The campaign to build a new cattle barn at the Paulding County Fairgrounds is officially underway, thanks to the first major donation toward the project. The Paulding County Area Foundation is proud to announce a generous $10,000 contribution from the Paulding FFA Alumni, marking an exciting milestone in the fundraising effort. 

The new cattle barn will replace the existing aging facility and provide a safer, more functional space for exhibitors and livestock during the Paulding County Fair. Planned improvements include upgraded electrical service to better support fans and cooling equipment during the summer heat and a larger space to better accommodate exhibitors.

The Cattle Barn Committee, working in partnership with the Paulding County Area Foundation, has established an ambitious goal of completing fundraising and construction in time for the 2027 Paulding County Fair. To help make that vision a reality, the Paulding County Area Foundation/Marshall Memorial Supporting Foundation have committed $150,000 in matching funds, providing donors the opportunity to double the impact of their gifts. 

“The Paulding FFA Alumni have set the tone for this campaign with their incredible generosity,” said Lisa McClure, Executive Director of the Paulding County Area Foundation. “Agriculture has always been at the heart of our community, and this new facility will benefit generations of youth who participate in the fair. We hope this first gift inspires others to join us in building something that will serve Paulding County for decades to come.”

Community members, businesses, organizations, and agricultural supporters are encouraged to participate in the campaign. Every contribution helps move the project closer to completion while taking advantage of the Foundation’s matching commitment.

For additional information about the campaign or to discuss donation opportunities, contact Lisa McClure, Executive Director of the Paulding County Area Foundation, at 419-399-8296 or visit the website at https://www.pauldingcountyareafoundation.com/cattlebarn

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.  

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

This year’s Paulding County Fair was held from June 6th to June 13th 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. Tori Schlatter was declared Fair Queen. Second runner-up for Fair Queen was Kendall Kohart. Owen Workman was named 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: Karlee Kohart for Pygmy Goats, Avery Cooper for Market Turkey Meat Pen and Market Tom Turkey, Luciana Martinez for Meat Pen of Rabbits and Mackenzie Leatherman for Market Dairy Steer and Market Dairy Beef Cross Steer. The Reserve Champions for their respective categories were Kendall Kohart with Pygmy Goats, Avery Cooper for Market Turkey Meat Pen, Harley Troyer for Meat Pen of Rabbits, Alayna White for Sheep, Tori Schlatter for Dairy Feeder, Mackenzie Leatherman with her Market Dairy Beef Cross Steer and Addalynne Halter with her Market Beef Steer. 

There were over one-hundred still projects made by our members this year that included picture frames, cornhole boards, drone pictures, and metal boot scrapers. Best metal working project went to Nolan Schlatter, Best SAE poster went to Darcy Taylor, Best Carpentry Project went to Anabel Martinez and Best miscellaneous FFA project went to Miguel Martinez.

Our members also received a large variety of other awards. We had several members win their classes and showmanship with Avery Cooper, and Hopeful Rose competing in the showman of showmen contest. Harley Troyer won best of class for breeding rabbits. Delaney Johanns won several trophies with her horse projects. She won Hunter Horse showmanship, Senior Ranch showmanship, Champion of Champion pleasure, Reserve Champion of Champion performance, and Champion Versatility. She then earned the High Points Belt Buckle for Pleasure Horses.  

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 4th 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.

PAULDING – Youth exhibitors from across Paulding County were recognized for their accomplishments during the 2026 Paulding County Junior Fair, held June 6-13 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds. Throughout the week, 4-H and FFA members showcased their hard work and dedication through livestock exhibitions, project judging, skillathons, and contests.

The fair schedule featured Dog Show and FFA Still Projects on June 7; Goat Show and Rabbit Show on June 8; Horse Show, Poultry Show, 4-H Clothing Show and Swine Show on June 9; Rabbit Show, Sheep Show, Beef and Dairy Show, and Swine Show on June 10; 4-H Family and Consumer Science judging and Horse Show on June 11; 4-H Natural Resources and STEM projects, the Showman of Showmen competition, Companion Animal and Veterinary Science judging, and Horse Contesting on June 12; culminating with the annual Livestock Auction on June 13.

