Fulton County Ohio Media

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For his entire multi-sport athletic career within the Swanton Local School District, Benjamin (Ben) Tufts has heard the chant of “Go Bulldogs” from fans when getting ready to compete against other schools.  Yesterday, in front of family, friends and teammates, he signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and football career with Adrian College, ensuring for the foreseeable future, he will be hearing that familiar chant as a member of the Adrian Bulldogs football program.

Given his size, Ben has spent most of his time on the football field as an offensive and/or defensive lineman.  Over the years, his talent and abilities as an offensive center stood out, especially his skill as a long snapper, the position responsible for hiking the ball back to the holder on place kicks or, even further, back to the punter.  It was a capability that put him on the radar of several local colleges.

“It’s a great community around there.  I’ve been around those parts a lot and it’s a great city and Adrian College has a great football program,” said Ben explaining his school decision.  “They have very good academics and there are a lot of good coaches there willing to help you develop.  I’m going there specifically to play center and be a long snapper.  And I wanted to stay a Bulldog.”

Ben also understands the challenges he will be up against as an incoming freshman.  “They told me there’s a very low chance of starting your first year but they also said, ‘We will develop you.’  They were really honest about it,” he added.

One advantage Ben had growing up and playing football was the input from his father Kevin, who was an outstanding football player in high school and served as one of Ben’s coaches in middle school and high school.  “Working hard and never giving up and just his love of the game,” listed Kevin as some of the attributes that brought Ben to this moment.  “It kept him going and trying to get better every day.”

Ben will also be challenged in the classroom as he has decided to pursue a degree in Engineering.

Click on the link above to access photos from the signing and a few from Ben’s multi-sport high school career. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Ben signs with his father Kevin, mother Renee and Swanton assistant football coach, Dean Ball

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Charlie Wood, the towering center of the Swanton Bulldogs basketball team, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and basketball career at Lourdes University in Sylvania.  Recently named to the DIII All-Ohio boys’ basketball Second Team, Charlie was also selected, for the second time in his career, to the NWOAL First Team this past season.

“What sealed the deal for me was meeting with the coaches.  They’re really great guys and they really care about the character of the players and not just the skill.  They’re willing to develop you as a player and make you better,” explained Charlie about his college choice.  He also appreciates the fact that the school is so close that family and friends will be able to watch him play.

Charlie’s maturation as a high school basketball player came under the tutelage of Coach Bruce Smith, who was recently named to the Northwest Ohio District VII Basketball Coaches Association.  “I tell people all the time that if you had seen that kid as a 7^th or 8^th grader when he grew a lot early which meant he was a little awkward on the court.  But he has worked so hard and if you compare that kid to this kid today, it’s literally a night and day difference,” said Coach Smith.  “He’s spent the last two years getting double and triple-teamed and he’s earned everything that he got and I’m really proud of him.  He has great heart and is an incredibly hard worker.”

In the classroom, Charlie will be working towards a degree in business, although no specific area right now.

Click on the link above to access photos from the signing and a few from Charlie’s career. Phots are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Charlie Woods with his mother Inga and father Tom

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Just 16 hours after the Swanton baseball team’s flight landed in Toledo, returning from their Spring (Training) Break in Cocoa Beach, Florida, the Bulldogs were back on the diamond in Holland to face the Springfield Blue Devils to start the 2025 season.  Showing no sign of fatigue from the trip back, Swanton jumped on the Blue Devils for two runs in each of the first two innings and went on to defeat the Blue Devils 8-5. 

Adam Lemon with two doubles and three RBIs and Carson Lemons with a triple, a single and three runs scored, powered the offense for the Bulldogs.  Drake Harris had one hit, one RBI and two runs scored while Luke Marlow and Evan Smigelski each collected a hit.  Marlow started on the mound for Swanton and gave up seven hits and four runs, only one earned, with no walks and five strikeouts in four innings to get credit for the win.  Brady O’Shea pitched the fifth and sixth inning for the Bulldogs, surrendering one run on one hit with three walks and two strikeouts.  Carson Bond pitched the final inning, walking one and striking out the side to pick up the save.

