AgCredit has announced the recipients of its 2026 Joe Leiser Memorial Scholarships. This year, AgCredit awarded $25,000 distributed between twelve recipients to support their educational goals during the 2026–2027 academic year. Among them is Elyssa Renner, local to Van Wert County. Elyssa will attend Wright State University, majoring in Agriculture Business.

The scholarship program honors Joe Leiser, AgCredit’s first president and CEO, who was known for his deep-rooted passion for agriculture and his commitment to doing what was right for farmers. Each year, the program awards scholarships to dependent family members of AgCredit voting stockholders pursuing degrees in agriculture or related community-supported fields.

“Investing in students is an investment in the future of our industry,” said President and CEO Brian Ricker. “These scholarship recipients embody the dedication, resilience, and integrity that drive meaningful progress in agriculture. By supporting their educational journeys, we are helping cultivate the next generation of leaders who will carry our mission forward and make a lasting impact in their communities.”

About AgCredit

AgCredit is a cooperative lender and proud member of the Farm Credit System, which was created over 100 years ago to provide a reliable source of credit for the nation’s farmers and ranchers. AgCredit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. For more information about AgCredit or its Joe Leiser Memorial Scholarship program, visit AgCredit.net.

Reunited and it feels so good! The Antwerp class of 1976 is at it again, this time to celebrate their 50th class reunion! The festivities were held at The MAC Gym in Antwerp, with over 65 classmates and friends in attendance. The event, hosted by, Pam (Slight) Helms, and Elaine (Carr) Phillips was deemed a great success. Steve Bechtol of MRB Tunes graciously provided the music, while Stan Spryn prepared a scrumptious buffet including brisket, chicken and sides. Cupcakes were provided by Kathy (Knapp) Whitney.

Attendees enjoyed a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to the class fund, with the winner Randy Ott donating a portion of his prize back to the fund. Gag gifts were also given to those who were married the longest, had the most grandkids, retired first, travelled the farthest to attend the reunion (Rick Eblen and his wife travelled over 1,100 miles!), and other categories. Classmates were also eligible to win gift cards that were generously donated from local businesses.

Overall, everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing about days past, and catching up on life since then. Attendees visited the memories table which included photos, the 1976 Archers yearbook, and a tribute tree for those who have passed. The class song “We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” by Seals & Crofts brought back memories as it echoed through the crowd.

“And all the secrets in the universe, whisper in our ears.

All the years will come and go

Take us up, Always up”

Organizers wish to thank those who helped with the set up and clean up. Your efforts helped tremendously. Congratulations to the class of 1976 for 50 years of solidarity and friendship. up”

Organizers wish to thank those who helped with the set up and clean up. Your efforts helped tremendously. Congratulations to the class of 1976 for 50 years of solidarity and friendship.

By: Lynsey Pease

During her Sophomore year at Wayne Trace High School, Madison Pease used her creativity and design skills to create a series of Christmas and Winter themed banners for the Village of Haviland.

Working with support from her father, Robert Pease and the council President Neal Stoller, Madison designed several Banners that combined festive holiday imagery with symbols that represented the Village and Wayne Trace Raiders. One banner featured a light blue winter background with the message “Merry Christmas” above and a Raider Mascot wearing a Santa Hat. Another, displayed a bright red background with the greeting “Happy Holidays” and a Raider Mascot placed over a star design.

These banners combined School Spirit with Holiday traditions and were designed to make residents feel connected with their Community.

A third banner welcomed visitors to Haviland with snowflakes, winter colors and the message “Welcome to Haviland, OH,  Est. 1892”. The banner highlighted the Village’s History while celebrating the winter season.

Madison was able to recognize the Community’s heritage and create a design that reflected local Pride.

Residents enjoyed seeing the Banners displayed throughout the town and appreciated the combination of Holiday Cheer, School Pride and local history. The designs helped create a welcoming atmosphere and added a festive touch to a small town during the winter months.

Cassidy Kurita, daughter of Babette (Whitaker) and Makoto Kurita  received her Doctorate degree from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She is now doing her residency at Duke University Hospital. 

Younger sister, Remi finished her Masters in Geo Science and got accepted to the University of South Carolina for her PHD receiving  paid tuition and a stipend for 4 years.

Cassidy and Remi Kurita are also the granddaughters of Nancy and the late Pete Whitaker.

Mother Babette is originally from Scott Ohio and a graduate of Wayne Trace High School. Father  Makoto is from Tokyo. They currently reside in Texas.

WOODBURN, Ind. — For eight innings, the Woodlan Lady Warriors matched Central Noble pitch for pitch and inning for inning in a tense regional softball showdown on June 2. But the Cougars finally broke through in the ninth inning, scoring four runs to claim a 4-0 victory and bring Woodlan’s postseason run to an end.  

