DEFIANCE, Ohio — Defiance Public Library, 320 Fort St., will welcome children’s and young adult author Tricia Springstubb for its annual Fall Children’s Author Visit on Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m.

During this special author visit, Springstubb will share stories from her writing career, discuss her books, and offer insight into her life as a storyteller. A lifelong reader and former Head Start teacher, Springstubb enjoys exploring not only what happens in a story, but also why. Her work includes How to Tell a True Story, Moonpenny Island, the Cody series, and other titles for young readers.

A select number of Springstubb’s books will be available for purchase and signing, giving attendees an opportunity to take home a signed copy of her work.

The program is geared toward children and families, and no registration is needed. Families are invited to attend and enjoy an evening celebrating books, storytelling, and the imagination.

This special event is sponsored by the Friends of Defiance Public, Sherwood Branch, and Johnson Memorial libraries. 

To learn more about Tricia Springstubb and her books, visit triciaspringstubb.com.

For more information about program, contact Defiance Public Library at 419-782-1456.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program in Paulding County is proud to participate in the nationwide America 250 celebration by planing a commemorative oak tree in the community.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Master Gardener Volunteers across Ohio are planting oak trees as a symbol of strength, resilience, and longevity. The tree planted in Paulding County will serve as a lasting tribute to this historic milestone while enhancing the local landscape for years to come.

The oak tree will be planted in an appropriate public location and identified with a commemorative tag recognizing its connection to the America 250 celebration and the efforts of the local Master Gardener Volunteers.

Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteers chose the location in Paulding to commemorate the newly establish Veterans Memorial. The Swamp White Oak tree (Quercus bicolor) was chosen by the group due to the nativeness of the tree and being a historical part of the great Black Swamp.

Master Gardener Volunteer, Sherri Rager, shared “Oaks are a keystone species which play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. Oaks have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. Oaks are very valuable wildlife trees and support more life forms that any other North American tree genus. This number can reach upwards of 21,000 species who rely on the oak.”

She continued, “White Oaks typically live 100-500 years routinely over 300 years. Oaks are a symbol of an 80th wedding anniversary. Because of their ability to withstand storms, they are often called Mighty Oak or King of Trees. Specifically, Swamp White oaks leaves are glossy and green on top and white and have a velvety feel on the bottom. The wood is strong, heavy, hard and durable. Typically, the tree will grow 1-2 feet per year, topping out at 50-60 feet tall and wide. Swamp White oaks will begin producing acorns in 20-25 years. “

Community members are encouraged to visit the tree and follow along as Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteers join others across Ohio in this unique project. Photos from the planting will also be shared as part of a statewide effort to highlight volunteer impact.

Dan Wilder of the Paulding VFW Post 5087 blessed the tree during the dedication ceremony. His blessing noted “We bow our heads in thanksgiving today as we gather to plant this living memorial. We remember with deep gratitude, the courageous men and women who laid the foundations of our liberty. As this tree takes root in the earth, let it be a symbol of the enduring strength, resilience, and faith of our Revolutionary Patriot ancestors. Bless this soil, O Lord. Send your sun and your rain to nourish this tree so that it may grow strong and tall. May its leaves offer shelter, its branches stretch toward the heavens, and its presence remind all who pass by of the precious cost of freedom. Just as the roots of this tree hold fast to the ground, anchor our hearts in the principles of patriotism, community, and service. Help us to honor the memory of those who came before us by caring for our nation and each other. Watch over this tree as a lasting beacon of hope for future generations.”

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is part of the Ohio State University Extension and its dedicated to promoting research-based horticultural education, environmental stewardship, and community service.

For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Paulding County contact Sarah Noggle, Extension Educator at (419)399-8225 or by emailing noggle.17@osu.edu.

Why not kick off your Halloween Celebration with an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAST PANCAKE BREAKFAST, served with a side of a sausage?

Saturday, October 31, 2026; 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Latty Zion Baptist Church, 855 Broadway, Latty, Ohio.

The Latty Community has a vision to improve the Latty Lions Community Ball Court, and we need your help to make it happen!  This pancake breakfast is the first step in our fundraising efforts to turn that vision into reality.

Planned improvements include:

An upgraded playing surface; New goal posts & equipment; Improved lighting and safety; Landscaping & seating; A welcoming space for community events and youth programs.  

There will also be a Silent Auction for Dargenson Woodcraft and a Free Treat Bag for children. 

