Author Archives: Bill O'Connell

Robinette Leads Evergreen Bowlers Over Delta, Lady Vikes Slip Past Lady Panthers

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Xaviar Robinette fired games of 224 and 213 for a 437 series as the Evergreen Vikings defeated the Delta Panthers 2321-1589 in an NWOAL bowling match at the Swanton Sports Center last Friday afternoon.  Marcello Miracola rolled a two-game series of 357 to pace the Panthers.

Delta Panthers:  Marcello Miracola (191 + 166 = 357), Luca Miracola (153 + 118 = 271), Cameron Fortmann (144), Kaiden Boeliner (135), Layton Fisher (99), James Cass (90), EJ Griewahn (71), Baker Games (76 + 100 + 161 = 337)   Total = 1589

Evergreen Vikings:  Xaviar Robinette (224 + 213 = 437), Thomas Baker (192 + 190 = 382), Owen Dohrmann (180 + 191 = 371), Joshua Lazenby (192 + 161 = 353), Austin Garcia (158), Cohen Myers (135), Baker Games (181 + 134 + 170 = 485)   Total = 2321

Keira Myers bowled scores of 125 and 113 for a 238 series as the Evergreen Lady Vikings edged the Delta Lady Panthers 1469-1387.  Cadence Barkhiner led the Lady Panthers and all the girl bowlers with a 264 series.

Delta Lady Panthers:  Cadence Barkhimer (137 + 127 = 264), Marcella Morris (97 + 157 = 254), Gracie Bashears (116 + 105 = 221), Autumn Hasapes (81 + 96 = 177), Kallie Leonard 981 + 1101 = 182), Baker Games (86 + 99 + 104 = 289)   Total = 1387

Evergreen Lady Vikings:  Keira Myers (125 + 113 = 238), Lila Baker (1004 + 113 = 217), Joanna Brown (116 + 100 = 216), Kaitlyn Krouse (170), Addison Wilson (121), Leona Bucher (109), Appollonna Roesner (97), Baker Games (120 + 70 + 111 = 301)   Total 1469

Click on the link above to access photos from the matches. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncoujntymedia.com website.

Photo: Evergreen’s top bowlers – Keira Myers and Xaviar Robinette

Tinora Bowlers Take Two from Swanton

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The Tinora Rams bowling teams paid a visit to the Swanton Sports Center and defeated the Swanton boys and girls in dual bowling matches on Friday.  The Rams beat the Bulldogs 2017-1815 and the Lady Rams topped the Lady Bulldogs 1621-1401.  Daegon Begin led the Rams with a two-game series of 372.  Conor Yates topped all bowlers with a two-game series of 421 for the Bulldogs, including a 275 in the second game.  Jennifer Lichtenwald had a 305 two-game series for the Lady Rams and Emma Leonard outscored all the girls with a two-game series of 3254 for the Lady Bulldogs.

Tinora Rams:  Daegon Begin (186 + 186 = 372), Casen Healy (171 + 161 = 332), Andrew Petch (148 + 158 = 306), Ian Tong (156 + 140 = 296), Mathew Monfette (144 + 124 = 268), Baker Games (177 + 140 + 126 = 443)   Total = 2017

Swanton Bulldogs:  Conor Yates (146 + 275 = 421), Nick Trumbull (142 + 172 = 314), Logan Partin (131 + 131 = 262), Devon Bumbera (123 + 119 = 242), Stephen Hartbartger (25 + 105 = 163), Baker Games (138 + 116 + 129 = 413)   Total = 1815

Tinora Lady Rams:  Jennifer Lichtenwald (151 + 154 = 305), Isabel Boundy (167 + 112 = 279), Aleksia Cook (150 + 128 = 278), Taylor Spangler (106+ =+ 106 = 212), Ashlynne Bussing (85 + 66 = 151), Baker Games (133 + 114 + 149 = 396)   Total = 1621

Swanton Lady Bulldogs:  Emma Leonard (156 + 169 = 325), Lily Gasche (112 + 124 = 236), Lucy Weigel (92 + 84 = 176), Ksenia Velikoglo (88 + 80 = 168), Amelia Stanton (68), Paige (AJ) Gossett (61), Baker Games (148 + 116 + 106 = 367)   Total = 1401

Click on the link above to access photos from the matches. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Swanton top bowlers Conor Yates and Emma Leonard

Swanton Puts on Spectacular Christmas Parade

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The Christmas in Swanton Parade Committee truly outdid themselves this year with a float-filled lineup that also included both the Swanton High School Marching Bulldogs and the Delta High School Marching Panther Bands as well as dancing troupes and cheerleaders among other participants.  Once again, the Village of Swanton was so beyond blessed to have Committee Chair Mandi Gineman and her many volunteers put forth a tremendous effort to the delight of crowd that lined the parade route from the Swanton Sports Center, down Main Street and west on Dodge Street.

