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!

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 

Taking the next step forward, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is seeking public comments on a project to construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Van Wert-Decatur Road, just west of the city of Van Wert.

In 2025, ODOT completed a safety study of the U.S. 224 and Van Wert-Decatur Road intersection to evaluate safety enhancement options such as a multi-way stop, traffic signal, or a roundabout. The study recommends transforming the three-legged T-intersection into a single-lane roundabout. Ohio’s Highway Safety Program is funding the project with construction slated for 2029.

Following a comparison of roundabout design options, ODOT recommends an off-center circular roundabout. The design allows for phased construction to reduce traffic impacts, requires temporary right-of-way (only for construction), and has the lowest construction cost.

Construction cost is estimated at $3.58 million.

The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposed design alternatives for the intersection by July 15, 2026. Comments regarding the project will be accepted at any time, but those received by the deadline will be included in the official public input summary report. Public input will help shape the final design.

• Use the comment form on the project website or contact the project manager directly (see below).

• Requests for interpretation service or reasonable accommodation may be submitted through the project website or by contacting the project manager.

Visit the project webpage to view the design alternatives and to submit feedback.

On May 26 a resident of Canal St. reported juveniles riding scooters on the street. An officer located one juvenile, age 12, riding a scooter and informed the juvenile that scooters could not be operated on the roadway.

On May 27 two golf cart inspections were requested.

On May 27 the Antwerp Police Department investigated the theft of one of the village nuisance signs. Photographs of the vehicle and suspect were obtained, and the case remains under investigation.

On May 30 the Hicksville Police Department contacted the Antwerp Police Department requesting information regarding a possible sex offender.

On May 30 a resident of Woodcox St. contacted the police department regarding a tree that had fallen into the roadway. An officer responded, contacted utility personnel and the homeowner, and remained on scene until the tree was removed.

On May 30 the police department received a request for a vehicle unlock.

On June 2 the police department received a call from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office regarding a 911 hang-up call. An officer responded to the location and determined the call had been accidental.

On June 3 a resident of Washington St. reported that two vehicles had run the stop sign at the intersection of Washington and Madison streets. The caller described the drivers as teenage boys, one operating a gold-colored vehicle, and believed both vehicles had been speeding.

On June 3 a resident contacted the police department regarding an alleged violation of a protection order. A report was prepared and forwarded to the prosecutor.

On June 4 a suspicious vehicle was reported in the Family Dollar parking lot. An officer responded, located the vehicle, and determined that nothing suspicious was taking place.

On June 4 a resident contacted the police department and requested that a report be completed regarding a custody issue.

On June 4 a village resident contacted the police department to file a harassment complaint.

On June 4 Dollar General contacted the police department regarding a man sleeping in his vehicle in the parking lot. An officer spoke with the individual, who stated that he had pulled off the highway to rest because he was tired.

On June 5 a counselor contacted the police department requesting a welfare check on one of their clients. An officer responded to the residence, spoke with the individual, and determined everything was okay.

On June 5 the Defiance County Adult Probation Department contacted the police department regarding a visit to a probationer’s residence located within the village.

On June 5 a local business contacted the police department requesting a fraud report.

On June 5 a resident requested a golf cart inspection.

On June 6 a resident of Canal St. requested a vehicle unlock.

On June 6 a resident reported that $1,500 had been removed from her bank account. Investigation revealed that three fraudulent checks had cleared the account.

On June 7 the police department received a report of a minor accident in the library parking lot. An officer responded and prepared a report.

On June 8 a resident came to the police department regarding a check that had been written to an unknown individual. The resident stated they did not remember issuing the check.

On June 9 a company contacted the police department seeking assistance in locating one of its employees who was traveling and had reportedly stopped at the local Dollar General. An officer checked the area and determined the employee was not there, but was later able to locate the individual and notify the company.

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!