Wapakoneta Daily News
What to Know About This Weekend’s Expected Winter Storm
Winter Storm Fern is expected to hit this weekend, spreading significant snow and ice throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. According to The Weather Channel forecasters, the storm could affect over 230 million people, which is two-thirds of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Book Tasting Event Provides WMS Students With Travel Adventure
Wapakoneta Middle School (WMS) students ventured around the world in the travelthemed book tasting event at the library this week. This year is the second year the book tasting has been held to let students choose a book to later receive for free. The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Krave Creamery to Host Multiple Family Events
Krave Creamery in Wapakoneta is hosting multiple events this winter for families to get out of the house and enjoy some ice cream. Events include a family ice cream-making class taking place this weekend and a Valentine’s Day date for fathers and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize DD Elects Officers and Discusses Strategic Plan
The Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities elected officers and discussed its strategic plan at its monthly board meeting earlier this week. Kristine Stinebaugh, Kristi Klopfenstein and Judi Martin were elected as board president, vice...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Waynesfield-goshen Board of Education Swears in Members and Elects Officers
The Waynesfield-Goshen Board of Education swore in members, elected officers, and voted on 11 items of business at its organizational meeting and regular meeting held on Wednesday evening. Board members Kevin Ewing and David Pepple were sworn in again...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Board of Education Swears in Members
The Wapakoneta City Schools Board of Education swore in board members and officers, and board members were recognized at its meeting on Tuesday. New board member Jennifer Grundey was appointed for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lockkeepers Hike a Success!
122 hikers braved the chilly winter weather at the Lockkeeper's Cabin Fever Hike last Sunday! Heritage Trails Park District invites you to attend a Valentine's Hike on February 8th from 1pm-3pm. Meet at the St. Marys Utilities Building located at 106...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local Author Releases Fourth Published Novel
Tasha Sheipline, a local historical fiction author, recently released her fourth novel titled “County Clare.” The story follows a woman who is sent to stay with her distant relatives in Ireland after refusing a marriage proposal and has an encounter...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Riverside Hosts Annual High School Exhibit
Riverside Art Center in Wapakoneta 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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta City Council Holds First Meeting of the New Year
In its first meeting of the year, Wapakoneta City Council swore in members including its newest member Jacob Parsons. Council member Jessica Muhlenkamp reviewed a recent parks meeting. Noah Steineke discussed plans for a 20 by 40 foot human fooseball...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Off Stage Productions to Hold Auditions for Spring Comedy
Off Stage Productions, Inc will be holding auditions January 20th & 21st (Tuesday and Wednesday) for “Insane with Power” by Scott Haan. Auditions will be held at Vantage Career Center, 818 North Franklin Street, Van Wert in the Commons area starting...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize County Job and Family Services Announces Shared Director Model with Hardin County
The Auglaize County Board of Commissioners has approved a new shared leadership model for Auglaize County Job and Family Services (ACDJFS), partnering with Hardin County Job and Family Services to provide experienced, stable executive leadership for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Junior Fair Board Places Third in Region for Auglaize County Fair Food Drive
The 2025 Auglaize County Junior Fair Board placed third in the northwest Ohio region in the Stock the Trailer food drive that took place during the 2025 Auglaize County Fair. The drive was sponsored by Farm Credit
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Osha Issues More Than $40,000 In Fines After Fatal St. Marys Building Collapse Investigation
Federal workplace safety officials have issued three serious safety citations totaling $41,706 following a fourmonth investigation into a deadly building collapse in St. Marys that killed one worker and injured another. The U.S. Occupational Safety...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
My Exclusive Interview with Santa Claus
Yesterday, I was walking down Auglaize Street in downtown Wapakoneta when I looked up and noticed a jolly figure. It was Santa Claus and he was walking directly towards me! He was clad in a big red suit and hat, both with fluffy white trim, black...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta City Schools Appoints New Board of Education Member