Serving as the 2025 Grand Marshal was long-time Swanton Schools educator Christine Elliott.  As her float traveled down Main Street, Master of Ceremonies Pat McCarty, better known as Guy in the 419, read Chris’s bio to the crowd:

While Swanton wasn’t her hometown, or even her first job, she landed in Bulldog territory and took off running with both feet.  As a student teach with the exceptional likes of Pat Lovejoy and Larry Becker, she fondly recalls her time falling in love with the occupation, the students, and ultimately, our small town of Swanton.  She states she was never made to feel like an outsider and gives credit to her fellow teachers for that warm embrace.

Her unwavering care for her students doesn’t stop in the classroom, it just so happens to follow her home on weekends in the form of the Backpack Buddy Program.  From its inception with Charlene Blankenship and Paulette Baz, to its group of volunteers now, our Grand Marshal feels strongly about how the Backpack Buddy Program makes a positive impact on our students.  Once retired, she plans to continue making that program a priority in the Swanton Community.  She states that an interaction with a student, a field trip and a bag of nickels is her “why” as you never truly know someone’s story or struggles.

Our Grand Marshal states some of her favorite Christmas in Swanton memories include decoration at Park School and walking in the parade with her fellow teachers and students.  Her favorite memories and traditions with her family include Christmas Eve church services, singing Silent Night, and just being together.  She will be joined in the parade with her husband John, daughter Kaitlyn and a special appearance by granddaughter Evelyn.  Her daughter Jessica and family are unable to attend as she is due to have a child very soon, but will be with her in spirit.  The Christmas in Swanton is proud to present the 2025 Grand Marshal, Mrs. Christine Elliott.

As part of her duties as Grand Marshal, Chris lit the Christmas Tree at Pilliod Park on Friday evening at that celebration.  She also served as a judge prior to the parade to determine the best decorated float.  This year the float entered by the Swanton Corn Festival Committee won first place.  Swanton Baptist Church finished in second place followed by the Swanton Schools Bus Garage.

Click on the link above to access the more than 400 photos from the parade. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared courtesy of the fultoncopuntymedia.com website.

Photo: Masters of Ceremony Pat McCarty and MacKenzie Roytek

Dzierzawski Declared Winner of Fourth Swanton Village Council Seat

Following the mandated automatic recount of the Swanton Village Council election by the Lucas County Board of Elections Tuesday morning, Deacon D. Dzierzawski was declared the winner over incumbent Patrick Messenger by two votes.  Prior to the recount, Mr. Dzierzawski held a two-vote advantage.  Once completed, there were no changes in the number of votes for either candidate, thereby giving Mr. Dzierzawski the victory.

After the first of the year, all four successful candidates, Patricia Pilliod, Dave Pilliod, Noah Kreuz and Mr. Dzierzawski will be officially sworn into office.  The Swanton Village Council is scheduled to hold their first meeting of 2026 on January 12th where the recently elected members will be formally sworn in and the 2026 Council will be seated.

Photo: Deacon Dzierzawski speaks at the Village Council candidates Town Hall in October

Wauseon Bowlers Defeat Evergreen Boys and Girls

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The Wauseon Indians, trailing by six pins to Evergreen entering the final Baker Game, out scored the Vikings 233-133 to win the NWOAL match 2177-2083 on Monday night at the Swanton Sports Center.  Jakob Yocom led Wauseon with a two-game series score of 372.  Xaviar Robinette rolled a 347 series for Evergreen.

Wauseon Indians:  Jakob Yocom (184 + 188 = 372), Camden Sherman (178 + 177 = 355), Isaak Hays (146 + 174 = 320), Evan Stevens (148 + 148 = 296), Trey Long (173 + 109 = 282), Baker games (155 + 164 + 233 = 552)   Total = 2177

Evergreen Vikings:  Xaviar Robinette (149 + 198 = 347), Thomas Baker (162 + 173 = 335), Cohen Myers (151 + 166 = 317), Austin Garcia (183), Owen Dohrmann (174), Elliot Prescott (158), Colton Ruby (124), Baker Games (148 + 164 + 133 = 445)   Total = 2083

In the girls’ match, the Lady Indians took a 314-pin lead into the Baker Games and went on to defeat the Lady Vikings 2163-1609.  Kymberlee Yocom topped all bowlers on the night with a two-game series of 390, including a 215 in her second game.  Addison Wilson bowled a 296 series for Evergreen.

