The Paulding County Republican Party welcomed congressional candidate Derek Merrin and U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno to Auglaize Golf Course on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Merrin, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur in the November election, joined Moreno to speak with local Republicans. 

Pictured (left to right) are Derek Merrin, Laurie Lucas and Senator Bernie Moreno.

Libertarian candidate Christopher Elder and Democratic candidate Maddux McCray participated in a debate Monday, October 19, at the Putnam County Educational Service Center in Ottawa, addressing issues affecting Ohio’s 82nd House District, including education, property taxes, economic development and government spending. Bryce Steiner of West Bend Printing & Publishing, with locations in Antwerp and Defiance, served as moderator. Republican incumbent Roy Klopfenstein did not attend. Libertarian candidate for Ohio governor Don Kissick was also in attendance.

Both candidates opened by discussing their backgrounds and reasons for seeking office. McCray, of Van Wert, expressed concerns about disparities in school funding, staffing and classroom resources. Elder, who works with children at The Marsh Foundation in Van Wert, emphasized reducing government spending and limiting government interference.

Education was a major topic throughout the debate. McCray supported Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan, emphasizing that public funds should support public schools. Elder suggested utilizing some of Ohio’s approximately $5.4 billion in unclaimed funds to benefit education and public health.

Both criticized costly, unfunded state mandates placed on schools. Elder advocated eliminating unnecessary requirements, while McCray questioned expenses associated with instructional materials and teacher licensing.

Both also questioned the effectiveness of standardized testing. McCray emphasized practical life skills, financial literacy, civics, apprenticeships and career exploration to better prepare graduates for adulthood.

McCray called for greater transparency, requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs and temporarily pausing new construction. Elder criticized nondisclosure agreements and emphasized public involvement before approving major developments or tax incentives.

Regarding population decline, McCray supported attracting industries offering good-paying jobs to retain younger residents. Elder favored reducing financial burdens on individuals and questioned whether government intervention was necessary.

Elder supported eventually eliminating property taxes, beginning with targeted relief. McCray favored assistance for first-time homebuyers but warned that eliminating property taxes without replacement revenue could jeopardize schools and essential services.

Asked about potential state budget cuts, Elder suggested examining government salaries and benefits. McCray agreed and also discussed recreational marijuana as a possible revenue source.

Both candidates criticized restrictions imposed on recreational marijuana following voter approval. McCray emphasized respecting voters’ decisions, while Elder advocated reducing regulations affecting law-abiding adults.

An audience question addressed Ohio House Bill 20, concerning restrictions on approaching first responders. Both candidates expressed concerns about protecting constitutional rights while ensuring emergency personnel can perform their duties without interference.

Both supported improving mental health services, particularly for children. Elder emphasized rehabilitation rather than incarceration and expanding behavioral health resources. McCray supported additional mental health education in schools and services for first responders.

When questioned about declining volunteer participation in fire and emergency departments, Elder acknowledged needing more information, while McCray suggested incentives to encourage volunteerism.

Throughout the debate, Elder emphasized fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms and reducing government regulations. McCray focused on public education, economic opportunities and maintaining essential services.

Despite their differing political philosophies, both candidates agreed on the importance of transparency in economic development, addressing unnecessary school mandates, expanding mental health resources and respecting the will of Ohio voters.

The debate offered residents an opportunity to compare the candidates’ positions ahead of the November 3 general election.

Parkview Health announces agreement to acquire Ovation Healthcare to strengthen community healthcare nationwide, advance local affordability

Parkview Health has signed an agreement to acquire Ovation Healthcare, a leading provider of shared services that strengthen the operational and financial performance of hospitals, health systems and physician practices nationwide.

As the largest rural healthcare provider in Indiana, Parkview understands the severe resource constraints facing rural hospitals nationwide. By investing in Ovation Healthcare, Parkview is bringing its administrative and operational expertise, such as in revenue cycle management and information services, to a premier national rural health platform to help providers keep care close to home in the communities that need it most.

“With Ovation Healthcare, we are extending Parkview’s proven operational depth across the nation to help rural providers remain independent, while continuing to drive down administrative costs for our local patients,” said Rick Henvey, CEO of Parkview Health. “Rural healthcare is in crisis across the country because of a lack of resources and models that allow providers to succeed. Through Ovation, we can help rural providers lower the cost of care with essential infrastructure and allow them to focus their resources on patient care.”

Parkview began expanding its operational capabilities to support independent healthcare providers in 2025. Through its investment in Ovation, Parkview can expand its commitment to a national shared services platform that allows hospitals to focus their resources on clinical care while also lowering costs. Following closing, the two companies will combine their complementary operations and operate under the Ovation Healthcare brand.

