PAULDING – The Paulding County Fair will return to the Paulding County Fairgrounds June 6-13, offering a week packed with 4-H and Junior Fair competitions, livestock shows, grandstand events, family entertainment and community activities. Admission to the fair is free, and free rides will be available daily from 1:00-10:00 p.m. throughout the fair.

The fair officially gets underway on Saturday, June 6, with livestock move-in and weigh-ins, a Junior Fair barn meeting and the annual Demo Derby at 7:00 p.m. in the grandstand.

Activities continue Sunday with church services, the Junior Fair Dog Show, horse events, a kiddie tractor pull, Tucker Rodkey performing gospel music, an open goat and sheep show, KOI drag racing, the 10 Talents showcase and a family movie night featuring Charlotte’s Web.

Monday’s schedule features the Junior Fair Goat Show, rabbit showmanship and breeding events, harness racing, the annual parade and coronation activities, a cornhole tournament and appearances by Mike Bishop, Hypnotist, and The WonderDog Show.

Tuesday includes Senior Citizen Day activities, the 4-H Cloverbud Show and Tell, poultry judging, Veteran’s Day Bean Supper, Junior Fair Swine Show, line dancing lessons and entertainment from Magic of Eli and The Wonder Dog Show.

Livestock competition remains a major focus throughout the week. Wednesday features the Junior Fair Market Rabbit Show, Junior Fair Sheep Show, Junior Fair Beef and Dairy Show and the feeder calf auction. The evening concludes with professional wrestling and music from the Seventy80 Band.

Thursday’s schedule highlights 4-H Family and Consumer Science judging and awards, horse competitions, Animal & Me activities, an obstacle course challenge, an open swine show, the Mini Cheer Exhibition, Mini Horse Pulling and performances by The Cup Guy. The Northwest Ohio Women in Agriculture Meet and Greet and Singo Bingo will also be held during the evening.

Friday will feature 4-H Natural Resources and STEM judging, Companion Animal and Veterinary Science judging, horse contesting, the Black Swamp Beef Showdown and an inflatable costume obstacle course. The evening grandstand attraction will be the National Tractor Pullers Association Tractor Pull, followed by music and dancing.

The fair wraps up Saturday, June 13, with the Farm Bureau Farmer Share Breakfast, the annual Livestock Auction, a Junior Fair Horse Fun Show and the popular Rodeo at 7:00 p.m., followed by fireworks.

Throughout the week, visitors can also enjoy Acres of Fun educational programming, livestock exhibitions, horse shows, harness racing, family entertainment acts, live music and numerous 4-H and Junior Fair events showcasing the accomplishments of Paulding County youth. Fair officials note that the schedule is subject to change.

The Village of Payne will honor the late Michael M. Brigner as the 2025 Rock the Block recipient during the community celebration on Saturday, September 13. Brigner, who passed away on November 13, 2024, at age 64, was remembered as a man devoted to “family, trucking, and community,” according to Payne Chamber of Commerce President Chad Benschneider.

A lifelong resident, Brigner co-owned Brigner Trucking and shared 45 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Deb. Together they raised their family and built countless memories. He served two terms as Payne’s mayor, from 1992–1995 and 2000–2003, and was active with the Payne American Legion and Friends of the Payne Legion .

Known for his humor, generosity, and dedication, Brigner was also a passionate fan of Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed golf, softball, and vacations with family. The Rock the Block Committee described him as a friend, servant, teammate, and loyal community member whose smile and presence touched many lives .

“Mike unselfishly served the Village of Payne as its Mayor for a total of eight years,” current Mayor Lora Lyons said. “He will always be remembered as a true friend of Payne and the American Legion” 

By: Angel Steiner

Last Saturday, August 9, 2025, Antwerp’s Annual Day in the Park took place — a day full of food, fun … and SWEAT! It was indeed a scorcher, but that did not stop families from venturing to Main Street and River Street to start the morning with the parade. MC’d by Rotarian Barry DeLong, more than 20 parade entries made their way downtown to kick off the festivities at Riverside Veterans Memorial Park in Antwerp.

The Antwerp Rotary Club sponsored the event and pulled out all the stops to make it a thriving day for both the Antwerp community and out-of-towners looking to wrap up the summer with a local festival.

The Antwerp Community Band and Island Vibe entertained festival-goers throughout the afternoon at the main pavilion. Food vendors from various area organizations served hundreds of meals during the lunch hour and into the afternoon. From fried bologna and chili cheese dogs to hand-dipped corn dogs and the ever-famous Archer Burger, appetites were more than satisfied.

