The Evening Leader
E.J. Mackenbach Preserve receives official ribbon-cutting Friday
After several years of hard work in the local area, the E.J. Mackenbach Preserve received its official ribbon-cutting on Friday, opening it up for the public to enjoy. The preserve, which consists of 70 acres of land located within Noble Township and...
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Local storefronts prepare for Halloween with big displays Weather continues to drop with 40 degree lows expected
While there are high hopes that fall is able to stay for a good long while, especially as trees are only now just changing colors, a watchful eye is heavily encouraged, as temperatures will only continue to drop further and further. It’s become harder...
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Paris Street Park receives official ribbon-cutting Wednesday
The Paris Street Park officially received its ribbon cutting on Wednesday, being the crowning moment of years of hard work between the Minster government and members of the public. After around three years of hard work, the Paris Street Park has been...
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Alumni Foundation introduces Hall of Fame book series to students
The MHS Alumni Foundation introduced a new book series to St. Marys Elementary School students this week that was written and illustrated by its very own members and is designed to share Roughrider history. The first book in the series is called “Who...
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Walk with Nature Fall Festival graced with good weather
The weekend was an eventful one, with Sunday afternoon being the perfect setting for the 57th annual Walk with Nature Fall Festival, with plenty of people coming out to attend it. As if to honor the spirit of the festival, the weather was perfect as...
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Writing Revolution revolutionizes math skills in SMCS
The Writing Revolution and St. Marys City Schools have become synonymous with one another over the past few years, with the district having done everything it can to implement it throughout its curriculum. And while the name implies it’d only be useful...
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Minster FFA sends four members to Ohio State House
On Sept. 22, the Minster FFA Chapter received the honor of sending four members to the Ohio State House for the Ohio FFA’s Legislative Leadership Conference. The members that went included Ian Clune, Aiden DuLaney, Drew Meyer, and Michael Wendeln. The...
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Candidates and Issues on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
The Nov. 3 Ballot is coming sooner rather than later, with plenty of positions and issues being on it for this year both locally and statewide. Listed below are all the following issues that are going to be voted on for this year’s election: For...
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Lights of Hope officially set up in St. Marys Memorial Park
CELINA – Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman reports the arrest of two individuals on drug related charges. On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 12:01 a.m., Mercer County Deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of US 127 and ST RTE 274, in...
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Mammals of Ohio program to feature at Reservoir Mill
Join Heritage Trails Park District at the St. Marys Reservoir Mill for an educational program on the Mammals of Ohio. Special guest speaker Justin Spray of the Walk with Nature Fall Festival’s ‘Girty’s Town Rendezvous’ encampment will display his...
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Minster Homecoming crowns 2026 king and queen
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is continuing to improve bit by bit, both in terms of water quality and the other services it offers. Wright State University Lake Campus Biology Professor Stephen Jacquemin provided the latest updates on this at the...
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Gilberg Furniture celebrates 100 years of family, service and community
Gilberg Furniture has always been about family, the employees who have helped the business serve generations of customers and the community. The celebration of 100 years in business is also a celebration of community, dedicated employees, and the hard...
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Minster starts clean up of Oktoberfest 2026
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager Dave Faler provided his monthly update on the state park at the latest Lake Improvement Association meeting, with some items related directly to the recent Fall Festival held last month. Faler started his...
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St. Marys woman helps residents clear the clutter this fall
Fall is here, and many people are going through their homes, organizing closets and getting rid of things they no longer need or perhaps haven’t touched in years. Minimalism has become a keyword for local residents who want to simplify their homes and...
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People asked to help shape the Niswonger’s 20th year
VAN WERT - In 2027, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center will celebrate 20 years of live entertainment in Van Wert. As we look ahead to this milestone, we want to hear from the people who have filled our seats, shared experiences with family and...
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Minster Oktoberfest officially starts for 2026 2026 Trick-or-Treating dates announced for Auglaize County
People all over Auglaize County are transitioning to fall bit by bit, and with October having started, the biggest thing on everybody’s minds is the spirit of Halloween. While some are probably waiting to celebrate some of the other upcoming holidays,...
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Capabilities plans for Dueling Pianos event for Oct. 22
There are plenty of organizations that work hard to bring the community together, and this includes the Capabilities Charitable Fund, which is planning a big event for later this month. Capabilities is planning for a big fundraiser on Oct. 24 in the...
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57th annual Walk with Nature Fall Festival seeks vendors
Booth space is available to interested nonprofit organizations & craft vendors for the 57th annual Walk with Nature Fall Festival, scheduled for October 18th from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at Memorial Park in St. Marys, Ohio. This is a great opportunity...
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GLHS community events are set for month of October
As October comes in, the Halloween season is set to come along with it. There are plenty of ways that you can be scared this Halloween season, but one thing you should probably avoid having a scare from is your own health. It’s understandable that,...
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Van Wert LIVE welcomes CEO Program Intern Kennedy Soltis
VAN WERT — Van Wert LIVE is excited to welcome Kennedy Soltis as its newest CEO Program intern. Kennedy is a senior at Van Wert High School and will work alongside the Van Wert LIVE team throughout the school year, gaining firsthand experience in the...
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Minster Council to update county on street names
The Minster Council came together on Tuesday in order to discuss a few important items related to the village. One of them in particular involved the possibility of changing the names of some of the streets within it. The council came together to...
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Wizards of Winter Bring Holiday Rock to the Niswonger
Van Wert — The Niswonger Performing Arts Center will come alive with the sights and sounds of the season when the Wizards of Winter take the stage on Saturday, December 12. Presented by Danfoss and supported by Mercy Health and Superior Credit Union,...
