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/)

This week, members of the Kiwanis Club were invited to tour the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry, gaining firsthand insight into the organization’s work supporting individuals and families in need.

Laurie Barnes, a board member of Caring & Sharing, provided an informative overview of the pantry’s services, the sources of donations, and anticipated future needs in the community. Members also toured the facility, witnessing the operations that make this essential service possible.

For more information about the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry or how to get involved, visit their website or Facebook page.

The Antwerp Board of Education met Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the BOE Room

The meeting began with the introduction of guests.  

Treasurer Kristine Stuart presented the monthly financial and fiscal year report and reported that the district has received nearly 83% of its projected revenue while spending nearly 67% of its budget with 75% of the fiscal year completed. 

MS/HS Principal Jessie Arnold reported that State ELA testing began this week with the state testing in the academic areas of math, science, and social studies taking place in the next two weeks. Principal Arnold thanked Curriculum Director Elyse Boyer and IT Director Harold Gottke for their leadership with the testing process.  Ms. Arnold also shared that the Fine Arts Festival will take place Saturday, April 18th, Senior Awards Night is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29th, and that prom is quickly approaching and will take place Saturday, May 2nd.  Ms. Arnold also reminded the Board that the band and choir are headed to Disney World May 4th – 9th.

Ms. Arnold also shared that preparations are underway for the May 17th graduation of 57 senior students.

Elementary Principal Doug Billman began his presentation by recognizing March Students of the Month 

• Young 5’s:  Jensen Swary

• Kindergarten: Daniel Zuber, Owen Treesh, Reid Cross

• 1st Grade: Hadley DeVore, Simon Laker

• 2nd Grade: Waylon Parisot, Evelyn Gaisford, Emma Cross

• 3rd Grade: Coralyn Smith, Riley Henschen, Lukas Custer 

• 4th Grade: Kimber Weible, Lyric Smith

• 5th Grade: Deacon Hitzeman, Blade Ruffing, Hudson Martenies

Principal Billman also previewed the upcoming Arts Festival scheduled for April 18th and shared a packed field trip schedule for grades 1 through 5.  

In his Superintendent report, Dr. Miller shared some exciting staffing news that two new academic programs and respective teachers are in place for the 2026-2027 school year.  Madeline Miesle will serve as a STEAM/CTE teacher and Baylee March will serve as our new Ag Science Teacher.  Additionally, Keaton Altimus will return to his Alma Mater for the 2026-2027 school year and will serve as a PE/Health teacher replacing Marcy Miller with her departure to further her educational endeavors.

Dr. Miller also highlighted several construction items including the athletic booster organization plans to renovate the Field House, and that work will begin in mid-May on the new addition to the bus garage.  Dr. Miller also noted several updates regarding school safety enhancements involving an entry/exit management system and alert system that will be available for staff.

Dr. Miller also thanked the board for allowing Dr. Miller, Ms. Arnold, and several staff members (including foreign language teacher Lola Cortes Revuelta and her husband Edwardo – Ohio visiting teachers from Spain) the opportunity to chaperone the student trip to Spain.  Thirty-two students (28 Antwerp/4 Fairview) and twelve chaperones (six parents) traveled to Barcelona, Madrid, and Toledo April 2 – 9th and visited numerous historic sites including participation in the Easter Service in the Basilica of Montserrat

Consent Items:  See Board Agenda.  All items were approved.

The next Board of Education meeting is set for Thursday, May 21st  at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room.

Congratulations to the Evansport Veterans Fireworks Association for receiving a $1,000 grant from the Defiance Moose Lodge #2094, who holds a donor advised fund under the Defiance Area Foundation umbrella.

This grant will be used for the community fireworks taking place this Fourth of July season.

This week, the Kiwanis Club welcomed community members to attend a special meeting focused on outreach and engagement. The featured speaker, Dr. Shaun Matako—former Paulding Kiwanis Club member and now pastor at Whipple Avenue Baptist Church in Canton, Ohio—shared the history, purpose, and impact of Kiwanis.