The Bulldogs play tomorrow, Monday, at home against the Evergreen Vikings.  First pitch is 5:00 PM.

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

Photo: Luke Marlow picks up the win for Swanton

For 21 years, up until January of 2024, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) was led by Neil Toeppe, who also began serving his community as the Mayor of Swanton in January of 2020.  When Mr. Toeppe assumed the role of SACC Executive Director, the organization was on the verge of financial collapse.  Under his guidance and tireless efforts, SACC grew the overall membership, created several non-dues revenue generating events, added a number of membership benefits and brought the Swanton Chamber back to financial solvency.

When Neil decided to retire from the Chamber to focus more on his position as Swanton Mayor, there was a great deal of trepidation among the board members over finding a replacement who, hopefully, could step in and build on the accomplishments and advances realized during Neil’s successful tenure.  Several worthy applicants were interviewed and the SACC Board of Directors hired Delray Busch, a wife and mother of three living in Swancreek Township who presented a stellar resume.  Delray, originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, holds a degree in Marketing and Business Law from the University of Toledo and has extensive experience in the corporate and non-profit sector world and currently runs her own business, Delray Busch Social Media and Marketing, LLC.  She has now been on the job for 15 months and has received high praise from not only the Chamber Board but from the Swanton business community and Mayor Toeppe as well.

“When I saw the job posted I thought it was perfect.  Owning my own small business, I saw the need for stronger networking and I thought, not being a native Swantonian, the best way to show my commitment to this community, raising my children here, living here, thriving here, was to find a position just like this one.  I interviewed and thought instantly it would be something I would love to do and love to be a part of,” explained Delray.

Once seated in the Executive Director’s chair, Delray immediately began to see where improvements could be made in terms of technology, cost cutting measures and Chamber outreach methods among others.  “There have been a lot of changes which I know are hard for some people.  I like to say ‘growing pains’ because we’ve grown the number of events we do, number of networking events, number of relationships and the number of members.  So, I’m happy for that,” she said.

The biggest change may have been the selling of the Chamber Building on the corner of Main Street and Zeiter Way which was purchased in 1978.  The sale has provided the Swanton Chamber with a solid financial foundation which will carry it into the future.  Monthly Chamber meetings are now held in a conference room in the Swanton Public Library and Delray’s office is now wherever she sets her laptop. “That is very much the 2025 way,” she declared.

As with any new job, there are challenges, some foreseen an some not.  “This is one of those jobs that require a lot of creativity.  You can’t just do the same event every month and think you’re going to get the same results.  Networking is extremely tricky, especially post-COVID.  People are not attending events like they once were and they are very protective of their time,” said Delray.  One new event is the Chamber Block Party, established by working with the Village Administration, held monthly in the summer which draws hundreds to the Downtown Swanton DORA.  Another is the very popular monthly ‘Coffee & Conversation’ get togethers at CK Sweets.

The Chamber growth has been remarkable.  In her relatively short tenure, the Chamber has added 42 members to reach the 120 mark.  Delray has added online components to the Chamber’s marketing strategy beyond mailers and occasional Facebook posts.  “We’re really pushing what our members are doing, what we’re doing and how they can get involved,” she said.  Of course, we care about our Swanton members but we also have members that may be in surrounding communities but have connections to Swanton.  We have grown by connecting with neighboring Chambers and economic development organizations.  We’re stronger when we’re not competing but we’re joining forces to help area businesses.”

Working with Delray to bring the Chamber to this point has been Mr. Toeppe.  “One of the things that Neil did for me early on was introduce me to some of the key players in Swanton.  And for that I’m so grateful,” she remarked.  “It was easy to come in and be welcomed.  He has embraced the changes with open arms.  He often comes to our events and I love talking with Neil.  I always learn so much when we talk.”

Since moving to the Swanton area from Toledo four years ago with her husband Tracy and daughters Corrigan (10) and Selah (8) and son Truman (5), Delray has completely immersed herself in the community with her involvement with Swanton Schools, her business and most recently her position with the Chamber.  As much as she has already accomplished, she views all aspects of her job as a work in progress.  Stay tuned.