Wauseon Lady Indians:  Kymberlee Yocom (175 + 215 = 390), Ruth Shelt (178 + 182 = 360), Josie Spires (159 + 176 = 335), Annabella Meyers (116 + 132 = 248), Lilly Netcher (114 + 126 = 240), Baker Games (208 + 197 + 185 = 590)    Total = 2163

Evergreen Lady Vikings:  Addison Wilson (1891 + 115 = 296), Appollonna Roesner (107 + 163 = 270), Joanna Brown (150 + 104 = 254), Leona Bucher (140), Keira Myers (123), Lila Baker (97), Molly Walker (79), Baker Games (146 + 110 + 94 = 350)   Total = 1609

Click on the link above to access photos from the matches. Photos are min the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website

Photo: Top Wauseon Bowlers – Kymberlee Yocom and Jakob Yocom

Final Swanton Village Council Seat Still Undecided

It has been almost four weeks since the November 4th election where the voters of the Village of Swanton were asked to fill four seats on the Village Council.  Three candidates, Patricia Pilliod, Dave Pilliod, and Noah Kreuz, received enough votes to be officially elected as members of the Swanton Village Council beginning on January 1, 2026.  A fourth candidate, Stephen Kasprzak, had the lowest number of votes and was eliminated.

The vote totals received by incumbent candidate Patrick Messenger and candidate Deacon D. Dzierzawski, in both Fulton County and Lucas County, were close enough to trigger, by law, an automatic recount.  Initially, Mr. Dzierzawski held a two-vote lead over Mr. Messenger in Fulton County balloting, while Mr. Messenger garnered four more votes than Mr. Dzierzawski in the Lucas Couty portion of the election.

In the recently completed and certified recount in Fulton County, Mr. Dzierzawski’s advantage increased to six votes.  However, Lucas County has not yet conducted their recount.  It is scheduled to be held by the Lucas County Board of Elections on Tuesday, December 2nd with final results expected the following day.

All six candidates were mailed letters notifying them of the recount and were invited to attend and monitor the proceedings.   

Delta Panther Bowlers Drop Matches to the Tinora Rams

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The Delta Panthers boys’ and girls’ bowling teams opened the NWOAL season at the Swanton Sports Center on Monday by losing both matches to the Tinora Rams.  The Panthers lost 2103-1665 to the Rams and the Lady Panthers fell 1500-1391. 

Delta’s Marcello Miracola topped all bowlers with a two-game series score of 382, including a 216 in his second game.  Mathew Monfette rolled a 381 series for Tinora.  Cadence Barkhimer bowled a two-game series of 285 for the Lady Panthers to lead all girls.  Jennifer Lichtenwald had a 269 for the Lady Rams.

Tinora Rams:  Mathew Monfette (186 + 195 = 381), Daegon Begin (183 + 172 = 355), Casen Healy (141 + 202 = 343), Ian Tong (118 + 144 = 262), Andrew Petch (115 + 145 = 260), Baker Gams (215 + 155 + 132 = 502)   Total = 2103

Delta Panthers:  Marcello Miracola (166 + 216 = 382), Cameron Fortmann (160 + 148 = 308), Luca Miracola (150 + 125 = 275), Jacob Fortmann (96 + 115 = 211), Kaiden Boeliner (90), Layton Fisher (88), Baker Games (131 + 89 + 91 = 311)   Total = 1665

Tinora Lady Rams:  Jennifer Lichtenwald (129 + 140 = 269), Aleksia Cook (96 + 142 = 242), Ashlynne Bussing (127 + 96 = 223), Isabell (89 + 236 = 215), Taylor Spangler (105 + 108 = 213), Baker Games (130 + 106 + 102 = 338)   Total = 1500

Delta Lady Panthers:  Cadence Barkhimer (157 + 128 = 285), Kallie Leonard (125 + 103 = 228), Gracie Boshears (121 + 105 = 225), Marcella Morris (99 + 107 = 206), Autum Hasapes (85 + 73 = 158), Baker Games (77 + 112 + 101 = 289)   Total = 1391

Click on the link above to access photos from the match. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow mfor editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Top Delta bowlers – Cadence Barkhimer and Marcello Miracola

Evergreen Bowlers Top Swanton to Open the Season

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On Monday afternoon at the Swanton Sports Center, both Evergreen and Swanton opened the NWOAL bowling season with the Vikings taking both boys and girls matches.  Thomas Baker rolled a two-game series score of 342 to lead the Vikings over the Bulldogs 2105-1632.  Swanton’s Conor Yates led all boy bowlers with a 369 series.  Appollonna Roesner had a two-game series score of 377 to carry the Lady Vikings over the Lady Bulldogs 1809-1082.  Emma Leonard bowled a two-game series of 274 for Swanton. 