The regional contest was a classic pitchers’ duel through regulation and into extra innings. Neither team was able to push a run across the plate during the first eight innings as both defenses repeatedly came up with key plays. Woodlan managed just two hits in the game while Central Noble collected eight, but the Warriors’ defense and pitching kept the contest scoreless deep into extra innings.  

Woodlan’s only hits came from freshman Amelia Riley and sophomore Ellce Krauter, who each finished 1-for-3 at the plate. Riley also accounted for both of the Warriors’ stolen bases.    

Central Noble ace Grace Swank proved difficult to solve throughout the afternoon. The senior pitcher threw a complete-game shutout, allowing only two hits while striking out 20 Woodlan batters over nine innings. She did not issue a walk and faced just 30 hitters in the dominant performance.  

Lucy McHenry carried the load in the circle for Woodlan, pitching eight strong innings. The junior allowed seven hits and three earned runs while striking out eight. Sophia Martin also saw action, pitching one inning and allowing one run. Together, the Warriors’ pitchers held Central Noble scoreless through eight innings before the Cougars erupted in the ninth.  

Central Noble’s offense was led by Kaitlyn Tilley, who went 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Grace Swank added two hits, a run and an RBI, while Molly Mann contributed a hit, a run and an RBI. Katie Forker also drove in a run for the Cougars.  

Woodlan’s defense recorded 27 putouts and 11 assists, committing two errors in the contest. Addison Klotz was credited with 10 putouts, while Ellce Krauter added 10 putouts behind the plate.  

The loss ended an impressive season for the Lady Warriors, who finished with a 25-6 record and advanced to the regional round after a successful postseason run. Central Noble improved to 25-6 and advanced with the 4-0 extra-inning victory.  

PEVS held their annual staff appreciation and recognition breakfast on May 20.  Those being recognized for their service to PEVS this year are as follows:

30 Years of Service:

Tom Bidlack, Shawn Brewer

Retirees:

Michele Boundy, custodian – 28 1/2 years; Kristy Bradford, Tech teacher – 25 years; Eric Deisler, JH Principal – 29 years; Lance Estle, Phys Ed/Health/Intervention Specialist – 28 years; Melissa Harder, HS Social Studies teacher – 32 years; Barb Konopka, custodian – 21 1/2 years; Harold ‘Butch’ Raub, bus driver – 14 years; Dave Smith, bus driver – 17 years; Jon Snodgrass, JH History teacher – 34 years; Nancy Wilcox, bus driver/cafe worker – 26 years

Three former students were inducted into the Paulding Exempted Village Schools Academic Hall of Fame during ceremonies held on May 17, 2026.

Honored for their academic achievements and professional accomplishments were Carlton Schlatter, DMV, a member of the Paulding High School Class of 1979; Frank Lands, a member of the Paulding High School Class of 1992; and Betty Schlatter, CNM, PhD, a graduate of Auglaize-Brown High School’s Class of 1966.

HAVILAND — Wayne Trace Local Schools officially broke ground May 27 on a major expansion project that will further enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students throughout the district.

The new STEAM Center expansion is being funded through a $2.4 million grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Development and represents a significant investment in career-technical and project-based education at Wayne Trace.

Designed by Munger Munger + Associates Architects, Inc. and constructed by Alexander & Bebout, Inc., the project will add a dedicated STEAM Center equipped with tools, machinery and production equipment, along with a new art-focused classroom and a STEM/engineering classroom designed specifically for hands-on career-tech learning experiences.

Construction is expected to begin in earnest during early June, with completion anticipated before the end of 2026.

The expansion comes as Wayne Trace’s STEAM and Career Technical Education programs continue to experience rapid growth. Students currently have opportunities to explore engineering, robotics, video production, entrepreneurship, print production, visual design and a variety of real-world projects completed in partnership with local businesses and organizations throughout the region.

School officials noted that the new facility is about much more than simply adding classroom space. The expansion is intended to create additional opportunities for students to build, create, collaborate and gain practical experience that will prepare them for future careers and higher education pathways.

The project was made possible through the support and collaboration of numerous community partners, educators and school leaders. Special recognition was given to Angie Stokes, Wayne Trace STEAM teacher, for her leadership and vision in helping guide the continued growth and development of the district’s STEAM programming.

When completed, the new facility will provide expanded resources and learning environments that support innovation, creativity and workforce readiness, helping ensure students have access to cutting-edge educational opportunities right in their own community.

Those interested in learning more about the expansion project can view a presentation online that details the plans and vision for the new STEAM Center – just scan the QR code here:

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 from left are Maria Silvia Gastelum Lopez (Grade 8), Jayla Bittinger (Grade 7), and Avery Parrett (Grade 6).

Each month Paulding Junior High School teachers select one Student of the Month per grade level. These students are recognized for being some of the top academic performers at Paulding Junior High School. Shown in the picture from left are Angel Reno (Grade 6), Devin Scott (Grade 7), and Miranda Lewis (Grade 8).

