PAYNE — The Village of Payne welcomed residents and visitors for its annual Rock the Block Fall Festival on Saturday, September 12, with a full day of activities, entertainment and community celebration.

Events throughout the day included a fishing tournament, resource fair, softball games, market bazaar, color fun run/walk, cruise-in and a variety of food and family activities. The afternoon parade traveled from Payne Elementary School to Payne Community Park, with retired Payne Police Chief Rodney Miller serving as grand marshal. The Wayne Trace Marching Band was among those taking part in the parade, providing music along the route.

This year we had the distinct honor of presenting our recently retired Chief of Police Rodney Miller the “Rock Star” of the year for his nearly 40 years of Service. Rodney was our Grand Marshal of our Parade. Annette Danner, the Chamber Treasurer presented a plaque made by the Wayne Trace Art Club. 

Following the parade, entertainment continued at Payne Community Park. Columbia Rose took the stage at 4 p.m., kicking off an evening of live music that also included Rapid Fire and Crossroads. Festival-goers also enjoyed balloon art, a petting zoo, bounce houses, laser tag and other activities. The evening concluded with fireworks and music.

The Latty Youth Foundation benefitted from the Latty Community Festival in July. Mary Goings, Latty Festival Committee Member, presented a check to Barb Sinn, a member of the Latty Youth Foundation at the Latty Village Council Meeting. This money was donated during the event.

The funds will be used to continue to make improvements to the Latty Ball Park, Concession Stand, and Shelter House area. The Festival Committee is grateful for the park improvements that has made this annual event so successful!

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce would like to announce the winner of the Cutie Pie contest for 2026. The award goes to CJ Foreman, daughter of Kristine Boylan, and granddaughter of Gregory Boylan and great-granddaughter of Bill and Tylene Boylan. It was a very close call and we want to thank all 13 cutie pies for entering the contest. The Chamber was able to raise $630.55 for our 2027 scholarship fund. CJ will be awarded two adult tickets and two children’s tickets to the Fort Wayne Zoo. CJ – we hope you and your family enjoy the zoo!

PAULDING — Downtown Paulding was filled with patriotic spirit and hometown pride as residents and visitors gathered for the John Paulding Summer Blast, a two-day celebration featuring a parade, family activities, historical tributes, and entertainment.

Festivities kicked off Friday evening with the John Paulding Summer Blast Parade, which wound through downtown as spectators lined the streets to cheer on floats, community organizations, local businesses, first responders, and classic vehicles. Prior to the parade, children took part in the popular Bike Decorating Contest, proudly riding their creatively decorated bicycles as part of the procession.

Following the parade, families enjoyed a variety of activities, including the Kiwanis Kid Zone, inflatables provided by Everlite Collective, children’s games, food trucks, and the Boy Scouts pizza tent. Music by DJ Larry kept the celebration going into the evening before the day concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the Paulding sky.

Saturday’s activities began early with the America 250 Revolutionary Run, featuring both a 5K race and a one-mile fun run/walk. Proceeds from the event benefited the Paulding Exempted Village Schools Pay-to-Play Program.

Throughout the day, visitors browsed shopping vendors and food trucks while enjoying numerous family-friendly attractions on the courthouse lawn. The Paulding County Carnegie Library sponsored games and activities, while the Boy Scouts offered archery and BB gun demonstrations. Self-guided historic tours also gave guests an opportunity to explore Paulding’s rich heritage.

One of the day’s highlights came during the lunch hour when Abraham Lincoln made a special appearance in downtown Paulding. Portrayed by professional Lincoln presenter Kevin Wood, the nation’s 16th president greeted visitors, posed for photographs, and delivered a stirring recitation of the Gettysburg Address. The presentation drew an attentive audience, many of whom paused to reflect on the historic words that continue to inspire Americans more than 160 years after they were first spoken.

A community picnic also brought residents together over lunch while patriotic music performed by the Paulding High School Band added to the festive atmosphere.

