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

ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces traffic restrictions at the junction of I-469 and U.S. 24/Rose Avenue for construction.

Starting on or after March 23, crews will be working on U.S. 24 between Linden Road and Doyle Road. There will be alternating lane closures in both directions for patching work. Crews will also close the on-ramp from eastbound Rose Ave./U.S. 24 to southbound I-469 for reconstruction. Traffic needing to access southbound I-469 should utilize the loop ramps.

Work in the area is expected to be complete by the end of April. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

INDOT encourages drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when traveling in and around all work zones.

LIMA, Ohio (Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 will convert eight intersections to all-way stops to improve safety.

The project, expected to begin in March, is part of a statewide initiative that will implement all-way stops at select intersections throughout Ohio.

The locations selected for conversion are where crash data found the most common type of crash was the result of a failure to stop or a failure to yield to cross-traffic that was not required to stop.

“These intersections have a higher rate of angle crashes, which often result in serious injuries or fatalities,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “Our goal is zero fatalities. When all approaches are expected to stop, crash severity is significantly reduced,” he said.

The work will take place over the next three months; the locations and expected timing of the closures are detailed below:

March 9

Defiance County – State Route 18 (Defiance Avenue)/U.S. 127 (Harrison Street), village of Sherwood

Wyandot County – U.S. 23/State Route 199, both interchange ramps, city of Upper Sandusky 

April 6

Hancock County – State Route 330/State Route 568/County Road 330, near the village of Vanlue

Hancock County – State Route 613/Township Road 142, near the village of Van Buren

May 4

Paulding County – State Route 613/State Route 637, near the village of Melrose

Putnam County – State Route 108/State Route 613, near the village of Miller City

Putnam County – State Route 109/State Route 613, near the village of West Leipsic

Message boards to alert drivers of the changes will be placed approximately two weeks prior and remain on site for approximately two weeks after the change to remind motorists of the new traffic pattern. All approaches of the intersections will be equipped with flashing stop-ahead signs. 

ODOT will continue to monitor the intersections to ensure the all-way stop is operating as intended.

Throughout Ohio, ODOT is reviewing intersections to determine where all-way stops could make travel safer. The solution has been found to improve intersection safety in other states. Since 2018, the state of North Carolina converted over 500 intersections from a typical two-way to all-way stop control. Their analysis of 348 of these locations showed a 100% reduction in fatal crashes and 95% reduction in serious injury crashes. Similar results were also seen in the state of Delaware.

On February 1 a theft was reported from a juvenile. The officer responded and investigated the situation.

On February 1 a gas drive-off was reported at one of the local stations. The officer located the individual, and the individual returned and paid for the gas.

On February 2 Antwerp Police Department responded to a 911 hang-up call on Buffalo St. An officer responded and determined everything was okay.

On February 4 an officer was called to a residence in reference to a child custody issue.

On February 4 a motor vehicle accident was reported on Oak St. The officer investigated and located the vehicle involved in the accident.

On February 4 a residence of Washington St. requested an officer to assist in getting people into her home. The officer responded.

On February 5 the Fulton County Sheriff contacted the police department in reference to an individual that lives in the village.

On February 8 Antwerp Police Department was called to Antwerp School to unlock a vehicle. The vehicle was unlocked.

On February 8 a residence of Washington reported being scammed on Facebook. They attempted to purchase an animal, then were contacted to pay more money to have the animal shipped. It was determined to be a scam.

On February 9 Antwerp Police Department assisted Antwerp EMS at the North Garden Apartments.

On February 9 Antwerp Police Department assisted Antwerp EMS at Antwerp Manor.

On February 9 Antwerp Police Department was called to Park Avenue Villas in reference to someone who had moved into an apartment without signing the lease agreement.

On February 9 an officer responded to an alarm at a business on Erie St. The officer determined everything was okay.

On February 10 an alarm was received from a business on Erie St. An officer responded and determined everything was ok.

On February 11 a residence of Woodcox St. had backed into and knocked over their mailbox. An officer responded, prepared a report, and is investigating the situation.

