Operation K.A.V.I.C. (Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis) has received a $2,500 grant from the Keith Hubbard Family Fund, a fund held under the Defiance Area Foundation umbrella.

Operation K.A.V.I.C. provides emergency financial assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families who are facing unexpected hardships. The organization helps meet critical needs and serves as an important resource for military families throughout the region.

The grant from the Keith Hubbard Family Fund will help support Operation K.A.V.I.C.’s mission of assisting veterans and their families during times of need. Through this gift, the Fund continues its commitment to strengthening the community and supporting those who have served our nation.

WAUSEON, OH – June 20th, Jackson, Michigan’s Rusty Schlenk had his DIRTcar Late Model dialed in, and he put on a show Saturday night, leaving only 10 cars on the lead lap. He won his record setting 7th Barney Oldfield Race, and the $5,000 first place prize money. The win was during the annual stop for the American Late Model Series in Wauseon.

The 35-lap feature was only stopped once for a caution on lap two when Colin Shipley spun in turn two. After that caution flag, it was all Schlenk. He grabbed the lead from Colten Burdette at the start, and by the ninth trip around the track, Schlenk found himself at the tail end of the field. He was able to put his car anywhere he wanted, resulting in a win by 12.5 seconds over the 2nd place car and the current Oakshade point leader Steve Kester. Casey Noonan, Colten Burdette, and Terry Rushlow rounded out the Top 5.

In the Dominator Stock Class, Jake Rendel started deep in the field but was able to work his way through traffic and win the feature that had many caution flags. Mason Luttrell was 2nd, followed by Jeff Foks, Josh McNicol and JR Gooden. Holgate’s Ryan Okuley won the Sport Compact Feature, followed by Geoff Wasnick, James Stamper, Wesley Belkofer and Justin Newman.

Ohio Sprint Week for the All Star Circuit of Champions wrapped up on night number 7, at Wayne County Speedway. Two races were cancelled last week because of rain, Millstream and Eldora. Both tracks declined on make-up race dates. Atomic Speedway was to have the final race but didn’t meet expected ticket sales and the final was moved back to Wayne County Speedway. Saturday night had 4 drivers with a chance to be crowned Ohio Sprint Week Champion who were all battling at the front of the 35 lap feature. When the checked flag dropped and the dust was hanging in the air Zeth Sabo won his second feature of Ohio Sprint Week and $10,000. Darin Naida and Kalib Henry finished a close 2nd and 3rd. When the Series points were added up, Cap Henry in his 33w, was crowned the overall 2026 Ohio Sprint Week Champion. Cap has won the title 2 years in a row. 

Butler Motor Speedway (Michigan) hosted the IRA Sprint Car Series that runs Outlaw 410 Winged Sprints. The podium for the IRA Sprint Series, 1st Brock Hallett, 2nd Travis Arenz, and 3rd Thomas Meseraull.

Angola Motorsport Speedway (Indiana) Feature winners Saturday. Modified A Main (Dave Nester Memorial) Jeremy Cooper, Late Model Sportsman Tanner Jack, Street Stock Rick Rinehart, FWD Chip Heintzelman, and Hornet Brett Ireland.

Montpelier Speedway (Indiana) Feature winners, Modifieds Dylan Woodling, Super Stocks Ervin Turner, Street Stocks James Headley, and Hornets James Headley.

More local tri-state racing news can be found on the Ohio Sports Blitz www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz/. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!

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. 

Dotting My Teas By: Marlene Oxender 

Years ago my brother Stevie, who had Down syndrome, spent a holiday weekend with us at my daughter’s house. After lunch, those seated at the dining room table were welcome to play a word game that Stevie had obviously made up. 

He stood at the head of the table so he could be in charge. He would point at one of us and ask what letter was in the word he was thinking of. He would give us a quick “yes” or “no” before he moved on to the next person.  

As you can imagine, we were laughing. There were moments when we became loud and rowdy, but he kept his composure. It was his version of the Wheel of Fortune game, and he was the host. We had to remember what letters were in his imaginary words, for he was not writing them down for us. 

