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This week we’re proud to spotlight Stahl Stoller Meyer Insurance — a trusted name in our region since 1950. Locally owned and deeply rooted in community values, SSM Insurance helps families and businesses protect what matters most with customized coverage and personal service

Their commitment to Paulding County shines well beyond their office doors. This past weekend, SSM donated trick-or-treat bags for local kids, which were handed out during the Lions Club Halloween Parade. It’s these kinds of small-town gestures that make big impacts — showing what it means to invest in community spirit. (see photos from the Halloween Parade below.)

Thank you to the entire SSM team for supporting our local events and continuing to be a reliable neighbor to Paulding County families and businesses!

Learn more about their team and services: www.ssm-insurance.com/about-us

New Program Helps Families with Child Care Costs

Governor Mike DeWine recently announced the launch of the Child Care Cred Program, a $10 million initiative to make child care more affordable for Ohio’s working families while helping businesses retain employees.

• Families must live in Ohio.
• Employers must be Ohio-based.
• Employers and employees apply together through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
• Approved families can use funds with a licensed provider or their current child care provider.
• Applications are due May 1, 2026.

Funding is available through June 30, 2026.

New Scholarships for Teen Driver Training

Good news for local families — Ohio has announced $6 million in funding to help teens under age 21 complete driver’s education.

What it means:

• Scholarships will cover the cost of the required classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training.
• The program will be available to students in all 88 counties, including right here in Paulding County.
• It’s designed for families who might not otherwise be able to afford driving school fees.

What to do:

• The scholarship application portal will open within the next few months (no later than spring 2026).
• Families can check for updates and find their regional provider at: Drive to Succeed | Ohio Traffic Safety Office (link will go live when programs launch)
• Encourage teens and parents to start gathering necessary documents (age verification, residency, income eligibility, etc.) once the application window opens.

This is a great opportunity for students preparing to get their first license — and a helpful way to keep training costs manageable for local families.

OTSO, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, also recently launched the new RoadReady Ohio phone app to support parents who are required under Ohio law to complete 50 hours of practice driving with a new driver under age 21. OTSO also launched two new grant programs for driving schools to help them recruit and train new instructors.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up across Paulding County! Click the links for more details or scroll down in the newsletter to see the full event highlights.

Wednesdays & Saturdays

— Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is open every Wednesday & Saturday (9am - 12pm)

October 6 - 31

— First Financial Bank Canned Food Drive for Caring and Sharing Food Pantry

October 27

— Paulding County Early Intervention Child/Family Resource Fair (4pm - 5:30pm)

— Paulding Care Community (formerly Gardens of Paulding) Safe Trick or Treating (6pm - 7pm)

October 29

— Paulding Care Community (formerly Gardens of Paulding) Mark's Ark (6pm - 7pm)

October 30

— Paulding Relay For Life Chocolate Walk (4pm - 7pm)

October 31

— Pete Schlegel in Concert at Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405

November 1

— United Way of Paulding County Family Trivia Night (5:30pm)

— Antwerp Methodist Church Craft Bizaar (9am - 2pm)

— Antwerp VFW Christmas for Kids and Coats for Kids (9am - 4pm)

— Wayne Trace Athletic Booster's Donkey Basketball (7pm)

November 8

— Antwerp Lifewise Academy Fall Fest (11am - 2pm)

November 13

— 50th Anniversary CHP Home Care & Hospice Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction

November 14

— Paulding County Hospital Foundation BBQ Chicken Luncheon

November 14 - 22

— Paulding County History Museum's Festival of Trees

November 15

— Caring & Sharing Food Pantry's Siberian Solstice Fundraiser Concert (7pm)

November 18

— Paulding County Economic Development Annual Business Appreciation Banquet

November 20 - 22

— Milan Center’s Holiday Open House

November 22

— Shop the Village – 9 AM–3 PM in downtown Paulding Still accepting Vendors - Deadline Oct. 24

— Youth Business Showcase – Register by Oct. 31

November 23

— Blippi: Join the Band Tour!

December 1

— CoRP's Merry and Bright Parade

Tuesday, October 28th | Ribbon Cutting: 8:30 AM | Open House: 3:00–6:00 PM

Location: 520 E. Sycamore St., Van Wert

Northwest State Community College invites the community to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of its new Van Wert Campus on Tuesday, October 28th at 8:30 a.m.