Parkview’s investment in Ovation is another significant step in its multi-year strategy to lower the cost of care for employers and patients by reducing administrative expenses while continuing to focus on leading the state in quality and safety at the bedside. Over the past five years, Parkview has reduced commercial reimbursement rates by more than $1.1 billion for northern Indiana and northwest Ohio and committed to further rate cuts in 2025 that extend through 2029.

“Parkview was the clear choice for Ovation’s next chapter because it shares our commitment to strengthening community healthcare and values the financial discipline of the shared services platform that has made Ovation a trusted partner to its clients,” said Dr. Dwayne Gunter, CEO of Ovation Healthcare. “With Parkview’s support, we can invest more deeply in our people and capabilities while combining our experience to help hospitals and health systems strengthen performance and keep care close to home, particularly in rural communities.”

The transaction is anticipated to close in the coming weeks following standard regulatory review processes and approvals. Upon closing, Parkview Health will become the owner of Ovation Healthcare. Ovation will continue to operate as a separate healthcare services organization with its own governing board.

The Paulding County Republican Party welcomed local and state party leaders, candidates and guests Thursday, Oct. 1, for its 2026 Fall Banquet in Paulding at the OSU Extension Building at the fairgrounds. An evening that featured a full slate of speakers and concluded with keynote remarks from Detroit pastor, author and community leader Lorenzo Sewell.

Paulding County Republican Chairwoman Laurie Lucas welcomed those attending the banquet. The opening ceremonies included the National Anthem by Gina Campbell, 1st District State Central Committeewoman; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Putnam County student Chase Maag; a moment of silence for service members serving overseas and their families; and an invocation by Dave Cline. A delicious dinner was provided by Grant’s Catering.

The evening’s program included State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein and candidate for U.S. Representative 9th district Derek Merrin, along with Ohio Supreme Court candidates Colleen O’Donnell and Dan Hawkins.

Other speakers and guests appearing on the program included Gabe Guidarini, Ohio field representative for Turning Point Action; Ohio treasurer candidate Jay Edwards; Benjamin Nguyen, a member of the Lakota Local Schools Board; and Gary Cates, 4th District State Central Committeeman. Nguyen is only 19 years old and was elected to his school board seat last year at only 18 years old!

The featured speaker was Lorenzo Sewell, senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, MI. Sewell has been active in faith-based community initiatives and Republican politics and delivered a prayer during President Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration. His church also hosted Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. Sewell has appeared on national television and other media programs discussing faith, politics and community issues. He gave a rousing speech during the banquet impressing upon attendees that our battle isn’t Republican vs Democrat and the importance of going to the polls for Election Day and not to rely on the integrity of absentee ballots.

Sewell is also the author of Faith and Politics, a book examining the intersection of spirituality and political engagement. His community work includes founding THEM — Transportation, Housing, Education and Mental Illness — an initiative designed to address community issues through partnerships with organizations including the Detroit City Council and Wayne State University. He also co-founded Diversity N-U, an organization focused on cultural transformation.

Fundraising activities were also part of the evening, including the traditional Paulding County pie auction with Paulding County Sheriff, Jason Landers serving as auctioneer for Anna Lee Adams’ and Jackie Hyman’s infamous baking skills. The program also featured a German Chocolate Cake made by Teresa Williamson, an auction of a handmade quilt donated and made by R. E.A. Henney, and a silent auction.

The event was supported by youth sponsors Roy Klopfenstein and Craig Riedel; platinum sponsors Troth Law Office, Cliff and Laurie Lucas, Terry and Lisa McClure, Klopfenstein, Riedel and Timothy Coy–Patriot Academy; and silver sponsors Rex and Teresa Williamson.

Check out all the highlights and watch Lorenzo Sewell’s speech on 3N Live facebook page with James Orozco, by scanning the QR code here!

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is working with local officials to improve safety at the intersection of U.S. 24 and County Road 143. The modifications are needed due to the traffic volume, recent crashes, and new development nearby.

The median at the intersection will be modified to limit all intersection traffic to right turns only with the exception of U.S. 24 westbound. Taking into account the predominant movement to the city of Defiance, the left turn from U.S. 24 westbound to County Road 143 southbound will continue to be available. 

“This intersection has seen serious crashes, and we do not want to wait to make changes. Our goal is to reduce the potential of serious crashes and help everyone get home safely. These modifications will provide an added layer of safety while we work toward a long-term solution,” said ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes.

The move is an interim solution, made in coordination with local officials, while ODOT applies for funding in the March 2027 application cycle from Ohio’s Highway Safety Program to design and build a reduced collision U-turns (R-CUT).  If approved, funding would likely be in 2031 or later.

