheel of the No. 2 Ford 150 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Photo credit: Christopher Pedersen.

Saturday, June 27th, the big racing news in the Tri-state, DIRTcar UMP Late Model Ace, Rusty Schlenk got his 300th victory. Friday night he won at Attica Raceway Park for win number 299, and Saturday he parked in Victory Lane at Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon for win number 300. The Top 3 finishers in each division: DIRTcar UMP Late Models 1st Rusty Schlenk, 2nd Casey Noonan and 3rd Devin Shiels. Late Model Sportsmen 1st Josh Robertson, 2nd Dylan Jessen, and 3rd Mike Jessen. Super Stocks, 1st Chane Stuckey, 2nd Mason Luttrell and 3rd Jeff Foks Jr. Sport Compacts 1st Cory Gumm, 2nd Ryan Okuley, and 3rd James Stamper.

Angola Motorsport Speedway feature winners from Saturday night in 6 divisions, Late Models James Hazlett, Modifieds Jordan Gatton, Street Stocks Lee Reed, FWD Outlaws Chris Heintzelman, FWD Hornets Brett Ireland and Midwest Asphalt Champ Kart Series Kyle Hager.

Saturday, The Great Lakes Super Sprints were in Buxton Speedway Ontario Canada. The U.S. drivers stepped it up a notch from Friday. Leipsic’s Chase Dunham (Dog House Racing) set fast time with a 13.950. Feature finish 1st. D.J. Christie (lead all 25 laps) 2nd Chase Dunham and 3rd Ryan Turner. U.S. drivers had 4 in the Top 10.

Mansfield Speedway hosted the Summer Sprint Car Opener, featuring the Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series (BOSS) for 410 Non-Wing Sprints and Fast on Dirt 410 Winged Sprints. After the WoO Late Model races, the trouble spots on the track were dug up, a new base was put in, and a new racing surface was laid down. The track looked fantastic and the racing was good all night. BOSS 410 Non-Winged Sprint Feature Top 3, 1st Korbyn Hayslett, 2nd Jakob Boxell, and Mike Miller. 410 Winged Sprint Feature, Nate Dussel, 2nd Cap Henry and 3rd Greg Wilson. 

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

www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/.

By: James Neuhouser

To dance with my father again. When Luther Vandross met Richard Marx they became instant friends and began to work together. Richard would write songs and Luther would sing them. But still Richard’s life long dream of writing a song for his father remained.

It turned out that Richard’s father had recently died in a car accident so this would be a joint effort. This would be a love letter to both of their dads.

Luther is remembering how fair his dad was in discipline. When his mother asked him to do something he didn’t want to do he would run to his dad. But in the end his dad supported his mother.

“If I could steal one final glance

“I’d play a song that would never end 

“Oh how I’d love to 

“Dance with my father again.”

But the real tragedy for an 8-year-old boy was to see the grief of his mother. It would tear his heart out and it is something that he would never forget.

“Sometimes I listened outside her door. And I’d hear how mama cried for him. I pray for her even more than me.”

‘I know I’m praying for much too much. Could you send back the only man she  ever loved? But, dear Lord, she’s dying…’

“To dance with my father again

“Every night I fall asleep  and this is all I ever dream

“To dance with my father again.”

Luther died at the age of 54, just 10 days after he recorded the song. He left the legacy that he had worked on his entire life. There’s just something about this song. His mother lost all four of her sons during her lifetime.  

As one gets older you seem to have more time to contemplate. There are very few things in life that I regret, yet in the back of my mind, did I do enough? Was I around when my folks needed help? As I look back, my sister and brother-in-law did everything for them, but could I have stepped in and helped more? 

“If I could steal one final glance.”

We are in contact with a lady, whose children just seem to be devoted to her. This family took a week or two weeks vacation each summer and they planned all year for it. Did this make a difference, I don’t know. 

But the big thing I worry about, have I been the husband that I should have been? Did I cause pain by focusing too much on things that I want?

One thing that comes to mind as I watch this morning’s sermon, did I put enough effort into my grandchildren? Do my children respect me as they should, will their children respect them? Seems like the only thing we have to give is our time, and we should give this generously.

We can’t go back, time only moves in one direction, all we can do is resolve to your best in the future.

By: Mark Holtsberry

Dr. Edwin H. Underwood was born on May 13, 1871, in Payne, Ohio. He was the son of Hiram Underwood, who was born in January 1840 in Logan County, Ohio. Hiram served in the Civil War with the 96th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Edwin’s mother was Rachel (Haines) Underwood, who was born in 1837 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Hiram and Rachel were married on September 22, 1860.

The couple was living in Payne by 1868. By 1870, Hiram was working as a blacksmith. Hiram and Rachel were the parents of David, born in 1862; Mary, born in 1863; Louisa, born in 1866; and Sarah, born in 1867.

