The Republican candidate for Ohio’s 9th Congressional House seat visited Paulding County recently.

Derek Merrin visited various places throughout Paulding County during his visit. He started at Stoller Brothers and Sons family farm, where Brent and Mark Stoller, Francis Maag and other family members discussed agriculture in the county.

He visited the Paulding Kiwanis Club as a guest of Chris Johnson. He also visited Glen Troth and his staff. Throughout his visit he met with several Paulding County officials and residents including the county commissioners, Blaine Fickel, Terry McClure and economic development director Tim Copsey. 

The Paulding County Republican Party held a reception for him in the evening. Following the reception, he attended the Paulding County mayor’s quarterly meeting to hear their concerns. 

Merrin is running for Ohio’s 9th Congressional House seat in the November 2026 election. He is facing off against incumbent Marcy Kaptur (D) and Matthew Althaus (Lib.). The 9th Congressional district includes Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa, Williams, and newly added Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and the northern portion of Wood Counties. Merrin served for eight years in the Ohio State Legislature. During his tenure, he was the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He lives in Monclova Township and is a graduate of both the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University.

COLUMBUS, OH; Augut 6, 2026 — Christopher Elder, a Paulding resident and 2026 candidate for the Ohio House, was appointed to fill the District 9 seat vacated by Tom Pruss for the Libertarian State Central Committee. Pruss was elected in the May Primary, along with Zach Hall, both of whom are from Toledo. After the first meeting of 2026, Pruss was elected Vice Chair of the Executive Committee and resigned his seat on the Central Committee. At the August meeting, Elder was nominated and then appointed to fill the seat. 

“I look forward to serving Libertarian voters and candidates across the 9th District,” Elder posted to his social media accounts. “I think it’s cool that we have a rural voice and an urban voice representing Libertarians in the District.” The Libertarian Party of Ohio divides its Central Committee districts by US Congressional District. Elder and Hall represent all the Counties in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. 

More information about the State Central Committee and the Libertarian Party of Ohio can be found on their website at lpo.org. As more local Libertarian Clubs begin popping up across Northwest Ohio, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to their nearest County Club to contact their Central Committee members.

Ohio women from around the state recently attended the Ohio Federation of Republican Women’s Legalization Day in Columbus. Representing Paulding County were  Kathy Wilson, Laurie Lucas, and Cheryl Stromski. 

While at the event the ladies attended a business meeting, toured the capital, viewed and were acknowledged in the live Chamber sessions of the Senate and State Representatives. They enjoyed camaraderie with other Ohio Republican women, and met one on one with Paulding County area representatives at the Capitol.

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Annual Paulding County Republican Banquet on October 1, 2026. 

The Paulding County Fair saw a new organization at its Fairgrounds this year with the arrival of the Libertarian Party of Ohio. 

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen you all here before,” commented one couple who shared they’ve been coming to all the fairs in northwest Ohio for years. Christopher Elder, Libertarian candidate for Ohio House District 82, was proud and excited to speak with people as the first Libertarian candidate from Paulding since 2000. “We are here to offer a new option for people who feel like they don’t belong in either of the two major parties,” Elder said. 

The booth was also manned by four other Libertarian candidates for Statewide offices: Don Kissick and James Mills for governor and lieutenant governor, Tom Pruss for Secretary of State, and Bill Redpath for U.S. Senate. “Thanks to the amount of interest in a third-party option in the area, we are moving forward with starting a Libertarian Political Club right here in Paulding County!” Elder shared.

For more information on joining the brand-new club, interested parties should contact Christopher Elder at 419-670-1831 or elderforoh82@gmail.com 

The Paulding County Republican Party hosted a meet and greet event on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paulding, drawing a crowd of local residents and candidates seeking office at the national, state and local levels. 

The event, which ran from 5 to 8 p.m. and included a soup and sandwich supper prepared by the Paulding County Republican Women, provided an opportunity for voters to meet candidates ahead of the upcoming primary and general elections. 

Among those in attendance was Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, who is running for attorney general. Faber told attendees there will be no primary race for the position and encouraged voters to participate in the November general election. He emphasized the role of the attorney general in holding individuals accountable, stating the office is responsible for addressing those who “lie, cheat and steal” across the state while supporting law enforcement and maintaining affordability for residents.

Congressional candidates for Ohio’s 9th District also addressed the crowd. Alea Nadeem spoke about her background as an intelligence officer and her concern over the national debt, calling it “a math problem” and pledging not to support increases to the deficit. Madison Sheehan outlined priorities including protecting women’s sports, expanding economic opportunity in northwest Ohio and restoring the rule of law. Josh Williams shared his personal story and highlighted his experience as majority whip in the Ohio House, while Derek Merrin emphasized border security, constitutional principles and preserving the American dream.

Candidates for statewide office also presented their platforms. Jay Edwards discussed rising property and energy costs and proposed increasing investment of state funds in community banks. Kristina Roegner highlighted her financial background and experience in state government, describing the treasurer as the state’s chief fiscal watchdog. Marcell Strbich focused on election integrity, advocating for stronger verification processes and limiting third-party involvement in ballot handling.