You can contact the Swanton Chamber by visiting their website at swantonohiochamber.com or email at swantoncc@gmail.com or call 419-826-1941 or checkout their Facebook page.

Photo: Delray Busch – Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

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On Sunday morning, 30 of the Toledo area’s top Senior (50 years or older) bowlers gathered at the Swanton Sports Center to compete in the 2025 Toledo Bowling Association’s USBC Senior Masters Bowling Tournament.  The scratch competition was tough with 22 of the bowlers averaging a score 200 or more for five games to determine the top four placers who would face off in a step-ladder format to crown a champion.  The top four finishers were Chuck Reynolds Jr. (1135/227.0), Jeff Benz (1131/226.2), Jeff Piekarzewski (1130/226.0), Van Husted (1103/220.6).

In the first game of the championship round, Piekarzewski defeated Husted 247-189.  In the second game, Benz beat Piekarzewski 192-180.  In the championship match, Reynolds strung together seven consecutive strikes after an open first frame and went on to claim the title over Benz by a score of 235-207.

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

Photo: Top for finishers (L to R) – Chuck Reynolds (Champion), Jeff Benz (2nd), Jeff Piekarzewski (3rd), Van Husted (4th)

Swanton, OH – The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO, Swanton’s newest food truck, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening on Friday, April 4, at 6:00 PM outside Benfield Wines (102 N. Main St, Swanton). They will be open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm that evening to celebrate.

Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO is owned and operated by Tara and Matthew Shaver, already successful local small business owners who consistently give back to the community. Their newest venture brings a delicious menu of gourmet hotdogs, smash burgers, hand-dipped corn dogs, onion rings, and more to Swanton and beyond. Attendees will have the first chance to experience their mouthwatering lineup while celebrating this exciting addition to the local food scene.

“We love seeing new businesses thrive in Swanton, and we’re thrilled to help kick off Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO’s journey,” said Delray Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Shaver family has a strong history of supporting the Swanton community, and we’re excited to see their newest business hit the road.”

Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO is already booking for Summer 2025 and is available for a variety of events, including graduation parties, weddings, community festivals, and school functions.
Join us in supporting local business and celebrating this exciting launch! For event bookings and more information, visit their Facebook page: Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO.

For media inquiries, please contact:  Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce   Phone: 419-826-1941   Email: swantoncc@gmail.com

The Greater Toledo Association of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) has chosen the Swanton Sports Center to host the 2025 Senior Masters Bowling Tournament starting at 10:00 a.m. this coming Sunday, March 16, 2025.  The tournament is open only to current GTUSBC bowlers, male or female, aged 50 or over.  All entries will bowl five (5) qualifying games with the top four advancing to a Stepladder Final.

Entry Fee will be a total of $55.00, Prize Fund ($35.00) and a Lineage and Expense fee ($20).  Based on a minimum of 30 bowlers, First Place will receive $400.00 and Second Place will win $260.00.

The Swanton Sports Center is located at 610 N. Main Street in Swanton, Ohio.  Contact information for the GTUSB is as follows:

Phone:  419-537-0523    Email:  gtba@accesstoledo.com    Website:  www.toledobowling.com

Next Monday, March 17^th, is officially known as St. Patrick’s Day, where people around the world celebrate the life and good works of the Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.  Homes, schools, businesses and Catholic churches decorate their surroundings with everything green and Irish.  In America we take this day, like many of our holidays, to the extreme.  Let’s be honest.  In spite of its religious affiliation, we welcome the opportunity as another reason to drink and party, responsibly of course.  Most of us, including our non-Irish friends, pull the green out of our wardrobe and become Irish for a day.

However, in all the Irish décor, the stylish green attire and the many accessories hanging conspicuously from our outfits, there is, far too often, a glaring error on full public display.  A mistake that few even notice or understand, but a mistake none the less.  It is the spectacle of the four-leaf clover as a representation of something exclusively Irish and relative to St. Patrick himself. 