By 1880, the family was still living in Payne, where Hiram had taken up farming. In 1871, the family had grown with the birth of twin sons, Elmore and Edwin. Additional children followed: Ida, born in 1875, and Charles, born in 1877.

By 1890, the family remained in Payne, although most of the children had moved out on their own. Edwin graduated from Payne High School with the Class of 1889. His goal was to become a physician.

By 1900, Edwin was still living at home. After graduating from high school, he attended Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. He later became a teacher in the Payne school system.

On September 14, 1904, Edwin married Nannie Ella Rogers, who was born on March 7, 1876, in Darlington, Wisconsin. She graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic Training School for Nurses. Edwin attended Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago, Illinois, from 1905 to 1908, graduating with a medical degree. He began practicing medicine in Brook, Indiana. The family’s home was located at 2610 Broadway Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In 1907, their daughter, Helen Troy Underwood, was born in Fort Wayne. By 1910, the family was still living there. Edwin enjoyed a large general practice and developed a reputation as a skilled physician. He also worked at Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital.

On April 19, 1910, a second daughter, Dorothy, was born.

On September 1, 1918, Edwin entered military service during World War I. He served with the Medical Officers’ Training Corps at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, and was promoted to First Lieutenant in the Medical Corps. He was honorably discharged on October 16, 1918.

In 1919, Edwin’s father, Hiram, passed away.

By 1920, Edwin, Ella, and their daughters were still living at 2610 Broadway Street in Fort Wayne. Edwin also constructed a four-room office building at 2901 Broadway Street. In addition, he built one of the city’s most attractive homes at 4230 Indian Avenue in Fort Wayne.

In 1921, Edwin’s mother, Rachel, passed away.

By 1930, the family had settled comfortably into their new home.

In 1933, while operating on a patient, Edwin accidentally pricked his right index finger with a scalpel. An abscess developed, and the finger was drained on March 17, 1933. Unfortunately, he contracted septicemia and died on April 3, 1933.

Dr. Edwin H. Underwood was buried in Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Section 2, Lot 34. His wife, Nannie Ella Underwood, died in 1962 and was laid to rest beside him.

…Until Next Time!

Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker

There’s more than one way to eat a burger, and thank goodness for that. What do you do for a favorite burger? Do you go to a favorite diner chowing down on a patty melt, trying a smashburger at a trendy new spot, or grilling a big juicy patty at home?   They all sound good. The Southerners have and always will love a good burger. While burgers aren’t a Southern invention, there is one burger that is 100% unique to the South and it’s the slugburger, also known as the Mississippi slug-burger. A slug burger sounds gross, but the name came from the the saying that a nickel is called a slug and these new burgers were being sold for a nickel.

A slugburger is a burger made from combining soy grits, flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs with beef and/or pork. The patty is fried in oil, then sandwiched between buns with typical condiments including pickles, chopped onion, and mustard. They’re eaten in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, but are most commonly associated with a small pocket of northeast Mississippi. 

The tiny town of Corinth, Mississippi even hosts an annual Slugburger Festival which will last from July 9-11. The event is named after the original Corinth creation. The story goes that in 1917, a man by the name of John Weeks started making and selling burgers from a mobile cart on bicycle wheels. Weeks wanted to save a little money on his product, so, at his request, a butcher mixed potato flakes and flour into his ground beef. The Slugburger was born. Being that it is a staple of the southern town of Corinth and offers a lot of fun for families why not celebrate it each year?It’s about more the history than just burgers. Anything that has lasted over 100 years deserves a festival, right?

What is there to do at the festival? For starters, there are the ever-popular musical performances. This year’s musical guests have yet to be announced officially, but they will be sure to bring a good time and an entertaining show!

Another favorite musical aspect of the Slugburger Festival is Slug Idol. Yes, you guessed it. Locals display their vocal talents in order to be named the best singer in Corinth.

There are more than just music and slugburgers to be enjoyed. There is a carnival, too, which features fun rides for the family.

This year’s Slugburger Festival also includes a car show that showcases lots of souped-up rides. The cruise-in is fairly new to the festival, only in its third year – but it’s proven to be a crowd pleaser! There are five classifications in the show; modified rides, original rides, street rods, rat roads, and even motorcycles and tractors are featured. It is quite a hit with Mississippi’s car lovers.

There are also vendors among the cruise-in rides! Hometown vendors will be sprinkled around court square – you never know what you might find! It sounds like fun.

Did any readers live through or recall the Slugburger? I wonder if there is any places close to here that makes and sells them?

In case you want to make a Slugburger, here is a recipe I found:

Preheat a deep fryer with cooking oil to 350 degrees F. You can also use a cast-iron skillet and fill halfway with cooking oil.