Rotarians were hard at work throughout the day, checking in on vendors to ensure they had everything they needed, and manning both the main pavilion and the silent auction booth to keep things running smoothly.

The Antwerp Boy Scout troop honored the American flag with a traditional flag retirement ceremony narrated by Scoutmaster and Rotarian Mark Greenwood.

The Antwerp Spanish Club enjoyed their dunk tank booth, as youth and adults alike attempted to dunk High School Principal Jessie Arnold and Superintendent Marty Miller — and several successful dunks were made! It was certainly a perfect day to be in the water.

Even in the sweltering heat, many people enjoyed this end-of-summer tradition. You don’t have to go far for a good time or good food. To the Antwerp Rotary Club — job well done!

Latty Village was incorporated 145 years ago.  In 1981, the village celebrated its centennial anniversary with a variety of activities including a parade, games, and lunch. But there was also a legacy given to the village for future generations, a booklet, Latty Village 100 Years 1881-1981.

This year the Latty Community Festival is acknowledging that legacy by remembering Mildred and Alvin Phillips and their contributions to this small community.  While thinking about the many ways that we benefitted from them, Mildred’s contribution to the Latty Village History 1881-1981 became foremost in our thoughts.  Realizing that more than 2 generations have passed since that celebration, it was time to share it with the current generation.

No current copies were available, so a local printer was consulted.  With a few minor changes in the type of paper, print, and photo enhancing that is available today, copies have been made available!  

Did you know that if the village ever wanted to change its name, some of the land would go back to the Latty heirs?  Do you know about the two railroads and passenger trains that used to be part of Latty’s commerce?  Learn about this and more by getting the book.  You can get your copy at the Latty Community Festival on Saturday, July 26th from 10:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

By: Staci Miller, Ag Education Instructor/FFA Advisor

On June 12th, the Paulding FFA hosted the 3rd Annual Animal and Me program at the Paulding County Fair with 19 participants this year. This program has been  happening at County Fairs all across Ohio, from metro areas like Warren County to rural counties like our own Paulding County. 

The program links individuals with developmental disabilities with FFA members to learn about animals. This program provides the individuals with an  opportunity to experience showing an animal project and practice their public speaking and communication skills. The Paulding FFA was so excited to help sponsor and run the program again at the Paulding Fair. 

The FFA members served as mentors to the participants as they showed their livestock at the fair. The members helped their buddies show rabbits, goats and feeder calves during the show. The Paulding FFA along with the Paulding FFA Alumni partnered with the Paulding County Board of Developmental Disabilities to put on this show. 

Each member and participant received a t-shirt they wore during the show. At the conclusion of the show each participant received a trophy and the winner of each class received a large rosette.  

The Paulding FFA is so excited to grow this program in the future and is already starting to plan for the 2025 show. 

The Paulding FFA wants to thank everyone who participated, attended the show, it was a wonderful day for all who were involved!  A special thanks to the Paulding FFA Alumni and  Paulding FFA Alumni  who provided awards and t-shirts to the participants and Howell’s Doodles for sponsoring a sausage sandwich to each participant.  

By: Vivienne Myers, Paulding FFA Reporter

This year’s Paulding County Fair was held from June 7th to June 14th and our members were more than happy to be active participants. The Paulding FFA Chapter always looks forward to our county fair. On Monday, several members participated in the annual Jr. Fair King and Queen contest. Brooklyn Schlatter was declared Fair Queen. First runner-up for Fair Queen was Jalyn Klopfenstein. Johnathan Lipps was named first runner-up Fair King and Matthew Bail second runner-up Fair King. 

Every Paulding FFA member had at least one project at the fair this year. This year there were over 50 animal projects and many won awards. The Grand Champions from Paulding FFA were: Kadence Thomas for Market Lamb, Owen Workman for Roaster Rabbits, Avery Cooper for Breeding Sheep, and Mackenzie Leatherman for Dairy/Beef Steer. The Reserve Champions for their respective categories were Kadence Thomas with Market Sheep, Scott Elder for Breeding Rabbits, Delaney Johanns-Beef Steer, and Mackenzie Leatherman with her Dairy/Beef Steer. 

There were over one-hundred still projects made by our members this year that included wooden shelves, an FFA flag, wooden steps, and metal boot scrapers. Best metal working project went to Jarrett Griffith, Best SAE poster went to Brooklyn Schlatter, and Best miscellaneous FFA project went to Johnathan Lipps.

