The Defiance Area Foundation has announced the creation of a new charitable fund, the A Walk in the Parks Fund, established by Jay and Chris Hanson to support parks throughout Defiance County.

The fund is designed to provide resources for any existing or future park in Defiance County, as well as public or private parks that are open and free to the public and meet Foundation guidelines. The fund will support maintenance projects, enhancements to park facilities, and the creation of new outdoor spaces that benefit the community.

Jay and Chris Hanson shared the inspiration behind the fund:

“Our family believes in supporting the Defiance community, where we have made a life together, raised our children, and created precious memories along the way. A Walk in the Parks is a fund that we have established to provide a path to give back for all who have enjoyed spending time at any of the Defiance area parks. This is an avenue to literally put the Defiance Area Foundation’s motto, Nelson Henderson’s famous quote into practice, to do something generous to benefit future generations. A strong parks system is just one of the many aspects of a strong community. We encourage anyone in Defiance County who cares about our outdoor parks to name A Walk in the Parks Fund in their estate plan.”

The Defiance Area Foundation expressed its gratitude for the Hanson family’s commitment to strengthening the community and preserving the outdoor spaces that enrich local quality of life. To give to the new A Walk in the Parks Fund at the Foundation, please visit https://defianceareafoundation.org/donate-to-a-fund

Make reservations for Off Stage Productions’ next dinner theatre show “Insane with Power”, a two-act comedy written by Scott Haan. Show dates are April 17-19 and 24-26. Saturday and Sunday performances will be dinner theatre shows.  For Saturday performances, doors open at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. For Sunday matinee performances, doors will open at 12:30 p.m., dinner at 1:00 p.m. and show at 2:00 p.m. Burtch’s Barn to Table Catering will provide the buffet meals.

Both Friday performances will be “Popcorn Night” with no dinner included, but popcorn will be included with the cost of the show.  Water and pop will also be available for purchase.  Doors open for the Friday performances at 7:00 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. 

Performances will again be held in the Commons at Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin Street, Van Wert, Ohio.  Enter door 13 off the back parking lot where plenty of parking is available.

THE SHOW: Lois Lancaster is a big-city journalist writing about the current state of mental health facilities. Her research takes her to a hospital populated with a unique group of quirky inmates who imagine they are crime-fighting superheroes. Speed Freak thinks he can run at incredible speeds, while Dim Bulb, the most enthusiastic person on the face of the earth, thinks he can turn off lights with his brain. Mental thinks she can read minds, despite being prone to sudden outbursts of bizarre non-sequiturs. Kevin, much less quirky and flamboyant than the other inmates, doesn’t embarrass himself with a ridiculous code name or costume…at least, not initially. Dr. Gail Eisner appears to be a kind hospital administrator; a steady influence needed to effectively run a madhouse like this one. At first Lois finds their elaborate superhero fantasies to be an entertaining diversion, the wild delusions of unstable minds, until something unusual happens that makes her wonder….   

Cast: Lois Lancaster: Emily Smith; Speed Freak: Spencer Wenninger; Dim Bulb: Nick Long; Mental: Aimey Lehman; Kevin Bendis: SlimPickens419;Dr Gail Eisner: Alea Rex; DIRECTOR: Daniel Sanderson; COSTUMER: Julie Lang 

Call 419-605-6708 to reserve your tables or seats!                                                           

Box office hours: Monday through Saturday – Noon until 6:00 PM, no Sunday calls please. 

The 46th Annual 24-Hour P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon was held over Easter weekend, April 3–4, at the Payne Elementary School gymnasium, continuing a long-standing tradition of community support and around-the-clock basketball.

The weekend was filled with activity, beginning Friday evening with the first TOTS games and continuing through Saturday’s events, which included the Payne Fire Department’s sausage and pancake breakfast and the official opening ceremonies. Games were played every 24 minutes, starting at 5:00 p.m. Friday and continuing non-stop until 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

A total of 92 teams participated in this year’s marathon across seven divisions, including four Mini-Tots teams, 14 Tots teams, four Youth teams, four Mini Youth teams, 28 Co-Ed teams, 36 Men’s teams, and two Exhibition teams.

The marathon began in 1979, and funds raised from the annual event support the Paulding Area Support Society (P.A.S.S.). The organization provides specialized equipment and services to handicapped and medically challenged residents of Paulding County who are unable to afford them.

The P.A.S.S. Board includes President Karen Schlatter, Vice President Lula Mae Ankney, Treasurer Marcia Pressler, Secretary Mary Ellen Holbrook, and board members Doris Smith, Tara Miller, Elaine Sierer, Judy Fisher, James Sponseller, Sue LaFountain, Pam Reese, Lindsey Manz, and Kacey Dershem.

