The Evening Leader
SummerFest pageants highlight local girls on Sunday
Sunday was eventful for many St. Marys girls as the Little and Miss SummerFest pageants were held at the Memorial High School auditorium. As SummerFest looms on the horizon, the pageants for this year were held over the weekend in order to decide on...
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Midwest Electric members donate $15,100 to 20 local groups
ST. MARYS — Midwest Electric recently donated $15,100 to 20 westcentral Ohio charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund. Thanks to the 91% of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund,...
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St. Marys Rotary donates $2,500 toward all-abilities playground
ST. MARYS - The St. Marys Rotary Club donated $2,500 toward the completion of an all-abilities playground at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, recognized two local students pursuing medical careers and heard an update on St. Marys City Schools during...
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Water quality levels zig-zag at Grand Lake St. Marys
Dr. Stephen Jacquemin of Wright State University Lake Campus recently gave an update to the Lake Improvement Association on the water quality and wetlands of Grand Lake St. Marys, which is continuing to develop in some areas in order to further certain...
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Grand Lake Home Health earns “High Performing” Recognition
ST. MARYS — Grand Lake Home Health has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Home Health Agency with a High Performing rating, placing it among the top-performing home health providers in the nation. The recognition is part of U.S....
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Bremenfest Queen Pageant to take place on Aug. 9
The annual Bremenfest Queen Pageant will be held this Sunday, Aug. 9, at the New Bremen High School James F. Dicke Auditorium at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. This year’s program includes five different portions of the pageant including the...
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Craig Morgan to close out the 174th Auglaize County Fair
WAPAKONETA — The 174th Auglaize County Fair will wrap up with one of its biggest nights of the year as country music star Craig Morgan takes the stage on Saturday, Aug. 8, with special guest Colby Lee Swift. Concert gates open at 5:30 p.m., giving...
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Rotary donates $1,000 to library, hears SummerFest update
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Rotary Club presented a $1,000 donation to the St. Marys Community Public Library during its weekly meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the organization’s continued commitment to community service. The donation was presented...
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Preparations underway for the 174th Auglaize County Fair
WAPAKONETA — As summer reaches its peak, excitement is building across Auglaize County as final preparations continue for the 174th Auglaize County Fair, set for August 2nd through the 8th. Fair Board members, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, and...
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Plant a Row in full swing for Auglaize County gardeners
The Fields of Justice collaborative reminds Auglaize County gardeners about the opportunity to feed the hungry in 2026 through Plant a Row. The concept is very simple: 1. When the produce from your garden is ready, take the excess to your local food...
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ACHS presents second in barn series for Facebook
The Auglaize County Historical Society will present “How to Document a Farm” with Danae Peckler as a Facebook Live program on Tuesday, July 28, 7 pm, on the Auglaize County Historical Society Facebook page. The program is presented in conjunction with...
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Auglaize County Fair prepares to rock county on Aug. 2
Auglaize County hasn’t run out of festivals to hold on, though, as we near the end of July and the start of August, we are nearing the climax of the festival season sooner rather than later. With the Auglaize County Fair on the horizon, people from all...
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Fourth Sunday Open Houses continue for July 26
Many of the county’s historical societies and museums continue the tradition of Fourth Sunday Open Houses in 2026, with numerous sites open for tours every 4th Sunday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m., through October. The next Fourth Sunday is this...
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Family-owned business continues to thrive after 50 years
In the fall of the past year, Dad’s Toy Shop, a well-known business located in downtown Wapakoneta, celebrated fifty years. The shop was first opened back in November of 1985. The current owners are brothers, J.P. and Jeremy, who inherited the business...
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Minster Council suspends rules for three ordinances Tuesday
The Minster Council had a busy Tuesday night, with four ordinances needing approval, most of which occurred after suspension of the rules. The council came together in order to finalize some items that had come up at previous meetings, with five...
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Celina I.C. Festival finishes off without a hitch despite weather
The Celina I.C. Festival has concluded, with plenty of people having come and gone, satisfied with the end result of the festival. The festival faced some challenges on the first day, with the weather causing some issues for everyone in attendance as...
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Minster FFA members attend Ohio FFA Camp
The week of June 15, three members of the FFA Chapter at Minster High School attended the second session of Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton, Ohio. There were many campers in attendance with additional State FFA Officers, FFA Camp Staff, and several...
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Air Quality Advisory made in Ohio due to Canadian wildfires
Auglaize County is going to have to be on the lookout, as air quality warnings are starting to sprout up in the United States due to recent wildfires. Due to recent wildfires in parts of Canada, the smoke is starting to drift down into the United...
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Sheriff’s Office uses podcast to bring attention to cold case
The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office does everything it can to help out the local area, and while they make sure to keep up with their present, day-to-day duties, that does include how they’re still looking into past cases as well in hopes of providing...
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Minster Board receives legislative update from superintendent
The Minster Board of Education came together for their monthly meeting on Monday, with plenty to discuss in relation to recent developments on the state and local level. While summer is on for most of the school district, that doesn’t mean that the...
