Sometimes life presents us with many difficult trials. We often have to make decisions in response to these trials. The book of James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Perseverance means continuing with hope and patience through difficult trials rather than giving up. In my personal observation and opinion, there are two types of Christians: functional and dysfunctional. A dysfunctional Christian is stalled in the face of opposition and challenges. This causes them to lash out or become passive-aggressive, attack through sabotage, or leave the situation or the church altogether. In other words, they get stuck in a situation’s difficulties and stay emotionally stifled for extended periods. This stems from a lack of faith. We must exercise our faith by turning it over to the lord one situation at a time, one day at a time. By doing so, we find it easier to turn things over to the lord so that He can fight our battles. The battle is not yours but the Lord’s.

The functional Christian on a continuum gives every issue to the Lord. This keeps them moving forward positively. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.

If you persevere through life’s situations and challenges, dispensing God’s love sacrificially according to His will, you will receive the “crown of life” that God has promised to those who love Him.

Functional Christians Persevere.

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

Perhaps the first thing is why are not Christians checking on our neighbors? An incident happened in 1934 in Grabill that still has me wondering. An entire family of 12 children were killed on the railroad track. There was much speculation as to what might have happened, and I still wonder. 

They found that their little cabin had no food in it. They’d gone that day to eat with their aunt, so I guess they were not going to be hungry for a while. I just wonder why no neighbors knew that they were in such dire circumstances.

I consider Grabill to be a town of churches, especially in those days. 

Churches in those days had three services, two on Sunday and one on Wednesday night. The people were so serious about their religion that the town closed Wednesday afternoon to prepare for Wednesday evening prayer meeting. I would compare them to the Pilgrims or the Quakers. 

But in recent times this came closer to home. I had a buddy that went to our church. He was quite talented and had been quite successful in life but in his book he wrote that he went home one day and there was no food in the house. I can’t believe I didn’t know. I knew his dad had a struggle to make ends meet but I had no idea that they were in such dire circumstances. 

I can’t believe somebody in our church didn’t help them. He tells in his book that one of our church members gave his dad a dollar, which they took as an insult. Perhaps in those days one didn’t ask for help. I saw this boy at church and was at his house many times and it was a kind of a shock to learn of their circumstance. 

The train accident made world headlines and they said Hitler made comment of it. 14 people are buried in a mass grave in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana. I went looking for this grave. I found a lady that knows the story of everyone buried there, but she’s not telling. She stands on top of a mausoleum in the heart of the cemetery. 

I never did find the grave of that family but after meeting the lady I wasn’t interested anymore. There are many things that happen that we will never know exactly what took place or the motive behind it. Only Judge Judy can tell what your motive in doing something was.

—James Neuhouser

By: Ron Burt

TOLEDO, Ohio, Saturday October 4 — Doran-Swanson Racing’s Briggs Danner won the Hemelgarn Racing/Super Fitness Rollie Beale Classic USAC Silver Crown season finale Saturday at Toledo Speedway in his first race ever at the famed half-mile paved oval. With the victory he clinched second place in the USAC Silver Crown Driver Championship in his first full season in the series. He and Justin Grant both finished with 557 points, but Danner won the tiebreaker because he had three wins and Grant, the series’ defending champion, had none this year. Plymouth Indiana’s Tyler Roahrig put pressure on Danner in the last twenty laps but couldn’t make a pass for the lead and settled for 2nd. Polesitter Chase Cabre finished 3rd to get a spot on the podium.

Kody Swanson, the former driver of Briggs Danner’s Silver Crown car, but now is the race director for the series, won the 500 Sprint Car Tour Feature. Kyle Crump found victory lane in the Outlaw Super Late Model Feature and Josh Bunting won in the Factory Stocks.

Montpelier Speedway IN also raced last Saturday. In the USAC Midwest Thuner Midgets, after an intense battle for the lead, Bryce Massingill went from the 9th starting spot to get the victory. Dillon Nusbaum won the UMP Modified Feature. Todd Sherman took the checkered flag in the Super Stock class. Brian Isley won in the Hornet class.

Thursday, October 8, Millstream Speedway-The fall chill was in the air tonight in Findlay, that didn’t stop fans from packing the stands to see the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars for night number 1 of Sheldon Haudenschild’s Buckeye Brawl. 39 World of Outlaw 410 Winged Sprints signed in to compete, and the same number of 305 Winged Sprints showed up for the support class.

The 305’s qualified and then went into the feature, paying $1,200.00 to win. Findlay’s own Chad Kemenah took care of business and got the win.

In the World of Outlaws tonight, Wooster Ohio’s Sheldon Haudenschild had quick time 13.690. Heat race winners were Bill Balog, Michael Kofoid, Sheldon Haudenschild, and Garet Williamson. The 8 car dash was won by Michael Kofoid. Donny Schatz advanced to the feature by winning the Last Chance Showdown along with Bryce Lucius, Rickey Peterson, and Chris Andrews.