Van wert, Ohio – Family, friends, and representatives from Vantage Career Center’s 13 associate school districts filled the Van Wert High School gymnasium on Monday, May 18, 2026, to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. As the graduating class of Vantage Career Center’s 50th Anniversary year, the 250 seniors were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout their educational journey. Highlights of the ceremony included Awards of Distinction, special recognitions, and an impressive $843,143 awarded in scholarships, marking a memorable milestone year and reflecting the bright futures ahead for this exceptional graduating class.

The evening reflected the heart of the Vantage experience—celebrating growth, perseverance, and preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Student speaker Brooklyn King, an Early Childhood Education senior from Paulding, captured the spirit of the night in her address, reflecting on the impact Vantage had on her class and the future that lies ahead.

“The foundation we’ve built here will carry us forward, helping us make a difference wherever we go,” King shared. She also reminded her classmates that “we’re not just graduates—we’re the future leaders, creators, caregivers, and change-makers.” Her words reflected not only the journey of the Class of 2026, but also the legacy Vantage has built over the past 50 years, empowering students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed far beyond graduation.

Each year, one student from their career-technical program is selected to receive the prestigious “Award of Distinction,” recognizing exceptional leadership, academic excellence, skill mastery, and character. The 2026 recipients are:

Tyler Gurwell (Auto Collision); Cora Meyer (Ag & Industrial Power); Taten Long (Auto Technologies); Alex Groch (Carpentry); Macie Pugh (Cosmetology); Annelise Price (Early Childhood Education); Brady Thomsen (Electricity); Jayci Blue (Medical Assistant);  Bela Fiedler (Health Technologies); Chase German (Industrial Mechanics); Xander Bartley (Network Systems); Luke Hoffman (Machining & Engineering Technologies); Careen Winans (Sports Exercise Therapy) 

Special industry-sponsored presentations added to the excitement. Kennedy Manufacturing honored two students with high-performance tool chests: Luke Ray (Paulding) received a Machinist’s Rolling Tool Chest as the outstanding Precision Machining senior, and Chase German (Fort Jennings) received a Maintenance Rolling Tool Chest for excellence in Industrial Mechanics.

Numerous scholarships were awarded to students who demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and outstanding program achievement:

Robert C. Stevens Scholarship – Brooklyn Stone (Fort Jennings) and Annabelle Hoffman (Delphos Jefferson); Van Wert Rotary Scholarship – Felicia Martz (Van Wert); Robert Brandt Scholarship – Eric Reinhart (Wayne Trace) presented by Vantage Superintendent Rick Turner; Great Clips Scholarship – Lyla Clem (Antwerp); Marcus Landin Memorial Tool Award – Rhettik Bowers (Continental); Caden Meyer Scholarship – Bryson Pease (Paulding) and Tyler Hankinson (Paulding); Wyatt E. Davis Memorial Award – Careen Winans (Wayne Trace); Zachary J. Wood Scholarship – Landon Nagel  (Van Wert); Robbie Seffernick Memorial Award (for a junior Welding student) – Oliver Kahle (Kalida) 

In addition, 38 students were honored with National Technical Honor Society cords, reflecting their academic excellence and leadership, while five students celebrated a remarkable achievement of perfect attendance throughout the school year, including Hannah Vetter of Van Wert who had perfect attendance for the last two years. 

The evening concluded with recognition of every student who received scholarships during their time at Vantage, totaling an astounding $843,143 awarded to support students’ post-secondary goals. 

As the 250 members of the Class of 2026 begin the next chapter of their journeys through careers, college programs, apprenticeships, and military service, they leave Vantage equipped with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed.

 As the graduating class of Vantage Career Center’s 50th Anniversary year, they carry forward a legacy of excellence while representing the future of skilled professionals and leaders in their communities.

Congratulations to the Vantage Career Center Class of 2026 on this remarkable accomplishment and all that lies ahead.

Senior Academic Awards were presented to: 

Mrs. Webster’s Functional English – Dominik Johnson; Mr. Unverferth’s US Military History – Cole English; Mr. Unverferth’s Financial Literarcy and Sports History – Dylan Schaefer; Mr. Putthoff’s Algerbra II part 2 – Maddisyn Pescosoldo; Ms. Oechsle’s Financial Literacy – Mavericj Grant; Ms. Oechsle’s Sociology – Henry “Hank” Walpole; Mrs. Yenser-Hammon’s English IV – Zaria Harter; Mr. McConahay’s English 12 – Cole English; Mrs. Hortsman’s Advanced Quantitative Reasoning   – Griffin Kosch; Mr. Joyce’s Drones Part 107 – Corbin Sargent; Mrs. Reinhart’s English IV – Cole Miller; Mrs. Reinhart’s English IV – Delana Noggle; Mrs. Kistler’s Math-Geometry – Audrey Dougal; Mrs. Drerup’s Material Science – Zachary Hohlbein; Mrs. Evans’ English 12 – Annelise Price