The Annual Walleye Run on the Maumee River started a month early this year and you still can get in on the fun. For the past month everyday fishermen have been getting their limits and returning the next day to have fun and refill their coolers. Last year was good but so far 2026 is looking to be the best Walleye Run in recent history. The rain and high water helped, and the cooler water temperature didn’t phase the fish coming into spawn. Ideal temperatures are 40-45 degrees. If you make the trip up, primary fishing spots include Sidecut Metropark and Jerome Road. Fishing is permitted sunrise to sunset, with no snagging allowed. Hooks must be in the mouth. Rules are strictly enforced and the DNR officers watch the area. There’s a special Maumee River Walleye section in the Ohio Fishing Rule Book that comes with your fishing license purchase. Read it! The daily limit is six walleye, minimum length 15 inches. Be aware of no parking signs. Keep up with the latest fishing reports, featuring pictures of lots of happy fishermen and their catches on the Facebook page Maumee River Walleye Run. Brian Miller has done an excellent job putting this page together. He’s also outdoor writer and photographer. If you enjoy Walleye fishing, you need to follow his page, Maumee River Walleye Run.

The Sandusky River Walleye run is underway, and prime spots are near Fremont. High water and warmer, muddy conditions have brought fish upriver. If you have a boat, you don’t have to go very far offshore. Charter boat captains and private boat owners are all having success. I personally like fishing in the harbor areas off Huron and Vermilion. Good luck if you make the trip up and respect others around you. It can get very congested and everyone needs some space.

Ron Burt (www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/)

By: Ron Burt

Ohio racetracks are laying to groundwork to protect themselves as more people are leaving metropolitan hubs to relocate in the country. Speedways that have been in business over 50 years could lose out to new homeowners because of the noise from weekly events. It doesn’t seem fair for an established business to close because of a handful of new neighbors, but it’s been going on around the country. Ohio racetracks want protection. It’s seeming simple, the speedway was there first. Most of these tracks are family owned and started on their farmland. In the beginning of most, no houses could be seen in any direction. Real estate companies come along and buy up the land around the tracks and develop it and sell the lots for homes. Homeowners don’t think about the racetrack next door until they have a cookout on a Saturday night and hear 3-4 hours of roaring engines. They complain to the real-estate company who have more money and better attorneys most of the time and the tracks are forced to close because of a handful of new homeowners from outside the local community.

In 2025 the state of Iowa passed a new Bill 645, and it specifically protects motorsports venues from legal action from angry neighbors, assuming the track was there first. Any racetrack must comply with existing rules about allowable noise and light pollution, but as long as a track is following those rules, new complaints can’t be brought by nearby homeowners. With housing developments popping up everywhere, Bill 645 prevents some unscrupulous developers from forcing out motorsports. This protection is especially important for grassroots racetracks, that are a big part of Midwestern racing heritage.

Tracks and fans in other states have reached out to their own State Legislatures including, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana to start their own groundwork and set protection laws in place. 

Recently Representative Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) introduced legislation to create a clear legal framework for nuisance claims involving racing facilities and racetracks across Ohio. The bill would establish a complete legal defense for racing facilities against certain nuisance claims regarding activities such as noise, traffic, dust, or lighting. This would apply to a property owner who acquired or developed property after the racing facility was constructed. The legislation is intended to provide certainty and stability for existing racing facilities while preserving compliance with all state and federal environmental, health, and safety laws. If enacted, this would also prohibit counties or townships from adopting regulations that conflict with the provisions of the bill. The bill now awaits a number and committee assignment.

Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon has released the 2026 schedule with a big surprise. The Modifieds are coming! During the season the UMP Modifieds and Late Model Sportsmen cars will have a race series together. The speedway has run a few of these challenge races in the past and the fans and drivers enjoyed the two classes going head-to-head. The races will pay $1,200.00 to win. The first series race will be opening night May 2nd, with 7 more during the summer. Maybe if enough drivers build modifieds, in a year or two Oakshade might have a class for them. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out! (www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz)

Wayne Trace High School has added a new sport to its extracurricular lineup with the introduction of its inaugural clay target shooting team. Fourteen students make up the first roster, making a significant milestone for the school as interest in youth shooting sports continues to grow statewide.

The team began practices on March 31, 2026 at the Paulding Co. Fish and Game Club, where students train in marksmanship, fundamentals, consistency, and safe firearm handling. Before participating in live-fire sessions, all members completed a detailed hunter’s safety program covering equipment use, range procedures, and responsible conduct. Coaches emphasize that safety remains the central focus of every practice and competition. Coach Mike Schnipke said the team is approaching its first season with a clear mindset, noting “Proverbs 4:25 says Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. For the team, this means stay focused, be safe, have fun, and let go busting some pottery.”

