The Evening Leader
Fall just got better at the Niswonger with Jason Crabb
VAN WERT – Van Wert LIVE is turning up the excitement this fall by announcing two brand-new shows – revealed on Friday – bringing inspiring music and spooky family fun to the Niswonger stage. Grammy Awardwinning artist Jason Crabb will take the stage...
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New Bremen Council plans for event months in advance
The New Bremen Council met on Monday in order to discuss a few important items for the village, even if some of them were for business farther in the year than most would be ready for. The council discussed a variety of things during the meeting, with...
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Prize winners announced for Selfie with a Marker contest
The Auglaize County Historical Society has announced the winners of its Selfie with a Marker contest, held in conjunction with National Historic Marker Weekend. Joe Schetter was the first prize winner, taking home more than $100 in prizes. Joe pictured...
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Curated collection to be open to the public
On Tuesday evening, May 5, a curated collection sale will open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to step inside a collection shaped by years of curiosity, travel, and a careful eye for detail. Hosted through Interior Motifs, the event features...
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Fish killed in Miami-Erie Canal due to manure runoff
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, officers of the St. Marys Police Department and personnel of the St. Marys Fire Department responded to the 600th block of Cleveland Avenue in reference to an unresponsive male, who had been discovered inside the residence by...
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Spring Sports Review - MHS seniors visit St. Marys Rotary
Five Memorial High School seniors visited the St. Marys Rotary Club on April 29 to give a brief review of how sports are going this spring. The seniors included Lauren Jacobs (Girls Track), Carter Verbryke (Boys Track), Bradey Triplett (Tennis), Kasey...
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Careful driving encouraged around livestock, farm equipment
The spring season is a big time for rural communities, especially for those located in Auglaize County. Farmers are working hard to bring food onto not only their table, but everyone in America’s as well, whether that’s through rigorous agricultural...
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Continuation of DORA approved by St. Marys City Council
On April 27, St. Marys City Council held a Public Hearing at 6:15 pm to hear the public’s opinion on the continuation of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the downtown business district. No one from the public spoke. Afterwards,...
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St. Marys celebrates Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony The City of St. Marys celebrated Arbor Day
with a tree planting ceremony on April 24 in Mill Park. Gregg Clark, Superintendent of Urban Forestry & Parks, gave a speech and dedicated two trees that were pre-planted in K.C. Geiger Park in honor of Floyd Sheaks and James Boehmer. Floyd Sheaks...
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Project Safe Return to bring families together this Sunday
With the world being filled with uncertainty right now, it has become a trying time for members of the military and their families. Some local concerned citizens, though, are hoping to ease this burden with an event this Sunday. Project Safe Return is...
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Cardinals Legacy Paver Project open for donations until May 31
New Bremen Schools have recently started a new project involving the Cardinal Stadium, with hopes that plenty of people within the community will help with it, so they can leave a literal mark within the village. As of earlier this month, New Bremen...
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Minster Council discusses parking on Fourth Street, South Lincoln
The Minster Council came together on Tuesday, with one of their main topics being the subject of parking on several of their streets. Many local villages and cities have had parking on their minds due to the limited amount of space in each area. The...
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GLHS honors Chris Barfield, RN, with DAISY Award
ST. MARYS – Grand Lake Health System is proud to recognize Chris Barfield, RN, of Urgent Care/ Med Surg, as the latest recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This national recognition celebrates nurses who consistently go...
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St. Marys City Schools become model for Writing Revolution
The St. Marys City School District was chosen by Ohio’s State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) Team as one of four districts in Ohio to be a model for the implementation of the Writing Revolution process. On Monday, April 13, State Representatives Jo...
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Kentner to run Boston Marathon with Astronaut Williams
WAPAKONETA — When Amy Kentner leaves this Monday for Boston, she is not just heading to another race. She is stepping into a moment nearly 20 years in the making. Kentner will run the Boston Marathon alongside Sunita “Suni” Williams, a NASA astronaut...
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St. Marys Board visits Tri Star Career Compact
The St. Marys Board of Education meeting was held at a new location this Wednesday as they took a quick visit to Tri Star Career Compact in relation to some resolutions they had to make. There were several reasons why the board held the meeting at Tri...