Need directions?  We’re located on the south side of Latty. From Road 107, head east on Road 84, or travel to the end of Lewis Street in Latty and head west on Broadway Street.

Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast, support a great community cause, and learn more about how you can help make the Latty Lions Community Ball Court project a reality.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us build a better space for our community!

Questions?  Contact Yvon Dargenson (419.796.1752) or Jane Gray (419.786.9651).

Antwerp Local School Board of Education

The Antwerp Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 5:00p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is limited to a work session and review of upcoming municipal Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) proposals, with no formal Board action or voting to take place. 

Northwest State Community College (NSCC) has been selected as a $25,000 recipient of General Motors’ 2026 Community Impact Grants (CIG). The award was presented recently by GM Defiance on behalf of GM Corporate Citizenship as part of a collective $100,000 grant supporting local nonprofits dedicated to STEAM education and road safety initiatives.

Through the CIG program, facility leaders at GM Defiance select area organizations to help meet critical local needs, expand access to educational resources, and strengthen the surrounding region.

“We are proud to use our Community Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations that create meaningful opportunities for people and families in our community,” said Derrick Parson, plant director at GM Defiance. “GM has called Defiance home for more than 78 years, and we are honored to help advance the work that keeps this community strong and vibrant.” 

“We are deeply grateful to the GM Community Impact grant for their generous support,” said Robbin Wilcox Executive Director of the NSCC Foundation, “This grant will enable us to offer hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities that engage youth and families in STEAM education in our community.”

Building the Future will expand NSCC’s growing STEAM outreach through hands-on summer camps, We Are STEM events for high school students, and a community STEAM event for youth and families.  Building the Future addresses this need by providing accessible, hands-on opportunities for youth to experience robotics, engineering, technology, and problem-solving in engaging ways. NSCC shares the 2026 funding honors alongside the United Way of Defiance County and the Advanced Manufacturing Consortium.

Now in its 16th year, GM’s CIG program is distributing $5 million across 42 hometown manufacturing communities nationwide in 2026. Since 2021, GM has awarded $360,000 in community impact grants directly to Defiance-area nonprofits.

 Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16 – 23. Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country in November, and shoebox packers can find their local drop-off locations across Ohio.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12.8 million children in 2026 with the hope of Jesus.

Shoebox packing is fun for individuals, families and groups! Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.

“Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I’ve delivered these boxes around the world, and I never get tired of seeing the joy that they bring—even in the midst of disasters, war, and poverty.”

Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories.

The Paulding Eagles Ladies Auxiliary made a donation of several Coats to the Christmas for Kids Program on October 6, 2026. Pictured are Eagles officers (l-r): Cindy Kauser, Marsha Bennett, and Patty Zuber; Michelle Dooley and Jennifer Ramsier (from Christmas for Kids);  Deb Shelt, Chris Dangler, and Rena Rager.

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) represents over 11,000 trucking companies in the U.S. and Canada that employ over 156,000 drivers collectively. Each year the association sponsors a driver of the year program to recognize the very best drivers within their group. Among the drivers nominated for this prestigious honor is William Hamilton who drives for Logisticize of Paulding, OH.

“As a nominee for award, William Hamilton joins a very elite group that represent the very best of our 156,000 drivers,” according to David Owen, President of NASTC.

“Logisticize is very proud of their drivers and should be very proud of themselves as well,” Mr. Owen added. “It says a lot about a company when they can attract and keep employees of this caliber.”

William Hamilton has driven for Logisticize for over 2 years and has been a professional driver for over 6 years and has driven over 510,000 accident free miles.

By: MELINDA KRICK

It Happened in October …

Many important and memorable events in Paulding County history have taken place in the month of October. Take a step back in time to:

1841 – Antwerp village is platted by Horatio N. Curtis, Isaac Woodcock and Samuel Rice and surveyed by W. Wilshire Riley and James Riley. They begin offering about 100 town lots for sale.

1860 – The first county fair is held at Junction at Doyle’s on the east side of the canal. Premiums are offered for many departments. A trotting match and a plowing match are on the schedule.

1872 – The first county fair is held at the new fairgrounds in Paulding. The agricultural society raised $900 to purchase 25 acres of land and began clearing the property, building a fence, stands, stalls and office.

1882 – The long-awaited New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, better known as the Nickel Plate Road, begins running trains through the county.

1882 – The village formerly known as Malottville, called Puckerbrush by some, will now be known as Payne.