Clay target shooting offers students a unique athletic experience, blending precision, concentration, and mental discipline. The sport welcomes participants with varying levels of experience and Wayne Trace’s first group reflects that diversity. The team includes seasoned recreational shooters to students trying the activity for the first time. Making up the team is one senior, five juniors, five sophomores, and three freshmen. 

Throughout the season, Wayne Trace will compete in the Ohio High School Clay Target League. Teams across the state participate in weekly virtual competitions, submitting scores electronically before having an opportunity to advancing to a state tournament in June.

The community views the new program as an important addition to the school’s offerings, providing students with another meaningful way to engage in athletics and represent their community. With 14 members setting the foundation, Wayne Trace’s clay target shooting team begins its debut season with momentum and the potential to build a lasting tradition.

The 46th Annual 24-Hour P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon was held over Easter weekend, April 3–4, at the Payne Elementary School gymnasium, continuing a long-standing tradition of community support and around-the-clock basketball.

The weekend was filled with activity, beginning Friday evening with the first TOTS games and continuing through Saturday’s events, which included the Payne Fire Department’s sausage and pancake breakfast and the official opening ceremonies. Games were played every 24 minutes, starting at 5:00 p.m. Friday and continuing non-stop until 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

A total of 92 teams participated in this year’s marathon across seven divisions, including four Mini-Tots teams, 14 Tots teams, four Youth teams, four Mini Youth teams, 28 Co-Ed teams, 36 Men’s teams, and two Exhibition teams.

The marathon began in 1979, and funds raised from the annual event support the Paulding Area Support Society (P.A.S.S.). The organization provides specialized equipment and services to handicapped and medically challenged residents of Paulding County who are unable to afford them.

The P.A.S.S. Board includes President Karen Schlatter, Vice President Lula Mae Ankney, Treasurer Marcia Pressler, Secretary Mary Ellen Holbrook, and board members Doris Smith, Tara Miller, Elaine Sierer, Judy Fisher, James Sponseller, Sue LaFountain, Pam Reese, Lindsey Manz, and Kacey Dershem.

Members of the Marathon Committee include Clint Reinhart, Chad Benschneider, Brett Beckman, John Claymiller, Jeremy Dunderman, Rylee and Braeden Hormann, Nick and Kaleigh McClain, Maria Piper, Russ Zinser, Henry Manz, Austin Conlon, and Cameron Bidlack.

By: Ron Burt

Sunday, March 29th, Park City Kansas. 81 Speedway. Michael “Buddy” Kofoid reminded everyone a great life lesson, never give up. The World of Outlaw Sprint Car driver. After 15 laps of the 30 circuit feature, the race looked over. Ryan Timms had a 4 second lead over Buddy, working his way through traffic. Kofoid started to get some momentum and by lap 21 he was only 2 seconds behind the leader. When the white flag flew for the final lap, the two cars were nose to tail. Out of turn 1, Timms extended the lead to 2 car lengths. Kofoid kept his car within striking distance. Then

Kofoid pulled off an amazing slide job going into turns 3 and 4. Timms had his car too high on the cushion and couldn’t cross over on Buddy. It was a wild finish.  

Kofoid became the third multi-time winner of the season, joining David Gravel and Anthony Macri. Kofoid equaled Ron Shuman for 28th on the all-time World of Outlaws win list with his 24th career triumph. The win moved him” back up to 4th in the current standings. Ryan Timms, Cole Macedo, Carson Macedo and Donny Schatz completed the top 5. The Greatest Show on Dirt will take off Easter weekend and will be back in action April 10th and 11th at I-55 Speedway.

The Buckeye Spring 50, for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series opened Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe and the biggest Dirt Late Model stars in the country didn’t disappoint the fans. Ricky Thronton Jr started the feature 4th and fought to pick up his first win of the year. With 5 laps remaining, Thronton was able to pass the hard charging Brandon Sheppard who at that point had led the first 45 circuits. The last 5 laps were nose to tail action and the win at the checker was by a half car length. It was a repeat win for Ricky. He won last year’s Buckeye Spring Classic at Atomic and took home $15,000.00 and this year he added $16,300.00. Rounding out the Top 5 Brandon Sheppard, who had to fend off Brandon Overton, Josh Rice and Max Blair. Brandon Sheppard won Saturday at Brownstown Speedway in Indiana.