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April Showers Hike receives 150 hikers and good weather
The St. Marys VFW Post 9289 held its monthly House Committee meeting on March 15 and reviewed the success of their Gun Bash fundraiser that was held on Feb. 21. John Brotherwood, Post Quartermaster and Chaplain, reported that the event was a major...
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St. Marys City Council passes Trash Rate increase at meeting
On April 13, the St. Marys City Council passed Ordinance No. 2026-03, which approved the refuse rate increase for the City of St. Marys. Section 5 of the ordinance was amended to include emergency language, changing the
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New Knoxville Council receives update from Chief of Police
Chris McKinney, Chief of Police for the Village of New Knoxville, gave his end-ofthe-year report to the Village Council during the April 8 meeting. His overall message was that 2025 was steady and the same as past years in terms of service and volume...
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JTDMH reopens renovated Outpatient Center
Joint Township District Memorial Hospital (JTDMH) is reopening their Outpatient Center today, April 10, 2026. The Center has been closed with outpatient traffic rerouted since August 2025. Around 15K sq. ft. has been renovated, including the central...
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Pat Wietholter exhibit reception at St. Marys Art Center on Friday
On Friday, April 10, the St. Marys Art Center will be hosting a reception for the opening of Pat Wietholter’s new exhibit. The reception is open to the public and will be from 6-8 p.m. at the gallery on Spring Street. There will be free food and...
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Minster Council thanks villages for storm damage repairs
Around seven ordinances were looked over at the recent Minster Council meeting on Tuesday, with five of them revolving around thanking local villages and organizations for their help in repairing the storm damage that had hit the village...
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Historical Society plans for spring bus trip to Tuscarawas County
The Auglaize County Historical Society takes to the road for its annual Spring Motor Coach Trip on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The destination will be Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Tuscarawas County is home to diverse attractions that reflect many chapters of...
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Happy Easter
Thirteen Wapakoneta area non-profit agencies will receive funding from the United Way of Auglaize County’s 2025 Support Campaign, with funding distribution beginning in July – and this year the agencies will receive what they asked for. Grant...
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Grand Lake Area Literature Festival Resounding Success
The Grand Lake Area Literature Festival, which took place on March 21, was a resounding success. This year, 1,400 people attended the festival at the Tri Star Career Compact, which is a 40% increase over last year. There was a 20% increase in awards...
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Auglaize BOE Conducts Public Test of Voting Equipment
The Auglaize County Board of Elections (BOE) held a public test of its voting equipment on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 Primary/ Special Election, allowing the public to see how the systems that tabulate ballots work and how the BOE ensures elections...
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Tri Star Hosts FFA Outdoor Power Equipment District Competition
On March 31, 12 District 5 FFA chapters came together at the Tri Star Career Compact to compete in an Outdoor Power Equipment Career Development event. Each FFA team brought 3 students who worked to complete different skill challenges and one team...
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Meet You Neighbor: Allie Phlipot
We continue further with our Meet Your Neighbor column by focusing on someone who contributes to the theater scene, the teacher/director known as Allie Phlipot. Phlipot is another strong employee of St. Marys City Schools, working mainly as a Memorial...
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Armstrong Museum to host Artemis II launch party
WAPAKONETA — The Armstrong Air & Space Museum will welcome the community for a special live viewing event as humans return to the Moon for the first time in over fifty years. On Wednesday, April 1, the museum will host an Artemis II launch watch party,...
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Auglaize County lapel pin offers local way to celebrate America’s 250th
COLUMBUS – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Auglaize County residents can celebrate local pride with a limited-edition county lapel pin now available through the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Each America 250 Ohio...
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MHS thespians present “Damn Yankees” this Friday
MHS thespians will be putting on the musical “Damn Yankees” this weekend at the high school. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27, with two showings on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m....
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SMCPL to feature adult/kid oriented classes throughout April
The St. Marys Community Public Library is planning a slew of classes and events soon, with high hopes that people from the community will come and participate. The local library is always holding local events for people to join in on, aimed at kids...
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Auglaize County Health DAC fills board seat
The Auglaize County Health District Advisory Council (DAC) filled a seat on the Auglaize County Board of Health and heard department staff reports at its 2026 annual meeting on Monday at the Auglaize County Health Department. The DAC is made up of a...
