Fulton County Ohio Media

The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed “With Love, Betsy” to the local business community with a ribbon cutting celebration honoring owner Betsy Gardner and her journey into business ownership this Friday morning at 10:00 AM at her 201 Main Street, Swanton location.  Betsy, a Swanton native who was born and raised in the community, has been a licensed cosmetologist for 19 years. On January 24, 2026, she officially opened With Love, Betsy, creating a warm and welcoming space focused on personalized, one-on-one client experiences.

Known for both her talent and her heart for the community, Betsy is actively involved in giving back and is a familiar face at local events. You can often find her cheering on the Swanton Bulldogs and supporting fellow small businesses. Her commitment to Swanton and her craft makes With Love, Betsy a wonderful addition to downtown. To schedule an appointment:
Text: 419-262-5072.  We are proud to welcome With Love, Betsy as a new Chamber member and encourage everyone to support this new local business.

Photo: Betsy with husband Luke and children (L to R) Harvey, Theodore, Flossie and Willis

At the February 23^rd Swanton Village Council meeting, resident Carol Barner of 119 Lincoln Street, asked Council members for help with a “feral” cat problem she was having in her neighborhood.  She said large groups of these cats were causing damage to her property by urinating and defecating in her yard, on her porch and driveway and destroying her garden.  Ms. Barner went on to say the problem was being exacerbated by someone in the neighborhood feeding the strays, causing them to remain in the area, reproduce, and wreak even more havoc. 

After some discussion by Council members and Mayor Neil Toeppe regarding possible solutions, the Village vowed to investigate the situation and would involve their Code Enforcement Officer.  Deacon Dzierzawski, President Pro Temp of the Council, said he would contact the Fulton County Humane Society for help.

Several days later, Swanton resident Scott Drummond was cited for violation of Village Ordinance 90.09, a ban on feeding stray or feral cats, and was subsequently fined $100 in court.  Soon after, Toledo television station 13abc broadcast the story, including an interview with Village Administrator Shannon Shulters, who explained the reason for the ordinance, mainly citing concerns for public health and safety and relating that the Village currently had not budgeted for a Tag-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

Very quickly, the broadcast went viral.  Local social media pages exploded with varying opinions on the issue as well as suggested solutions heavily favoring handling the cat population in the most humane and compassionate way possible.  As a result, there was a large contingent of feline fans in attendance at the next Council meeting held on March 9^th.  Mayor Toeppe addressed the issue early into the meeting, beginning with the Ordinance.  He said, in part:

“It is clear that this ordinance deserves a careful review to determine whether it’s still reflects the needs and values of our community.  I believe I can speak for both the administration and the members of Council when I say that we want animals, including feral cats, to be treated humanely.  This is an important value in our community.  However, we are also hearing very real and very different concerns from our residents.  Many people in our community see feral cats and want to make sure they have food and water.  That response reflects compassion and care and it comes from a good place.  At the same time, we have residents who are experiencing impacts to their quality of life.  Some home owners are dealing with feral cats urinating and defecating on their property.  The odor of cat urine can be extremely strong and, in some cases, it has become a very serious nuisance for those residents.  Both of those concerns are real and both deserve to be acknowledged.  Some members of the community have suggested a trap, neuter and release coming on as a TNR Plan as a potential solution.  TNR programs can, over time, reduce the feral cat population and prevent overbreeding.  That is certainly a worthwhile goal and one that deserves careful consideration.  However, it is also important to recognize that TNR is primarily a long-term population management strategy.  It does not necessarily resolve the immediate concerns that some residents are experiencing with odor, waste and property impacts today.  Because of these competing concerns there is no single simple solution.  Addressing this issue likely require a thoughtful multi-faceted approach that considers both short-term impacts and long-term population management.  With that in mind, I’d like to challenge the Village Council to take the next steps.  I am recommending that Council form a study committee to examine the issue more thoroughly.  They could review potential approaches such as TNR, shelter partnerships, and rehoming options.  Just as importantly, they should also consider what costs of that program might be and how funding could realistically be obtained.  I also encourage the committee to hold public hearing so that all residents from all perspectives have an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas.  Following that process, the committee could then make recommendations back to Council.  Those recommendations could then be referred to the Planning Commission to review and rewrite the relevant portions of the current ordinance so it better reflects the community’s needs today.  To move this forward, I’d like to ask Councilman Dzierzawski, who has already done some research I understand to chair this study committee I would also ask Councilwoman Diane Westhoven to serve on that with him.  This issue affects many people in our community and it deserves a thoughtful, respectful and balanced review.  My hope is that, through this process, we can find a solution that protects the quality of life of our residents while also ensuring that animals are treated humanely.”