On February 11 an officer responded to a business on Main St. and recovered a knife lying outside.

If you would like to report any suspicious activity or if you have any questions, please contact the Antwerp Police Department, 419-258-2627. They are always ready to serve the residents of the Village of Antwerp!

December 16: The Antwerp Police Department was contacted regarding a resident who had not received an expected Amazon package. The officer responded to the residence, drove around the area, and located the package at the fire department.

December 22: The Defiance Police Department requested that an individual in the village be contacted. The officer located the person at Leinard Mobile Home Park and advised them to call the Defiance Police Department.

December 27: The Antwerp Police Department assisted Antwerp EMS with a call.

December 29: The police department was contacted regarding a manhole cover that had come off and was in the street near North Main Street.

The Antwerp Police Department was also requested to unlock a vehicle at North Garden Apartments.

December 30: A resident reported that he believed his ex-girlfriend was creating fake Facebook accounts using his name. A report was prepared and forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.

An officer located a bicycle near the Root Beer Stand. The bicycle was brought to the police department for safekeeping.

December 31: The police department was requested to conduct a welfare check on an elderly resident. Everything was found to be in order.

A vehicle was stopped on River Street near Wentworth Street for exceeding the posted speed limit. The driver was cited for speeding and driving under suspension.

January 1: A records check was performed at the request of the military.

January 3: A resident contacted the Antwerp Police Department regarding a motor vehicle accident on the curve outside the village limits. The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to handle the report.

January 5: An officer assisted EMS with a semi-truck driver experiencing a medical emergency at Dollar General.

An officer also assisted with unlocking a vehicle at the Dollar Store.

If you would like to report any suspicious activity or if you have any questions, please contact the Antwerp Police Department, 419-258-2627. They are always ready to serve the residents of the Village of Antwerp!

The Antwerp Village Council met on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, under the direction of Mayor Jan Reeb. Council members present included Jason Franks, Bill Boylan, Dean Rister, Bryan Smith, Bryce Steiner, and John DeVore III. Police Chief George Clemens, Administrator Brian Davis, Fiscal Officer Kevin Hornish, and Solicitor Brandon Grigsby were also in attendance.

Following approval of the August meeting minutes and financial reports, council recognized Greg Geyer of the Paulding County Veterans Service Office, who presented a proclamation designating Antwerp as a Purple Heart Village. Signs recognizing the designation will be installed at village entrances on SR 49 and old US 24. Mayor Reeb read the proclamation aloud, and council unanimously passed the resolution.

Council also heard from Gabe Oberlin, a landholder in the village, regarding his plans to build a home on Oswalt Street. Due to an unusual lot configuration, Oberlin requested that two parcels be combined to allow construction. Council passed Ordinance 2025-15 under emergency to authorize the combination of Parcel Nos. 12-30S-016-00 and 12-30S-015-00.

Multiple other emergency measures were also passed. Resolution 2025-16, which accepts a $54,500 donation from the Antwerp Community Improvement Corporation to assist with a recent property purchase, received its third and final reading and passed unanimously.

Council also passed Resolution 2025-17 under emergency to accept the amounts and rates from the Paulding County Budget Commission. Fiscal Officer Kevin Hornish explained that this annual measure certifies tax levies already approved by voters and must be filed by October 1.

Ordinance 2025-13 was passed as an emergency to comply with new statewide cybersecurity mandates. The ordinance prohibits ransomware payments, establishes incident reporting requirements, and sets deadlines for cybersecurity policy adoption. The village’s IT provider, Small Business Technologies, is working to implement technical requirements and provide staff training through the Ohio Plan insurance carrier.

Ordinance 2025-14 was passed as an emergency to finalize the annexation of property from Carryall Township into the village. The state requires formal adoption of an ordinance after the 60-day waiting period following county approval.

During new business, Davis informed council that Antwerp Rotary has agreed to serve as the financial conduit for donations to the Veterans Memorial Banner Project. He also addressed road maintenance issues, noting that street grindings intended for Shaffer Road were unexpectedly hauled away by a contractor. He will seek updated pricing for chip-and-seal treatment instead.