The current Top 5 in points Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 1st Devin Moran 1625, 2nd Hudson O’Neal 1610, 3rd Brandon Overton 1530, 4th Ricky Thornton Jr. 1525 and 5th Max Blair. The next action for the series will be Georgetown Speedway DE, Friday, April 24th.

Pro Legends were the support group for the Late Models. Quade Schoonover won the feature followed by 2nd Steven Partin and Quintin Adams 3rd. The next night at Atomic will be April 11th featuring the Fast on Dirt 410 Sprint Series, The American Late Model Iron-Man Series and the Sport Mods.

Shadybowl Speedway, in De Graff opened its doors on Sunday afternoon with a packed house and lots of cars. The World’s fastest paved 3/10th mile oval hosted the 14th Annual Cabin Fever Championships. The Vore’s HRA Late Models ran the circuit 50 laps and Josh Sage took the checker flag, big trophy and a big check. Ryan Fleming was on the winner’s bumper for 2nd and Zach Stacy finished 3rd. 

Terry Fisher Jr. took command of the Modified feature and never had to look back. The race went flag-to-flag, completing the 50-lap feature in 12 minutes with nonstop green flag action for the Mods. Mike Carroll had to settle for 2nd and Carson Klingelhofer 3rd.

Other winners opening day Vore’s Compact Touring Series Bo Hoelscher, Crown Vics Matt Parsons, and Street Stock Feature Buck Purtee. 

It was announced this week that Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon will host the Hammer Down Showdown September 26th. The Fremont Dirt Trucks vs the Dominator Super Stocks from Oakshade and other racetracks. This year it’s one night only and only at Oakshade Raceway. 

Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!

A Paulding County native is making his mark on the national and world stage of powerlifting. Nathan Wilhelm has steadily risen through the ranks of the sport, recently achieving a junior world record total and positioning himself among the top competitors in his division.

Wilhelm has been lifting weights since 2018, though he did not enter his first powerlifting meet until 2023. Competing under USA Powerlifting, the largest drug-tested powerlifting federation in the United States, he quickly progressed from local and state competitions to national-level meets over the past year.

His dedication and focus culminated in what he considers his biggest accomplishment to date—a junior world record total in the 308-pound, drug-tested raw division. Wilhelm spent at least two years working toward that goal.

“I devoted at least two years of attention to this singular goal,” he said.

Across the three primary lifts—squat, bench press and deadlift—Wilhelm demonstrated both strength and consistency. Of the three, he says the deadlift is his favorite.

“It’s not very technical,” he said. “It’s just a great indicator of someone’s raw power.”

Despite setting a world record, Wilhelm narrowly missed a top-five finish and did not earn a professional card. Still, he remains focused on what lies ahead.

Wilhelm also offered advice to younger athletes interested in powerlifting, emphasizing patience and consistency.

“Getting stronger takes time—more than you probably think,” he said. “Focus on your own progress instead of comparing yourself to others.”

He added that athletes must be willing to adjust their training over time to continue improving.

“At a certain point your body adapts,” Wilhelm said. “You need to introduce something new every four to eight weeks and target your weak points. I’ve never had a coach—I just stayed curious and kept learning.”

Wilhelm credited his success to the support of his family, including his parents, in-laws, sisters and his wife, Shannon, who travels with him to competitions and helps keep him focused. Many of his supporters also follow along through livestreams, offering encouragement from home.

Wilhelm will next compete at USAPL Raw Nationals in Chicago on June 13. Following that event, he plans to take an extended offseason to allow his body to recover after completing three consecutive meet preparation cycles with no break in between. These “meet preps,” typically lasting 10 to 14 weeks, are designed to maximize strength and efficiency while minimizing injury risk. However, the sustained intensity places significant strain on the joints and central nervous system. Wilhelm emphasized the importance of stepping away from maximal lifting to allow for proper recovery, noting that while some strength may temporarily decline, it returns quickly once training resumes.

Wilhelm’s record-setting performance came at the Arnold Sports Festival, one of the premier fitness expos in the world, founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Held March 5–8 in Columbus, Ohio, the event features a wide range of strength sports and draws elite competitors from across the globe. Wilhelm competed on March 7 in what was his first appearance at a world-level meet.

At the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival, Wilhelm recorded the following results:

Squat: 760, 804, 815 pounds

Bench Press: 534, 551, 551 pounds

Deadlift: 694, 750, 782 pounds (personal record)

Total: 2,122 pounds (962.5 kilograms) – Junior 308-pound tested raw world record

With a world record already to his name, Wilhelm now looks ahead to nationals with the goal of continuing his rise in the sport and earning his professional status.