Sarah McCabe was named the 2026 Paulding County Junior Fair Parade Grand Marshall! Sarah is currently the Senior Fairboard Secretary and Director of the Rabbit Barn. She is involved in numerous projects and events for the fair including publications and marketing.

Overall FFA Project Winners:

Best SAE Poster: Darcy Taylor

Best Misc Project: Miguel Martinez

Best Metal Working Project: Nolan Schlatter

Best Carpentry Project: Anabel Martinez 

Best Electricity Project: Jacob Harris

Best Masonry Project: Remington Boroff 

FFA Project Best of Class:

Carpentry 1: Nathanial Peters, Wayne Trace FFA

Carpentry 2: Annabel Martinez, Paulding FFA

Advanced Carpentry: Mariah Klopfenstein, Paulding FFA

Shop Project that does not fit in any other category: Miguel Martinez, Paulding FFA

Ag Electrification 1: Salvatore Biliti, Paulding FFA

Adv Ag Electrification 2: Jacob Harris, Paulding FFA

Arc Welding 1: Brayden Kauser, Paulding FFA

Grange Best of Shows:

 Photography – Emilee Hadsty

Flowers – Kenley Miller

Artwork – Kenley Miller

Machine Sewing – Preston Johnson

Needlework – Bonnie Etchison

Antiques – Jordan Hayes

Garden & Crops – Darrel Behrmann

Baked Goods – Kylee Miller

Kids Zone – Ruby Hayes

Crafts – Debra Howell

Canned Goods – Kylee Miller

Demo Derby Winners:

FWD Stock: 1 Preston Averesch; 2 Jason Stanfield Jr; 3 Kylee Roberts

FWD Pro Stock: 1 Clay Bowman; 2 Logan Walker; 3 Caleb Botchlett

Youth Compact: 1 Teagan Wheeler; 2 Bryon Upp; 3 Landon Highly

Minivan/Mini Truck: 1 Jeffery Christan; 2 Logan Warrell; 3 Jason Mcgurm

Semi Stock: 1 Dustin Joey; 2 Saige Moyer; 3 Gary Geahlen

Pro Stock: 1 Preston Cristt; 2 Scott Drevenok; 3 Chase Leininge

4-H Clothing Project Awards:

Sew Fun (Beginner) – 1st Ilah Zimmerman

Sew for Others (Intermediate) – 1st Anabelle Saylor

Ready, Set, Sew Active! (Intermediate) – 1st Brianna McClure

Loungewear (Intermediate) – 1st Elliana Burtnett

Shopping Savvy (Intermediate) – 1st Emerson Maibach

Beginner Clothing – 1st Ilah Zimmerman

Intermediate Clothing – 1st Anabelle Saylor; 2nd Brianna McClure

John & Bernadyne Rogers Memorial Award – Joanna Zuber

State Fair Qualifiers:

Ilah Zimmerman, Brianna McClure, Anabelle Saylor, Elliana Burtnett, Emerson Maibach

Dog Project Results:

Dog Obedience:

Beginner Novice A – 1st Emma Wilcox; Pre-Novice – 1st Miley Jacobs; Novice A – 1st Chloe Trausch; Novice B – 1st Brianna McClure, 2nd Faith Jacobs

Dog Skillathon:

Intermediate – Emma Wilcox

Dog Rally – Novice A: 1st Emma Wilcox; Novice B – 1st Faith Jacobs; Intermediate A – 1st Brianna McClure

Dog Showmanship:

Intermediate A – 1st Emma Wilcox; Intermediate B – 1st Brianna McClure; Senior B – 1st Faith Jacobs

Equine Division Results:

Equine Showmanship:

Open Longe Line – 1st Raeley Franklin – Dakota; 2nd Brynlee Stoller – Bougie; 3rd Luciana Martinez – Ollie; 4th Kenley Miller – Opie; 5th Brynlee Stoller – Groot

Senior Ground Roping – 1st Gracelyn Elkins – Goose; 2nd Levi Ankney – Daisy

Junior Ground Roping – 1st Hudson Miller – Callie; 2nd Makenzie Muir – Ranger; 3rd Kenley Miller – Opie

Junior Ranch – 1st Sofi Martinez – My Chocolate Valentine; 2nd Brynlee Stoller – Bougie; 3rd Haven Wagner – Cinco; 4th Henley Wagner – Tinsley; 5th Kenley Miller – Opie

Senior Ranch – 1st Delaney Johanns – Gunner;  2nd Raeley Franklin – Dakota; 3rd Raeley Franklin – Whisper;  4th Ben Gurney – Ozzie; 5th Gabby Gurney – Dexter

Senior Hunter Horse – 1st Delaney Johanns – Gunner; 2nd Raeley Franklin – Dakota

Pony Western – 1st Janae Parrett – Sunny; 2nd Logan Holbrook – Shadow

Junior Western – 1st Hudson Miller – Callie; 2nd Brynlee Stoller – Groot;  3rd Adelynne Slattman – Mac; 4th Makenzie Muir – Ranger; 5th Nevayah Cler – Thor

Senior Western – 1st Luciana Martinez – Ollie; 2nd Karlee Kohart – Rosie; 3rd Savannah Barnes – Star; 4th Kendall Kohart – Diva

Equine Skillathon:

Beginner – Brynlee Stoller; Intermediate – Katelynn Hurd

Equine Showmanship Champions:

Champion of Champions – Raeley Franklin – Dakota

Reserve Champion – Delaney Johanns – Gunner

Goat Competition Results:

Breeding Boer Doe – 3–6 Months: 1st Janae Parrett

Breeding Boer Doe – 6–9 Months: 1st Janae Parrett

Grand Champion: Janae Parrett

Reserve Champion: Janae Parrett

Pet Goat – Grand Champion: Adelynne Slattman; Reserve Champion: Makenzie Muir

Dairy Market Goat:

Class 1 – 1st Brynlee Stoller; 2nd Olivia McCrory

Class 2 – 1st Kinley Sunday; 2nd Lienna Stoller

Class 3 – 1st Allison Donaldson; 2nd Brynlee Stoller

Class 4 – 1st Sophie Donaldson; 2nd Allison Donaldson

Class 5 – 1st Makinzee Williamson; 2nd Anna Meraz

Dairy Market Goat Champions – Grand Champion: Allison Donaldson; Reserve Champion: Sophie Donaldson; Rate of Gain: Olivia McCrory

Market Wether Goat:

Class 1 – 1st Easton Stork; 2nd Madison Muir

Class 2 – 1st Reese Franklin; 2nd Betsie Manz

Class 3 – 1st Janae Parrett; 2nd Mariah Klopfenstein

Class 4 – 1st Myleigh Sheets; 2nd Dodger Boyd

Class 5 – 1st Aubree Feehan; 2nd Raeley Franklin

Market Goat Champions – Grand Champion: Janae Parrett; Reserve Champion: Myleigh Sheets; Rate of Gain: Gannon Parrett

Pygmy Goat:

Grand Champion: Karlee Kohart

Reserve Champion: Kendall Kohart

Goat Showmanship:

Beginner – Makenzie Muir

Junior – Allison Donaldson

Senior –  Makinzee Williamson

Champion of Champions – Makinzee Williamson

Goat Skillathon:

Beginner – Brynlee Stoller

Advanced – Makinzee Williamson

Poultry Division Results:

Exhibition Poultry:

Standard Breed Chicken – Grand Champion: Easton Mapes; Reserve Champion: Easton Mapes

Bantam Breed Chicken – Grand Champion: Morgan Snyder; Reserve Champion: Mollie Matz