On Monday, Sept. 29, ODOT crews will use barrels to close off the U.S. 24 eastbound left turn lane and mark out the course of the remaining westbound left turn lane through the median. A message board will be posted eastbound to inform motorists of the change. Barricades will be posted in the median directing both northbound and southbound County Road 143 traffic to make right turns only. Crews will follow at a later date to remove pavement and paint new roadway markings.

Signs on U.S. 24 and the local roads approaching the intersection will be modified to reflect the change in access. 

ODOT will coordinate with local emergency services to determine if emergency median turnarounds are necessary to facilitate response.

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.

August 3 – A vehicle was observed making an improper stop. A traffic stop followed, and criminal indicators were observed. A canine was called in, and possible methamphetamine was found and sent to BCI for testing. A report was forwarded to the prosecutor.

August 3 – A resident requested officers increase patrol on Erie and Canal streets for people speeding and running stop signs.

August 5 – Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on W. River St.

August 6 – Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident at the Sunoco gas station.

August 7 – Officers responded to a residence in Antwerp for a vehicle unlock.

August 8 – A welfare check was requested for an elderly resident in the village.

August 8 – Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on private property.

August 8 – Officers responded to a domestic violence report. A report was filed and sent to the prosecutor.

August 9 – A report was made about a tree in the roadway on N. Madison St.

August 10 – Officers responded to a residence for open burning.

August 11 – A vehicle was observed running a stop sign. During the traffic stop, the driver was found to have a suspended license. The officer issued a citation, and the vehicle was towed.

August 11 – A resident reported a citizen mowing grass clippings into the roadway. Officers responded, and the roadway was cleared.

August 13 – Officers were called to investigate a possible fraud case involving an Antwerp citizen.

August 13 – Officers were notified of a vehicle driving erratically while heading into Antwerp.

August 14 – An officer responded to a residence for a welfare check on two juveniles.

August 16 – A motorcycle operator was stopped and cited for illegal passing and street racing.

August 16 – An officer responded to a residence in the village for a domestic dispute.

August 18 – The Antwerp Police Department received a call regarding a neighborhood dispute. A resident complained that a neighbor was yelling and cussing at her. Officers responded and left without incident.

August 18 – While on patrol, officers observed a vehicle make an improper stop. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was cited for driving under suspension.

August 18 – An officer responded to a call at a residence for suspected theft of prescription medication.

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 Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 will convert three intersections to all-way stops to improve safety.

The changes, expected to begin in two weeks, is part of a statewide initiative that is implementing 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.

“Following the successful implementation of all-way stops at eight intersections in the spring, initial results are encouraging and well-received by local communities,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “As we evaluate other intersections with low crash rates, but concerning safety trends, we are pleased to have this low-cost tool available where it is needed most.” 

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

August 24:

Mercer County – State Route 119 (Defiance Avenue)/State Route 716 (Harrison Street), village of Maria Stein

August 31:

Mercer County – State Route 118/State Route 707

September 7:

Paulding County – State Route 637/County Road 138

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.

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.

July 8 – Antwerp Library reported the theft of an outdoor yard ornament. The case was investigated, a juvenile suspect was located, and the item was recovered.

July 8 – A resident requested a welfare check on a resident of Leinard Mobile Home Park. An officer located the individual, and all was well.

July 9 – A resident requested an officer keep the peace as parents exchanged custody of their children.

July 9 – A resident reported someone had stolen their phone from a residence on Road 162. The complainant was referred to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

July 10 – Antwerp Police were requested for a vehicle unlock.

July 10 – An officer responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Canal and Harrmann streets.

July 10 – The Antwerp Police Department was contacted regarding a resident being yelled at by a neighbor for allegedly speeding through the park.

July 10 – Sunoco gas station reported a gas drive-off theft.

July 11 – The Antwerp Police Department assisted Antwerp EMS on West River Street.

July 12 – A business owner requested a check of his business after being unable to reach any of his employees. An officer responded and found everything secure.

July 16 – A golf cart inspection was performed.

July 18 – A resident reported her 12-year-old son had been threatened by another juvenile via Instagram.

July 20 – The Antwerp Police Department was contacted to unlock a vehicle parked downtown.

July 20 – A Payne resident reported losing a wallet and phone at Dollar General in Antwerp. An officer investigated, identified the person who had picked up the items, responded to the address, and recovered the property.

July 20 – A resident on South Erie Street reported a low-hanging wire. An officer responded and contacted AEP.

July 21 – A resident contacted the police department requesting assistance in retrieving belongings from a girlfriend’s residence.

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!