One of the ladies blurted out, “Independence Day” as her answer, and Stevie let her know she was correct. The laughter he’d brought to the table was the only prize needed. 

Years ago, Stevie received an award for his abilities with sign language – a subject in which he was proficient. The cover photo on the book I wrote about him is an image of him making the love sign with his hand during a basketball game. The photographer, Glyn Buntain, caught that moment in time for the rest of us.

Love is an easy word to spell but not so easy to define. The complicated part is how love can be found in everything – our thoughts and our words. Our actions. 

When Stevie was out and about on his bicycle, and a semi-truck was rolling through town, he used sign language to tell the driver he’d like to hear the truck horn. And the world always responded in the kindest of ways. Life doesn’t get much better than that.

As Glyn once wrote on Stevie’s Facebook page: “Dear God, in this new year, put Stevie’s heart of joy and pure love in each one of us.“

Stevie’s love for life and the things of this earth was inspiring. He knew the value of his trophies and ribbons. He perfected his singing voice from the steps of his front porch while waiting for his ride to work each morning. He traveled on his bicycle to ballgames and spent time at restaurants where he could be with others. 

When Stevie signed a greeting card, he wrote the word “Love” in front of his name. Such a simple thing – a little ink and a few letters lined up just right. 

I’m still playing word games with Stevie – long after he passed away. I’m learning to connect the dots and speak this language that’s been here all along – I just needed to be aware of it.  

Stevie’s life showed us, in part, that we are here to enjoy the things of this earth. We’re here to play games – even through the loudness and rowdiness. Even when our friends can’t spell the imaginary words we’ve made up. We’re here to live with “a heart of joy and pure love” for one another. 

Marlene Oxender is a writer, speaker, and author. She writes about growing up in the small town of Edgerton, her ten siblings, the memorabilia in her parents’ estate, and her late younger brother, Stevie Kimpel, who was born with Down syndrome. Her three published books, Picket Fences, Stevie and Grandma, You Already Am Old, are available on Amazon. Marlene can be reached at mpoxender@gmail.com

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 

The Defiance Area Foundation is pleased to recognize Mercy Health as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2026 Gala with a $2,000 sponsorship.

The annual Gala, themed Bow Ties & Boas, will take place on October 3, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Defiance County Community Fund. The fund supports local nonprofit organizations, schools, and community initiatives while helping address emerging needs throughout Defiance County.

The Foundation is grateful for Mercy Health’s continued support and commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community.

To learn more about the Gala or sponsorship opportunities, visit https://defianceareafoundation.org/gala.

Paulding Putnam is proud to announce the opening of its high-speed fiber internet service in the rural Van Wert area – including the village of Scott and portions of Convoy – marking one of the cooperative’s largest expansion milestones to date. Additional expansion is slated for surrounding areas this summer. 

To celebrate, Paulding Putnam invited community members to attend “Meet YOUR internet!” – a free community open house on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Walnut and Main Event Center, 223 E. Main Street in downtown Van Wert. 

The open house was a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity for residents and businesses to learn more about fiber internet technology, available service packages, pricing options, and Paulding Putnam’s custom managed Wi-Fi app. Staff were available to answer questions and help customers determine which package best fits their needs.

Paulding Putnam has built more than 600 miles of mainline fiber infrastructure across northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana and plans to exceed 1,500 miles as expansion continues. Service is already available in portions of Paulding and Putnam counties, including areas of Paulding, Haviland, Payne, Grover Hill, Ottoville, Fort Jennings, Cloverdale, and Delphos.

Unlike many providers, Paulding Putnam offers residential internet packages designed around customers’ lifestyles, whether they work from home, enjoy streaming and gaming, spend time outdoors, or want additional parental controls and Wi-Fi management tools. All residential plans include straightforward pricing with no contracts, data caps, or hidden fees. Business internet packages are also available for farms, small businesses, and commercial operations requiring advanced connectivity and multi-gig speeds.

As part of a summer promotion celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, new residential customers who sign up for a 1 Gig internet package between June and August will receive one month of free service.