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St. Marys Art Center features the photography of Debi Squire
On March 15, the St. Marys Art Center held a reception for the opening of an exhibit featuring Debi Squire’s photography. Squire is from Celina and is a retired Coldwater Physical Education and Health teacher, where she taught for over 32 years. She...
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Midwest Electric members donate $14,050 to 14 local organizations
ST. MARYS — Midwest Electric recently donated $14,050 to 14 westcentral Ohio charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund. Thanks to the 90% of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund,...
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Steady weather expected until next Wednesday
The brief moment of peaceful, warm weather has come and gone for Auglaize County, with windstorms and snow disturbing the peace over the past week. This has left many with questions on what to expect this week when it comes to what’ll come down on the...
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NWS confirms tornadoes in Auglaize and Shelby Counties
The National Weather Service in Wilmington confirmed three tornadoes touched down in Auglaize and Shelby Counties during the severe weather on Wednesday morning. All three tornadoes were rated EF-0, which is characterized by wind speeds of 65 to 85...
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Severe weather rumbles through Auglaize County St. Marys Board recognizes swim, bowling teams for state runs
The St. Marys Board of Education came together to recognize the efforts of the swim and bowling teams for their recent runs in state competitions, as well as other similar achievements. The student athletes and coaches of St. Marys Memorial High...
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Wetlands, Ag projects to continue going into 2026
Mercer County Ag & Natural Resources Director Theresa Dirksen provided her Ag & Natural Resources Update to the Lake Improvement Association at their recent meeting in order to talk about important issues that involve or surround Grand Lake St....
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New Bremen Council receive news on major water leaks in village
The New Bremen Council came together on Monday to discuss a few important items despite having some members missing. The meeting started with a few quick reports made, with the Mayor’s Report simply consisting of one request. Mayor Robert Parker...
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Luncheon starts conversations on Auglaize County arts
The first-ever Auglaize County State of the Arts and Culture Luncheon was held on Thursday as a way to discuss and brainstorm ideas about how to advance local arts and culture. The event brought community leaders and partners together to begin to plan...
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First Friday Spotlight - The Hair Place
There are seven hair salons on Spring Street. The Hair Place is one of the oldest and most prestigious. The owner, Julie Liming, has been in business since June 2002, but she started working in a salon as a receptionist in 8th grade. Before Liming...
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Blue on Blue game raises money for AC Special Olympics
The Blue on Blue event took place in the Memorial High School Gymnasium on Wednesday, with teams from the Auglaize County Special Olympics and Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office competing. The game was done in order to raise funds for the Auglaize...
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Facts about Alzheimer’s and how to prevent it
Yvonne Miller with the Alzheimer’s Association shared information on Alzheimer’s and steps people can take to prevent it at the Rotary Club of Wapakoneta on Monday. Miller is the Volunteer Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and does...
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Grand Lake Health System nominates Dr. James Luedeke for Healthcare Worker of the Year
ST. MARYS – Grand Lake Health System is proud to announce the nomination of Dr. James Luedeke, Primary Care Physician at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, for the 2026 Healthcare Worker of the Year Award presented by the Ohio Hospital...
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Why should you consider joining your local Rotary Club?
The St. Marys Rotary Club held a special recruitment meeting on Feb. 25 for potential new members. Current members were asked to invite people they thought would make great Rotarians. These prospective members watched as Dianna Dominguez, Executive...
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March to feature openings, parties and bashes for 2026
With winter hopefully going along with it, February’s business is coming to a close, and March is set to start off right, with high hopes that some warmer weather is set to come along with it. Local organizations, businesses and even the villages...
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Hudson Jewelers to hold buying event in mid-March
Hudson Jewelers will be hosting a threeday event at their store in March, with people from all over encouraged to come in and see if something they own might be of some value. Working with National Rarities, Hudson Jewelers will be hosting this event...
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Blue on Blue game to take place next week on March 4
Auglaize County Special Olympics basketball players will take on the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office in the Blue on Blue game next week. The athletes eagerly anticipate the game and shared why they like basketball and the competition. “[I like] just...
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New Bremen Council approves purchase of Rescue Pumper
The New Bremen Council met this week in order to discuss a few important developments in relation to the village, and some issues outside of that. The meeting started with a quick look at the financial report, with the February expenses being around...