Tonight’s 30 lap WoO Feature and $18,000.00 went to Michael Kofoid. Garet Williamson and David Gravel finished behind tonight’s winner. This was Michael “Buddy” Kofoid’s 15th victory in 2026. It was announced the proceeds from the 50/50 drawing tonight were going to Hancock County’s Honor Flight. 

The Buckeye Brawl will continue Friday at Mansfield Speedway and will wrap up at Sharon Speedway on Saturday. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!

East Allen County Schools (EACS) proudly honored former Board of School Trustees member Terry Jo Lightfoot during the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Leo Fieldhouse, officially dedicating the state-of-the-art facility in recognition of her more than 20 years of outstanding service, unwavering leadership, and extraordinary commitment to East Allen County Schools and the Leo community.

Throughout her years of dedicated service, Lightfoot demonstrated a deep passion for public education, a steadfast commitment to student success, and a genuine love for the community she so faithfully served. Her leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy have enriched the lives of countless students, staff, families, and residents throughout the district.

Terry Jo Lightfoot’s legacy is not simply measured by the number of years she served, but by the countless lives she touched, the relationships she built, and the lasting difference she made.

The dedication of the new Leo Fieldhouse serves as a fitting and lasting tribute to a woman whose commitment to education and community has helped shape the future of East Allen County Schools.

For generations to come, this facility will stand as a reminder of her dedication, service, and belief in creating opportunities for ALL students.

East Allen County Schools extends its heartfelt appreciation to Terry Jo Lightfoot for her remarkable years of service and the enduring impact she has made on the district and the Leo community.

While her years of service on the Board may have come to an end, her legacy will continue to inspire generations of students who walk through the doors of the new Leo Fieldhouse.

Thank you, Terry Jo Lightfoot, for more than two decades of service, leadership, and love for the EACS community. Your legacy will live on!

On an exquisite autumn day in early October, several history buffs and supporters of the preservation of the historical significance of Paulding County Ohio citizens converged on the lawn of the Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding just behind the Paulding Exempted Village Schools. Attendees paid a nominal donation to tour a selected few gravesites – including one inside the newly renovated mausoleum – where volunteers were in character to tell the stories of four individuals that helped shape what the Village of Paulding and surrounding area is today. Jessie Pursel, Sergeant Theodore Aaron Noffsinger, Gilbert Barnes, and Chase W. Hastings were the featured Paulding residents.

The tour started in the mausoleum where Gilbert Barnes, portrayed by Paulding County Engineer Scott Strahley, was laid to rest in 1923. Barnes was a noble family man whose contributions to the establishment of the village of Paulding include the infamous Hotel Barnes and Barnes Mansion. There is some discrepancies of his birth year that were discussed but Strahley’s hoping it doesn’t disturb his eternal rest.

Next up on the tour was down the lane to the resting place of Sergeant Theodore Aaron Noffsinger. Paulding County Commissioner Mark Holtsberry told a slightly despondent tale about Noffsinger’s life in the military. He was never married, and he had a simple burial in November of 1918. His mother is buried beside him.

Just up the cemetery road, the tour next came to Chase W. Hastings. Hastings was born in Indiana in 1866 and later moved with his family to Paulding County, where he attended local schools before studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1891. He practiced law in Grover Hill and was appointed Probate Judge in 1904, serving until 1909 and earning a reputation for being courteous, fair and just. During his humble life, he also served as Mayor, of which village, it’s unclear. Hastings died in 1917 leaving behind a legacy of faith, friendship, community involvement and the respect of those who knew him. More than a century later, perhaps the best summary of Chase W. Hastings is the headline his own community gave him in a local newspaper when he died: “A Good Man.”

Rounding out the tour was a lady of renown for the Paulding community — Jessie Pursel. Her family were the owners of the Pursel & Pursel Clothing Store on the square in Downtown Paulding. At one point, their clothing store was the largest in the region for women’s clothing. Though never married, Jessie’s legacy as a woman business owner in a day when that was not all that common or accepted has been an inspiring portion of Paulding County history.

The Community Revitalizing of Paulding was the organization who coordinates this event each autumn. It was a fabulous day to celebrate the distinguished residents of Paulding Ohio.