In a large mixing bowl, add the crumbled bread. In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, pepper and onion powder. Gradually add the seasoning mix to the bread, mixing until evenly distributed. Gradually pour the beef stock over the bread, mixing until the bread is moist and all of the liquid is absorbed. Add the ground beef and knead until thoroughly mixed.

Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball, then flatten out into patty and place it on a clean surface to flatten out to about a 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Fry the patties until cooked to desired doneness: soft: 1 1/2 minutes, crispy: 2 to 3 minutes, well: 4 minutes and cremated: 5 minutes.

On each steamed hamburger bun, add a fried patty, some Mustard Mix, chopped onions and Red Pepper Mix for some spice.

Mustard Mix:

Yield: 9 1/2 cups

In large jar with tight sealing lid, and add the mustard, 1 1/2 cups water, oil and black pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously!

Have you ever tried these?  Let me know and I’ll give you a Penny For Your Thoughts.

This is a day that the Lord has made! It’s a brand-new day! Yesterday is gone, never to be seen again! God made it a new day for a reason: that you may have a brand-new start. 

Psalms 118:24 (NIV) – “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalms 118:24 is a profound verse that encapsulates a powerful perspective on life and gratitude. This verse invites believers to recognize the significance of each day as a divine gift from God. The declaration, “This is the day that the Lord has made,” emphasizes that every single day is crafted by God, filled with opportunities, challenges, and moments that can lead to growth and joy. So, get out of the Past! Let it go! Let God!

The command to “rejoice and be glad in it” reflects an attitude of gratitude and joy, despite our circumstances. It stresses the importance of choosing joy as a response to each day we are given.  Life is too short! I encourage you to acknowledge the beauty and potential in every day. God’s presence accompanies us through every moment.

In a world often overwhelmed by negativity and stress, this verse offers a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and give thanks. It invites us to celebrate life, appreciate God’s blessings, and find joy in the smallest things. By embracing this mindset, we cultivate resilience and a hopeful spirit, empowering us to face the day with courage and a heart full of praise. So, no more stinking thinking! Enjoy this beautiful day. It could be your last.

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

WAUSEON, OH – June 20th, Jackson, Michigan’s Rusty Schlenk had his DIRTcar Late Model dialed in, and he put on a show Saturday night, leaving only 10 cars on the lead lap. He won his record setting 7th Barney Oldfield Race, and the $5,000 first place prize money. The win was during the annual stop for the American Late Model Series in Wauseon.

The 35-lap feature was only stopped once for a caution on lap two when Colin Shipley spun in turn two. After that caution flag, it was all Schlenk. He grabbed the lead from Colten Burdette at the start, and by the ninth trip around the track, Schlenk found himself at the tail end of the field. He was able to put his car anywhere he wanted, resulting in a win by 12.5 seconds over the 2nd place car and the current Oakshade point leader Steve Kester. Casey Noonan, Colten Burdette, and Terry Rushlow rounded out the Top 5.

In the Dominator Stock Class, Jake Rendel started deep in the field but was able to work his way through traffic and win the feature that had many caution flags. Mason Luttrell was 2nd, followed by Jeff Foks, Josh McNicol and JR Gooden. Holgate’s Ryan Okuley won the Sport Compact Feature, followed by Geoff Wasnick, James Stamper, Wesley Belkofer and Justin Newman.

Ohio Sprint Week for the All Star Circuit of Champions wrapped up on night number 7, at Wayne County Speedway. Two races were cancelled last week because of rain, Millstream and Eldora. Both tracks declined on make-up race dates. Atomic Speedway was to have the final race but didn’t meet expected ticket sales and the final was moved back to Wayne County Speedway. Saturday night had 4 drivers with a chance to be crowned Ohio Sprint Week Champion who were all battling at the front of the 35 lap feature. When the checked flag dropped and the dust was hanging in the air Zeth Sabo won his second feature of Ohio Sprint Week and $10,000. Darin Naida and Kalib Henry finished a close 2nd and 3rd. When the Series points were added up, Cap Henry in his 33w, was crowned the overall 2026 Ohio Sprint Week Champion. Cap has won the title 2 years in a row. 

Butler Motor Speedway (Michigan) hosted the IRA Sprint Car Series that runs Outlaw 410 Winged Sprints. The podium for the IRA Sprint Series, 1st Brock Hallett, 2nd Travis Arenz, and 3rd Thomas Meseraull.

Angola Motorsport Speedway (Indiana) Feature winners Saturday. Modified A Main (Dave Nester Memorial) Jeremy Cooper, Late Model Sportsman Tanner Jack, Street Stock Rick Rinehart, FWD Chip Heintzelman, and Hornet Brett Ireland.

Montpelier Speedway (Indiana) Feature winners, Modifieds Dylan Woodling, Super Stocks Ervin Turner, Street Stocks James Headley, and Hornets James Headley.

More local tri-state racing news can be found on the Ohio Sports Blitz www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!