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Grand Lake St. Marys starts up annual Fall Festival
COLUMBUS - Matt Schmerge of Botkins is serving on the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee. The committee collects and organizes public policy recommendations from county Farm Bureaus and presents the final policy suggestions...
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A Day We Will Never Forget: Local Residents Remember 9/11
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning? Where were you when the world stopped turning? Were you just getting up and making a cup of coffee? Driving to work with the radio on? Dropping a child off at school? Sitting at your desk? Or waiting in an...
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There’s always a helping hand for parents in need
For a parent struggling to make ends meet, a package of diapers can mean more than most people realize. A gently used outfit for a growing toddler, baby clothes, or even someone to listen can make a difficult week a little easier. At the Family Life...
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TSC hosts Open House for Ohio Open Doors
Ohio Open Doors will include several events in Auglaize County, including a special Open House at TSC on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2 Willipie Street in Historic Downtown Wapakoneta. TSC is an independent telephone company that has...
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Grammy-Winning Jason Crabb is coming to the Niswonger
VAN WERT — Award-winning Christian and gospel artist Jason Crabb will bring his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt music to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. Known for blending Southern Gospel, country and...
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Board of Elections is looking for volunteers to serve as poll workers
WAPAKONETA — The Auglaize County Board of Elections is issuing an urgent call for patriotic and community-minded citizens to fulfill a vital civic duty by serving as Poll Workers (also known as Precinct Election Officials) for the Nov. 3, 2026, General...
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Minster officials talk on usage of Flock cameras in the village
Flock cameras have been a case of national debate as of late, with people from all over the United States having an opinion on the services they provide to law enforcement and other areas. Villages such as Minster aren’t strangers to this technology,...
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A standing ovation for the Niswonger volunteers
VAN WERT - At the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the spotlight may shine brightest on the stage, but so much of what makes each event successful happens beyond the audience’s view. Behind every warm welcome, scanned ticket and helping hand is a...
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Grand Marshal for 2026 Oktoberfest determined to be Tim Jay
Oktoberfest is just on the horizon, and that means that a Grand Marshal has to be picked for this year in order to help celebrate it. It was decided that, for the 2026 Oktoberfest, Tim Jay would be the 52nd Grand Marshal in the festival’s history. The...
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Husted visits Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima
LIMA, Ohio – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today visited the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima to see its operations, meet with its workforce and discuss the facility’s critical role in America’s defense industrial base. Husted also met with...
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Auglaize County reels from a wet and wild August
August is coming to an end after a month marked by extremely heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe storms that brought tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds across the region. Mother Nature still has a few days left in August, and many are hoping...
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American Pickers to film in Indiana, Ohio & Michigan
The American Pickers are excited to return to Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in October 2026. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the...
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New Bremen Board approves pick-up plans at monthly meeting
The New Bremen Board of Education held a meeting on Wednesday, with one of the focal points being the discussion of benefit pick-up plans. The board had a long discussion on Wednesday about some items related to said plans, which related to the...
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New Bremen Council awards contract for roof improvements
The New Bremen Council met on Tuesday, with the council mainly dealing with some emergency business and other important items during the meeting. The council had to deal with some big items and some smaller items during the course of the meeting. One...
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Water impacts sidewalk projects at E.J. Preserve
Heritage Trails Executive Director PJ Fought told park commissioners rain has interfered with sidewalk projects at the E.J. Mackenbach Preserve. “e good news is that the wetlands are full,” Fought said. “ey are doing exactly what they are supposed to...
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FALL SPORTS
Last year’s St. Marys football team entered the season short on varsity experience, but it didn’t take long for the Roughriders to find their footing. After some early growing pains, St. Marys began to put things together and carried that momentum to...
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St. Marys schools welcome students for 2026/2027 school year
The first day of school is always something to celebrate for the local community, with St. Marys having their own fairly recently. As of Aug. 19, school is back in action for St. Marys City Schools, with Superintendent Bill Ruane looking forward to the...
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Auglaize County Historical Society plans for Piqua trip
The Auglaize County Historical Society hits the road for a morning excursion to Piqua on Sept. 3. The price is $47 for current ACHS members and $53 for nonmembers. The day will begin with a stepon guide, touring the Piqua-Caldwell Historic District,...
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Bremenfest puts on performance throughout weekend
Bremenfest was able to pull off a fantastic year once again with their festivities, even with some setbacks during the beginning making some things difficult. While the first day of Bremenfest had to face some rainy weather, which followed later into...
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From Puppies to Country Stars: Fall Comes Alive at Niswonger
Van Wert - The stage may be quiet for a few weeks, but an exciting season of live entertainment is just around the corner at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. From talented rescue dogs and awardwinning musicians to comedy, illusions and classic...
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Minster Board discusses enrollment statistics for new year
The Minster Board of Education held their monthly meeting recently, mostly to discuss plans for the upcoming school year. The meeting involved a lot of different items that they needed to go through, the first of which was going through various...
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SummerFest starts despite sustained rain on Thursday
In May, Members of the New Bremen FFA Chapter attended the State FFA Convention, where they represented their Chapter, school and community with outstanding success. The Chapter came home with numerous honors that reflect the hard work and dedication...
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New Bremen Council makes decision on Generation Fee
The New Bremen Council came to a decision on several important ordinances this week in relation to the Generation Fee issue that has crossed many villages desks. Most of the business that came to the attention of the council focused mainly on third...
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Ribbon cutting held for GL Pediatric Rehab Sensory Garden
While there did have to be a change in plans due to the weather, an official ribbon-cutting was held for the Sensory Garden for the Grand Lake Pediatric Rehab center. For those who aren’t familiar, the Grand Lake Pediatric Rehab center is one of many...
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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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