Students in the Carpentry program at Vantage Career Center are gaining real-world skills and standing out in masonry, showcasing impressive craftsmanship and attention to detail.

According to Carpentry Student, Delana Noggle, the program builds a strong foundation during the junior year, where students develop essential skills in safely using hand and power tools, reading blueprints, and working with industry technology. Along the way, students earn valuable certifications, including OSHA 10-Hour, ICRA, and multiple equipment operation credentials. These skills are applied through hands-on projects such as birdhouses, totes, and CNC-designed stepstools.

Noggle added that this year’s masonry training took those skills even further. With guidance from guest instructor Gary Hunter of Weigand Construction, students focused on mastering precision and ensuring their work was level, flush, and plumb. Through graded masonry projects, students demonstrated not only their technical abilities, but also a high level of craftsmanship that reflects real-world industry standards.

Five students advanced to an in-class masonry competition on February 27, 2026: Colton Kimmel, Cole Miller, Kaden Gause, Zander Coil, and Townsend Wilkinson. Competitors were challenged to recreate a past SkillsUSA design within three hours, demonstrating high-level skill and accuracy. Cole Miller of Crestview Local Schools earned the top score and will advance to the Skills USA Masonry Competition in Columbus on May 5, 2026.

In their senior year, students continue building their skills through a real home construction project in Latty, Ohio, gaining daily job site experience. For more than 20 years, Carpentry Instructor Jerry Robinson has led the program at Vantage Career Center, bringing real-world experience in home construction and a strong emphasis on life skills that prepare students for the workforce. Students interested in the program are encouraged to attend events such as 8th grade tours, sophomore visit days, Build Your Future, and Taste of Vantage, and to apply early following their sophomore tour, as space is limited. Students enrolled at Vantage also remain connected to their home schools, with the ability to participate in extracurricular activities, pep rallies, and other events, making it a well-rounded opportunity for those looking to build both skills and a future in the trades.

Each month Paulding Junior High School teachers select one Positive Panther per grade level. These students are recognized for the positive character traits they exhibit as students of Paulding Junior High School. 

Shown in the picture above are (from left) Larissa Bautista (Grade 8), Erick Hernandez (Grade 6), and Lucy Riethman (Grade 7).

Wayne Trace High School has added a new sport to its extracurricular lineup with the introduction of its inaugural clay target shooting team. Fourteen students make up the first roster, making a significant milestone for the school as interest in youth shooting sports continues to grow statewide.

The team began practices on March 31, 2026 at the Paulding Co. Fish and Game Club, where students train in marksmanship, fundamentals, consistency, and safe firearm handling. Before participating in live-fire sessions, all members completed a detailed hunter’s safety program covering equipment use, range procedures, and responsible conduct. Coaches emphasize that safety remains the central focus of every practice and competition. Coach Mike Schnipke said the team is approaching its first season with a clear mindset, noting “Proverbs 4:25 says Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. For the team, this means stay focused, be safe, have fun, and let go busting some pottery.”

Clay target shooting offers students a unique athletic experience, blending precision, concentration, and mental discipline. The sport welcomes participants with varying levels of experience and Wayne Trace’s first group reflects that diversity. The team includes seasoned recreational shooters to students trying the activity for the first time. Making up the team is one senior, five juniors, five sophomores, and three freshmen. 

Throughout the season, Wayne Trace will compete in the Ohio High School Clay Target League. Teams across the state participate in weekly virtual competitions, submitting scores electronically before having an opportunity to advancing to a state tournament in June.

The community views the new program as an important addition to the school’s offerings, providing students with another meaningful way to engage in athletics and represent their community. With 14 members setting the foundation, Wayne Trace’s clay target shooting team begins its debut season with momentum and the potential to build a lasting tradition.

A powerful tribute to the World Trade Center and the events of September 11, 2001, is taking shape locally through the work of Paulding resident Evan Huebner, whose detailed scale model project blends history, craftsmanship, and remembrance.

Huebner, a 2013 graduate of Paulding High School and a current security officer, spent the entire winter constructing the models as part of a USA 250th tribute. His goal, he said, is simple but meaningful: to preserve modern history for future generations.

The World Trade Center, originally designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, once stood as the largest office complex in the world. The seven-building complex featured the iconic Twin Towers—1 World Trade Center, completed in 1970, and 2 World Trade Center, completed in 1972—each rising 110 stories into the New York skyline. A third major building, 4 World Trade Center, was finished in 1977. The construction of the complex required more than 200,000 tons of steel, along with enough concrete to create a five-foot-wide sidewalk stretching from New York to Washington, D.C. The site also housed the world’s largest refrigeration plant, and the North Tower featured the well-known Windows on the World restaurant. At its peak, the complex welcomed approximately 50,000 workers and visitors daily.

Huebner’s model faithfully reflects the original towers, including their aluminum exterior and narrow vertical window design. The North Tower is represented at a height of 1,368 feet and the South Tower at 1,362 feet, scaled down to a model standing approximately two feet tall at roughly a 1:680 ratio, with a base measuring about 16 by 16 inches. Each of the towers’ 110 floors is carefully represented, capturing both the scale and presence of the originals.  