The Wapakoneta City Schools (WCS) Board of Education appointed a new board member at its meeting on Thursday. Jennifer Grundey has been appointed to fill the vacant seat, which came after former member Gregg Ruppert’s resignation last month. She will...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Christmas Jubilee and Wapakoneta Fire Department Work Together to Protect Local Families
Christmas Jubilee has always been about more than gifts under a tree— it is about caring for families in meaningful ways. This year, that mission expanded through a heartfelt partnership with the Wapakoneta City Fire Department to help protect families...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Weekend Events Held at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds
This weekend, the Fairgrounds has three events with a heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic projection. 1. Abreisen Wrestling Tournament, hosted by Ryan Stoner, located in our Piehl Arena and Bambauer Room. The blue arrows on the map are the route we...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Give the Gift of Live Entertainment This Holiday Season
The holiday season is reaching its festive peak at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, and with Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better time to surprise the people you love with something truly memorable. This year, Van Wert LIVE is...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Riverside Event Provides Unique Local Arts and Gifts Experience
Riverside Art Center is hosting a local arts and gifts experience this weekend called Cozy Christmas. The event took place Friday night and will continue today with performances, giveaways, and artist meet and greets. There are also snacks and hot...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ohio Food Manufacturing CIFT has funding Suspended after Aduit
I’m writing to share an important and difficult update regarding CIFT’S operations and the support we provide to clients across Ohio. As you may know, in April our federal funding was in jeopardy and so many of you advocated on our behalf regarding...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Grand Lake Health only hospital with Heart Failure Certification in Ohio
Grand Lake Health System recently renewed its Heart Failure Advanced Certification (HFAC) from DNV. It is the first and only hospital organization in the state of Ohio to receive this certification. The certification was reissued after a recent survey...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Scenes From the 19th Annual Children’s Hometown Holiday
The holiday season is nearing its grand finale at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, and there’s just one more opportunity to celebrate it in unforgettable fashion. This Saturday, December 13, audiences are invited to step back into a warm,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Tree Lighting Marks Start of 19th Annual Children’s Hometown Holiday in Wapakoneta
A tree lighting ceremony with a new 14-foot Christmas tree kicked off the 19th annual Children’s Hometown Holiday in Wapakoneta on Friday night. The ceremony included dance performances by L & L Dance Company and The Dance Centre, and Christmas songs...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Women's Civic League Presents Fifth of Five Houses in the 2025 Showcase of Homes
The Women's Civic League of Wapakoneta will feature five homes this year on the annual Showcase of Homes Tour, the fifth of which is the Tinch home. Open houses will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, December 7. This event supports WCL'S projects,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A Heartfelt Tradition of Giving: Children’s Hometown Holiday Pancake Breakfast Returns
For the last 19 years, the first weekend of December in Wapakoneta has belonged to the children. The Children’s Hometown Holiday celebration begins with the glow of a community tree lighting on Friday night and concludes on Sunday with one of the most...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Miracle on Spring Street is heading straight to St. Marys
The Miracle on Spring Street will be making its return this week as the St. Marys FFA and many local businesses have agreed to come together and provide another spectacular event. The event has continued to evolve over the past couple of years as the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WHS Octagon Club Warms Families Through Record Breaking Coat Drive
For more than 30 years, the Wapakoneta High School Octagon Club has worked to ensure that no child in the community faces winter without a warm coat. This year’s Coats for Kids fundraiser continued that tradition of service, with local residents...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Christmas Light Photos from around Auglaize County
People all around Auglaize County began putting up Christmas lights and decorations up days before Thanksgiving while the weather was still pleasant enough to do so. Cities across the county have for years begun putting more and more e ort into...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
The Rotary Club of Wapakoneta presented five donations totaling $1,250
The Rotary Club of Wapakoneta presented ve donations totaling $1,250 to organizations that give back to the community during the holiday season at its meeting on Monday. Representatives from the Miracle Meal, Christmas Jubilee, the Wapakoneta...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Annual Wapakoneta Thanksgiving Community Meal To Be Held Thursday