Our members also received a large variety of other awards. Brooklyn Schlatter was awarded the Lonnie Miller Memorial Award for dedication to the Jr. Fair program. This award is a scholarship used to honor the memory of Lonnie Miller for his work ethic and determination to make the Paulding County Fair a better place for all youth. Jalyn Klopfenstein received the Nathan Plummer Award, which is a memorial award given to a Jr. Fair exhibitor who demonstrates the hard work similar to those of Nathan Plumber.  We had several members win their classes and showmanship with Brooke Kilgore, Delaney Johanns, Kadence Thomas competing in the showman of showmen contest. Brooke Kilgore was the 2025 Showman of Showman. Delaney Johanns was awarded the High Points Belt Buckle for pleasure with her horse project. 

Our members were also busy all week working in the Paulding FFA Alumni Sausage Stand, serving on the Jr. Fairboard and helping to run the 3rd Annual Animal and Me livestock show. The fair came to an end with the livestock sale on Saturday where several members sold their animals. 

The Paulding FFA had a very successful year at the Paulding County Fair, the chapter is excited for next year! Paulding FFA would like to thank everyone for their support of our members at the livestock sale and throughout the year. 

Flair on the Square is an art, food and music festival taking place in downtown Bryan, Ohio, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This is the third year for the event, which is free and open to the public. The entire event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., with different activities taking place throughout the day around the courthouse square.

“There are a lot of festivals going on during the summer, but we are really proud of the way Flair on the Square has grown into one of the largest festivals in the tri-state area that celebrates all three forms of the creative arts in the same place: art, music and dance,” said Pam Bard Steel, chair of the Flair on the Square committee. “It really is a unique way to spend a day filled with original juried artwork, art demonstrations, children’s make-and-take art projects, live music and dance.”

Thirty-two artists are part of the juried art fair, where works in various mediums will be on display and available for purchase. An emerging artists exhibit, located in Parlor 1861 on the east side of the square, will feature works from area high school students. Attendees can also view the “Artists Rising” exhibit at Gallery 317, located just off the square, which will feature work from 12 young creators ranging from college students to artists under 30.

Event attendees can watch live blacksmithing, glassblowing and pottery demonstrations, and children are invited to try make & take art projects. Face painting, chalk art and balloon art will be part of the event as well.

Several dance showcases and demo classes will take place on the north stage. The north stage will also host a must-see activity where dance and color collide on canvas, creating a unique piece of art live.

Music kicks off at noon, with five acts scheduled throughout the day. SmithField, a Nashville-based duo who has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and opened for well-known country music acts, will perform the headlining show starting at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.

The day will also feature a fresh market that includes cut flowers, locally-grown produce and baked goods. Four food trucks will offer a variety of cuisine ranging from BBQ to ice cream.

For more information and a detailed schedule of activities, visit FlairOnTheSquare.com.

Flair on the Square is made possible by Bard Manufacturing, Spangler Candy Company and other generous sponsors.

Flair on the Square is an event designed to cultivate, encourage and develop public appreciation and support of the arts in northwest Ohio.

Juried Artists

Painting – Jacqueline Meier, Bowling Green, OH; Abigail Fernihough, Bryan, OH; Susan Dhaenens, Sherwood, OH; Tammi Bok, Bryan, OH; Emily Ferguson, Grass Lake, MI; Daniel Driggs, Frankfort, IN; Nathaniel Miller, Pemberville, OH; Lorissa Schaefer, Lorain, OH; Megen Leigh, Westerville, OH; Rex Russell, Perrysburg, OH; Jill Bontrager, Laotta, IN;

Mixed Media – Andrew Paavola Huntsville, OH;       Mike Pike Wadsworth, OH; Carly Norris, Niles, MI; John Friermood, Bowling Green, OH; Greg Justus, Maumee, OH; Bill Watkins, Holland, OH; Camara Goodrich, North Ridgeville, OH

Jewelry – Ashlie Greiser, Edgerton, OH; Drew Kleinhen, Bryan, OH; Claudia Carreon, Dublin, OH; Deborah Swihart, Syracuse, IN;

Wood – Steve Lejeune, Columbus, OH

Glass – Laura Moser, Stryker, OH

Ceramics – Cody Moser, Stryker, OH; Corin Deinhart, Rocky River, OH; Kathleen Corcoran, Grabill, IN; Steve Smith, Angola, IN

Sculpture – James Spencer, Hudson, MI; Teresa Van Dyke, Alvordton, OH

Photography & Digital Art – Gary Tsun Tsin Leung, Bowling Green, OH; Kathy Rennels, Sylvania, OH

The Paulding County Junior Fairgrounds buzzed with anticipation on Sunday, June 9, as family, friends, and supporters gathered for the annual Junior Fair King and Queen coronation ceremony. A cherished tradition, the event highlights the leadership, dedication, and spirit of youth involved in 4-H, FFA, and the Junior Fair Board.