Those interested in fiber internet service (even those who are not electric members) are encouraged to complete the interest form online at www.PPEC.coop. This helps the co-op guide construction plans and notify customers when service is available.

Members can learn more about packages, check availability, and sign up at www.PPEC.coop/internet or by contacting member services at 800-686-2357. Commercial accounts can contact Luke Burkhart at lburkhart@ppec.coop or 800-686-2357.

ANTWERP, OH:

Keith E. Derck, 59, of Antwerp, Ohio passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Keith was born in Hicksville, Ohio on March 28, 1967, a son of the late Rose Ann (Schmidt) and Gerald Jerome Derck.

Being raised on the family farm, Keith honored his father’s legacy by farming with his brother. Keith also owned Derck’s Landscaping Supply. He served the Antwerp Community as an EMT for 10 years. Keith’s greatest joy was his family. He rarely missed a grandchild’s sporting event and always called to check the results if he was unable to attend. The trips he took to Alaska, Hawaii and Florida will always be cherished by his family. Keith will always be remembered as a kind and lovable man who was never too shy to share his sense of humor with a stranger and for the love of his famous tomato and peanut butter sandwiches!

Keith will be sadly missed by his wife, Beth (Sensabaugh), to whom he was married December 12, 1997; daughters, Candace (Josh) Feehan and Casey (Nando) Jasso; siblings, Ken (Nancy) Derck, Gary (Pat) Derck and Diane (Tony) Green; grandchildren, Aubree and Jaxon Feehan and Adalyn, Gavyn, RaeLynn and Daxtyn Jasso and his beloved dogs, Bear and Urban.

Viewing is Tuesday, July 7th, 4 PM to 7 PM at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp.

His funeral service is 10:30 AM, with viewing one hour prior on Wednesday, July 8th at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

He will be laid to rest in Bethel Cemetery, Cecil, Ohio.

Memorials are to Hicksville Schools for the FFA Program, 958 E High St, Hicksville, Ohio 43526 or Antwerp Local Schools Ag. Science Program, 303 S. Harrmann Road, Antwerp, Ohio 45813.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com

The Defiance Area Foundation (DAF) has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Johnson Memorial Library Friends during its 2026 spring grant cycle. Funding for the grant was provided through the Capital Projects Fund under the DAF umbrella.

The grant will support exterior building improvements at the Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville aimed at improving accessibility and enhancing outdoor community spaces for patrons and visitors.

Planned improvements include updates to the library’s front porch, fascia, shutters, soffits, and other exterior features, along with concrete work to create a full front entrance ramp, new pathways, and expanded patio areas. The project is expected to cost between $88,000 and $96,000.

The improvements are designed to create a more welcoming and accessible environment while preserving the library as an important community resource for Hicksville residents.

Maumee Valley Network is proud to recognize Brenda DeLong of Van Wert County as our May Flag Award recipient.

Brenda’s commitment to the community spans decades. Many residents remember her as a fourth-grade teacher at Ohio City-Liberty Local Schools, where she helped shape the lives of countless students. Her dedication to young people continued beyond the classroom through her longtime involvement with 4-H.

As a leader with the Ohio City Blue Ribbon Workers 4-H Club, Brenda has spent years mentoring local youth, teaching leadership, responsibility, and community service. One of her most meaningful contributions has been ensuring that 4-H members work side by side with local veterans to place flags at area cemeteries and participate in annual Memorial Day services.

Through these efforts, generations of young people have learned the importance of honoring those who served our country.

Brenda’s lifelong commitment to education, youth development, and veteran recognition has left a lasting impact on Van Wert County and the surrounding communities.

The flag was presented by Anthony Bergman of Lee Kinstle Sales & Service, helping recognize Brenda’s many years of service and dedication to the community.

Presented by Maumee Valley Network; Sponsored by Lee Kinstle Chevrolet GMC; In partnership with CollinsFlags.com

You can learn more about the Flag of Honor by visiting our Facebook page.

Thank you, Brenda, for your decades of service to the youth, veterans, and families of Maumee Valley.