Sixty young innovators spent the week exploring science, technology, engineering, and creativity during the third annual Camp Invention in Paulding.

The nationally recognized STEM enrichment program challenged campers to think like inventors by designing, building, testing, and improving their ideas through hands-on activities. Throughout the week, students learned that innovation is fueled by creativity, perseverance, collaboration, and problem-solving.

In addition to the campers’ experiences, the program also provided valuable leadership opportunities for local teens serving as Leaders-in-Training and Leadership Interns. These students developed confidence, communication skills, and leadership experience while mentoring younger campers throughout the week.

Camp Invention will return to Paulding June 21–24, 2027.  Businesses and/or families interested in sponsoring camper scholarships or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Camp Director Ashley Shepherd at ashepherd@wbesc.org.

The Senior Saints are an energetic group of senior adults from the greater Fort Wayne area representing 27 churches. This year, the 70 singers and instrumentalists will present an entertaining and uplifting program of music entitled “In God We Trust” celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.  The concert features “good old songs” enjoyed in the past plus hymns and gospel songs. Written and directed by Marsha Wright, the program is about the Senior Saints’ experiences in life relating to our nation and in learning to live by its motto, In God WeTrust. The program includes songs, narration, and amusing and heart-warming personal experiences.

Songs in the program include,This is My Country, I Am Thankful To Be An American, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Over There. Songs of trusting God in the challenges of life include God of Our Fathers, Moment By Moment, Jesus is Lord of All, and Our Great Savior, concluding with God Bless America. Accompaniment is provided by piano, violin, woodwinds and brass instruments.

Ready to chase your dreams across the globe? The beat goes on at Van Wert Civic Theatre as open auditions are called for the spectacular musical comedy Catch Me If You Can. Featuring a book by Terrence McNally and a swinging 60s score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this show is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International and is directed by Jerry Zimmerman.

Fly high with Frank Abagnale, Jr. in this high-energy musical comedy based on the hit film and incredible true story. From pilot to doctor to lawyer, follow the world’s most charming con artist as he out runs the FBI in a globe-trotting chase filled with glamorous sets, spectacular dance numbers, and a swinging 60s score. Can the law catch him, or will Frank fly away with it all?

Casting for this big, bright spectacle requires a large multi-generational cast of strong singers, exceptional dancers, and sharp comedic actors. Key principal roles include Frank Abagnale, Jr., a charismatic teenager with a massive vocal range; Carl Hanratty, a seasoned, straight-laced FBI agent with great comic timing; Frank Abagnale, Sr. and Paula Abagnale, Frank’s smooth-talking father and glamorous French mother; and Brenda Strong, a sweet, young nurse with a powerhouse vocal solo. Additionally, a highly energetic ensemble of singers and dancers is needed to play pilots, flight attendants, doctors, nurses, and agents who carry the swinging 60s show-stopping production numbers. High school performers are highly encouraged to try out as they are an ideal age match for many of the roles. More character information can be found by scanning the QR code

Auditions will be held on July 12 and July 13, 2026, starting promptly at 7:00 p.m..  Show dates are September 17, 18, 19, 20,  24, 25, 26, and 27, 2026.  All hopeful actors should report to the Van Wert Civic Theatre at 118 S. Race Street in Van Wert.

The Paulding County Carnegie Library and all the branches are hosting a “Summer Reading Community Book Club”.  The adult book chosen for discussion is “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi. Stop by any location and pick up a copy of this exciting book. The discussion will be on Wednesday, August 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oakwood branch library community room. A drawing for a gift basket will be held after the discussion.

The library has also chosen a book for young readers, “The Lemonade War” by Jacquline Davies. There will be a discussion and activities to go along with the book on Wednesday, August 5th at 4:00 p.m., at the Oakwood branch library community room.

Sign up to win a gift basket based on the book.

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.

The Paulding County Area Foundation is pleased to announce a grant award to Defiance Area Youth for Christ to help support Paulding County students attending the organization’s BreakAway Ministry camp. The grant was awarded during the Foundation’s December 2025 grant cycle for their Breakaway camp in June of 2026.

BreakAway is a one-night camp experience designed for students in grades 6–8 and serves as a key event in Youth for Christ’s ministry year. The program provides young people with opportunities to build positive relationships, explore their faith, and develop connections with caring adult mentors and peers in a safe and encouraging environment.

Funding from the Paulding County Area Foundation will help offset the cost of attendance for Paulding County students, ensuring more local youth have the opportunity to participate in the experience regardless of financial circumstances.

“The Paulding County Area Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Paulding County by supporting programs that invest in our residents and strengthen our communities,” said Lisa McClure, Foundation Director. “By helping local students participate in Youth for Christ’s BreakAway Ministry, we are supporting opportunities that encourage personal growth, positive relationships, mentorship, and leadership development among our youth. Investing in young people today helps build a stronger community for tomorrow.” 

The grant is one of several awarded during the Foundation’s most recent grant cycle, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Paulding County residents through strategic investments in education, youth development, health, and community programs.

Learn more about the Paulding County Area Foundation please visit our website at www.pauldingcountyareafoundation.com  or to learn more about Defiance Youth for Christ please visit: www.defyfc.org

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce has selected longtime resident Jan Reeb as the recipient of the 2026 Gem of the Year Award. Reeb will be formally honored during Rotary’s Day in the Park celebration in August.

A lifelong Antwerp resident, Reeb has spent 75 years calling the village home and graduated from Antwerp High School in 1969. Following graduation, she attended beauty college at Ravenscroft and later opened her own beauty shop, “The Shadow Box,” becoming a familiar and friendly face to generations of Antwerp residents.