The annual Thanks- giving Community Meal in Wapakoneta will once again provide fellowship and a place for people to go for Thanksgiving on Thursday. Plated meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Joseph Parish Life Center. The meal is...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local Community Members and Business Recognized With Wapakoneta Chamber Community Awards
Local businesses and community members who make a positive impact on Wapakoneta were recognized at the 2025 Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Community Awards Dinner on Thursday night at The Grand Plaza Banquet Hall. Chamber...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Women's Civic League Presents First of Five Houses in the 2025 Showcase of Homes
The Women's Civic League of Wapako- neta will feature five homes this year on the annual Showcase of Homes Tour, the first of which is the Phillips home. Open houses will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, December 7. This event supports WCL'S projects,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Middle School Pays Tribute to Veterans With Annual Veterans Day Assembly
Wapakoneta Middle School (WMS) hon- ored local veterans at its annual Veterans Day assembly held Tuesday morning. The program is organized by the WMS Student Coun- cil and pays tribute to the men and women who were part of the U.S. Military with songs...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Frost Impressions And Modern Plantsman Celebrate Re-opening After Fire
Modern Plantsman and Frost Impressions Boutique & Design in Wapakoneta both celebrated the reopening of their stores Thursday night after being closed due to the basement fire in Modern Plantsman that occurred in July. Both stores have spent the past...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hometown Author Returns to Share New Book, Life of Adventure
Nearly every young person who grows up in a small town dreams about setting out to see the world. Few turn that dream into a life lived across continents, through political storms, cultural crossroads, and decades of writing. Fewer still return home...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Cridersville Elementary Unveils Hammock Garden
Aundrea Brown’s fourth-grade class at Cridersville Elementary School (CES) was the first group of students to use the school’s new hammock garden after it was unveiled Tuesday morning. The hammock garden provides a fun, outdoor reading space and is...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local Tax Levies in the 2025 General Election
The 2025 General Election had a few localized tax levies on the ballot for Auglaize County voters to consider. The levies and results of each are as follows: Village of Buckland The Village of Buckland had a tax levy renewal on the ballot for the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
God’s Storehouse Would Like To Thank The City Of Wapakoneta School System
God’s Storehouse would like to thank Wapakoneta City School System for another successful food drive in memory of Mrs. Barbara Norton, a former Middle School Teacher. Mrs. Norton was also a former volunteer at God’s Storehouse and is missed for her...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Cridersville Elementary Students Trick-or-treat at Otterbein
Cridersville El- ementary School students donned their Halloween costumes again for trick-or-treating at Otterbein Criders- ville on Friday morning. Students and Otterbein residents alike had faces lit up with joy as residents handed out candy to the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta City Schools Bond Refinancing Will Save Taxpayers Money
Earlier this month, Wapakoneta City Schools (WCS) completed a refi- nancing of its 2015 bonds, which will save taxpayers on their property taxes. The refinancing was finalized Thursday by RBC Capital Markets and will result in lower taxes for WCS...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New Bremen Council considers proposed upgrades to Park Diamonds
Bremenfest Park is something of a local landmark that many in and outside of the village of New Bremen use on a daily basis. The village might have some plans, though, to help make some im- provements, spe- cifically involving the baseball...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Quick-thinking Boys Receive Rudolph Award
Sometimes, in just a matter of minutes, a single decision can change every- thing. That’s ex- actly what hap- pened when two Wapakoneta boys, armed only with curiosity, courage, and a strong sense of right and wrong, made a choice that may have saved...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize County Crisis Center Helps Domestic Violence Survivors With Safety and Independence
Auglaize County Crisis Center Director Misty Mihm spoke to the Rotary Club of Wapakoneta on Monday about the center’s services and programs. The center’s mission is to provide coordi- nated family inter- vention to ensure the safety, dignity and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Vogel Memorial Award Recipients Announced
