The Evening Leader
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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Memorial High School has no plans to phase out Latin classes
St. Marys Memorial High School is not phasing out Latin. At a recent School Board meeting, Bill Ruane, Superintendent of St. Marys City Schools, explained that Linda Schloemer, Latin and English Language Arts High School Teacher, is moving from...
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VFMSM gets significant donations from St. Marys VFW, others
The Veterans Foundation and Museum of St. Marys (VFMSM) received a $10K donation from the St. Marys VFW Post 9289. They also received significant donations from Brad Fisher and family, the family of Floyd Sheaks, and the family of Franklin Eberle....
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St. Marys VFW donates $21,000 to SMCF over a single month
St. Marys VFW Post 9289 held its regular monthly meeting on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m., presided over by Justin Spray, Jr. Vice Commander. The Canteen report was given by Erin Spray, canteen manager. Canteen sales are increasing, reflecting new menu items. A...
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Lee’s sponsors new food ordering app for Rider Rooters
On Jan. 15, Rider Rooters introduced its new BlazeBite app to the public during a home Boys and Girls Wrestling match against Wapak. The app and equipment (new point of sales devices) were donated to Rider Rooters by Ryan and Wanda Weaver of Lee’s...
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Snow hits Wednesday hard, quickly covering county St. Marys BOE swears-in new member, prepares for 2026
The St. Marys Board of Education held their first meeting of 2026 this week, inducting their newest member into the fold and bringing up some items that needed to be discussed for the new year. The meeting was officially started with an Organizational...
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New St. Marys City Council members take Oath of Office
Erin Buchanan and Aaron Gilliland took their Oaths of Office as new St. Marys City Council Members at the Jan. 12 meeting. Buchanan is replacing Arienne Childrey as the 4th Ward Council Member, and Gilliland is replacing Dan Uhlenhake as a Council...
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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day brings attention to local officers
Jan. 9 marked Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, with departments across Auglaize County taking note. Wapakoneta Mayor Dan Lee expressed his appreciation for law enforcement. “I have a big heart for our law enforcement,” Lee has a criminal justice...
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Riverside Art Center hosts annual high school exhibit
is currently hosting its annual high school art exhibit until Saturday, Jan. 24. Participating schools include Wapakoneta, St. Marys, New Bremen, New Knoxville, Botkins, Jackson Center and Fort Loramie. The exhibit is sponsored by TSC. Students...
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Grand Lake Health Challenge to start soon for 2026
As it is with the new year, there are plenty of people out in Auglaize County wanting to lose weight and make themselves healthier as they get into 2026. For some people, it’s easier to do it alongside friends, family and other members of a group, as...
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New Year’s Baby Arrives at Grand Lake Health System
MARYS, OH – Grand Lake Health System is pleased to announce the arrival of its first baby of the New Year. Oliver Thomas Brunet made his grand entrance at 4:51 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2026. He weighed 9 pounds, 9.4 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches long. Proud...
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A.C. Historical Society, Courthouse celebrate New Year’s with local events
Multiple events were held throughout Wapakoneta on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year. Familyfriendly events during the day provided a way for families to celebrate together without keeping the kids up late. The Auglaize County Historical Society...
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St. Marys Council approves flurry of ordinances during last meeting of the year
The St. Marys City Council met on Tuesday in order to finish up some end-of-year business at their final council meeting of the year, mostly by reading and approving a slew of ordinances during the meeting. Before the council discussed legislation,...
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OSHA issues over $40,000 in fines in fatal St. Marys building collapse investigation
ST. MARYS — Federal workplace safety officials have issued three serious safety citations totaling $41,706 following a four-month investi- gation into a deadly building collapse in St. Marys that killed one worker and injured another. The U.S....
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Leugers Insurance makes 14th annual holiday donation
Leugers Insurance Agency made their 14th Annual holiday donation to Help Me Grow and Ohio Early Intervention programs of Mercer, Auglaize & Shelby Counties. Donations were also made to Putnam and Allen Counties to help fulfill the need for toiletries....
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Ohio Secretary of State visits Auglaize County BOE
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose visited the Auglaize County Board of Elections (BOE) on Friday for a discussion with board and staff members on updates to elections in Ohio. LaRose said the real work of elections administration is at the county...
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Auglaize County Engineer Andrew Baumer wins the 2025 Engineer of the Year Award
Auglaize County Engineer Andrew Baumer was recently awarded the 2025 Engineer of the Year award by the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO). He was recognized for his service to the association as a board member and in multiple committee...
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St. Marys City Schools says their goodbyes to Falk, Shelby as they retire from the board
The St. Marys Board of Education said goodbye to two of their members on Wednesday before and after their monthly meeting, with Rhonda Shelby and Chris Falk being honored for their years of service to the board and St. Marys City Schools as a...
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Wreaths Across America honors Auglaize County fallen service members Saturday
Christmas wreaths were placed on the graves of Auglaize County service members who were killed in action or are missing in action as part of Wreaths Across America on Saturday. Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit dedicated to remembering and...
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