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Free community shred event set for Minster Bank
MINSTER – Join Minster Bank for a FREE Community Shred event on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (or until the truck is full). Shred-it, the world’s leading document destruction company, will be onsite at Minster Bank located at 95...
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St. Marys-Awaji City Sister Cities partner with Art Center for exhibit
The St. Marys-Awaji City Sister Cities Organization is holding a very special exhibit throughout the month of July in conjunction with the St. Marys Art Center. For those that aren’t familiar with the organization, St. Marys Sister Cities is a program...
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New Bremen Firemen’s Picnic to make comeback for 2026
The festival season is a big thing for many of the local villages, towns and cities within Auglaize County, and New Bremen is no exception to this as well. This is especially true when it comes to the New Bremen Firemen’s Picnic, which will be coming...
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. Local quilters unite to celebrate America’s 250th with special exhibit
ST. MARYS — In celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, two area quilting groups have joined together to present a special patriotic quilt exhibition at the St. Marys Public...
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Two new shows added to a spectacular fall season at Niswonger
VAN WERT - The entertainment lineup continues to grow at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center as Van Wert Live announces two exciting new shows that are now on sale to the public. From familyfriendly wonder to legendary comedy, these additions offer...
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The NBNK Rotary celebrates a year of service .
As we close another incredible Rotary year, the New Bremen/New Knoxville Rotary Club would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Past President Kevin O’Neill for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment throughout the 2025–2026 Rotary...
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St. Marys Theater has big plans for five-year anniversary of non-profit
The St. Marys eater and Grand Opera House has quickly become the pride and jewel of the city of St. Marys, with the restoration project having transformed it from the ground up. With the project and the nonpro t surrounding it has been going on for...
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July First Friday set to be a big one thanks to SMART
The St. Marys Area Resource Team is stepping up their game this Friday as the St. Marys First Friday for July is set to be one of the biggest ones to come in on record. The past two First Fridays have been a big success so far, and with July...
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SMC Public Library plans for full roster of July events
The month of July is like any other for the St. Marys Community Public Library, which continues to host local classes, events and services for the people of the city. With July being a month of freedom for the youth of St. Marys, it’s also a good time...
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Maria Stein Country Fest pulls off another great year
has come and gone, being considered a big success besides having a somewhat rough start on Friday. While rain was something that hit the area during the late afternoon on Friday, the Maria Stein Country Fest still carried on, with plenty of residents...
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Auglaize County students among the OCA’s Class of 2026
COLUMBUS — More than 480 graduating seniors from across the state recently received their high school diplomas as members of Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026. e tuition-free online public school celebrated this year’s graduates during its...
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Storefronts set up decorations for America’s 250th
Many of the county’s historical societies and museums will continue the tradition of 4th Sunday Open Houses in 2026, with numerous sites open for tours every 4th Sunday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m., through October. e next 4th Sunday is this weekend,...
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July to start off with big bang with community events
June has yet to fully end at this point, but that doesn’t mean July isn’t already set to be full of a variety of events, with the first week set to be a doozy. It’s no surprise that July is likely going to be the biggest month of the year for Auglaize...
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St. Marys Kiwanis Club to celebrate 70 years in October
The St. Marys Kiwanis Club is celebrating a major milestone this year and is encouraging people to not only celebrate it with them, but maybe even join them all together. The Kiwanis Club is celebrating their anniversary this year, and there’s been...
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Boardwalk Fest attracts plenty to Grand Lake St. Marys
Boardwalk Fest was the big event for a small part of Grand Lake St. Marys over the weekend, with plenty of people coming out to enjoy the area and the sunny weather. The event started on Friday and continued into the weekend.
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Nelson Body Shop honored at Statehouse for 100 years of service
COLUMBUS — Nelson Body Shop was honored at the Ohio Statehouse during a legislative session in recognition of the company’s remarkable 100-year history and its lasting commitment to serving the community. During the special recognition, Representative...
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Crescent Players bring “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” to St. Marys
ST. MARYS — The Crescent Players are thrilled to announce their upcoming musical production of the classic Broadway hit, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, June 18-21 and June 2628 at the historic St. Marys Theater. Set in the rugged Oregon wilderness...
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Ralph’s World brings Kids Night to Feel Good Fridays
Van Wert - This Friday, Fountain Park welcomes Ralph’s World to the Feel Good Fridays stage for an evening designed to bring smiles, laughter, and unforgettable family memories. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Based out of Chicago, Ralph’s World...
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Motorcycle, vehicle fatal crash on US Route 33 at State Route 65
WAPAKONETA - The Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on June 12, 2026, at approximately 7:37 p.m in Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio. The crash occurred on US Route 33 at the intersection of...
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Auglaize County Library opens door to creativity with Idea Lab
The Auglaize County Public District Library is preparing to launch an exciting new resource designed to spark creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning throughout the community. The upcoming Auglaize Idea Lab will provide residents with access to...