By: Ron Burt

Last weekend the Piqua Center, in Piqua Ohio hosted the annual Race Cars and Future Stars Expo. They had over 50 cars, asphalt and dirt on display. It’s the only real race car show in the area. Drivers were on hand to meet and greet the fans and sign autographs. I’ve posted 3 reels and pictures on the Ohio Sports Blitz Facebook page. I was able to chat with several Non-wing Sprint car drivers that race in the Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series (BOSS) and USAC. 

Last year’s 2025 BOSS Series Champion Korbyn Hayslett is ready to get his car on the track and get his 2026 season started and defend his championship. Korbyn is well seasoned in the sport and started racing Go Karts when he was 3 and at age 12 moved up to Winged Lightning Sprints for several years. The past 8 seasons he’s been racing the BOSS series, but he does race some USAC events. He looks forward to competing in the annual 4 Crown series at Eldora Speedway. The Troy Ohio driver enjoys racing several tracks but when pressed to pick his favorite, it’s Florence Speedway in Union, KY. The BOSS series has two events scheduled there this summer. 

Several Sprint drivers are choosing not to run a series, so they can have the freedom of selecting their own racing schedules and go where the money is. Ryan Barr was 12th in BOSS points last year but he also runs USAC and other sanctions in the tri-state. Ryan is based out of Piqua but likes racing at “The Burg”, Lawrenceburg Indiana. Brian Heitkamp and his team will compete in some BOSS events, but they don’t want to be restricted to a locked in schedule this summer. He likes to race at Montpelier Indiana because of the track, facilities and an owner that works hard for the drivers and fans. He’s from North Star and I’m sure you’ll see his #22 Sprint at Eldora Speedway this summer.

Eddie Tucker Jr. had his #82t four cylinder Dirt Truck on display. Tucker finished 4th in points last year in the popular Dirt Track Truck Series. This is a growing class that tries to keep racing affordable and has become a fan favorite in our area. Limaland, Millstream, Waynesfield and Montpelier are the main tracks for this class. Eddie plans to compete in the full schedule this summer and is looking forward to returning to Waynesfield Raceway Park, his track of choice. He has 8 years of racing experience. He started racing sport compacts and spent 4 years in that class before getting into dirt trucks. This will be his 5th year in the Dirt Truck Class.

If you plan to attend and tri-state racing this coming weekend, check the weather and always visit the racetracks Facebook or web page for updates or cancelations.

Two weeks in a row mother nature has kept Attica Raceway Park from opening the first 2 weekends of the season. The amount of water under the track was too much for safe racing conditions. Attica Raceway Park will try open Friday, March 28th, featuring the 410 Winged Outlaw Sprints, UMP Dirt Late Models and the 305 Winged Sprints. Attica opens early because in August they compete on Friday nights against high school football. They must open early to get race dates in. They also close during the summer during the Knoxville Nationals and the week of their county fair since the racetrack is on the fairgrounds.

Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!

The Defiance Area Foundation is pleased to announce that Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 372 has committed a $2,000 sponsorship as a Bronze Sponsor for the Foundation’s 2026 Gala, scheduled for October 3.

Support from sponsors helps grow the Defiance Area Foundation Community Fund, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Defiance County and addresses emerging community needs.

The Defiance Area Foundation is grateful for Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 372’s support and commitment to strengthening the community through philanthropy.

By: Ron Burt

This is part 3 of my series on area racetracks. This week I’ll cover local speedways that don’t run weekly shows but still hold some of the biggest races in the tri-state. All three tracks are in Ohio, Millstream, Eldora and Mansfield. Visit each speedways Facebook and web page for more information and before you leave for the track.

I consider Millstream Speedway, outside of Findlay, my home track. Findlay is unique because they have two tracks, a 4/10 mile clay dirt oval and a 1/4 mile clay dirt oval inside the big track. Millstream has a limited 2026 schedule of six race nights. Opening night will be June 14th and the track will host the third night of the 2026 Ohio Sprint Week featuring the All Star Circuit of Champions Winged 410 Sprint Series. The B.O.S.S. Non-winged Sprints will be the support class opening night. On other nights Millstream will host National USAC Sprints, World of Outlaw Sprints, and the Great Lakes Super Sprints. The American Late Model Iron Man Series and the Ohio Valley Late Model Series will both appear this summer and so will the USAC Thunder Midgets and Dirt Trucks. 