Saturday also featured two significant community milestones with the dedication of the new Paulding Veterans Memorial and the unveiling of the official Downtown Historic District sign. Both projects represented years of planning, fundraising, and volunteer dedication, celebrating the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans while preserving its historic downtown.

The John Paulding Summer Blast once again showcased the strong community spirit that defines Paulding, providing two days of entertainment, education, and patriotic celebration for residents and visitors of all ages.

The 49th annual Maumee Valley Steam Show at 1720 South Webster Road east of New Haven, IN will be held July 23-26, 2026. Note that the dates are about three weeks earlier than previous years. 

Take an exciting trip to yesteryear by visiting the Maumee Valley Steam & Gas Association show bringing you the past with the exact same equipment that our forefathers used to plow, thresh wheat, Blacksmith, saw lumber and make wood shingles helping make America the prosperous land that it is today. It is guaranteed to bring back memories to the old and present history to the young.

Aside from the antique demonstrations, there is a large Flea Market to browse through. Whether or not you buy anything, it’s quite interesting to check out. If flea markets aren’t your thing there is a daily quilt show (260-580-5285) to enter.

A Fish and Chicken dinner is on Friday and Saturday. There are many other food vendors, steamed sweet corn and ice cream daily.   

The Dekalb County Horsemen will be giving free hay rides on Friday and Saturday. Parades of the steam engines and tractors will be at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

A cruise-in of vintage cars and trucks will be all weekend.The American Legion Band will provide music at 5:00 p.m. on Friday followed by the Dee Bee’s playing Oldies Music at 7:00 p.m. Children can have fun on Saturday by participating in a Kiddie Tractor Pull at 2:00 p.m., watching an Exotic Animal Show at 3:00 p.m. and a Magic Show at 4:00 p.m. Bill Werling and the Breakaway Square Dance Band will be entertaining on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to do-si-do. Friday and Saturday after dark there is a Spark Show. A tractor pull is Friday at 5:00 p.m. and all day Saturday.

All exhibitors are free but must register at the office to receive a plaque. More information at www.maumeevalley.org. 260.414-9489

Happy Birthday America! This small, but active community is joining in the exciting celebration of the 250th anniversary of America!  You will find Latty nestled near the intersection of State Route 613 and US 127. Come and see what’s happening on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 10:45 am until 2:00 pm.

Promising a day of fun and community spirit for all ages, the focus is, “Bringing the community together by showing the Love of Christ.” The festival is organized by members of the local area churches.

The 5th Annual Community Festival will kick off with the opening ceremony at the Latty Town Hall.  After a flag-raising ceremony, there will be a special “Citizens of the Year” recognition acknowledging the Village’s Heritage.  From the original incorporation of the village, we’ll be honoring all of the mayors’ contributions to the community over the years and celebrating their dedication.

Two trees are being planted to commemorate the 250 USA Celebration and an investment in the future of Latty Village.  The trees were funded by local citizens and a grant from Paulding County Soil and Water.

Activities then transition over to the park shelter house.  Local pastors will share a devotional moment and the Apostolic Choir will lead the singing

Attendees are asked to register so that special prizes can be awarded later. At this time families can obtain waiver forms and bracelets so youngsters can enjoy the Bounce House. 

For everyone’s enjoyment a FREE picnic lunch including homemade cookies will be available at the concession stand.  Water and coffee will also be available throughout the day.

Starting at noon, everyone can head down Education Road.  Youth participants will receive passports for their journey when they register.  East stop will have its own set of information and activities with a prize available when they reach their travel destination!

A variety of “mix” music in the shelter house will offer listening enjoyment and time to fellowship.  While throughout the afternoon, there will be a variety of additional activities including the bounce house, corn hole, the Big Slide, a balloon artist, crafting, and new this year, Archery!

Guests are asked to bring their lawn chairs. Handicap parking will be available.

The festivities will conclude at the end of the afternoon with a Special Finale to honor our 250th Anniversary!