Adding a deeply meaningful element to the project, the base of the model incorporates pieces of original steel recovered from the World Trade Center itself. Huebner designed and 3D-printed a custom cover for the base, shaping it to resemble the original towers while preserving the historical material within. He also installed interior lighting that illuminates the model at regular intervals, further bringing the tribute to life.

The model also serves as a reminder of the immense loss suffered on September 11, 2001, when 2,977 people were killed in the terrorist attacks, including 23 New York Police Department officers, 37 Port Authority officers, and 8 emergency medical service personnel. Today, the footprints of the original towers remain as part of the National September 11 Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives and the courage displayed in the face of tragedy.

Huebner said the project reflects not only the physical structure of the towers but also the ideals they represented. Yamasaki once described the World Trade Center as a symbol of world peace and cooperation, embodying humanity’s belief in dignity and unity—values Huebner hopes to carry forward through his work.

Looking ahead, Huebner is already considering his next historical project: a model of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, another site of national tragedy.

Community members will have the opportunity to view the World Trade Center model in person, with upcoming displays planned at the Paulding County Carnegie Library and Guilford Realty in Hicksville during Heritage Days, with additional locations possibly to be announced.

Through careful attention to detail and a commitment to preserving history, Huebner’s work offers a meaningful local connection to one of the most significant events in modern American history.

The Defiance Area Foundation is pleased to announce that Andres O’Neil & Lowe Insurance Agency (AOL) has committed a $2,000 sponsorship as a Bronze Sponsor for the Foundation’s 2026 Gala, scheduled for October 3.

Support from sponsors helps grow the Defiance Area Foundation (DAF) Community Fund, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Defiance County and addresses emerging community needs.

The Defiance Area Foundation is grateful for Andres O’Neil & Lowe Insurance Agency’s support and commitment to strengthening the community through philanthropy. 

By: MELINDA KRICK

35 Years Ago

From the Antwerp Bee Argus, April 17, 1991:

Desert Storm Troops Coming Home – Terra Schmidt of Paulding and Robert Scott are home. Martin Beck is joining his family this week. SPC Robert Phillips returns home this week.

The theme for the 1991 Antwerp Days Parade is “Our Past, Our Present, Our Future.” Shane Gaisford entered this theme in the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce’s contest at the elementary school. Second prize goes to Leslye Bowers and third prize to Brian Shuherk.

From the Paulding County Progress, April 17, 1991:

Members and guests of the Paulding County Home Extension Clubs observed their annual achievement night. Several club members will be recognized at the Ohio Home Extension Convention. The Latta-Wa Ladies Club will accept two state awards. Three Latta-Wa Ladies, Sharon McClure, Robin Farris and Kathy Denny, will receive recognition during the state cultural arts fair. Cindy Skiver of the Busy Neighbors Club and Virginia Cooper of the Everwilling Club also will be recognized for their skills.

Dortha Schaefer’s weekly column, “The Spice Rack,” is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Dortha started in April 1971 under the title “Making the Scene.” She estimates she has written at least 1,000 columns so far.

70 Years Ago

From the Paulding Progress, April 19, 1956:

Heavy property damage to rolling equipment and railroad right-of-way occurred when 44 loaded cars on an eastbound Nickel Plate Railroad freight train derailed in Oakwood last Thursday morning and piled up into a twisted pile of broken freight cars and assorted merchandise. The scene of the accident was approximately 200 feet east of the viaduct where the railroad crosses over Route 66. The train was being pulled by two steam powered engines with a total of 81 cars. About 500 feet of trackage and roadbed on the main line of the railroad was torn up just west of the Oakwood freight and passenger depot. Cars were stacked up three deep. Officials said the total property loss could run well over $500,000.

Rapid progress is being made on the new multi-million cement plant being built about 2 miles north of Paulding by the Consolidated Cement Corp. The construction is ahead of schedule, as the original announcement in August was that the plant was expected to be in operation in the fall of ’56. Many of the crews have been working around the clock in the construction of the mammoth plant, with the number of workers averaging from 150 to 200 men. When completed, the plant will have an overall length of about 1,200 feet.

Lloyd Parson, proprietor of Parson’s I.G.A. Market on the west side of the square, purchased the Nicelley Super Market, which was sold at public auction. The purchase price was $15,000. Mr. Parson plans to move his business to the new site, located at the north edge of town.

This weekend at the Paulding Theatre: “Bengal Brigade” starring Rock Hudson with the suspense thriller “Life in the Balance” with Ricardo Montalban. Starting Sunday: “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” in Cinemascope and deluxe color starring Jennifer Jones and William Holden, and Paramount News and cartoon.

95 Years Ago

From the Paulding Democrat, April 16, 1931:

Paulding is now located on a new interstate highway, to be known as U.S. 127. Markers were placed along Route 9 last week, and already travelers are stopping at different places in town and asking what happened to Route 9. The new route will mean a great deal of difference in transient traffic for Paulding during the summer. People around Cincinnati will use the new Route 127 as the shortest and best route to northern Michigan.