Dr. Matako spoke about the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving children and strengthening communities through service, leadership, and volunteerism. His remarks highlighted the meaningful ways Kiwanis continues to make a difference locally and around the world.

Community members in attendance had the opportunity to learn more about the organization and how they can get involved. The Kiwanis Club welcomes anyone interested in making a positive impact to attend an upcoming meeting and explore membership opportunities.

Changing the world one child at a time.

For more information, please visit the organization’s Facebook page.

MELROSE — A ministry that began as a leap of faith is now celebrating two decades of service to the community. The Auglaize Chapel Church of God food pantry is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026, continuing its mission of providing food assistance and support to individuals and families throughout the Melrose area.  

The pantry was created after church members identified a need for accessible food resources for those facing difficult circumstances. Although there were initial concerns about whether a small congregation could sustain such an effort, the decision was made to move forward, and the impact has steadily grown ever since.

Since opening on April 29, 2006, the pantry has operated out of the church at 515 Franklin Street in Melrose. It has become a dependable resource for residents, regularly serving dozens of families each month with essential food items.

The pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Participation fluctuates depending on the time of year, with attendance typically ranging from 30 to 60 families during each distribution.

The effort remains largely volunteer-driven, with a dedicated group assisting in all aspects of the operation, including food pickups, stocking, and distribution. Additional help is provided by church members and community volunteers as needed. Food supplies are sourced primarily through the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima, supplemented by donations from local businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and individuals.

Over the past 20 years, the pantry has grown into more than just a place to receive food. It has also served as a point of connection within the community, offering support and care to those in need while encouraging volunteer involvement and outreach.

As it reaches this milestone anniversary, the Auglaize Chapel Church of God food pantry continues to stand as a testament to long-term commitment and community cooperation, providing both nourishment and encouragement to those it serves.

Amrize Paulding is inviting the community to celebrate a major milestone as the company marks its 70th anniversary with a public open house at its cement plant on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Amrize Paulding Cement Plant, located at 11435 Road 176 in Paulding. Formerly known as Holcim, Amrize has been a longstanding part of the region’s industrial landscape and is opening its doors to showcase seven decades of history and operations.

Community members, partners, and neighbors are encouraged to attend and take part in a variety of activities designed to highlight both the plant’s legacy and its current role in supporting infrastructure and development. The event will feature interactive tours, including shuttle bus access to Paulding’s community fossil garden, offering a unique look at the site’s geological significance.

Families can also enjoy complimentary lunch and activities suitable for all ages, making the open house a family-friendly event. In addition, educational opportunities will be available for those interested in learning more about cement production and how Amrize contributes to building and maintaining essential infrastructure across the country.

Organizers note that the event also ties into the broader recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, emphasizing the role of industries like Amrize in shaping the nation’s growth.

Those planning to attend may RSVP by Friday, May 8, by contacting Bob West via email at r.west@amrize.com or by calling (419) 670-4953, although RSVP is not required.

The celebration offers a rare opportunity for the public to step inside a major local industry, connect with its team, and gain a deeper appreciation for its impact on the community over the past 70 years.

The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office and the Williams County Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) have been selected by the SelectUSA Investment Summit committee to represent rural Ohio economic development at the 2026 SelectUSA Foreign Direct Investment Summit held in Washington, D.C., May 3–6.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier national event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. The Summit plays a critical role in attracting and facilitating business investment and job creation by raising global awareness of opportunities across the USA. It also provides direct, high‑value connections between international companies and U.S. economic development organizations (EDOs).

The northwest Ohio offices were selected following the recommendation of Paul Zito, Vice President of International Development for the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP), the northwest Ohio arm of JobsOhio. Zito recognized that two rural Ohio counties would be selected, and encouraged all RGP member counties to apply. WEDCO Director Ashley Epling and PCED Director Tim Copsey submitted applications and were chosen by the national committee to receive complimentary admission to the Summit.

