After senior Gunnar Avery’s free throw gave Delta a one-point lead with 4.1 seconds remaining in the game, the Panthers and the home crowd faithful had to hold their breath until an Ayersville shot missed as the buzzer sounded in a 55-54 Delta victory over the visiting Pilots of the Green Meadows Conference on Friday night. The contest was tight all the way with neither team holding more than a four-point advantage at any point.
Alex York led the Panthers with 16 points. Emric Friess scored 14 points including a buzzer-beating three-pointer from well beyond half court to end the first half. Vincent Martinez added 13 points. Dane Ewers led all scorers with 26 points and Jeremiah Peake has 10 for the Pilots.
The win was the first of the season for the Panthers after four losses. Their record now stands at 1-5 after a 59-47 loss to the Hicksville Aces on Saturday. The Panthers will host the Otsego Knights this coming Saturday.
Ayersville Pilots: 8-15-15-16 = 54 Dane Ewers (26), Jeremiah Peake (10), Dylan Dunn (7), Evan Wolfrum (4), Owen Lloyd (3), Jackson Stambaugh (3), Kaden Booher (1)
Delta Panthers: 12-14-14-15 = 55 Alex York (16), Emric Friess (14), Vincent Martinez (13), Ashton Alig (7), Gunnar Avery (5)
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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Alex York goes inside for two of his 16 points
Perennial high school bowling power Bryan Golden Bears defeated both the Delta Panthers boys’ and girls’ teams on Friday afternoon at the Swanton Sports Center. Bryan’s boys won 2209-1671 and their girls won 2157-1505.
Bryan Golden Bears: Noah Mills (201 + 227 = 428), Micah Smith (183 + 193 = 376), Noah Geren (181 + 162 = 343), Emerson Slattman (114 + 163 = 277), Otto Proxmire (124 = 141 = 265), Baker Games (192 + 169 + 159 = 520) Total = 2209
Delta Panthers: Marcello Miracola (162 + 169 = 331), Luca Miracola (150 + 168 = 318), Cameron Fortmann (114 + 133 = 247), EJ Griewahn (99), Jacob Fortmann (95), Gary Hockenberry (89), James Cass (81), Baker Games (102 + 199 + 110 = 411) Total = 1671
The Patrick Henry Patriots defeated the Swanton Bulldogs 2160-1699 Friday afternoon at the Swanton Sports Center. Quinton Colburn fired a 422 two-game series score for the Patriots, including a 234 game. Logan Partin rolled a 301 two-game series score for the Bulldogs.
Patrick Henry Patriots: Quinton Colburn (188 + 234 = 422), Kolton Barnhisel (191 + 190 = 381), Caleb Wenner (155 + 157 = 312), Levi Hoops (196), Braesyn Baker (165), Charles Vaughn (135), Jaxon Hayes (80), Baker Games (125 + 188 + 156 = 469) Total = 2160
In the girls’ match, the Patrick Henry Lady Patriots outshot the Swanton Lady Bulldogs 1811-1451. Leah Geahlen bowled a two-game series score of 331 to pace Patrick Henry. Emma Leonard posted a two-game series score of 289 for Swanton.
Patrick Henry Lady Patriots: Leah Geahlen (139 = 192 = 331), Natalie Cavanaugh (166 + 133 = 299), Lana Breece (168 + 104 = 272), Claire Piercefield (120 + 129 = 249), Alisia Alvarado (126), Becca Hathaway (117), Baker Games (132 + 126 + 154 = 417) Total = 1811
Concerned with the possible negative ramifications of fees placed on food trucks operating within the Village of Swanton by the Village Council, Delray Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce, sent the following letter to Village officials, including all six Council members.
To the Village of Swanton Officials,
I am writing following the November 5 meeting regarding proposed updates to food truck permitting. I appreciate the time and consideration that goes into reviewing policy, and I am sharing concerns about the impact these changes would have on our business community and community events.
Food trucks play a meaningful role in drawing people into Swanton. They support local commerce by increasing foot traffic, complementing brick-and-mortar businesses, and enhancing events throughout the year. Many of these operators are small, family-run businesses that already pay multiple fees across the region to remain compliant. Adding an annual fee of $150 and a special event fee of $100 creates a financial barrier that will discourage trucks from participating in our community.
These proposed fees would directly affect graduation parties, weddings, our wedding venue, school events, breweries, bars, wineries, Christmas in Swanton, Corn Fest, and the Swanton DORA Block Party. As a reminder, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce makes no profit from the Summer Block Parties and, in fact, loses money.
It is completely reasonable to ensure that food trucks are not parked indefinitely in one location. If a vendor remains in the same spot for more than twenty days per year, charging a fee is appropriate. However, applying the same high fees to occasional participants or event-only trucks penalizes the entire community for a concern rooted in a single situation.