Council members Dzierzawski and Westhoven accepted the task the rest of Council agreed it was a very good idea to help resolve the issue.

Many guests spoke in favor of the Village adopting a TNR program while also expressing empathy for the plight of the affected neighbors.  Stephanie Moore from the Fulton County Humane Society spoke and urged the Village to adopt a TNR.  She handed out a fact sheet that stated the TNR programs will stabilize feral colonies, improve cat lives, answer the needs of the community, protect cats’ lives and will work when others do not. Ms. Moore also told the Council it is a long-term solution and not a short fix.

Photo: Scott Drummond who addressed Council at the meeting, was fine $100 for feeding stray cats

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

This past Wednesday, the Swanton Middle School (SMS) held the first round of the award-winning Amazing Shake competition.  A two-hour school delay because of fog did nothing to deflate the enthusiasm or the focus of the competing students they entered the gymnasium, becoming the eighth group of SMS seventh-graders in the history of the Swanton Seven Program to pit their skills against the Amazing Shake Gauntlet.

The Amazing Shake is a competition that focuses on building soft skills in students, placing strong emphasis on manners, discipline, respect, and professional behavior. To demonstrate these skills, students worked their way through “The Gauntlet.”  There were 21 stations in “The Gauntlet” and each put students’ abilities to the test.  Each student had to show great poise and confidence in personal interactions as well as exhibit effective management skills.  And, they were given just 90 seconds at each station.

The stations included, among other challenges, several interviews, circles of conversation, knowledge of current events and popular faces in the news, business dining skills, telephone skills, appointment skills and business dress skills.  Every student was graded on a scale of 1-10 by volunteers from the local business community, community leaders, academic leaders and other professionals.  Scores were totaled and 20 students were chosen to move on to the next round.  Eventually, one winner will be selected and will be sent to Atlanta to compete in the national competition at the Ron Clark Academy next year.  The Ron Clark Academy is a highly-acclaimed, non-profit middle school that has received both national and international recognition for its success in creating a loving, dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence and leadership.

The program ended with 20 students being named to continue on to the next round.  The first 17 names, regardless of score, were randomly called to come to the front to receive a handshake and a certificate of their achievement from Principal Nicolette Stark and Vice-Principal Dakota Ulrich.  The top three finishers were then announced.  Tied for second with 181 out of 210 points were Paisley Abbot and Isabella Jiannuzzi.  Finishing in first place was Charlotte Smith with 185 points.

“Even with the fog delay and the last quick minute pivots, our team and our guess judges put together a fantastic day for our students.  We’ve already been hearing from several of the students that they wish they could go back and do it all over again because they enjoyed it so much,” commented Principal Stark who is in her first year in the position.  “We absolutely loved getting to watch them shine in their element, and put into action all the life skills they have been learning through our Swanton Seven Program since the day they walked through the SMS doors as fifth-graders.  These are skills that will continue to benefit them their entire lives and I know I speak for my entire team when I say we could not be more proud of them.”

Two more rounds of competition will be held, both off site.  One at The Andersons in Toledo and the other at Blue Star North Scope in Delta.  Each round will pare the group down from 20 to 10 and finally to four or possibly three for the final competition back at SMS. Points earned in any round does not carry over to the next round.

