Fulton County Ohio Media

Teaching by example is always the best way show anyone or any team how to achieve success.  On Thursday night in the Swanton Sports Center Mixed League, Jerry Donaldson, long-time coach in the Delta Panthers Bowling Program, held the ultimate teaching lesson by rolling 12 consecutive strikes in his second game of the evening for a perfect score of 300.  The perfecto was sandwiched in between a game #1 score of 217 and a game #3 score of 224 for a very impressive 744 series. 

For Jerry, a resident of Delta, it was his eight career 300 game and the third one he has rolled at the Swanton Sports Center, which serves as the Panthers home bowling center and where he owns and operates Jerry’s Pro Shop.

Photo: Coach Jerry Donaldson

On Monday night, at the final Swanton Village Council meeting of 2025, controversial 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, was on the agenda to be discussed as a Second Reading.

A few days prior to the meeting, Mayor Neil Toeppe posted on his Facebook page several important points that the Council would be taking into consideration before making a decision.

“It’s also worth noting that our brick-and-mortar food businesses pay significant property taxes. Those dollars help plow our roads, maintain our parks, fix potholes, and pay village employees. Many of these businesses also generously support local and school events through donations and sponsorships.  Food trucks play an important role, too. They bring variety, introduce new offerings, and give residents and visitors options that may not otherwise be available locally. Their presence can also encourage established restaurants to innovate and improve. That’s a good thing.  However, food trucks do not pay property taxes, which lowers their cost of entry into the market. While they benefit from village services, they are not contributing to them in the same way our permanent businesses do.  So, the real question isn’t food trucks versus restaurants—it’s how do we continue to encourage food trucks while also finding a fair way for them to contribute to the village they operate in?  That’s a conversation worth having,” he said.

The motion was first presented to Council President Derek Kania.  “I would like to do a motion to push this into the new fiscal year.  It’s not fair for the three outgoing (council members) to make a second reading call,” said Mr. Kania who will also be one of the outgoing members.  He went on to explain what the Council’s intent was in considering the legislation and that oversight on food trucks operation in Swanton would be similar to what is practiced in towns like Delta, Holland and Perrysburg.  “We’re not out here trying to make it difficult for everyone in the food truck world.  Operating a food truck within the Village of Swanton doesn’t omit you from being inspected by certain entities, with or without an ordinance.  It’s the Villages job to protect its citizens.  We’re not trying to complicate matters.  I, personally feel food trucks are a huge benefit to a town like Swanton.  We do have some good restaurants, but we don’t have unique restaurants.  Allowing a food truck to come in that offers a unique food style is a benefit.  Once you start hammering fees on top of it, you lower the opportunity for that food truck to make it profitable to come out here.”

Following Mr. Kania’s remarks, a motion was put forward to withdraw the legislation.  The motion was seconded and passed by a vote of 6-0.  When the time came for public remarks, Dave Mills, owner of Birchwood Meadow Wedding and Event venue, cautioned the incoming Council to be sure to place Swanton in a positive light in which to do business.  Swanton resident Tara Shaver, owner of the Hot Dogs 2 Go food truck spoke next and suggested if the Village decides to address this issue in the future, that they form a committee and look at the ordinance closely as it includes requirements food trucks already have to meet.

The next meeting will take place on January 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm in the Village Council room located at 219 Chestnut Street.  All new Council members will be officially sworn in before proceeding with any Village business.

Photo: David Mills, owner of Birchwood Meadow, addresses Council regarding food truck legislation

Both the Delta Boys and Girls bowling teams were defeated by Liberty Center on Monday afternoon at the Swanton Sports Center.  The Tigers outscored the Panthers 2356-1837 and the Lady Tigers beat the short-handed Lady Panthers 2010-1138.

Wesley Wilhelm shot a two-game series score of 419, including a 231 game to lead the Tigers.  His teammate Maddox Oyer matched that 419 total and had a game-high score of 247.  Luca Miracola rolled a two-game series score of 372 including a 201 game for the Panthers.

The Lady Tigers got a 382 series from Cheyenne Miller including a 202 game.  Kenasyn Meyer added a game-high 204 for Liberty Center.  Marcella Morris bowled a two-game series 237 for the Lady Panthers.