I respectfully ask that the Village reconsider this proposal and work toward a balanced approach that addresses long-term placement without discouraging the food trucks that help make Swanton’s events successful and vibrant.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely, Delray E Busch, Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce
This coming Monday evening, December 15th at 6:00 PM, the Village Council will be voting on the Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-XX, Establishing Chapter 112 of the Codified Ordinances of the Village of Swanton, Ohio Regulating Food Trucks, Mobile Food Vending, Permitting, and Inspections. At the previous meeting, with only five of the six Council members present, The First Reading passed 3-2. Council members John Schmidt, Noah Kruez and Sam Disbrow voted in favor of the Ordinance while Dianne Westhoven and Derek Kania voted against. If the Second Reading is passed, a Third Reading will be voted on during the first meeting of 2026, January 12th, by the newly seated Council.
While food trucks have become a common sight in the Swanton community the past several years, the general consensus among some of the local business owners and residents is the near daily presence of the El Primo Street Taco truck, most recently located in the parking lot between Marco’s Pizza and the Citgo gas station on Airport Highway, has prompted the Village to consider regulating food trucks in general.
The Swanton Chamber of Commerce encourages any local business owner who may be affected by this legislation to attend the meeting or contact Village officials with any of their concerns prior to or after the meeting. All Swanton Village Council meetings are live-streamed on their Facebook page and will remain available for viewing for the next 12 months.
The Delta Lady Panthers dominated the first 12 minutes of their non-league game at Wauseon, opening a 21-7 lead before the Lady Indians rallied with a 10-0 run to pull within four points. However, Delta responded with three-point baskets from Anna Lohnman several times throughout the rest of the contest to keep Wauseon at bay and went on to win 37-31. The game still hung in the balance with the Panthers holding a four-point advantage with 4.1 seconds remaining when Addison Wyse sank two critical free throws to seal the Delta victory.
Anna Lohnman led all scorers with 18 points built on five shots from beyond the arc. Anabell Gillen added five points and Keagyn Gillen had four. Ella Tule scored 16 points for Wauseon. Sophia Rupp tacked on six points and Mia Barajas dropped in four.
Delta moves to 4-0 on the season and will entertain the Fairview Lady Apaches next Tuesday. Wauseon falls to 3-3 on the year and will travel to Tinora to take on the Lady Rams.
Wauseon Lady Indians: 3-10-8-10 = 31 Ella Tul (16), Sophia Rupp, Mia Barajas (5), Marin Leatherman (2), Laynee Sanford (2)
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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Anna Lohnman attempts a layup against Ella Tule
Wauseon senior Ruth Shelt rolled match-high games of 257 and 202 for a 459 series as the Lady Indians defeated the Delta Lady Panthers 1803-1636 at the Swanton Sports Center on Monday afternoon. Autumn Hasapes led Delta with a 287 series.
In the boys’ match, Wauseon freshman Jakob Yocom fired match games of 191 and 201 for a 392 series and the Indians beat the Delta Panthers 2169-1588. Marcello Miracola bowled a 364 series for Delta.
Wauseon Indians: Jakob Yocom (191 + 201 = 392), Trey Long (177 = 176 = 353), Camden Sherman (169 + 171 = 340), Evan Stevens (170 + 154 = 324), Isaak Hays (190), Anthony Gillespie (135), Baker Games (193 + 118 + 133) Total = 2168
Delta Panthers: Marcello Miracola (176 + 188 = 364), Luca Miracola (168 + 149 = 317), Cameron Fortmann (116), Jacob Fortmann (103), Gary Hockenberry (103), Layton Fisher (94), James Cass (56), Baker Games (143 + 124 + 107 = 374) Total = 1588
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.
In the season opener for both Evergreen and Swanton, the Vikings beat the Bulldogs 68-51 on Friday night at Swanton’s Robert L. Fisher Gymnasium. Evergreen broke open a close game by outscoring Swanton 21-10 in the second quarter to take a 42-27 lead into the locker room and maintained the advantage the rest of the way. Troy Manz led the Vikings with a game-high 21 points. Brady O’Shea and Brady Haselman each had 10 points to pace the Bulldogs.
The following night, Swanton blew past the Northwood Rangers 62-17 while Evergreen fell to the Otsego Knights 97-90 in overtime. The Bulldogs next travel to Lake on Tuesday to take on the Flyers. The Vikings will entertain the Ottawa Hills Green Bears on Thursday.
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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Will Ruetz (2) is greeted by Troy Manz (1) during pre-game introductions
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Fulton County Ohio Media 