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Gateway Arts Council announces 25th annual Spring Fling
Gateway Arts Council announc‑ es the 25th annual Spring Fling Fine Art Exhibit & Sale, mark‑ ing a quarter‑century of celebrating the re‑ gion’s creative spir‑ it. Over the past 25 years, Spring Fling has welcomed hun‑ dreds of artists and showcased...
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Minster Board recognizes Spelling Bee qualifiers, award winners
The Minster Board of Education met this week in order to discuss a few important items related to the school, as well as a few upcoming developments they need to keep an eye on. The board started the meeting by collectively recognizing the students...
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New Bremen Board adopts Cybersecurity Framework for 2026
The New Bremen Board of Education held their monthly meeting on Wednesday in order to discuss some changes that needed to be made after some recent legislation. One of the bigger items to come to the board’s attention was that the district would have...
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OTIS performing at Rhythm & Brews on Feb. 28 in Wapakoneta
OTIS is a Southern rock band from Kentucky. They will be performing live at the Route 33 Rhythm & Brews in Wapakoneta on Feb. 28. Their music is a mix of classic rock, heavy blues, soul, and Southern rock. They play original songs that are reminiscent...
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The Celtic Angels make their Niswonger debut March 1
VAN WERT March will be arriving with a bit of Irish flair at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center as The Celtic Angels take the stage on Sunday, March 1. This performance marks the very first time The Celtic Angels have appeared at the Niswonger, and...
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WAMA updates list of Auglaize County food pantries
The Wapakoneta Area Ministerial Association (WAMA) has recently put together an updated list of local food pantries, free meals, blessing boxes and food boxes. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, the following list provides locations,...
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St. Marys City Schools receives grant for work on Writing Revolution
St. Marys City Schools has experimented with plenty of programs to find what works best for their students in order to prepare them for the real world. This has earned the system some recognition and even a grant to help continue one program in...
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St. Marys Board recognizes coach, educator for recent awards
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the St. Marys VFW Post 9289 delivered 10 copies of the Alumni Foundation’s Hometown Heroes of St. Marys book to vets at Otterbein St. Marys SeniorLife Community. Representing the VFW were John Brotherwood, Chaplain, Jerrod...
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Local family creates “Frozen” sculpture in Wapakoneta
A local family has taken advantage of the snow in the area to create a large sculpture modeled after the Disney movie “Frozen” in Wapakoneta. The sculpture features characters from the movie and can be seen day and night at 1115 Poppy Drive. It was a...
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Brick Building Showcase shows creativity of local enthusiasts
The St. Marys Art Center is once again holding the annual Brick Building Showcase, where anyone can see the creations of local Lego enthusiasts in one place throughout the month of February. The gallery will be available for the public starting today,...
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Solid Waste Committee continues debates on refuse rate
On Monday, Feb. 2, the St. Marys Solid Waste Committee held another meeting to discuss potential refuse rate increases. Michael Aquaro was absent. Aaron Gilliland, Chairperson, and Jim Christman both presented their own rate calculations and heard...
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Four Chaplains Memorial Service honors chaplains’ unity, sacrifice
The Four Chaplains were honored for their bravery, service and unity at The Four Chaplains Memorial Service hosted by the American Legion Ohio 2nd District on Sunday at the American Legion Post 330 Annex in Wapakoneta. The American Legion has services...
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helps kids learn to read
Deb Zwez, Executive Director of the United Way of Auglaize County, visited the St. Marys Rotary Club on Jan. 28 to talk about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The United Way is the Local Program Partner in Auglaize County for the Imagination...
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John Menker retires after 32 years of service to St. Marys
Today, John Menker, Superintendent of General Services, is retiring after 32 years of service to the City of St. Marys. Corey Nedderman will be promoted to his position upon Menker’s retirement. As Superintendent, Menker oversaw the General Services,...
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Grist Mill bid accepted by city, works expected to start soon
At the Jan. 26 St. Marys City Council meeting, Phase Two of the Grist Mill project took center stage. The city secured a $750K grant from the State Capital Budget to complete the interior of the mill. The new project will allow the city to open the...
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GLHS earns top ranking in Blue Shield Quality Program
ST. MARYS – Grand Lake Health System has been named the highestscoring hospital in its peer group in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s 2024 Quality-In-Sights® Hospital Incentive Program®, a distinction that places the St. Marys-based organization...
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