Egg Production Chickens – Grand Champion: Edison Manz

Exhibition Duck – Grand Champion: Wyatt Leatherman

Overall Exhibition Poultry – Grand Champion: Wyatt Leatherman; Reserve Champion: Edison Manz

Market Chicken Meat Pen – Grand Champion: Allie Wilcox; Reserve Champion: Seth Rosswurm

Market Duck Meat Pen – Grand Champion: Natalie Mericle; Reserve Champion: Lilly Holbrook

Duck Skillathon:

Beginner – Natalie Mericle; Intermediate – Ulrik Zijlstra

Market Tom Turkey – Grand Champion: Avery Cooper; Reserve Champion: Axel Goyings

Market Turkey Meat Pen – Grand Champion: Avery Cooper; Reserve Champion: Avery Cooper

Poultry Showmanship:

Beginner – Ashtyn Lanz

Junior Showmanship – Kaylee Miller

Senior Showmanship – Damon Rosswurm

Champion of Champions – Damon Rosswurm

Chicken Skillathon:

Beginner – Edison Manz; Intermediate – Kaylee Miller; Advanced – Damon Rosswurm

Rabbit Division Results:

4-Class Breeding Rabbit – Grand Champion: Lydia Miller-White; Best Opposite: Lydia Miller-White

6-Class Breeding Rabbit – Grand Champion: Harley Troyer; Best Opposite: Owen Dangler

Overall Breeding Rabbit – Best of Show: Harley Troyer; Best Opposite: Lydia Miller-White

Market Doe:

Class 1 – 1st Adelynne Slattman; 2nd Adelynne Slattman

Class 2 – 1st Myleigh Sheets; 2nd Gavin Parrett

Class 3 – 1st Janae Parrett; 2nd Aubree Feehan

Meat Pen of Rabbits:

Class 1 – 1st Harley Troyer;  2nd Kiersten Thomas

Class 2 – 1st Luciana Martinez; 2nd Delana Noggle

Grand Champion: Luciana Martinez

Reserve Champion: Harley Troyer

Roaster Rabbits

Class 1 – 1st Julia Floss;  2nd Alia Floss

Class 2 – 1st Elizabeth Cortes-Becerra; 2nd Wyatt Wilhelm

Class 3 – 1st Piper Pease; 2nd Wyatt Wilhelm

Class 4 – 1st Sophie Kessler; 2nd Sofi Martinez

Class 5 – 1st Lailah Smith; 2nd Lee Bradford

Class 6 – 1st Carter Baumle; 2nd Quinton Burns

Class 7 – 1st Brylee Thompson; 2nd Calla Manz

Class 8 – 1st Wyatt Batt; 2nd Demi Boyd

Class 9 – 1st Emma Wilcox; 2nd Owen Workman

Class 10 – 1st Sophia Smith; 2nd Dodger Boyd

Class 11 – 1st Deacon Boyd; 2nd Hudson Spangler

Grand Champion: Carter Baumle

Reserve Champion: Quinton Burns

Rabbit Breed Classes:

6-Class Senior Doe – Harley Troyer

6-Class Junior Doe – Harley Troyer

6-Class Senior Buck – Owen Dangler

6-Class Junior Buck – Harley Troyer

4-Class Senior Doe – Lydia Miller-White

4-Class Senior Buck – Lydia Miller-White

4 and 6-Class Mixed Breed – Scott Elder

4 and 6-Class Doe & Litter – Edwin Miller-White

Rabbit Showmanship:

Beginner – Darcy Taylor

Junior – Alia Floss

Senior – Cole Manz

Champion of Champions – Cole Manz

Single Fryer Rabbits:

Class 1 – 1st Brynlee Mangette; 2nd Leon Steele

Class 2 – 1st Luke Lane; 2nd Chase Dobbelaere

Class 3 – 1st Gradyn Stairhime; 2nd Brynley Manz

Class 4 – 1st Aubrey Manz; 2nd Jacob Harris

Class 5 – 1st Lute Gross; 2nd Barrett Rau

Class 6 – 1st Quinne Bradbury; 2nd Benson Slattman

Class 7 – 1^st Mariano Reyes; 2^nd Benson Slattman

Class 8 – 1^st Alexandria Manz; 2^nd Cole Manz

Class 9 – 1^st Cora Baumle; 2^nd Gabriella Stork

Class 10 – 1^st Greysyn Hermiller; 2^nd Renee McCabe

Class 11 – 1^st Maddock Wolfle; 2^nd Baylor Kilgore

Class 12 – 1^st Kallen Walters; 2^nd Aubree Feehan

Class 13 – 1^st Raegan McGarvey; 2^nd Kiptyn Mills

Class 14 – 1^st Michael Corwin; 2^nd Rya Wirts

Class 15 – 1^st Raegan McGarvey; 2^nd Kendyl Sunday

Class 16 – 1^st Kiptyn Mills; 2^nd Piper Mills

Class 17 – 1^st Skyler Pierce; 2^nd Mallory Barker

Class 18 – 1^st Duke Dangler; 2^nd Jameson Reeb

Class 19 – 1^st Ellie Roughton; 2^nd Addison Clemens

Grand Champion: Quinne Bradbury

Reserve Champion: Duke Dangler

Sheep Division Results:

Beginner Showmanship – Alayna White

Junior Showmanship – Wyatt Leatherman

Senior Showmanship – Anna Meraz

Champion of Champions – Avery Cooper

Sheep Skillathon:

Beginner – Ilah Zimmerman

Intermediate – Ella Zimmerman

Market Lamb Classes:

Class 1 – 1st Leo Krabill; 2nd Tekota Putnam

Class 2 – 1st Kaylee Stoller; 2nd Wyatt Batt

Class 3 – 1st Alayna White; 2nd Brandon Krabill

Class 4 – 1st Avery Cooper; 2nd Kaylee Stoller

Class 5 – 1st Alayna White; 2nd Tekota Putnam

Grand Champion Market Lamb: Kaylee Stoller

Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Alayna White

Rate of Gain: Alayna White

Swine Division Results:

Swine Showmanship:

Beginner – Kaylee Combs

Junior – Rachel Webb

Senior – Sophia Antoine

Champion of Champions – Hannah Griffiths

Swine Skillathon:

Advanced – Zaine McMichael

Market Swine Classes:

Class 1 – 1st Briggs Stoller; 2nd Joanna Zuber

Class 2 – 1st Anneliese Zijlstra; 2nd Jordan Steel

Class 3 – 1st Kaylee Combs; 2nd Tucker Stoller

Class 4 – 1st Jordan Steel; 2nd Sylvie Zartman

Class 5 – 1st Garrett Goyings; 2nd Kaylee Combs

Class 6 – 1st Maggie Webb; 2nd Hannah Griffiths

Class 7 – 1st Kalan Burns; 2nd Michael Griffiths

Class 8 – 1st Mara Phlipot; 2nd Hannah Griffiths

Class 9 – 1st Ronan Phlipot; 2nd Briggs Stoller

Class 10 – 1st Rachel Webb; 2nd Maggie Webb

Grand Champion Market Swine: Mara Phlipot

Reserve Champion Market Swine: Garrett Goyings

Cattle Division Results:

Beef Breeding:

Senior Heifer Calf – 1st Avery Mosier; 2nd Landyn Miller

Grand Champion Beef Breeding: Avery Mosier

Reserve Champion Beef Breeding: Landyn Miller

Beef Cattle Skillathon:

Beginner – Landyn Miller

Beef Feeder Classes:

Class 1 – 1st Nolan Schlatter; 2nd Katelyn Plummer

Class 2 – 1s tAvery Mosier; 2nd Kyra Adams

Class 3 – 1st Leo Krabill; 2nd Landyn Miller

Class 4 – 1st Avery Mosier; 2nd Alivia Mosier

Grand Champion Beef Feeder: Avery Mosier

Reserve Champion Beef Feeder: Avery Mosier

Beef Cattle Showmanship:

Beginner – Parker Maibach

Junior – Kyra Adams

Senior – Alivia Mosier

Champion of Champions – Alvia Mosier

Dairy Beef Cross Feeder Classes:

Class 1 – 1st Jonah Sinn; 2nd Hopeful Rose

Class 2 – 1st Noah Schlatter; 2nd Caleb McClure

Class 3 – 1st Seth Rosswurm; 2nd Damon Rosswurm

Class 4 – 1st Joshua Schlatter; 2nd Boston McGarvey

Grand Champion Dairy Beef Cross Feeder: Joshua Schlatter

Reserve Champion Dairy Beef Cross Feeder: Seth Rosswurm

Dairy Beef Cattle Skillathon:

Beginner – Joshua Schlatter

Intermediate – Olivia Schlatter

Advanced – Noah Schlatter

Dairy Beef Cross Cattle Showmanship:

Beginner – Kollin Reichert

Junior – Boston McGarvey

Senior – Hopeful Rose

Champion of Champions – Hopeful Rose

Dairy Cattle Showmanship:

Champion of Champions – Anneliese Zijlstra

Dairy Feeder Classes:

Class 1 – 1st Kenley Miller; 2nd Kollin Reichert

Class 2 – 1st Kenley Miller; 2nd Matias Rivera

Class 3 – 1st Kolby Reichert; 2nd Brielle Schlatter

Class 4 – 1st Ross Carter; 2nd Alex Doster

Class 5 – 1st Allison Donaldson; 2nd Ross Carter

Class 6 – 1st Elena Schlatter; 2nd Tori Schlatter

Class 7 – 1st Ryleigh McGarvey; 2nd Caleb McClure

Grand Champion Dairy Feeder: Elena Schlatter

Reserve Champion Dairy Feeder: Tori Schlatter

Market Beef Steer:

Grand Champion Market Beef Steer: Alivia Mosier

Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer: Addalynne Halter

Dairy Cattle:

Senior Yearling Heifer – Anneliese Zijlstra

Grand Champion Dairy Cattle: Anneliese Zijlstra

Market Dairy Beef Cross Steer:

Grand Champion Market Dairy Beef Cross Steer: Mackenzie Leatherman

Reserve Champion Market Dairy Beef Cross Steer: Mackenzie Leatherman

Market Dairy Steer:

Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer: Mackenzie Leatherman

Reserve Champion Market Dairy Steer: Jordan Hale

Members of John Paulding VFW Post 587 recently visited Lily Creek Farms near Napoleon, Ohio to present a $5,000 donation to support their therapeutic riding center. 

Lily Creek Farms’ mission is to heal mind, body, and spirit through equine-assisted and other farm related activities.

Lily Creek Farms also offers specialized programming for veterans and their families. These programs include riding and unmounted classes designed to help with the emotional and physical scars of military service.

For more information about Lily Creek Farms visit their website at www.lilycreekfarms.org.

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

The Paulding FFA Chapter recently competed in the Envirothon at the Williams County Conservation Club on Wednesday April 22th, 2026. 

Envirothon is a competition where different schools from Area 1 take multiple tests and practicums involving the environment. The tests these students took as a team were as follows: Wildlife, Forestry, Soils, and Aquatics and the current issue being Point and Non-Point Source Pollution. 

These students went to a practice day with other schools at Defiance SWCD to prepare and learn more about these topic areas before competing.  

The Paulding FFA Chapter took two teams to compete, consisting of a senior team and a sophomore team. Senior team members were Aleah Matty, Delaney Dachenhaus, Addy Hunt and Jacob Harris and placed an Amazing 5th out of 32 teams. 

The Sophomore team members were Addison Arend, Delaney Johanns, Wesley Grindstaff, Ava Leatherman and Kinzley Collard. This team placed 21st. A special thanks to Paulding SWCD for sponsoring the teams! 