Organizers hope the community comes out to enjoy the festivities, reconnect with old friends and make some new ones.  There’s also going to be an opportunity to donate to the Latty Youth Foundation so they can keep upgrading and maintaining of the Latty Park!

By: Makenna Manz  Paulding FFA Reporter 

On May 26th-28th, the Paulding FFA officer team went to a cabin in Hocking Hills, Ohio for their annual FFA officer retreat. Officer retreat provides a time for the students to get to know each other and work better as a team.

The Paulding FFA officer team this year consists of President Darcy Taylor, Vice President Myrriah Manz, Secretary Delaney Johanns, Treasurer Ava Leatherman, Reporter Makenna Manz, Sentinel Gabriella Stork, Student Advisor Vivienne Myers, Parliamentarian Kinzley Collard, Chaplain Remington Boroff, and Historian Nolan Schlatter along with Ag Education Teachers and FFA advisors Mrs. Staci Miller, Mrs. Sydney Kill.

Along with fun activities, during this time, the budget and the yearly calendar are made so the FFA is prepared for the upcoming year. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the team performed many team-building exercises to help strengthen their relationships with each other. Tuesday, the team discussed the goals they had for the chapter and some new ideas to help the chapter grow with their FFA advisors.

On Wednesday, the team also got to go putt putt golfing and hiking. On the last day, the team took pictures and cleaned up. Then it was time to head back home. The team learned a lot of new skills, bonded during this trip, and are ready for an exciting new year full of Agriculture Education, Career Development Events (CDEs), Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), community service projects, and FFA!

The officer team would like to thank the Paulding FFA Alumni for supporting the officer retreat.

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

On June 11th, the Paulding FFA hosted the 4th Annual Animal and Me program at the Paulding County Fair with 28 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, sheep 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 2027 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 Limber auctioneers who provided awards and t-shirts to the participants and Howell’s Doodles for sponsoring a sausage sandwich to each participant.  

This year’s Paulding County Fair equine exhibitors showcased outstanding dedication, sportsmanship, and skill both inside and outside the arena. Ten riders have earned the opportunity to compete at the Ohio State Fair—an impressive accomplishment in one of the most competitive livestock programs. Unlike many other Ohio State Fair livestock competitions, both the horse and rider must qualify together to earn a spot.

Congratulations to the following exhibitors: Mara Philpot, Raeley Franklin, Abby Elkins, Gracelyn Elkins, Jessa Elkins, Haven Wagner, Henley Wagner, Gabrielle Gurney, Delaney Johanns and Katelynn Hurd.

A special recognition goes to Mara Philpot, Raeley Franklin, and Abby Elkins, who are senior exhibitors. As they prepare for their final Ohio State Fair experience as 4-H members, we congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment and thank them for their years of dedication to the Paulding County equine program.

This year marks one of the largest groups of equine exhibitors from Paulding County ever to qualify for the Ohio State Fair. Best of luck to these outstanding representatives as they compete at the state level, and congratulations again on this remarkable achievement!

The Paulding County Fair saw a new organization at its Fairgrounds this year with the arrival of the Libertarian Party of Ohio. 

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen you all here before,” commented one couple who shared they’ve been coming to all the fairs in northwest Ohio for years. Christopher Elder, Libertarian candidate for Ohio House District 82, was proud and excited to speak with people as the first Libertarian candidate from Paulding since 2000. “We are here to offer a new option for people who feel like they don’t belong in either of the two major parties,” Elder said. 

The booth was also manned by four other Libertarian candidates for Statewide offices: Don Kissick and James Mills for governor and lieutenant governor, Tom Pruss for Secretary of State, and Bill Redpath for U.S. Senate. “Thanks to the amount of interest in a third-party option in the area, we are moving forward with starting a Libertarian Political Club right here in Paulding County!” Elder shared.

For more information on joining the brand-new club, interested parties should contact Christopher Elder at 419-670-1831 or elderforoh82@gmail.com