Davis reported that funding for engineering has been released through the Safe Routes to School program, allowing design work to begin on sidewalk improvements along Harrmann Road.

A significant discussion centered on upcoming EPA mandates concerning ammonia and nitrogen discharge limits at the wastewater treatment facility. Davis explained that even a new mechanical plant would not meet the standards. The only feasible option is to install a 10-inch forced main from the treatment facility to the Maumee River, at an estimated cost of $2 million. Engineering alone is projected at $339,000. An ordinance to authorize engineering will be introduced next month, with final passage expected in December.

Mayor Reeb announced that Trick-or-Treat will take place Saturday, October 25. The fire department will host a costume parade at 2:30 p.m., followed by judging at 3:00 p.m. at the fire station, and Trick-or-Treat will run from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The mayor’s court report will be presented at the next meeting.

Council adjourned following a motion by Steiner and second by Boylan.

July 29 – A vehicle was stopped for an unsecured load because trash was falling off. It was determined the driver was suspended, and the vehicle had expired plates. The driver was cited and the vehicle was towed.

July 30 – Antwerp Police Department received a 911 call from a residence on River St. It was determined to be an accidental call.

August 2 – A resident of Park Avenue Villas requested a vehicle unlock.

August 4 – Antwerp Police Department was contacted in reference to a domestic violence situation at a residence on S. Cleveland St. The case was investigated, a complaint prepared, a warrant issued, and the individual was later arrested.

August 5 – An officer notified a residence of Cleveland St. in reference to a junk vehicle. The next day the vehicle was removed.

August 5 – A resident of S. Cleveland was notified in reference to trash in a hot tub and other items in a pile.

August 7 – A resident contacted the police department in reference to someone on Facebook posting his family’s phone numbers and attempting to contact them. Officer spoke to the individual about the situation.

August 8 – It was reported that a door-to-door salesman was on Diamond Drive. Officer attempted to locate the individual but was unsuccessful.

August 8 – A motor vehicle accident happened at River and Harrmann. Officer responded, investigated, and found one driver at fault.

August 8 – Officer assisted a resident on Daggett along with Antwerp EMS.

August 8 – A hit-skip accident was reported at Pop and Brew. The suspected vehicle is a white 2017 Ford Expedition driven by a white female.

August 8 – Antwerp Police Department was contacted in reference to a person possibly having suicidal thoughts at North Garden Apartments. Officer spoke to the individual, who seemed to be okay.

August 9 – A resident contacted police regarding unwanted menacing threats received via Facebook Messenger.

August 9 – A wallet found in the library parking lot was turned in. The owner later retrieved it.

August 9 – A resident reported a ball hit the side of their house. Officer retrieved the ball and spoke to the kids and their father.

August 9 – A knife found at the park during Antwerp Day in the Park was brought to the police department.

August 10 – Antwerp Police Department received a call in reference to disorderly conduct at a residence on N. Main. Officer obtained statements and referred the case to the prosecutor’s office.

August 10 – Antwerp Police Department received a call regarding unruly juveniles at a residence on Stone St. Officer investigated and forwarded a report to the prosecutor’s office.

August 11 – Antwerp Police Department was contacted in reference to an unruly juvenile. Officer responded and investigated.

August 12 – Antwerp Police Department received a call regarding a juvenile making suicidal threats. Officer responded.

August 12 – Antwerp Police Department responded to a breaking and entering and theft. The suspect was located, and the report was forwarded to the prosecutor.

August 12 – Antwerp Police Department was contacted regarding an AEP electric pole fire. Officer responded and called the fire department.

August 13 – Antwerp Police Department received an alarm call at Antwerp Exchange Bank. Officer determined it was a false alarm.

If you would like to report any suspicious activity or if you have any questions, please contact the Antwerp Police Department, 419-258-2627. They are always ready to serve the residents of the Village of Antwerp!