By: Makenna Manz  Paulding FFA Reporter 

On May 26th-28th, the Paulding FFA officer team went to a cabin in Hocking Hills, Ohio for their annual FFA officer retreat. Officer retreat provides a time for the students to get to know each other and work better as a team.

The Paulding FFA officer team this year consists of President Darcy Taylor, Vice President Myrriah Manz, Secretary Delaney Johanns, Treasurer Ava Leatherman, Reporter Makenna Manz, Sentinel Gabriella Stork, Student Advisor Vivienne Myers, Parliamentarian Kinzley Collard, Chaplain Remington Boroff, and Historian Nolan Schlatter along with Ag Education Teachers and FFA advisors Mrs. Staci Miller, Mrs. Sydney Kill.

Along with fun activities, during this time, the budget and the yearly calendar are made so the FFA is prepared for the upcoming year. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the team performed many team-building exercises to help strengthen their relationships with each other. Tuesday, the team discussed the goals they had for the chapter and some new ideas to help the chapter grow with their FFA advisors.

On Wednesday, the team also got to go putt putt golfing and hiking. On the last day, the team took pictures and cleaned up. Then it was time to head back home. The team learned a lot of new skills, bonded during this trip, and are ready for an exciting new year full of Agriculture Education, Career Development Events (CDEs), Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), community service projects, and FFA!

The officer team would like to thank the Paulding FFA Alumni for supporting the officer retreat.

The members of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 are proud to invest in the future of their community by awarding  several $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in 2026.

These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

By supporting local graduates, Antwerp VFW Post 5087 continues its tradition of honoring those who serve while encouraging the next generation to pursue their educational goals.

For scholarship requirements, application information, and deadlines, please contact Antwerp VFW Post 5087 or your high school guidance office.

The Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, June 25th at the Archbold campus. After roll call, Robbin Wilcox, NSCC Executive Director for Development & NSCC Foundation, and Foundation Board Chair Peter Beck presented the Board with a check in the amount of $1,182,805. This eclipses last year’s impressive mark, which was $1,051,000. The money is designated for student scholarships, equipment, outreach programs and student support efforts.

Over $10 million has been provided through the generosity of businesses and individuals who have supported the Foundation over the past ten years. Peter Beck, NSCC Foundation Board Chair, applauded the generosity of individuals and businesses who have donated to the NSCC Foundation, for helping make this presentation possible. Beck also praised Robbin Wilcox for her tireless efforts to raise needed funds for Northwest State scholarships and strategic initiatives. The NSCC Foundation awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships at the spring 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

Another highlight of the Board meeting was the passage of the FY 2026-2027 budget. The total budget is just north of $50M, which represents an increase of approximately $3M from FY 2025-2026. As part of the approved FY27 budget, the College will begin the process of migrating to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform. NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez noted, “The new budget allocates funds for strategic initiatives that will continue to allow Northwest State Community College to elevate northwest Ohio through increased education, training and services.” 

In other Board action: 

• Approved the employment of Elisia Rosales (2nd Shift Custodian), and Jennifer Croft (Faculty-Natural Sciences / Biology).

• Approved the 2026-2028 ODHE Completion Plan for NSCC.

• Rescinded Resolution 25-65 (Suspension of the Institutional / General Learning Outcomes), and approved amended Policy 14-5-07 (Institutional / General Learning Outcomes).

• Approved miscellaneous curriculum changes, including new courses, course inactivations, etc.

• Approved increasing part-time faculty pay rates by 2% beginning Fall 2026 semester.

• Approved amended Sexual Misconduct Policy.

• Approved miscellaneous employment contracts, two resignations and one retirement.

On Friday, June 19th, the families involved in Defiance’s new community Christian school gathered for a ‘Family Potluck at the Park.’ Defiance Christian Academy will begin their school year on August 19th and the eleven families; sending a current total of 28 students, gathered to meet. Involved in the event were school staff, the board, and the ‘founding families.’ It was a rich time of fellowship, food, and prayer as the families got to get acquainted with each other and share in the excitement of the new school. A meal was shared, some group photos were taken, laughter was heard, a kickball game was organized, and the evening ended with a time of prayer. 

When asked how they were enjoying the picnic some parents had the following comments: “It’s been great getting to spend time with other DCA families. The kids are running around having a great time, and it’s been fun getting to know parents and students in a more relaxed setting. There’s a real sense of community here that feels very welcoming” said M. Hogan, parent. “I love getting to know the other families and seeing how much we have in common and the excitement we all have for this opportunity for our children,” noted B. Stoller, parent.

When asked about what they are looking forward to this year, here were some responses: “I am most excited to see DCA officially becoming a part of the greater Defiance community. Launching the school has been a labor of love for many and has rested in God’s sovereignty. To know my child will have an enriching education with a foundation on God in Defiance..there are no words!” said K. Hogan, a parent to an attending student. Another mom, M. Nielsen, said “I am looking forward to the opportunity for my kids to have other adults in their lives; whether its teachers or volunteers, to speak God’s truths to them, help them sort out a Christian worldview and encourage them in their growth as a Christian. I am also excited for them to make friends with other kids who are being raised in Christian households.” J. Hotmire, board president commented that he “is most looking forward to seeing children grow and learn in a Chirstian school and see discipleship happen as our great teachers get an opportunity to teach the next generation.”

Defiance Christian Academy will open this year as a K-6 school with plans to expand grade offerings in the near future. The school will be hosted at Defiance Christian Church, but its board is made up of Christians from varying Protestant Evangelical denominations. The school will use a classically influenced curriculum and will be mostly tech-free as the students will not be paired with a technology device. All subjects will be taught from a biblical worldview and the teacher-student ratios will be small compared to area schools. The principal on staff is a retired administrator from Ottoville Local School District.

The school has thus far been privately funded, but will apply for the state charter once the doors open. Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship should make the school affordable for all interested in sending children to the school. With some recent donations and grants, Defiance Christian Academy is excited to also offer scholarships for people of differing income levels to welcome more students through its doors this year. The school is still accepting applications for student enrollment. For more information visit their website defiancechristianacademy.com or call (419) 770 – 4874.

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