1884 – The public school building at Payne was discovered to be on fire and as the village has no fire company, the citizens were unable to combat the flames. The school, the furniture and about half the books were burnt to ashes. The building was a nice two-story frame and was only completed about a year ago.

1899 – Thousands of people listen to presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan speak on the courthouse lawn during a train tour of northwest Ohio. He spoke nearly an hour on the grave questions that concern the nation.

1902 – The Windiate flouring mill, formerly the Weidmann Mill, is totally destroyed by fire. In a few minutes the entire structure was ablaze from top to bottom. The fire soon spread to the adjoining buildings, the brick barn, the large store house, corn cribs, etc. The loss is estimated at more than $50,000. The mill, established by the Weidmann Company in 1888, was three stories high with a basement under the entire structure.

1903 – A fire destroys the Cincinnati Northern and Nickel Plate depot at Latty. The papers, books and some freight and expressage was destroyed. The fire is supposed to have been caused by an explosion of an oil lamp left burning in the express room. This leaves two railroads without shelter for their patrons.

1907 – A company of Paulding citizens has leased a farm and will raise 60 acres of tobacco next year. Although the acreage of tobacco was small this year, only about 125 acres, the yield has been exceedingly flattering.

1910 – An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people attend the formal opening of the new million-dollar German-American Sugar Co. beet factory at Paulding. Speakers include Governor Harmon and gubernatorial candidate Warren G. Harding. A parade of about 100 automobiles to the factory grounds was a highlight.

1912 – The town of Paulding will soon have special free delivery of mail. Postmaster Cullen was informed that this town could get free delivery services if the citizens would comply with requirements necessary to meet postal regulations. Paulding was selected out of 30 towns recommended in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky and one of 15 towns in the whole U.S. to be used as a test for better mail facilities. A meeting of citizens was called and response was enthusiastic. Council passed an ordinance providing for marking the street intersections and numbering houses.

1920 – The county commissioners have succeeded in getting the state highway department to take over portions of the Junction Pike, Antwerp-Payne Pike and Oakwood-Defiance Pike as state roads.

1920 – As women prepare to cast their ballots for the first time, Isabella Hakes, age 81, of Oakwood, has the honor of being the first woman in Paulding County to vote for a president of the United States, by absentee ballot. Mrs. Zona Secrest is a candidate for probate judge.

1921 – Of the 15 who served on the grand jury, seven were women, this being the first time in the history of the county that women have ever served on a jury.

1933 – As part of a Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association program, $500 is raised in three days to equip the sheriff’s office, car and county jail with short-wave radio receiving sets.

1934 – A historical meeting at Fort Brown celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the first flour and saw mill in Paulding County, Brown’s Mill.

1940 – The Paulding Lumber Company and the depot freight office and warehouse of the Cincinnati Northern Railroad lie in smoldering ruins, the results of a fire of unknown origin. Damages are estimated at up to $100,000.

1941 – Oakwood’s Varsity “O” Club nullifies the present name of “Green Devils,” by which the basketball team had been known. Members proposed three new names—Trojans, Bobcats and Archers. The student body voted and the name “Bobcats” is initiated into the school. The name “Green Devils” was voted on by students back in 1934. Monograms of the “Green Devil” were difficult to obtain and very expensive.

1943 – Arden King of Payne receives the American Farmer Degree at the national Future Farmers of America convention. A 1941 graduate of Payne High School, he is the first in the county to receive this award.

1960 – A UFO report from Paulding County was made to Project Blue Book, U.S. Air Force. The individual saw a “very brilliant star” in different locations in the night sky, several nights in a row, sometimes turning orange and red. The person said that the light would disappear suddenly. According to the Air Force report, the individual did not reply to a follow-up questionnaire and the sighting was concluded to be Jupiter.

1982 – The Oakwood News publishes its final issue. The newspaper began in 1889.

1983 – Dedication ceremonies and open house are held for the new Grover Hill Elementary building.

2001 – The “Freedom Playstation” opens at LaFountain Park in Paulding. For five days, hundreds of volunteers gladly toiled – some for nearly 14 hours a day – to build the giant play area. About 300 people attended the dedication ceremony on the final day. The name was chosen following through a contest among county students.

2009 – Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels are among the dignitaries who help open a 23-mile segment of newly constructed U.S. 24 between Woodburn and Defiance. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held on the four-lane highway at the state line. Sections connecting Woodburn to I-469 and Napoleon to Toledo will be completed by 2012.