This year, the honor of representing the Paulding County Junior Fair as King and Queen was awarded to Seth Rosswurm and Brooklyn Schlatter. Seth is the son of Bruce and Amy Rosswurm and an 11th grader actively involved in the Leaders of Tomorrow 4-H Club and Junior Fair Board. Brooklyn, daughter of Doug and Heidi Schlatter, is a recent Paulding High School graduate and member of the Paulding FFA Chapter and Junior Fair.

First runner-up titles went to Johnathan Lipps, son of Katie Jackson and Nathan Lipps; and Jalyn Klopfenstein, daughter of Jay Klopfenstein, Jeff and Elaine Andrea Schad. Second runner-up King was Matthew Bail, son of Joanna Bail; and Hannah Griffiths, daughter of Denise Griffiths, received second runner-up Queen honors.

Before the announcement of the court, attendees also celebrated younger participants. This year’s Junior Prince and Princess were Barrett Damman and Whitney Miller, while Jeremiah Sajuan and Adalyn Miller were crowned Junior King and Queen.

The evening also featured the recognition of Miranda “Doug” Leatherman as the 2025 Parade Marshal. A lifelong supporter of 4-H and currently a member of the Senior Fair Board, Leatherman shared her gratitude and encouraged youth to “reach for the sky and make memories with those who matter most.”

Outgoing King Zach Wobler and Queen Hannah Molitor shared heartfelt reflections of their year of service, visiting fairs across Ohio, handing out awards, giving tours, and inspiring younger fairgoers. Holler recounted a touching moment when a little girl on the midway called her a princess, saying, “I want to be just like you when I grow up.”

As part of the final selection, each finalist answered an impromptu question on stage. Their responses reflected values of hard work, personal growth, and appreciation for the fair community. From favorite projects to advice for younger members, the contestants shared how the fair has helped shape their future goals.

The coronation concluded with cheers and applause as the new court stepped forward, ready to represent Paulding County through the 2025 fair season.

The full 2025 Paulding County Junior Fair Court includes:

• King: Seth Rosswurm

• Queen: Brooklyn Schlatter

• 1st Runner-Up King: Johnathan Lipps

• 1st Runner-Up Queen: Jalyn Klopfenstein

• 2nd Runner-Up King: Matthew Bail

• 2nd Runner-Up Queen: Hannah Griffiths

Congratulations to all participants and best wishes to the new court as they embark on a year of leadership and service at the Paulding County Fair.

Meet Steven Wilkens, author and owner of Iron Horse Tractor Restoration in Ceresco, Michigan. Specializing in Ford/Ferguson, Allis Chalmers, and Farmall tractors, Wilkens is dedicated to saving American farm heritage by restoring antique and pre-1970 machines. Catch him at the Old Huskers Tractor Show in Grabill on June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7:

8:00-11:00 a.m. – LiveStock Pull In at the west gate. (*DUNF Forms Must Be Completed Prior To Arrival*)

9:00 a.m. – Dave Stouffer Antique Tractor Pull

11:30 a.m. – LiveStock Weigh-In

7:00 p.m. – Demolition Derby at the Grandstand

SUNDAY, JUNE 8:

8:00 a.m. – Vet Checks begin in the Livestock barns

10:00 a.m. – Church Service sponsored by Middle Creek Church in the Senior Pavillion

12:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Dog Show in the Show Arena

2:00 p.m. – PAS Horse Show in the Horse Arena; Kick Ball Tournament 

3:30 p.m. – Kiddie Tractor Pull outside extension building

4:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Barn Meeting in the Show Arena; Entries Close for Open Goat & Sheep Show

5:00 p.m. – Black Swamp Open Goat & Sheep Show in the Show Arena (*WEIGH-IN IN HOG BARN*)

7:00 p.m. – KOI Drag Racing

MONDAY, JUNE 9:

9:00 a.m. – Jr. Fair Goat Show in the Show Arena

12:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Rabbit Showmanship in the Poultry Barn; Jr. Fair Rabbit Breeding Show in the Poultry Barn

1:00 p.m. – 4-H Food & Nutrition Judging in the Youth Leadership building

2:00 p.m. – The Wonderdog Show

3:00 p.m. – Mike Bishop, Hypnotist in the Senior Pavilion; Food & Nutrition Project Awards in the Extension building