State legislative candidates also spoke, including Craig Riedel and Jim Hoops, both of whom emphasized limited government, fiscal responsibility, and issues such as energy and workforce development. Roy Klopfenstein discussed energy policy and property taxes, noting the long-term challenges of reducing costs while maintaining services.

Additional remarks were made by Tony Schroeder, who encouraged voter engagement, and local candidates including Angie Stoller, who is running unopposed.

At the county level, Mark Holtsberry spoke about his experience on various committees and the importance of maintaining representation at the decision-making table. Mike Iler highlighted his connection to the community and pride in Paulding County, while Matt Miller addressed his candidacy following his appointment to the position.

The event also featured participation from younger attendees, including local volunteer Timothy Coy, who spoke briefly about the importance of listening and civic involvement.

Organizers noted that the meet and greet was intended to give voters a chance to ask questions, learn about candidates and engage directly with those seeking public office ahead of the election season.

Commissioner Mark Holtsberry, a resident of Jackson Township, is seeking re-election as your County Commissioner in the May primary.

Over eleven years ago, he became a person who did not say why, but a person who said why not. Holtsberry’s goal was, and always has been, to help improve the quality of life for over the 18,000 citizens of this county. Not all his decision making is done in the office two days a week, but out of the office in after hour meetings with the boards he serves on. This reflects the commitment to the success of our citizens of all ages. Every year the Commissioner’s office has invested monies into the safety and welfare through the Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutors Office, Emergency Management, Health Department and Soil and Water, just to name a few. Holtsberry has personally donated money several times to the Parks Board. Even defending them in court from being abolished. He is not afraid to stand alone even if the odds are not in his favor. He feels by standing alone, showing conviction, people will see what the right thing to do is. The Commissioner’s office has invested monies into Economic Development and the Land Bank. 

The success that the Land Bank has had in our County is very noticeable. The Commissioner’s office has the right people in the right places to get creative and make bold moves towards progress. With the use of American Relief Act monies, Holtsberry takes pride in knowing that our Court House has new energy efficient windows Broadband installed in numerous sections of the county. When other counties spend $100,000.00 dollars for studies for broadband, Holtsberry picked up a landline phone and reached out to educators for advice. Our County has seen growth through partnerships. Investing into job creation, retention and various infrastructure projects as well as projects dealing with the growth of our own various park projects.

Holtsberry’s goal of reaching out for state and federal monies to further assist in the current county programs is still in place. Our Senior Center, Parks Board, Senior Citizen Home Repair Program, Help Me Grow infant and youth program, just to name a few, have benefited from extra funding that Holtsberry has secured. His time spent with various community service programs has been very rewarding to him. He will never say no if some group wants him to speak. He is honored to be invited to speak, help out where he can, providing words of comfort or motivate others. With is conservative Christian values, which he was taught at an early age, he will continue to stand up for our citizens of our county. He is reminded what his mother told him a month before she passed away, “I taught you to be a leader, not a leaner.” It has been a wonderful pleasure to serve the citizens of this county for the past eleven years. God Bless you, our county and our country!

The Paulding County Republican Central Committee met Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Paulding with Chair Laurie Lucas presiding. Members present included Cheryl Stromski, Laurie Lucas, Paul Ludwig, Jan Commers, David Burtch, Michael Strable, Matt McDougall, Mark Bennett, Shannon Ruschel, Matt Miller, Caleb Miller, and Harry Wiebe, along with several guests. Sympathy was extended to Caleb Miller and his family following the passing of his sister.

Following the pledge of allegiance and roll call, the committee moved into business with the treasurer’s report presented in Treasurer Barry Rupp’s absence. The committee approved payment of several bills, including $130 for an ad in the Paulding County Township Association Trustees Handbook, $157.75 for ad design work, and $55 for a fair trophy.

The primary action item of the evening was the appointment of a new Paulding County Prosecuting Attorney. Due to the retirement of Joseph R. Burkhardt effective February 28, 2026, the committee, as authorized under Ohio law, voted to appoint Matthew A. Miller to fill the vacancy. After the resolution was read and discussed, a motion was made and unanimously approved to appoint Miller, effective immediately. Miller will serve until a successor is elected and qualified.

In her report, Chair Laurie Lucas shared updates on recent political events, including attendance at a fundraiser for Jim Hoops. She also highlighted the upcoming Republican Women’s meeting scheduled for April 8 at Fiesta Habanero, noting that plans for the upcoming Meet the Candidate Soup and Sandwich Supper would be finalized.  The April 14th “Meet the Candidate Night” will be at St. John’s Lutheran Fellowship Hall with approximately 19 candidates scheduled to attend, including multiple candidates for Secretary of State, Ohio Supreme Court, and the 9th Congressional District.

This event is just ahead of the May primary election. Members were encouraged to attend and participate in event preparations.

Under old business, the committee discussed plans for the Paulding County Fair, including tent rental, trophies, and booth setup scheduled for early June. Members agreed to pursue improvements to the party’s parade float, including potential repairs, repainting, and updated signage following the primary election.