Copsey stated, “It’s certainly an honor for Paulding County to be recognized by the national SelectUSA committee to represent rural Ohio, but then also having Williams County chosen from our local six‑county area just highlights the great things that are taking place in this corner of Ohio. Paulding County would not be able to attend this event without this selection award.”

“It’s a great opportunity for Williams County to be part of a larger conversation around investment and growth. Being selected to represent rural Ohio at the SelectUSA Investment Summit speaks to the work that’s happening here locally and the momentum we’re continuing to build. We’re looking forward to making connections, sharing what our communities have to offer, and highlighting why NW Ohio is well-positioned for international investment,” stated WEDCO Dir. Ashley Epling.

Both Paulding and Williams Counties have certified industrial sites available for immediate sale, as designated by the Ohio Department of Development.  The certification indicates that the properties have completed all required environmental due diligence and are considered shovel‑ready for investment.

Both counties received complimentary admission for two representatives. In addition to Copsey, PCED Administrative Assistant Jessica Stechschulte will represent Paulding County. WEDCO Director of Workforce Development Jennifer Stantz will join Epling, representing Williams County.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit attracts more than 5,500 participants annually and has directly contributed to more than $250 billion in new U.S. investment projects, supporting over 125,000 jobs across the United States and its territories. Historically, participants represent more than 100 countries, joining economic developers from 54 U.S. states and territories, including more than 1,100 EDO representatives.

Paulding Schools extends sincere thanks to the Cooper Family Foundation for their generous donation toward the high school gym bleacher replacement project. This contribution brings the total donated amount to $125,000, with the overall project cost estimated at $700,000.

Commissioner Mark Holtsberry, a resident of Jackson Township, is seeking re-election as your County Commissioner in the May primary.

Over eleven years ago, he became a person who did not say why, but a person who said why not. Holtsberry’s goal was, and always has been, to help improve the quality of life for over the 18,000 citizens of this county. Not all his decision making is done in the office two days a week, but out of the office in after hour meetings with the boards he serves on. This reflects the commitment to the success of our citizens of all ages. Every year the Commissioner’s office has invested monies into the safety and welfare through the Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutors Office, Emergency Management, Health Department and Soil and Water, just to name a few. Holtsberry has personally donated money several times to the Parks Board. Even defending them in court from being abolished. He is not afraid to stand alone even if the odds are not in his favor. He feels by standing alone, showing conviction, people will see what the right thing to do is. The Commissioner’s office has invested monies into Economic Development and the Land Bank. 

The success that the Land Bank has had in our County is very noticeable. The Commissioner’s office has the right people in the right places to get creative and make bold moves towards progress. With the use of American Relief Act monies, Holtsberry takes pride in knowing that our Court House has new energy efficient windows Broadband installed in numerous sections of the county. When other counties spend $100,000.00 dollars for studies for broadband, Holtsberry picked up a landline phone and reached out to educators for advice. Our County has seen growth through partnerships. Investing into job creation, retention and various infrastructure projects as well as projects dealing with the growth of our own various park projects.

Holtsberry’s goal of reaching out for state and federal monies to further assist in the current county programs is still in place. Our Senior Center, Parks Board, Senior Citizen Home Repair Program, Help Me Grow infant and youth program, just to name a few, have benefited from extra funding that Holtsberry has secured. His time spent with various community service programs has been very rewarding to him. He will never say no if some group wants him to speak. He is honored to be invited to speak, help out where he can, providing words of comfort or motivate others. With is conservative Christian values, which he was taught at an early age, he will continue to stand up for our citizens of our county. He is reminded what his mother told him a month before she passed away, “I taught you to be a leader, not a leaner.” It has been a wonderful pleasure to serve the citizens of this county for the past eleven years. God Bless you, our county and our country!