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Budget Bill to give funding to local projects if passed
Several district projects within the local area are set to receive some funding soon after some recent legislation was passed through the Ohio House of Representatives. According to some recent news shared in part by State Representative Angie King,...
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Midwest Electric held annual co-op meeting for members
Midwest Electric held its annual meeting on June 4 at St. Marys Memorial High School. Midwest Electric is an energy cooperative, which means that the members are also stakeholders in the company. Each year, the board meets with stakeholders to share...
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Warriors Way and the Generations of Love unite
A unique partnership between Warriors Way and Generations of Love is creating an opportunity for families to connect, learn, and grow together through an unforgettable day of hands-on experiences in Lima. The Collaborative Community Event, scheduled...
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St. Marys woman receives First Families designation
Kaycie Nelson Minnich of St. Marys, Ohio accepts her ‘First Families of Auglaize County’ certificate from Julie Koch, President of the Auglaize County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Kaycie traced her family’s lineage in Auglaize County back...
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Minster Swimming Pool closed due to mechanical issue
The Village of Minster sent out a press release on Tuesday detailing an incident that occurred involving a mechanical issue that occurred at the Minster Swimming Pool. According to the release, sent by Village Administrator Don Harrod, stated that they...
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America 250—Auglaize County t-shirts now available
The Auglaize County Historical Society announces the arrival of the official America 250—Auglaize County t-shirts. The t-shirts feature the local logo for the national milestone on the front, while the names of Auglaize County villages and cities...
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Grand Lake Health hosts Children’s Wellness Adventure
Children and families from throughout the region are invited to embark on an exciting adventure as Grand Lake Health System presents this year’s Children’s Wellness Day, themed “Embark on the Grand Lake Health Expedition Around the World” at the...
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AEP Ohio announces transmission line project
Some local residents of Auglaize County can expect some updates to be made to their electrical system soon, with AEP Ohio announcing the Kossuth-West Moulton Transmission Line Rebuild Project. Not too long ago, residents within the radius of the...
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New Knoxville says goodbye to Class of 2026 Rangers
The New Knoxville Class of 2026 is officially moving on to greener pastures now, with the class of 32 Rangers officially getting their diplomas earlier this week. The Rangers were welcomed at their ceremony by their Class President/Salutatorian,...
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Class of 2026 graduates from Memorial High School
The MHS Class of 2026 graduated on May 24. The ceremony drew a crowd of family and friends to the St. Marys Memorial High School gym to watch as 144 students received their diplomas and accolades. Of those graduating, 56 seniors graduated with...
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Minster FFA members attend State FFA Convention
Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, members of the Minster FFA Chapter attended the Ohio FFA State Convention in Columbus. Members were recognized for various accomplishments and competed in contests. While in Columbus, the members attended the...
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New story installed at Story Walk in K.C. Geiger Park
Earlier this month, a new story was installed at the Story Walk Trail in K.C. Geiger Park. The story is titled “Rocky and Friends Great Adventures: The K.C. Geiger Park’s Secret Mystery,” and was written by Mr. Mele’s fourthgrade class. The trail...
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Fawn Way Farms river access donated to park district
Tucked away in the 18500 block of County Road 115A is a new Auglaize River access donated by the Place family, who own the nearby T.K. Farms. The recently named Fawn Way Farms River access is 3.8 acres in total. “It’s exciting,” Ryan Place said of the...
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New Bremen Board accepts major donation for stadium project
The New Bremen Board of Education came together on Wednesday to sort through some final items of the 20252026 school year, as well as accept a major donation. The New Bremen Board had a major donation come in from the New Bremen Athletic Boosters,...
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DARE Essay winners enjoy big day at Cincinnati Reds game
The afternoon had barely begun in Auglaize County when students from across the county’s school districts boarded school vans and made their way to the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office in Wapakoneta, the designated meeting place for the D.A.R.E. essay...
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Grand Lake Health celebrates Stroke Awareness Month in May
May is Stroke Awareness Month. In recognition, Grand Lake Health asked Bill and Carrie Widman to give a testimonial about their experience with the Stroke Team at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. On Dec. 2, Carrie Widman suffered a stroke....
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GLH Car Raffle winner announced for 2026
The winner of the 2026 Grand Lake Hospice Gala Car Raffle has officially been announced, with the winner having recently collected their prize at St. Marys Chrysler. As part of a yearly tradition, the Grand Lake Hospice holds a yearly gala to help...
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Gardener’s Swap & Share results in discussion on health benefits
Heritage Trails Park District Administrator Terry McDonald saw an estimated 80 people participate in the Gardener’s Swap & Share. “This is a great partnership with the library. We do put this on every year, and you don’t have to spend a penny. You can...
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BOE
The St. Marys Board of Education came together on Wednesday in order to congratulate local students for their recent achievements and to finalize a few items before the end of the school year. The meeting started with a moment of silence to honor the...
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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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