The Eric Vogel Memorial Award was presented after this year’s Auglaize County Fair. The award is given annually to two outstanding junior fair board members. The memorial recognizes board members for their commitment to making the junior fair a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Buisnesses offering Tire Recycling for Residents
Wapakoneta businesses that accept Car Batter- ies, Motor Oil, and Tires Advance Auto, 1250 Bellefontaine Street, 419-7397242. Accepts auto and truck batteries and gives a bounty of a $10 merchan- dise card with a limit of 4 per week. Accepts these...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize County Health Department Hosts Halloween Bash
The Auglaize County Health Department held a Halloween Bash on Tuesday afternoon with family activities spread throughout the facility. The Halloween Bash, which has been called Boo to the Flu in the past, is held each year to bring people into the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Upcoming Ballot Issues Presented to Wapakoneta Rotary
The Rotary Club of Wapakoneta mem- bers heard about two issues for the upcoming Novem- ber General Election at its meeting on Monday. Auglaize County Administra- tor Erica Preston discussed the proposed sales tax continuation for the county. After the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta YMCA Hosts First Community Health Fair
The Wapakoneta Family YMCA held its first ever Community Health Fair on Saturday to connect people with local businesses and organizations. There were around 30 vendors to provide information and resources about the different healthy living services...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Armstrong Museum Paint Project Wraps Up This Week
Over the past few weeks, the Arm- strong Air & Space Museum has been undergoing exterior renovations that are wrapping up this week. The exterior walls and dome have been resealed and repainted. Back in 2019, a sealant was put on the exterior walls to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Police Department Added Bike Patrol Unit
The Wapakoneta Police Department (WPD) recently added a new bike patrol unit to in- crease access and approachability. Patrol Officers Bryce Carson and Riley Gibson can now be seen riding the bikes a couple of times a week. The WPD is using electric...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Waynesfield-goshen Board of Education Recognizes Two Seniors of the Month
Two WaynesfieldGoshen High School seniors were recognized as Seniors of the Month at the Waynesfield- Gosh- en Board of Educa- tion meeting on Tuesday evening. The first student recognized was Zoey Kiser. Kiser has been involved in publications,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Board of Health Receives Updates on WIC and Illness Reporting
The Auglaize Coun- ty Board of Health heard updates on the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and illness reporting at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Auglaize Coun- ty Health Department. After the meeting was called to order,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize County Out of the Darkness Walk Raised Over $13,000 for Suicide Prevention
Over $13,000 was raised for the Amer- ican Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and local mental health and suicide program- ming and resources in Auglaize County through the second annual Auglaize County Out of the Darkness Walk. The walk was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Electric Department Receives Recognition At Amp Annual Conference
COLUMBUS, OH: The Wapakoneta Electric Depart- ment was honored for its achievements throughout the past year during the 2025 American Municipal Power (AMP) Annual Conference. The utility received a System Improve- ment Honorable Mention, a Safety...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership to Host New Year’s Eve Celebration
This holiday season, Downtown Wapako- neta Partnership (DWP) is hosting a unique New Year’s Eve celebration, “One Small Step into the New Year,” featuring a Wapakoneta spin on the Times Square ball drop. The event will be held at the Wapakoneta Eagles...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Your Guide to What Is on the November General Election Ballot
Early voting for the Nov. 4, 2025 General Election began this week at the Aug- laize County Board of Elections. Voters will elect city coun- cil and administra- tion members, township trustees and school board members in this election. There are also...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Craft and Gift Shop Opens New Location in Wapakoneta
A local gift and craft shop opened its second location in Wapakoneta on Tuesday. Our Creative Market- place, located at 1208 Lunar Dr., has items from around 25 local craft and gift vendors, as well as kids' toys from brands like Disney, Squishmallows...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Looking Back Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News
OCTOBER 7, 1950 ▮ Within a few years, 500 small largemouth bass will make very good eating for some lucky fishmen. A few days ago the US Department of the Interior made the annual delivery of minnow-sized black bass. These fish were placed in milk...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Employee Explains it's Role in Regional Economy