When St. Patrick came to Ireland sometime in the fifth century, he was on a mission to convert the Pagan Irish to Christianity.  As a tool to educate the native population, he used the Shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to explain the Holy Trinity.  The Shamrock then became a symbol of Irish Christianity and was embedded in Irish culture.  Somehow, over the years, the four-leaf clover found a way to crash the party.

To be fair, the four-leaf clover does have a reputation for bringing good luck.  In truth, the plant is a rare genetic mutation of the three-leaf version, occurring just once in every 10,000 plants.  So, to find one is considered “lucky.”  There is a belief that Ireland has the most four-leaf clovers than any country in the world and from that belief we get “Luck of the Irish.”  I can personally attest as a full-blooded Irishman, that “Luck of the Irish” is a complete myth.  My pile of worthless lottery tickets collected over the years with no resulting “Pot of Gold” is certainly evidence of that.

There will be a lot of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations going on this weekend prior to the actual date.  Enjoy, but don’t be fooled by those Shamrock wannabe four-leaf clovers.

Next Monday, March 17^th, is officially known as St. Patrick’s Day, where people around the world celebrate the life of the Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.  Homes, schools, businesses and Catholic churches decorate their surroundings with everything green and Irish.  In America we take this day, like many of our holidays, to the extreme.  Let’s be honest.  In spite of its religious affiliation, we welcome the opportunity as another reason to drink and party, responsibly of course.  Most of us, including our non-Irish friends, pull the green out of our wardrobe and become Irish for a day.

However, in all the Irish décor, the stylish green attire and the many accessories hanging conspicuously from our outfits, there is, far too often, a glaring error on full public display.  A mistake that few even notice or understand, but a mistake none the less.  It is the spectacle of the four-leaf clover as a representation of something exclusively Irish and relative to St. Patrick himself. 

When St. Patrick came to Ireland sometime in the fifth century, he was on a mission to convert the Pagan Irish to Christianity.  As a tool to educate the native population, he used the Shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to explain the Holy Trinity.  The Shamrock then became a symbol of Irish Christianity and was embedded in Irish culture.  Somehow, over the years, the four-leaf clover found a way to crash the party.

To be fair, the four-leaf clover does have a reputation for bringing good luck.  In truth, the plant is a rare genetic mutation of the three-leaf version, occurring just once in every 10,000 plants.  So, to find one is considered “lucky.”  There is a belief that Ireland has the most four-leaf clovers than any country in the world and from that belief we get “Luck of the Irish.”  I can personally attest as a full-blooded Irishman, that “Luck of the Irish” is a complete myth.  My pile of worthless lottery tickets collected over the years with no resulting “Pot of Gold” is certainly evidence of that.

There will be a lot of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations going on this weekend prior to the actual date.  Enjoy, but don’t be fooled by those Shamrock wannabe four-leaf clovers.

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Swanton Middle School 7th Graders Shine in the Amazing Shake Competition

On March 5th, Swanton Middle School hosted its highly anticipated Amazing Shake competition for 7th graders, and it was an event that showcased the remarkable talents and dedication of our students. From 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM, our students took the stage to demonstrate their exceptional life skills in a series of challenges designed to test their manners, professionalism, and ability to handle pressure.

The Amazing Shake is more than just a competition—it is an opportunity for students to develop and refine key life skills such as respect, discipline, and the ability to present themselves confidently in any situation. Throughout the event, students were evaluated on a variety of competencies, including:

✔ Giving a proper handshake ✔ Effectively working a room ✔ Excelling in interviews ✔ Maintaining composure under pressure

Judges from across the community volunteered their time and expertise to evaluate our students. They provided valuable feedback and offered insight into how students can continue to grow and excel in their professional and personal lives. The students showed an incredible amount of poise and professionalism, impressing everyone in attendance with their performance.

This year’s event also welcomed guests from several local school districts, including Lake Schools, Fayette Schools, Oregon Schools, Wauseon Schools, and Bellevue Schools. These visitors came to observe the event, hoping to instill similar opportunities and life skill-building programs at their own schools. We were excited to share this experience with them and to see how it inspired others in the region to focus on developing important life skills in their students as well.