Members of the Marathon Committee include Clint Reinhart, Chad Benschneider, Brett Beckman, John Claymiller, Jeremy Dunderman, Rylee and Braeden Hormann, Nick and Kaleigh McClain, Maria Piper, Russ Zinser, Henry Manz, Austin Conlon, and Cameron Bidlack.

PAULDING – It’s time to make plans to attend Paulding County History Museum’s annual Spring Tea.

The tea will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Table hostesses will uniquely decorate each table, most with heirloom or collectible tableware.

Bring your friends and enjoy a delightful afternoon. Wear a hat, gloves or spring-themed accessories. Door prizes will be awarded for Best Decorated Table, Best Hat and Best Spring Tea Attire.

Guests will have an exclusive preview of a new exhibit showcasing two collections of vintage clothing, plus a new nursery room exhibit and displays of shoes from past eras, furs and more.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Ages 12 and older are welcome to attend. For more information about tickets, you can reach someone at the museum on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by calling 419-399-8218 (leave message). Or, text 419-769-3993 or email jphs45879@yahoo.com.

A special Presidential Table has been added to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday. A seat at this table will include one copy of the county’s 1892 historical atlas, a booklet containing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and commemorative magnets. This table for eight will feature a vintage patriotic tablescape.

The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding, across from the fairgrounds.

Committee members include chairman Elizabeth Miller, assisted by Melinda Krick.

Updates will be posted on the museum’s Facebook page facebook.com/jphsmuseum.

The museum’s regular hours are Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Antwerp High School Theatre Department brought spooky charm and lively humor to the stage with its spring production of The Addams Family musical, performed March 20-22. Featuring a large and talented cast spanning grades six through twelve, the production showcased both seasoned performers and younger students in a spirited retelling of the beloved Addams Family story.

Leading the cast were Sara Farr as Morticia Addams and Corbin Lawson as Gomez Addams, who anchored the performance with strong stage presence and chemistry. Other featured roles included Alex Dunham as Lurch, Cayman Williamson as Mal Beineke, and Raelynne Zuber as Grandma Addams. The show also highlighted the work of numerous ensemble members portraying ancestors  and dancers, adding fun energy to each scene.

With Antwerp’s drama programs  participation of students across multiple grade levels, the musical  brought the school community together.

PAULDING, Ohio – This Saturday, March 28, 2026, the community was invited to watch some of the area’s best young racers compete at the Chinquapin District Pinewood Derby, hosted by Cub Scout Pack 1317 at the OSU Extension – Paulding County building, 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding, OH 45879.

Cub Scouts from Kindergarten through 5th grade — representing packs from across the Chinquapin District — raced handbuilt wooden cars they designed and constructed themselves. 

Competitors vied for top honors in both Speed and Paint categories, with awards going to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in every rank. Top finishers advanced to the Council Pinewood Derby on April 25, 2026.

The on-site “Scout Café” offered snacks and drinks throughout the event.

It’s a fun, family-friendly afternoon and a great chance to cheer on the next generation of Scouts.

On Friday, March 27, 4 young women will vie for the title of Queen Jubilee 51 during the Van Wert Peony Pageant.  The annual event will once again be held at Lifehouse Church in Van Wert at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.   Every candidate will receive a minimum of $300 in scholarships, in addition to a variety of goods and services donated by local businesses and individuals.  The lucky young woman crowned Queen Jubilee will receive a $1,500 scholarship, and over $5,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.  

Candidates have already completed some areas of competition, and the remaining areas of competition to be scored during the pageant include: talent, evening gown, and on stage questions.  The evening will be hosted by Zach Shaffer as Master of Ceremonies, and the contestants will be escorted on stage by Gavin Burkhalter and Cole Story.  Their flower girls are Haislea Speice, Lynnix Bragg, Lowen Maxey, and Vera Pohlman.

Crestview: Emily Lichtle is representing Crestview High School and is the daughter of Mike and Amanda Lichtle.  She is an avid volleyball player, and a Varsity Cheerleader.  Emily is in FCCLA, NHS, Student Council, where she serves as Secretary, and is the Reporter for Crestview FFA.  In May, she will be receiving her State Degree at the Ohio FFA Convention.  Emily also dances and cheers at Kim Hohman’s Danceworks.  After graduation, Emily plans on attending Purdue Fort Wayne to major in communications and speech disorders, to later pursue a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology.  Emily is sponsored by Laudick’s Jewelry. 

Lincolnview: Jayden Bragg is representing Lincolnview High School and is the daughter of Heather Bragg.  She is involved in choir, track, and cross country, and is active in the school’s music program singing with the select ensemble.  Jayden is also a member of the National Honor Society and is a Junior Rotarian.  Through the CEO program, Jayden is gaining future career experience at Cowan Funeral Home.   She is currently enlisted in the Army National Guard where she will be training to become a combat medic after graduation.   After her service, Jayden plans to attend college to pursue a degree in mortuary sciences.  Jayden is sponsored by Cowan Funeral Home and Steven’s Automotive. 