New business included discussion of participating in the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Ideas included selling themed merchandise such as flags and t-shirts at the fair and creating a Republican Party banner for use at community events.

The committee also discussed increasing public visibility by submitting regular meeting summaries to local media and posting updates on social media platforms. It was agreed that summaries would be prepared monthly to keep the public informed.

During elected officials’ reports, Board of Elections representatives provided updates on the May primary election. Early voting will begin April 7, with extended hours closer to Election Day. Due to a scheduling conflict at Wayne Trace, voting in certain precincts will be relocated to the Grover Hill VFW, with notifications being mailed to affected voters.

Commissioner Mike Weible highlighted ongoing efforts to separate Paulding County Job and Family Services from Defiance County, with a new director hired and a transition planned for completion by July 1. He also noted continued progress on a solar energy project expected to reduce county energy costs.

State Representative Roy Klopfenstein addressed ongoing discussions regarding property taxes and unfunded state mandates. He noted that while some legislative changes have been made to limit tax increases, broader reforms remain complex due to the structure of local funding and state requirements. Committee members engaged in extended discussion on property taxes, school funding, and government efficiency.

The meeting concluded with appreciation expressed for local emergency responders following recent severe weather, and members were reminded that the next Central Committee meeting will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Mike Iler, a lifelong resident of Paulding County and former owner of the beloved Past Time Café, has officially announced his candidacy for County Commissioner on the Republican ticket. With a platform built on deep community roots and a passion for the county’s future, Iler aims to bring a business- minded approach to local government.

A Foundation of Service and Faith

A 1987 graduate of Paulding High School with a background in Business Administration and Management, Iler is a familiar face to many. His commitment to the community is reflected in his extensive involvement:

• Member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus (St. Joseph Council).

• 35-year Associate Member of the Paulding VFW

Post 587.

• Lifetime Member of the Paulding County History Museum.

“I feel I have been truly blessed to be from Paulding County,” Iler said. “This community has given so much to me and my family, and I am ready to give back by ensuring our county remains a place where families can thrive for generations.”

Family Values and Local Dedication

Married to Marcy (Reinhart) since 1998, Mike is the proud father of four daughters who embody the spirit of service: Macy, a four-year Navy veteran; Morgan and Miranda, members of the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing; and Molly, a senior at Paulding High School.

Preservation and Presentation

Iler’s vision for the county centers on a “gem” that he believes sits right within the county lines: its history and natural resources. He is a staunch advocate for the work of the Park Foundation and Friends of the Park.

“Preservation and presentation are vital,” Iler noted.

“We have beautiful rivers and natural resources that offer our residents a place to relax and connect. We must protect these assets while presenting Paulding County as the premier place to raise a family.”

Recognizing the need for a forward-thinking economy, Iler’s campaign focuses on two main goals: keeping residents in the county and creating more jobs. “To grow, we need to show people why Paulding County is a hidden gem. That means bringing in more opportunities and jobs so our children and grandchildren choose to stay here and build their lives.”

*Lifelong Resident. Business Experience. Proven Dedication.

Christopher Elder declared his candidacy for State Representative in Ohio’s 82nd District, representing Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert Counties, and a portion of Defiance County. Elder is running as a Libertarian and will appear on the Primary ballot in May.

“All your freedoms, all the time. Government overreach into your personal liberties has grown rampant and unchecked; I am running to drastically scale back the role big government plays in your life.”

Why Libertarian? A main tenet of Libertarian philosophy is this: If what you do doesn’t result in a victim or the imminent threat of harming someone else, then there is no crime or reason for punishment. Therefore, it should not be subject to government regulation. 

Elder is running to promote ranked choice voting, the eventual abolition of property taxes, and a return to more localized control of the government.

For the last three years, Elder has worked as a Family Teacher at the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert. He has seen the impacts government has had on families and children. A key part of the Marsh Foundation’s program is growing self-advocacy skills. As Representative, Elder hopes to passionately support the needs expressed by constituents in the district. Elder also has experience in hardware retail, information technology, and other social service organizations.

For more information about Christopher’s election campaign for State Representative visit his campaign link tree at: https://linktr.ee/elderforoh82 

Elder for Ohio: Brian Sandwisch, Treasurer

Payton Amweg, Campaign Manager

Email: elderforoh82@gmail.com

 COLUMBUS – State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) recently introduced legislation to provide additional protections for Ohioans who volunteer to work the polls on any registration or election day.

The bill will prohibit employers from taking disciplinary action against an employee for attending training or serving as an election official. Additionally, employers will be prohibited from requiring employees to use their annual, vacation, or sick leave to perform their duties as long as they give reasonable notice of absence.

“With the gradual decrease in poll-working volunteers over the years, the time to act is now,” said Klopfenstein. “While current law provides some protections to our employees, it doesn’t go far enough.”

Current law only restricts employers from refusing to allow an employee to serve as an elected official on any registration or election day. According to the Ohio Association of Election Officials, Ohio has lost 10-15% of poll workers annually.

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.