Evergreen Vikings:  Thomas Baker (164 + 178 = 342), Elliot Prescott (160 + 179 = 339), Xaviar Robinette (163 + 161 = 324), Colton Ruby (138 + 145 = 283), Owen Dohrmann (155), Cohen Myers (127), Baker Games (193 + 197 + 145 = 535)   Total = 2105

Swanton Bulldogs:  Conor Yates (193 + 176 = 369), Nick Trumbull (136 + 185 = 321), Devon Bumbera (130 + 1021 = 232), Logan Partin (86 + 118 = 204), Stephen Hartbarger (60 + 102 = 162), Baker Games (110 + 105 + 129)   Total = 1632

Evergreen Lady Vikings:  Appollonna Roesner (190 + 187 = 377), Joanna Brown (140 + 138 = 278), Addison Wilson (160 + 113 = 273), Lila baker (117 + 132 = 249), Keira Myers (120 + 109 = 229), Baker Games (131 + 87 + 185 = 403)   Total = 1809

Swanton Lady Bulldogs:  Emma Leonard (124 + 150 = 274), Lily Gaschge (106 + 113 = 219), Ksenia Veilkoglo (72 + 94 = 166), Amelia Stanton (30 + 82 = 117), Baker Games (85 + 106 + 120 = 311)   Total = 1082

For the record:  The Lady Bulldogs were unable to field a full team of five bowlers for this match.

Click on the link to access photos from the match. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Top Evergreen bowlers – Thomas Baker and Appollonna Roesner

H.O.O.V.E.S. Ribbon Cutting Held for Major Upgrades

Last Monday, November 17th, a Ribbon Cutting was held at the H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing Our Veterans) Sanctuary and Healing Center located on Wilkins Road in Swanton, to introduce the public to the recent facility upgrades through the amazing generosity of many local business owners.  HOOVES is a non-profit organization dedicated to their mission of “Bringing veterans and rescued horses together in life-changing experiences, creating powerful bonds that heal, restore purpose and empower new beginnings.”

The organization is run by Amanda Held, founder and CEO of HOOVES and a team of volunteers.  Amanda is a Mustang gentler, equines services facilitator, and a SMSgt in the Michigan Air National Guard.  She is also a published author and passionate advocator for veterans healing.  Amanda’s own journey of overcoming challenges inspires the work at HOOVES.

Prior to officially cutting the ribbon in front of a large crowd of supporters, Amanda gave the following speech:

Community members, veterans service organizations, volunteers, staff, and veterans. Thank you all for being here today. This is a special moment for HOOVES, because it represents what happens when a community decides to invest in the healing of our veterans. These upgrades are not just improvements to our property. They are acts of generosity that will directly impact the men and women who come here to rebuild their lives.

I want to begin by thanking the Ohio Contractors Association for rallying around this project and bringing together an incredible team of partners.

Miller Bros. for the excavation and leveling in the back area.  Crestline for the asphalt installation.  Shelly and Gerken for providing asphalt.  E.S. Wagner for the excavation and stone prep for the driveway.  SanJan Trucking, Ebony, and Green Earth Transportation for providing trucking and topsoil.


Heidelberg Materials for donating the stone for the driveway.  Mosser Construction for the concrete work around the house.  Exceed Trucking for providing additional trucking.  All Ohio, part of Shelly Co., for providing concrete.  Kuhlman, part of Gerken Co., for providing concrete as well.

Each of you contributed in a way that goes far beyond machinery, materials, or labor. You created access. You created safety. You created an environment where veterans can step onto this property and feel supported from the moment they arrive.

I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Window World for donating all of the new windows throughout our retreat center. These windows do more than brighten a room. They let in hope. They make this place feel warm, safe, and like home for the veterans who stay here during our healing intensives.

Every one of you has played a role in transforming this sanctuary into a place where breakthroughs happen every day. A veteran will walk down this driveway and take their first deep breath in years. Someone will sit inside and look out through these windows and see a future they thought they had lost. Your work and your generosity make that possible.

On behalf of our team, our volunteers, our horses, and every veteran whose healing journey begins right here, thank you. This ribbon cutting is more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of what we can accomplish when a community stands with its veterans.

Thank you all so much.

Following the ribbon cutting, a luncheon was held inside the “Bunkhouse” with donated food provided by the Whitehouse Inn.  If you would like more information on HOOVES, you can checkout their website at hooves.us or send an email to info@hooves.us or call 419-930-7936.

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