Liberty Center Tigers:  Wesley Wilhelm (188 + 231 = 419), Maddox Oyer (172 + 247 = 419), Owen Gebers (190 + 189 = 379), Stone Roth (198 + 158 = 356), Takoda Hopkins (138), Tyler McDougle (135), Baker Games (203 + 191 + 116 = 510)   Total = 2356

Delta Panthers:  Luca Miracola (201 + 171 = 372), Marcello Miracola (182 + 183 = 365), Cameron Fortmann (121 + 122 = 243), Gary Hockenberry (136), Jacon Fortmann (105), EJ Griewahn (104), Kaiden Boeliner (93), Baker Games (131 + 158 + 130 = 419)   Total = 1837

Liberty Center Lady Tigers:  Cheyenne Miller (202 + 180 = 382), Kenasyn Meyer (204 + 161 = 365), Natalie Huber (159), Paige White (144), Audri Trapp (142), Kassidee Bergstedt (130), Halle Shadday (119), Baker Games (127 + 125 + 190 = 442)   Total = 2010

Delta Lady Panthers:  Marcella Morris (138 + 99 = 237), Cadence Barkhimer (120 + 115 = 235), Gracie Bashears (124 + 102 = 226), Baker Games (77 + 101 + 86 = 264)   Total = 1138

Photo: Top Delta bowlers – Luca Miracola and Marcella Morris

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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

Bryan Lady Golden Bears:  Zoey Gillett (220 + 257 = 477), Meadow Goebel (241 + 169 = 410), Polly Sleesman (156 + 136 = 292), Mya Federspiel (140 + 144 = 284), Allison Leininger (130 + 126 = 256), Baker Games (135 + 140 + 183 = 458)   Total = 2157

Delta Lady Panthers:  Cadence Barkhimer (148 + 127 = 275), Gracie Bashears (122 + 139 = 261), Kallie Leonard (119 + 137 = 256), Marcella Morris (131 + 81 = 212), Autumn Hasapes (74 + 1021 = 176), Baker Games (115 + 129 + 84 = 325)   Total = 1505

Photo: Delta’s top bowlers – Marcello Miracola and Cadence Barkhimer

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

Swanton Bulldogs:  Logan Partin (156 + 145 = 301), Nick Trumbull (160 + 138 = 298), Conor Yates (133 + 126 = 259), Devon Bumbera (108 + 115 = 223), Marshon Chaff = (121), Stephen Hartbarger (92), Baker Games (123 + 110 + 172 = 405)   Total = 1699

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

Swanton Lady Bulldogs:  Emma Leonard (179 + 110 = 289), Lily Gasche (124 + 119 = 243), Lucy Weigel (78 + 104 = 182), Paige (AJ) Gossett (88 + 92 = 147), Ksenia Velikoglo (64 + 83 = 147), Baker Games (106+ + 169 + 1325 = 410)    Total = 1451

Photo: Swanton’s top bowlers – Logan Partin and Emma Leonard

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 15^th 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 12^th,  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.

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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.

Delta Lady Panthers:  9-12-4-12 = 37   Anna Lohnman (18), Anabell Gillen (5), Keagyn Gillen (4), Abby Todd (3), Ellie Martinez (3), Olivia Mohring (2), Addison Wyse (2)

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

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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.

Wauseon Lady Indians:  Ruth Shelt (257 + 202 = 459), Josie Spires (124 + 151 = 276), Annabella Meyers (144 + 129 = 273), Lily Netcher (106 + 125 = 231), Kaylyn Moore (86 + 75 + 161), Baker Games (129 + 146 + 128 = 403)   Total 1803

Delta Lady Panthers:  Autumn Hasapes (168 =+ 119 = 287), Cadence Barkhimer (119 + 160 = 279), Gracie Bashears (125 + 113 = 238), Kallie Leonard (126 + 107 = 233), Marella Morris (110 + 110 = 220), Baker Games (127 + 117 + 135 = 379)   Total = 1636

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.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pAy81BQEEiUBCSceA

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.

Evergreen Vikings:  21-21-18-8 = 68   Manz (21), Allendorf (15), Eisel (14), Ruetz (10), Bolger (5), Schrader (3)

Swanton Bulldogs:  17-10-17-7 = 51   O’Shea (10), Haselman (10), Reinhard (9), Ruiz (8), Mitchey (8), Hurst (5), Lemons (1)

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