The state contest is June 1-3 in Steubenville Ohio and we are very excited to have a team compete in this once in a lifetime experience. 

The team competing at the state contest will be Aleah Matty, Delaney Dachenhaus, Jacob Harris, Delaney Johanns and Kat Burtch. We want to extend a huge thank you to Paulding SWCD for their support and guidance as we get ready to attend this state event. The team members are very excited to compete to represent Paulding at the State level!

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

On April 30th, 2026, the Paulding FFA Chapter took twenty-seven students and two FFA Advisors to attend the 98th Ohio FFA State Convention at the Ohio Expo Center & Fairgrounds in Columbus. 

They departed at 10 a.m. in their matching blue FFA convention shirts. On the way down to Columbus, they made a stop at MVP Dairy to receive a tour. They had a nice little museum where students learned about the history of the dairy. Then students took a ride on a tour bus around their barns and saw all of their cows. At the last station, we saw their milking carousel where 80 cows ride on in a circular motion as they get milked, which takes around 10 minutes. The students received free Dannon yogurt as all of the milk MVP Dairy produces goes to Dannon. 

They soon after, arrived at the Drury Inn to unpack their luggage and later enjoyed shopping time at the Polaris mall. For dinner the students were given a meal at the Cheesecake Factory, courtesy of the Paulding FFA Alumni. The group then went to Slick City which was an action park filled with slides, basketball courts, and bouncy floors.

The following morning students ate breakfast at the Drury Inn and put on their official dress to go to convention! They found seats and watched the state FFA officer team take the stage for session one. 

The Paulding FFA Chapter was awarded the charitable giving award for chapters that have given over $500 in donations, this award was accepted by Darcy Taylor. 

After this, the group was given time to explore the expo center and shop. In session two, Addy Hunt and Tori Schlatter accepted the Gold Chapter Award for chapters who have performed exceptionally well in their communities and were rated Gold on their National Chapter Application Paulding FFA was one of twenty-five chapters to receive this award in Ohio. The keynote speaker of this session was Brad Hurtig, who spoke of his difficulties without arms. He told of being able to play football with prosthetic arms and through hard work was able to “dominate the field.” They then ended the day by celebrating Jeff Holtsberry as he received his State Honorary Degree award! Jeff is our bus driver and has been supporting our FFA Chapter for over 15 years. 

On the third day of the trip, FFA chapter secretaries, treasurers, and reporters received Gold rated book awards for outstanding work done on their books. Myrriah Manz received a secretary book award, Mariah Klopfenstein received a treasurer book award, and Vivienne Myers received a reporter book award. 

The chapter then received state winning plaques for Aquarium and Ag Biotechnology. Congratulations to both teams. Students also got to see Carter Boyd give his retiring speech as the State FFA President. In his speech, Boyd encouraged everyone to discover their interests and who they are. State FFA degrees were also awarded to qualifying students from across Ohio. The Paulding FFA Chapter’s State Degree Recipients were as follows: Avery Cooper, Kayleigh Dunham, Jayla Griffith, Mariah Klopfenstein, Mackenzie Leatherman, Kate Manz, Myrriah Manz, Gannon Parrett, Addy Pease, Estie Pease, Tori Schlatter and Riley Stork!

The 98th annual FFA state convention was an amazing way to see the fruits of our chapter’s labors and give students lessons on the value of hard work. 

The chapter could not have succeeded without the contributions of the community and we are so grateful for their support. We are so thankful for the Paulding FFA Alumni and their support of our chapter. The state convention was a major success and we are looking forward to attending again next year!

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

On Saturday, April 11th, 2026 the Paulding FFA chapter held its 99th Annual FFA Banquet. Several people attended the banquet including community, alumni, and staff members. There were 395 people who attended the banquet. The theme for this year’s banquet was “Time Marches On.”