The goal of the Amazing Shake is not only to celebrate these accomplishments but also to equip students with the confidence and skills necessary for future opportunities. By mastering the skills of communication, self-presentation, and composure, these students are setting themselves up for success, both in school and beyond.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the judges, volunteers, and guests from surrounding schools who made this event possible. Your support helped make this competition a meaningful and impactful experience for our students. We are proud of all the students who participated and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow in their future endeavors!

The Amazing Shake is just one example of how Swanton Middle School is dedicated to fostering an environment where students develop not only academically but also socially and professionally. Congratulations to all of our 7th graders for a job well done!

Editor’s Note:  From this first round of competition, 20 students were selected by the judges, based on a point system, to move on to the next round which will soon be held at the North Star Bluescope Steel company in Delta.  Evelyn Keys was the first round’s top point scorer. Points earned in the first round will not carry over to the second.

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

Photo: Top 20 students –

First Row (L to R): Naomi Meyer, Madlyn Biler, Willis Gardner, Jackson Myers, Gavin Duvall, Evelyn Keys, Dane Onweller, Natalie Villagomez, Nolan Koder

Second Row (L to R): Audrey Ventimiglia, Ella Taylor, Kourtney Fulton, Josephina Dreyer, Victoria Hutchinson, Bristol Litten, Chloe Malak, Brooklyn Kahl, Cannon Bond, Chase Bergman, Jackson Rico

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8SzLcF6SiFeAKzCq7

This coming Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Services) will be holding their monthly meeting at their Sanctuary and Healing Center located at 4055 Wilkins Road in Swanton.

“Our goal is to for a Hero Hangout, a space dedicated to veterans and active-duty service members—a place to connect, unwind, and find camaraderie.  Built for those who serve, we honor your sacrifice by providing a welcoming community where you belong,” states Marketing Associate Jessica Goolsby.  “Veterans and service members alike, come build bonds beyond the battlefield.  Let’s connect, support each other, and strengthen our community.  This is your space to 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, and 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 the bonds that go beyond the battlefield.  Whether you’re looking for support or just good company, we welcome you to be a part of this growing community.”

Last November, WTOL Channel 11 did a report on H.O.O.V.E.S. briefly explaining what the organization is all about.  Below is an excerpt from that broadcast:

During Veterans Day, our nation honors the brave men and women who served our country. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 16 million veterans living in the United States today.  Veterans Day is also a time to share resources for veterans and show respect for their experiences, during and after service. One of those experiences are of those who have found healing at the Swanton-based ranch called “H.O.O.V.E.S.”, which provides horse therapy for veterans. 

Amanda Held is the founder of H.O.O.V.E.S. She said the ranch is a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal through power of rescued horses. She said all of their horses have been rescued in some way and more than 12 of them come from the wild. 

“We serve veterans locally and nationally. We run five-day healing intensive. So, we do a series of mindfulness and nature-based practices. And in the afternoons, we go out and work with the horses,” Held said.  She said the horses reflect the life inside of a human. She said they read the nonverbal cues and pick up on how you are feeling. If you are shut down, anxious or disengaged, Held said the horses is going to be the same way.

At H.O.O.V.E.S., veterans take the horses through obstacles and exercises. The veteran talks through the challenges of the obstacle and work on solutions. With the reflective help of the horses, the veteran can work through their problems and find solutions in real life.  

As a veteran herself and someone still serving in the Michigan National Guard, Held said Veterans Day means a lot to her.  “Our military has fought for our freedom, and I think we should appreciate veterans every day, but especially having a day once a year where we really honor and highlight the sacrifice that they’ve made is really a big deal,” she said. 

Web: hooves.us  Email: Jessica.g@hooves.us  Text or Voicemail:  419-764-2672  Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm

We are a 501(c)(3) for purpose organization.  Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  We welcome the public to join us for scheduled events.  Feel free to reach out for more details!

Click on the link above to access provided photos.