Throughout her life, Reeb has worn many hats in the community. In addition to operating her beauty shop, she worked as a babysitter for numerous local families and later served for many years as a member of the town council and most recently as Mayor. Her caring personality and ability to connect with people left a lasting impact on many of the children and families she cared for over the years.

Reeb said one of the things she treasures most about Antwerp is the people.

“Your town’s only as good as the people in it,” Reeb said. “People make the town. You’ve got to have good people, and I think we do. I think we’ve got a lot of good people. It’s just a great old town, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

She also spoke proudly of the welcoming nature of the village and the way residents look out for one another. Whether visiting local businesses, attending ballgames, or simply chatting with neighbors, Reeb said she enjoys the sense of connection that comes with living in a small town.

“It amazes me when people call me by name and talk to me,” she said. “It’s a friendly little town. I love it.”

Reeb and her husband John have two sons, Matthew and the late Jason, along with grandchildren and extended family members who remain closely connected to the Antwerp area. She said she is encouraged to see younger families continuing to return to the community and is hopeful for future growth and development in the village.

Nominations submitted on Reeb’s behalf repeatedly highlighted her years of dedicated service to Antwerp and the lasting impact she made on the village through her leadership and compassion for residents.

One nomination stated, “Jan showed her long-standing dedication to Antwerp by serving on town council and as Mayor for many years. She demonstrated her commitment to the well-being and growth of our community. Jan put in countless hours to improve Antwerp by listening to residents and guiding thoughtful decisions to better our town.”

Another nomination praised Reeb’s decades of service, noting, “20+ years serving on Council and Mayor, she has given many years and time to Antwerp.”

Others pointed to her journey from business owner to village leader, writing, “She has given many years to Antwerp – first as a business woman owning a beauty salon and then for our town as an office worker and bookkeeper. She then became a council woman voted in by the Antwerp people. As Council President she replaced Ray DeLong and finished his term, then was voted in as mayor twice before her retirement last year.”

Several residents emphasized the personal care Reeb showed toward community members. “She really cared about the people and businesses of our town,” one resident wrote. “Please make her our Gem of Antwerp.”

Another nomination stated, “She has shown genuine love for our community with all of her years of service in the village. Even when faced with extreme personal challenges she continued giving the town all she could until she was no longer able. She deserves to be recognized for decades of love, loyalty and dependability to this town. She is a true Gem.”

Other nominations credited Reeb’s leadership with helping guide improvements and growth throughout the community during her years in office.

When informed she had been selected as this year’s Gem of the Year, Reeb said she was both surprised and humbled.

“I’m in shock,” she said. “I just can’t believe it. I love everybody. I try to be friendly and talk to everybody.”

The Gem of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting positive impact on the Antwerp community through their service, kindness, and dedication to others. Chamber members said Reeb’s lifelong commitment to the village and her warm, caring spirit make her a deserving recipient of this year’s honor.

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join in celebrating Jan Reeb during Rotary’s Day in the Park on August 8.

On Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. the Oakwood Community Church and Melrose Community Church invite you to come join us under the Tent for an uplifting afternoon of gospel music, fellowship and family fun!

Enjoy inspiring worship music under the tent, kid’s inflatable bounce house and obstacle course on the lawn, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Seating will be available, though you are welcome to bring a lawn chair.

Food and refreshments will be available, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, water, and freeze pops, offered with free will donations accepted.

Plenty of parking available. We are located at 201 East Harmon St. Oakwood, Ohio 45873.

We look forward to sharing this special afternoon of worship and fellowship with you!

See the Oakwood Community Church and Melrose Community Church Facebook pages for detailed information.

WOODBURN, Ind. — For eight innings, the Woodlan Lady Warriors matched Central Noble pitch for pitch and inning for inning in a tense regional softball showdown on June 2. But the Cougars finally broke through in the ninth inning, scoring four runs to claim a 4-0 victory and bring Woodlan’s postseason run to an end.  

The regional contest was a classic pitchers’ duel through regulation and into extra innings. Neither team was able to push a run across the plate during the first eight innings as both defenses repeatedly came up with key plays. Woodlan managed just two hits in the game while Central Noble collected eight, but the Warriors’ defense and pitching kept the contest scoreless deep into extra innings.  

Woodlan’s only hits came from freshman Amelia Riley and sophomore Ellce Krauter, who each finished 1-for-3 at the plate. Riley also accounted for both of the Warriors’ stolen bases.    

Central Noble ace Grace Swank proved difficult to solve throughout the afternoon. The senior pitcher threw a complete-game shutout, allowing only two hits while striking out 20 Woodlan batters over nine innings. She did not issue a walk and faced just 30 hitters in the dominant performance.  

Lucy McHenry carried the load in the circle for Woodlan, pitching eight strong innings. The junior allowed seven hits and three earned runs while striking out eight. Sophia Martin also saw action, pitching one inning and allowing one run. Together, the Warriors’ pitchers held Central Noble scoreless through eight innings before the Cougars erupted in the ninth.  

Central Noble’s offense was led by Kaitlyn Tilley, who went 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Grace Swank added two hits, a run and an RBI, while Molly Mann contributed a hit, a run and an RBI. Katie Forker also drove in a run for the Cougars.  

Woodlan’s defense recorded 27 putouts and 11 assists, committing two errors in the contest. Addison Klotz was credited with 10 putouts, while Ellce Krauter added 10 putouts behind the plate.  

The loss ended an impressive season for the Lady Warriors, who finished with a 25-6 record and advanced to the regional round after a successful postseason run. Central Noble improved to 25-6 and advanced with the 4-0 extra-inning victory.