Several awards were given to community and FFA members at the banquet. Members who met the qualifications for Greenhand or Chapter degrees received them. We also recognized twelve students who have earned their state degrees; they will receive their certificates and pins at the State FFA Convention in May. Those members include: Avery Cooper, Kayleigh Dunham, Jayla Griffith, Mariah Klopfenstein, Mackenzie Leatherman, Kate Manz, Myrriah Manz, Gannon Parrett, Addison Pease, Estie Pease, Tori Schlatter, and Riley Stork. In addition, we recognized twelve members who will be receiving their American degrees at the FFA national convention this coming fall. The American degree is the highest degree an FFA member can receive. These members included: Matthew Bail, Anna Clemens, Harley Collins, Grace Goings, Maci Kauser, Brooke Kilgore, Jalyn Klopfenstein, Jonathan Lipps, Marley Parrett, Hopeful Rose, Brooklyn Schlatter, and Kadence Thomas. 

The Blue and Gold Award was given to three individuals to acknowledge all that they have done to help out the Paulding FFA chapter this year. This year’s winners were Mr. Gary Gilbert, Heidi Kauser, and Mr. Jordan Streicher. The Honorary FFA degree was also awarded to Erin Johanns, Jeff Holtsberry, and Kim Couts. Any member who participated in a CDE (career development event) throughout the year received a certificate and pin for their jacket for their outstanding work. Star awards were handed out to a select few students from each grade who showed leadership not only in the classroom, but also in their community and FFA programs and activities. Kendall Kohart and Makenna Manz received the star Greenhand, Ava Leatherman and Delaney Johanns received the star Chapter farmer, Myrriah Manz received the star 3rd year member, Jacob Harris received the star 4th year member, Remington Boroff received the Quiet leader award, Kinzely Collard received the star in Community Service, and Darcy Taylor received the Ag Credit 110% award. The Paulding FFA Alumni awarded scholarships of $200 to Marley Parrett (book scholarship), $200 to Grace Goyings (book scholarship), $350 to Lucy Breier, $500 to Kaitlynn Breedlove, $750 to Jacob Harris, $950 to Jackson Griffith, $950 to Addison Pease, and $1100 to Addison Hunt. 

Chapter President, Addison Hunt, gave an inspirational speech encouraging members to find good friends. Finally, it was time for the installation of the new officers. The 2026-2027 officers are as follows: President- Darcy Taylor, Vice President- Myrriah Manz, Secretary- Delaney Johanns, Treasurer- Ava Leatherman, Reporter- Makenna Manz, Sentinel- Kinzley Collard, Student Advisor- Vivienne Myers, Parliamentarian- Gabby Stork, Chaplin- Remington Boroff, and Historian- Nolan Schlatter. We want to thank everyone who came out to the banquet and the community who made the great year we had possible!

By: Vivienne Myers, Paulding FFA Reporter

On Saturday, March 21st  the Paulding FFA Chapter hosted Arlington FFA for a mini ag basketball tournament.  

Ag ball is for all FFA students that do not normally play basketball with a new rule this year being we could have 1 basketball player on the court if wanted. Paulding has participated in ag basketball for the last several years. Our chapter loves to participate and have fun. It also allows members to mingle with other chapters in the nearby area. Paulding FFA Ag ball team was victorious, winning against Arlington in two out of three games. 

The team was made up of Colten Hunt, Jackson Griffith, Grady Arend, Jose Gonzale, Juice Pessefall, Ridge Hunt, Magdiel Lopez, and Wes Grindstaff with Coaches Gannon Parrett and Zach Barton. Some game highlights included Grady Arend hitting 6 three-point shots. Ridge Hunt and Wes Grindstaff were the best dressed basketball players. We had 2 seniors who have played throughout their high school career which were Colten Hunt and Jackson Griffith.  

The Paulding FFA team received a plaque to commemorate the 2026 tournament. Everyone had a lot of fun playing basketball along with the students who were there cheering on our team.  We are looking forward to next year’s tournament and are thankful that Arlington was able to attend this year, it was a blast to watch.