The Big E (Eldora) is known all over the racing world. This historic ½ mile high banked dirt oval was built in 1954 in Rossford Ohio by Earl Baltes and in 2004 three time NASCAR Champion, Tony Stewart purchased the famous speedway. It has a lot of race nights during the season and features many classes of cars. 2026 might be its most electric season ever. Recently General Manager Levi Jones stated the tracks’ goal is to “Keep the fan experience front and center while continuing to elevate the competition is what Eldora is all about”. The 2026 schedule was recently released. It’s everything fans love and even better than grandma’s cookies. All the crown jewel events return, including the Dirt Late Model Dream and World 100, the Kings Royal, Let’s Race Two and 4-Crown Nationals, anchoring another year of can’t-miss action on the high banks. This season the track will have higher driver payouts and for the fans all ticket prices will remain unchanged.

Race fans, it’s back! Mansfield Speedway (Home of Horsepower). The former NASCAR ½ mile paved track has come back to life and is now dirt. Former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft sold his NASCAR Charter and used that money to purchase and remodel a closed rundown speedway originally built in 1959 as a 3/8 mile dirt track, converted to a ½ mile speedway in 1972 and in 1998 it was paved. The speedway had special dirt brought in for the racing surface last winter. Matt added more bleachers, remodeled the VIP Suites, grandstands, kitchen area, restrooms and fresh paint everywhere. They recently purchased and installed a $1,000,000.00 jumbotron. Appearing this summer, World of Outlaws Sprints and Late Models, BOSS Sprints, Country Concert, Motocross, Super Dirt Car Big Blocks, Dirt Modifieds, Monster Trucks and more.

Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out! (www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/)

Paulding Exempted Village Schools  Board of Education Meeting Summary Meeting Date: March 17, 2026

Guests and Public Participation

PHS Athletes were recognized for their GMC Championships and successful seasons. 

Treasurers Report:

• Approval of the February 17, 2026 Regular meeting minutes.

• Approval of the February 23 and 26, 2026 Special meeting minutes 

• Approval of financial reports and bills for February 2026.

Administrators’ Report: 

Superintendent

• Student Enrollment

• Paulding Academic Hall of Fame recipients:  Betty Schlatter-Class of 1966;  Carlton Schlatter-Class of 1979; Frank Lands-Class of 1992.

• PCOC Update

• Light/Chiller Project Update

• FFA Pollinator Garden

Amy Barnes- Special Education Director

Andi Mead- Athletic Director

The following Recommendations have been approved:  

• To place a notice in the Paulding Progress regarding Public notice in accordance with Section 3307.353 of the Ohio Revise Code that Suzanne Monnier, who was previously employed by the Board of Education as a teacher and retired through STRS, is seeking re-employment with Paulding Exempted Village School District in the same position following her retirement service.  The Board of Education will hold a public meeting on the issue of re-employing the above-named person at a meeting to be held on April 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Oakwood Elementary School 

• The following Policies:  Revise policies as noted:  3440 – Job-Related Expenses, 4440 – Job-Related Expenses, 5112 – Entrance Requirements, 5421 – Grading, 5430 – Class Rank, 6220 – Budget Preparation, 6320 – Purchasing and Bidding, 6325 – Procurement-Federal Grants/Funds, 6423 – Use of District Credit Card, 6460 – Vendor Relations; New policies as noted:  6425 – Use of District Tax Exempt Certificate; Replace policies as noted:  7540.09 – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Early Graduate – Ava Martinez as a 2026 PHS graduate, effective March 12, 2026.  All requirements for graduation have been met.

• School Based Health Center MOU with Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio.

The following Personal Recommendations have been approved:

• One year limited extracurricular contracts, effective for the 2026-2027 School Year

• Jim Menzie, Head Football Coach

• Emily Taylor, Head Volleyball Coach

• Shawn Brewer, Head Boys Golf Coach

• Alex Arellano, Head Girls Golf Coach

• Colton Bennett, Head Cross Country Coach

• Jennifer Bradford, Head Cheer Advisor (Football season)

The resignation of the following:

• David Smith, bus driver, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the end of the current contract year.  He will have served the district for 29 years.

• Eric Deisler, Junior High Principal, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the end of the current contract year.  He will have served the district for 29 years.

• Sarah Heller, JH/HS Cafeteria worker, effective 2/27/26.  She served the district for  4 ½ months.

• Haleigh Kline, JH/HS Cafeteria worker, effective 3/27/26.  She served the district for  3 years.

Extended Contract:

• Eric Deisler, 20 days effective July 1-31, 2026.

One-year limited contract effective for the 2026-2027 school year:

• Jessica Riggs, 7th Grade ELA Teacher

• Andrew Hoeffel, PHS Social Studies Teacher

One-year extra-curricular contract for the 2025-2026 school year:

• Wyatt Beckman, HS Assistant Baseball volunteer