Wapakoneta native Chuck Soder, who currently works in media relations for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, returned to his hometown Tuesday to give a presenta- tion at the Auglaize County Public District Library about the Federal Reserve. Soder...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize County Health Department to Host Annual Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic
The Auglaize County Health Department will be hosting its annual drive-thru flu clinic at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds next week on Wednes- day, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Flu shots will be available for peo- ple ages six months and older,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Board of Education Accepts 12 Donations
The Wapakoneta City Schools (WCS) Board of Education accepted 12 dona- tions at its regular meeting on Tues- day, Sept. 30, at Wapakoneta High School (WHS). After the meeting was called to order, the board heard a report from Wapa- koneta FFA Advi- sor...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Newborns in Ohio to be Given Chance to be Enrolled in Imagination Library
Ohio First Lady Fran Dewine re- cently announced a new statewide initiative designed to enroll more Ohio children immedi- ately after birth in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Li- brary of Ohio. Signing up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Li- brary program is
Read Full Story (Page 1)
American Legion Post #330 Donates Over $11,000 to POW/MIA Accounting Agency
The American Legion Post #330 in Wapakoneta do- nated over $11,000 to the Defense Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) on Wednesday, ahead of today being National POW/ MIA Recognition Day. The recogni- tion day is ob- served on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimists Donate to Cridersville Elementary PTO For New Hammock Garden
Members of the Wapakoneta Break- fast Optimist Club presented the Crid- ersville Elementary Parent-teacher Organization (PTO) with a donation of over $2,000 on Wednesday to sponsor the installa- tion of a hammock garden at Cridersville Elementary...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Branches of Hope: Turning Holiday Trees into Meals for Families
As food prices continue to climb, the Christmas Jubilee committee is launching a heartfelt new fundraiser to help ensure no family in Wapakoneta goes without food and gifts this holiday season. Trees for a Cause will feature a silent auction of six...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
It’s a Dirty Job, But Someones Got To Do It
Local FFA groups around Auglaize county participated in a soil judging competition recently, putting their wits and experience to good use in a friendly event held by the Auglaize Soil and Water District. The event, which took place Thursday at around...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Joint Township Recognized by Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies
Joint Township District Memorial Hospital has earned all five stars in the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies program. This program, led by the Ohio Depart- ment of Health and Ohio Hospital Association, recog- nizes maternity centers in Ohio that have...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Auglaize County Democratic Party Hosts Big Guests at Fall Dinner
The Auglaize Coun- ty Democratic Party held their annual Fall Dinner, with a ton of guests com- ing together to speak about recent milestones for the party locally, as well as feature some big speakers. Several speakers were featured throughout the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated at Utah University
OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activ- ist and close ally of President Donald Trump who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in what the gover- nor called a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Parks Committee Planning to Double Amount Asked on November Levy
The Parks and Recreation advi- sory committee has voted to recom- mend a 2 mill levy to Wapakoneta City Council to support capital expendi- tures. Commission members met Monday night to discuss the new levy. The new levy ask represents a 197% boost in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Kidpreneurs Shine at Downtown Wapak’s First Bizkids Event
Downtown Wapako- neta was humming this past Saturday, September 7th, and it wasn’t just the usual weekend buzz. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auglaize Street was taken over by the next generation of movers and shakers at the very first Kidpreneur Bizkids...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Modular Apartment Buildings Go Up in Wapakoneta
This week, Eastown Drive in Wapako- neta experienced some road closures for crane operations to place new apart- ment buildings. The buildings are part of the new Becker Rental Properties, LLC complex called Creekside. The buildings placed were two...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wapakoneta Service Club to Host Food Truck Rally
This month, the Wapakoneta Ser- vice Club is host- ing a food truck rally, with all proceeds going directly back to the community. The rally will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Aug- laize County Fairgrounds. The event will...
Read Full Story (Page 1)