From the Paulding County Republican, April 16, 1931:

The work of marking historically interesting points along Revolutionary trails in western Ohio is progressing. Through the efforts of the Ohio Revolutionary Memorial Association, 77 markers will be placed in Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance, Allen, Putnam, Hancock, Hardin and Wyandotte counties. The markers denoting [Gen. Anthony] Wayne’s march through Paulding County have been placed from the south side of the county until the route reaches the Auglaize River at or near Fort Brown. From Fort Brown north, the trail follows the river road on the west side of the Auglaize. Markers are placed in the villages of Roselms and Melrose and at other advantageous points. The site of the Charloe Indian village is among numerous other interesting places to be marked.*

The State Highway Department opened bids for constructing 12 miles of U.S. Route 24, in Paulding County. Included in the contract is a bridge over the Zuber Cut-off of three 50-foot spans. The concrete construction costs about $25,000 less than the macadam type and the state highway department will undoubtedly award the contract for concrete. 

135 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Republican, April 16, 1891:

The would-be funny paragraphs about the swamps of Paulding County must be laid away in their little bed. Paulding is coming to the front in great shape. Ten years ago she was considered a sort of annex to Defiance County but now she has the greater population of the two, and only falls a couple of thousand behind Putnam. – Putnam County Vidette

Last Tuesday night the “soiled doves” with which this town and community are cursed, together with their consorts, assembled at Holcombeville and engaged in a dance, during which two sisters got into a scrap. In the melee, Emma stabbed Mary with a knife, once in the head and once in the shoulder. Mary had Emma arrested on a charge of stabbing with intent to kill. The trial took place in Mayor’s Court Tuesday. After hearing the case, Mayor Knapp bound the miscreant over to the Common Pleas Court. She gave a bond of $200.

Scott was visited with a fire, which might have been worse. John Post’s and John McKinney’s saloons on the north side of Blaine Street are in ashes. Mr. Post saved a few things but Mr. KcKinney saved nothing. Mr. Post’s residence is about 30 feet north and nothing but the most heroic efforts of our citizens saved it. It took lots of work and water to save Mr. Moneysmith’s building and Mrs. Mount’s business room and dwelling.

*** Does anyone have photos of these Ohio Revolutionary Trail signs, or know of their locations today? If so, please email Paulding County History Museum at jphs454879@yahoo.com.

PAULDING – Community members, veterans organizations, and local leaders gathered on April 9, 2026, to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Paulding Veterans Memorial, a project years in the making that honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The memorial park is being created as a tribute to both past and present service members, recognizing their contributions to preserving the nation’s freedom. Organizers emphasized that the space is intended for the entire community, offering a place of reflection, remembrance, and appreciation.

The project began on April 6, 2023, when the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) initiated efforts to bring the memorial to life under the leadership of VFW member John Daeger. Early planning included an October 13, 2023 meeting with Tim Copsey to discuss the potential purchase of church property for the site. By February 1, 2024, both the Eagles and the VFW had each contributed $5,000 to kickstart fundraising efforts.

Momentum continued to build throughout 2024, with a press release issued on April 16 announcing the project, followed by a signed purchase agreement with the Paulding County Land Bank for the property. After approximately 16 months of planning and development, the VFW officially purchased the property on August 6, 2025, and initiated the acquisition of granite monuments the same day.

Those monuments were received on March 23, 2026, marking another key step forward. Just over two weeks later, the community gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony, signaling the transition from planning to construction.

Fundraising efforts have been strong, with $238,000 raised in cash donations to date. In addition, several in-kind contributions are expected to cover the cost of concrete work, significantly advancing the project toward completion.

Project organizers took time during the ceremony to recognize the many contributors who have helped bring the memorial to this stage. Special acknowledgment was given to memorial committee members, partner organizations, and donors whose financial and logistical support has been instrumental.

Key partners include Flat Rock Concrete, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2405, Homier’s Monumental, John Paulding VFW Post #587, Kauser Trucking Services, Inc., the Maumee Valley Planning Organization, the Paulding County Area Foundation, the Paulding County Economic Development Group, and the Paulding County Land Bank.

Organizers also expressed gratitude to families and community members who have supported the effort over the past three years.

With construction now underway, the Paulding Veterans Memorial moves one step closer to becoming a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered for generations to come.

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.

On Tuesday, April 7th, members of Paulding County Hospital, the PCH Payne office, along with members of the village of Payne gathered at the site of the future PCH Payne Regional Medical Center, 100 S Hyman St., Payne, OH, for a groundbreaking. 

The new facility will be very similar to the Regional Medical Center that is currently in operation in Antwerp. The Paulding County Hospital board overseeing this new project took feedback from the Payne community and learned that people do really want a full service medical facility that will also include a fitness center like the one in Paulding and Antwerp.

Dr. Nigel Hogan and his family were there to take part in the ceremony, along with recently retired Dr. Joseph Kuhn, welcoming the addition to downtown Payne. Other local participants included Payne Mayor Lora Lyons, council members, County Commissioners, Township representatives, along with the Paulding County Hospital CEO Ron Goedde, and the Hospital Board of Trustees (pictured above).

The completion of the new facility is anticipated for Fall of 2026.