Vantage Career Center:  Chloe Nielsen is representing Vantage and is the daughter of Brandi Nielsen.  She is currently enrolled in the Criminal Justice program and serves as a lab assistant.  Chloe is a Junior Rotarian and participates in workplace learning at the Van Wert County Jail.  She is also very involved as a dancer at Kim Hohman’s Danceworks, where she has won numerous awards as both a soloist and member of the team.  Chloe attends Lifehouse church where she serves as a group leader for 5th grade girls.  After graduation, Chloe plans to attend college to continue pursuing a degree in the Criminal Justice field. She is sponsored by Grade A Tattoos. 

Van Wert: Meah Johnson is the daughter of Lisa and Demond Johnson and is representing Van Wert High School.  Meah has been involved in volleyball and softball for four years, and is active in the school’s fine arts programs, through band, choir, select choir and theater.  She is very involved in Van Wert Civic Theater and has participated in youth groups at Calvary Evangelical Church and First United Methodist.  Meah also service through mission work and vacation bible school programs.  After graduation, Meah plans on attending a college or university to pursue a degree in theater.  She is sponsored by TRUland Ag Equipment. 

A local billiards team representing Five Span Inn in Defiance, Ohio, achieved an impressive third-place finish at the Indiana Amusement & Music Operators Association (IAMOA) Pool Championship, held March 12–15 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Competing in the Open B-Division, the team faced strong competition from across the region, finishing 3rd out of 132 teams in the tournament.

The team is part of the Valley National 8-Ball League Association (VNEA) and is led by Team Captain David Beck. Their outstanding performance reflects both skill and teamwork, as they advanced through multiple rounds over the four-day event to secure a spot among the top finishers.

“It was a great group that played as a team, lifting each other up along the way to accomplish our goal,” said Beck.

This achievement highlights the dedication and competitive spirit of local players and brings recognition to the Defiance-area billiards community.

Dancers from Ignite Dance Academy kicked off their competition season with an impressive showing at the Nexstar National Dance Competition in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The studio’s mini team, junior team, and several soloists traveled to the event, bringing home multiple top awards and recognitions.

One of the standout performances of the weekend was the Competitive Junior Small Group routine “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The number earned a Platinum Plus rating, 1st Place in its category, and 3rd Overall. The routine also received a Golden Ticket and the Excellence in Choreography Award, highlighting the strength of both the dancers and their creative direction.

The Competitive Petite Small Group performance “My Boyfriend’s Back” also delivered an outstanding result. The routine received Platinum, 1st in Category, and 1st Overall, earning the title of Competitive Petite Regional Champion along with a Golden Ticket.

Ignite dancers also excelled in solo performances:

• Showcase Petite Solo “Anything But Love”performed by Adley received Platinum and placed 7th Overall.

• Elite Petite Solo “I Dreamed a Dream”performed by Juliet earned Platinum Plus, 1st in Category, and 2nd Overall, along with a Power Pak invitation and the title 1st Runner-Up Elite Petite Miss Nexstar Fort Wayne.

• Showcase Junior Solo “Rich Girl” performed by Ivy received Platinum honors.

• Competitive Junior Solo “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” performed by Henley earned Platinum, 1st in Category, 10th Overall in the Superstar Competitive Division, and a Power Pak invitation.

• Competitive Junior Solo “There You’ll Be”performed by Paisley received Platinum, 1st in Category, and the Beauty & Grace Award.

Studio owner Allison Banks said the competition marked an exciting start to the season and praised the dancers for their hard work and dedication.

Ignite Dance Academy will soon be preparing for the future as well. Auditions for the 2026–2027 competition season will be held May 23. Dancers interested in joining the highly competitive team can learn more by liking Ignite Dance Academy’s Facebook page, calling 419-258-0852, or visiting ignitedanceacademyohio.com for additional information.

The Defiance Area Foundation wants to thanks Arthur Law Firm LLC for its $3,500 commitment as a Silver Sponsor for the upcoming Gala on October 3, 2026. Silver sponsorships play a key role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and supporting nonprofit organizations serving Defiance County. 

Jim Schmidt Chevrolet Commits $5,000 Gold Sponsorship for DAF Gala

The Defiance Area Foundation (DAF) is pleased to announce that Jim Schmidt Chevrolet Dealership has committed a $5,000 sponsorship as a Gold Sponsor for the Foundation’s 2026 Gala, to be held October 3.

Jim and Karen Schmidt’s generous support helps advance the Foundation’s mission and grow the Community Fund, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Defiance County. The DAF is grateful for their continued investment in the community and their commitment to building a lasting legacy of generosity.