4:00 p.m. – Harness Racing at the Grandstand; The Wonderdog Show

5:00 p.m. – Prince/Princess & Jr. King & Queen Contest in the Youth Leadership building; Mike Bishop, Hypnotist in the Senior Pavilion

6:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Parade Line-Up

6:30 p.m. – Jr Fair Parad

7:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair King & Queen Coronation in the Show Arena

8:00 p.m. – Cornhole Tournament in the Show Arena; Mike Bishop, Hypnotist in the Show Arena; The Wonderdog Show

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

8:30 a.m. – Senior Citizen Day (Reserve via Paulding County Senior Center) in the extension building

9:00 a.m. – Jr. Fair Horse Showmanship in the Horse Arena; FFA Still Project Judging in the extension building

11:30 a.m. – Senior Center Lunch in the extension building

12:00 p.m. – Senior Center Entertainment, Magic with Eli in the extension building 

1:00 p.m. – 4-H Clothing Judging in the Youth Leadership building 

3:00 p.m. – The Wonderdog Show

4:00 p.m. – 4-H Clothing Style Review & Awards in the Youth Leadership building; Harness Racing in the Grandstand; Magic with Eli in the Senior Pavilion; Bean Supper, Veterans Day in the Extension building 

5:00 p.m. – The Wonderdog Show

6:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Swine Show in the Show Arena; Magic with Eli in the Senior Pavilion

7:00 p.m. – The Wonderdog Show

9:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Youth Dance in the Senior Pavilion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11:

9:00 a.m. – 4-H Companion Animal & Veterinary Science Project Judging in the Youth Leadership building; Jr. Fair Market Rabbit Show in the Poultry Barn

11:00 a.m. – 4-H Companion Animal & Veterinary Science Project Awards in the Extension building; 

11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Van Wert Area Playing with Paint in the extension building

12:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Sheep Show in the Show Arena

3:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Beef/Dairy Feeder Show in the Show Arena

4:00 p.m. – Sky Circus in the Senior Pavilion; Misti Meadows Flowers; Harness Racing (*RAIN DATE* in the Grandstand)

5:00 p.m. – Entries Close for Open Swine Show (Jr. Fair ONLY)

6:00 p.m. – Lego Contest in the Extension building; Sky Circus in the Senior Pavilion

7:30 p.m. – Jr. Fair Feeder Calf Auction in the Show Arena

8:00 p.m. – Sky Circus in the Senior Pavilion

THURSDAY, JUNE 12:

8:00 am. – Farm Bureau 5K Run (*Registration Begins at 7:30 a.m.)

9:00 a.m. – Jr. Fair Pleasure & Performance Horse Show in the Horse Arena; 4-H Cloverbud Show & Tell in the Youth Leadership building

10:00 a.m. – Paulding County Animal & Me Show in the Show Arena

1:00 p.m. – Goat Obstacle Course in the Show Arena

2:00 p.m. – The Cup Guy in the Senior Pavilion

4:00 p.m. – The Cup Guy in the Senior Pavilion

6:00 p.m. – Open Swine Show (Jr. Fair ONLY) in the Show Arena; The Cup Guy in the Senior Pavilion

7:00 p.m. – Michigan Pulling Association Miniature Horse Pulling in the Grandstand 

7:30-10:00 p.m. – Wastin’ Neon

9:00 p.m. – Entries Close For Open Beef Show

FRIDAY, JUNE 13:

9:00 a.m. – 4-H Natural Resources & STEM Project Judging in the Youth Leadership building

11:00 a.m. – Showman of Showmen Contest in the Show Arena

11:45 a.m. – 4-H Natural Resources & STEM Project Awards in the Extension building

12:00-2:00 p.m. – Children Choosing Christ in the Senior Pavilion

1:00 p.m. – 4-H Family & Consumer Science Project Judging in the Youth Leadership building

3:15 p.m. – 4-H Family & Consumer Science Project Awards in the Extension building

4:00 p.m. – Jr. Fair Horse Contesting Show in the Horse Arena

5:00 p.m. – Black Swamp Beef Showdown

7:00 p.m. – NTPA Tractor Pull

SATURDAY, JUNE 14:

8:00-9:00 a.m. – Farmer Share Breakfast in the Farm Bureau building

9:00 a.m. – Jr. Fair Livestock Auction in the Show Arena

12:00 p.m. – Polls Open for Ag Society in the Secretary’s Office

4:00 p.m. – Horse Fun Show (Jr. Fair ONLY) in the Horse Arena; Voting Polls Close for Ag Society Board of Directors in the Secretary’s Office

7:00 p.m. – Rodeo in the Grandstand (*Fireworks after Rodeo*)