PAULDING, OH:

Alice Gerber graduated unto the Heavens on October 14, 2026. She was born in Paulding, Ohio on February 23, 1954. She was the daughter of Drs. Kirkwood A. and Edythe C. Pritchard MDs of Paulding. She married Ronald R. Gerber on October 25,1980 and gave birth to two daughters Audra L. Schoenauer (Scott Schoenauer) of Payne, OH and Susanne L. Sample (Walter Sample) Cincinnati, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ronald R. Gerber, and her boyfriend Ron Johnson. She left behind her children, and siblings : Laura Gibson Morrison of Butler, Ohio; Dr. Kirkwood A. Pritchard Jr. PhD (Marilyn Pritchard) of Elm Grove WI; and Dr. James C. Pritchard of Cincinnati, OH. She was a life-long member of the First Christian Church in Paulding. She had nieces and nephews; Kirkwood Blaine Gibson; Kathryn Pritchard (Corwin Holzman) and son Gryffin, Sarah Pritchard, Emily Pritchard (Areli DeAnda), Ellie Pritchard and Anna Pritchard. Her grandson and granddaughter are Jack Schoenauer and Olivia Sample.

Alice attended Paulding High School and graduated from Paulding High School in spring of 1972. She continued her education at Taylor University in Upland, IN. She graduated in the spring of 1976. She began employment at the Paulding County Welfare Dept. which ultimately became the Paulding County Dept. of Job and Family Services in the Children Services unit. She retired after 32 yrs. of service. She continued to miss doing Foster and Adoptive home studies and finalizing adoptions after retirement.

Alice wrote a book about her mother and her painting friends who loved to paint! Through the historical articles of the Paulding Progress, stored on file at the Paulding County Library, she found many talented people who were also addicted to art. Her hope with the book was that other families would write their own stories about their parents and friends. Paulding County is truly blessed with artists in various areas.

Alice continued to dabble in art and poetry. She depended upon her faith. Through the grief of widowhood, she began a card ministry for those who fell into widowhood for many years. It then grew to families who lost young and adult children, as well as the loss of parents.

Alice’s passing wish is that others look for the GOOD! And here are a few she loved:

“There is always MUCH to be grateful for.”

“Revisit your Victories.”

“Make your dominant thoughts be Positive!”

“Anchor yourself in Jesus.”

“Be kinder than necessary.”

“Do all the good you can.” John Wesley

“Write in your heart that every day is the best day in years.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “Faith does not eliminate questions. But Faith knows where to take them.” Elisabeth Elliot.

I have received my diploma and graduated unto my Lord. Amen.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Paulding, OH. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the services at church on Thursday.

Memorial donations may go toward St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

East Allen County Schools (EACS) proudly celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the new Leo Fieldhouse on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, marking an exciting and historic milestone for the Leo community and the entire EACS district.

The new state-of-the-art fieldhouse represents EACS’ continued commitment to providing outstanding facilities and opportunities that support students, staff, and the community. This impressive addition to Leo Jr./Sr. High School will serve as a valuable resource for athletics, student activities, school programs, and community events for generations to come.

The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together district leadership, school board members, local dignitaries, staff, students, and community supporters to celebrate this remarkable achievement and the bright future it represents.

More than just a building, the new Leo Fieldhouse represents an investment in students, a commitment to excellence, and a lasting legacy for the Leo community. It is a place where students will develop teamwork, leadership, discipline, and school pride while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

East Allen County Schools extends its sincere appreciation to everyone whose vision, dedication, and support helped make this project a reality.

As EACS continues to grow and enhance educational opportunities throughout the district, the new Leo Fieldhouse stands as another example of its commitment to Educating ALL students for success.

Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 recently donated $1,000 to D.A.S.H. to support its upcoming 5K race, scheduled for October 17.

The gift was made through the Moose Lodge’s charitable fund held under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. Through the fund, Moose Lodge #2094 continues to invest in local organizations, programs and events throughout the community.

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

It’s that time of year again, the Paulding FFA is starting their annual fruit fundraiser. The event kicked off on Thursday, October 8th, and will end October 30th when all orders must be put in the google form by the Paulding FFA member. Our members will be offering citrus fruit, nuts, Ohio apples, BBQ sauce, beef jerky, pineapples and butter braids. 

This year, the chapter will also be offering new types of beef jerky. This is one of the Paulding FFA Chapter’s largest fundraisers with all proceeds going to benefit the chapter and its members. 

If interested in some fruit or other items please contact the Paulding FFA Chapter Ag department at 419-399-4656, extension 1170, or one of your local Paulding FFA members. 

The items will come in and be delivered the week of December 2nd. We want to thank the community in advance for their continued support of our Paulding FFA Chapter. 

This week at Kiwanis, we were joined by Jacob Salisbury with Everlite Collective.  The mission of Everlite is to bring people together through faith, positive community events, and practical support, creating opportunities for connection, encouragement, and a stronger community.  

The Christian-based, nonprofit organization started by Jacob is based in Paulding and has already been involved with the Summer Blast, the Foundations Recovery Clubhouse event at LaFountain Park and the Fall Festival.  Upcoming events include community fundraising events in Grover Hill on October 10th & 17th, a Movie Night on Halloween on Jackson Street in downtown Paulding and a big event for Thanksgiving! 

They are hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner at the OSU Extension Building on Thursday, November 26 from 2:00-8:00 p.m.