This milestone event will include remarks from NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez, members of the Board of Trustees, Dean Dr. Jon Tomlinson, and other special guests.

Later that day, the public is also invited to an open house from 3:00–6:00 p.m., featuring guided tours and light refreshments for community members and prospective students.

Northwest State Community College has proudly served northwest Ohio since 1969, providing quality, affordable education and workforce training to meet the needs of local communities and industries.



Learn more about the new campus at NorthwestState.edu/VanWert

This fall, Paulding Putnam is giving back through two special community donation drives!

Shoe Drive – Now through December 5

We’re collecting brand-new shoes and socks in all sizes to help local families in need. Donations will go directly to schools, shelters, and community organizations in our service territory.

Veterans Day Drive – Tuesday, Nov. 11

We’ll honor those who served by collecting essential toiletry items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) for Clothes for Joes, a nonprofit supporting veterans across Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.

401 McDonald Pike, Paulding, OH

Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Together, we can make a difference for families and veterans in our communities!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WhHwhf

Looking for local support, services, or ways to get more involved in your community? Come out to our Child/Family Resource Fair!

• Meet local organizations, connect with services, and learn how to access support for you and your family.
• Free & open to the public – bring your friends and neighbors!
• Let's build a stronger, more connected community — together!
• Below you'll see all the great organizations that'll be there

Join us for the Paulding County Relay for Life Chocolate Walk!

Think of it like trick-or-treating for grown-ups — stroll downtown, collect chocolate at every stop, and enjoy a fun night out for a great cause

Stop by the Chamber's table for Mama Moo’s Cake-A-Roos Cake Pops!!

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4–7PM

Start at Herb Monroe Park

$20 tickets — only 100 available!

20+ stops, all with chocolatey treats

Food trucks: Dolce Sorella & Deja Brew by Cassy

Purchase tickets now via Venmo: www.venmo.com/Jillene-MM or message us if you don’t use Venmo to order your ticket.

CHP Home Care & Hospice – Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction

For 50 years, CHP Home Care & Hospice of Paulding has been the trusted local hospice provider. Join us for our annual Beacon of Hope for Hospice Dinner & Charity Auction on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding.

The evening includes a catered dinner (RSVP required), live and silent auctions, raffles, and more—all benefiting CHP’s patient care fund for Paulding County. Social hour begins at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6:15 PM, with a live auction to follow. Kenny Thomas, Auctioneer, and Joe Barker, Emcee. Catering by Streetlight.

How you can help:

• Donate raffle baskets, merchandise, gift certificates, or services by Nov. 7.
• Become a sponsor: $500+ donors receive logo recognition on banners, programs, and during the event. Sponsorships due Oct. 31.
• Attend! Seats are complimentary, but RSVP is required. Reserve your spot by calling 419-399-4708 or online at www.comhealthpro.org/events by Nov. 7.

At CHP, no patient is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Your support ensures compassionate end-of-life care for every Paulding County neighbor in need.

Contact: Alycen Urban, Event Coordinator – 419-238-9223 ext. 1118 | alycen_urban@comhealthpro.org

C'mon and join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour!

Doors Open - 1:00 PM

Event Starts - 2:00 PM

Venue - Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family!

Van Wert LIVE is thrilled to announce that country music legend Lorrie Morgan will perform at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM, joined by platinum-selling artist Jamie O’Neal for their first-ever appearance at the venue.

With hits like “There Is No Arizona” and “Five Minutes,” this unforgettable evening blends timeless classics with contemporary country favorites.



Tickets are available now to members and go on sale to the public Friday, October 31. Learn more or get tickets anytime at vanwertlive.com.

Siberian Solstice Concert to Benefit Caring & Sharing Food Pantry

The Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is hosting a holiday fundraising concert featuring Siberian Solstice — a Trans-Siberian Orchestra–style band — on Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m. at Paulding Exempted Village Schools (405 N. Water St.). Doors open at 6 p.m., and admission is by freewill donation.

A silent auction with 15+ artist-made and high-end items will also take place before the show and during intermission, with proceeds supporting Blessings in a Bag, which provides weekend meals for more than 150 local elementary students.

Funds raised from this event will help the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry continue serving families in need — nearly 9,300 people this year alone.

Mark your calendar! Enjoy an incredible evening of holiday music and community giving.

More info: siberiansolstice.com | facebook.com/caringsharingfoodpantry