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. 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: The top 20 Amazing Shake finalists. Back Row (L to R): Jason Harris-Caldwell, Charlotte Smith, Anniston Bishop, Kathryn Schlender, Liam Steiner, Brayden Hamilton, Jordan Jones, Isabella Kosier, Brooklyn Van Winkle, Chloe Lu, Maria Avery Front Row (L to R): Benico Denman, Morgana Diaz, Paisley Abbot, Paesyn Rhodes, Isabella Jiannuzzi, Kyla Tressler, Paityn Hendricks, Slade Wielinski, Parker Shaver

Editor’s Note : The following is copied from a public Facebook posting by Swanton Village Councilman Noah Kreuz.  The format has been altered for better readability. Mr. Kreuz’s opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fulton County Media.

Speak NO on Dividing Council into Standing Committees – A major change to how Swanton Village Council operates is up for a vote Monday night.  The proposal would divide council into committees where only two members oversee each department instead of the full council discussing issues together.  Residents should understand what this could mean for transparency and representation.

This Monday, Village Council will vote on returning to a four-committee structure:

• Finance • Public Safety (Police & Fire) • Water & Sewer • Public Service

Each committee would have only two council members overseeing that division of village administration.

While this may sound efficient, it creates serious concerns for transparency, unity, and accountability.

WHY THIS IS A STEP BACKWARD

1. It Divides Council – Currently, the full council discusses departmental issues together during regular meetings. This allows all six elected members to hear the same information and ask questions directly.  If this proposal passes:  Only two members oversee each department.  Four members are left out of deeper discussions.  Council becomes fragmented instead of working as one team.  Strong communities require unified leadership — not solos.

2. Information Could Be Limited – Under the proposed structure:  Two members could determine what the other four members hear

When only two members review an issue, the rest of council must rely on second-hand summaries rather than participating directly.

This could lead to:  Unequal access to information.  Less transparency.  Reduced collaboration.  Every elected council member should have equal access to information.

3. Committee Meetings Do Not Require Official Minutes – Under Ohio law, council committee meetings are generally considered public meetings and must be open to the public.  However:  Formal meeting minutes are not required.  Without minutes, residents and other council members may have no permanent record of discussions that shaped decisions before they reach full council.

4. No Requirement for Department Heads to Attend – Village departments already provide written reports to the full council.  Under this proposal:  Committees may meet without department heads present.  Discussions may rely only on summaries.  The full council loses the opportunity to ask direct questions.  If we want to dive deeper into issues, we should do it together and publicly.

A BETTER SOLUTION

Option 1: Committee of the Whole (Quarterly).  All six council members meet together.  Department heads attend in person.  In-depth discussion with full transparency.

Option 2: Department Heads Present at Regular Meetings.  Require in-person reports.  Allow full council discussion.  Keep decision-making unified and transparent.

THIS IS ABOUT GOOD GOVERNMENT

This is not about personalities. This is about:  Transparency.  Equal representation.  Open communication.  Unified leadership.  Swanton deserves a council that works together — not divided into small groups.

Attend the Meeting:  Monday – 6:00 PM in Ritter Hall at 124 N. Main Street, Swanton, Ohio

Come speak out against dividing council into committees.

Photo:  Councilman Noah Kreuz during Swanton Village Council townhall event

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2WfWhmVCVDxncoHn6

On Saturday night in the banquet hall of the Swanton Sports Center, a “Name That Tune” event was held as a fundraiser for the Swanton Local Schools Backpack Buddies Program. The event was put together by a large group of volunteers and their efforts were rewarded with a record attendance.

Backpack Buddies is a community-based initiative designed to combat childhood hunger by supplying children with food and essential items when school meals are unavailable, such as over weekends or during school breaks.  The program targets children who rely on school meal programs during the week, ensuring they do not hungry outside of school hours.  By providing consistent access to food, the program supports better academic performance, health outcomes, and overall well-being for children and families in need.

The event and the program were supported by a long list of generous sponsors:

Jim Pant – Lou Luce – Luce’s Chimney – Fortmeyer – Melanie Galvin – Key Realty – Garrick Gray – APC – Asset Protection Corp Rebecca Taylor – Equity Planning Group – Jay’s Snacks – Russ Foksa – White Pines Valleywood – Chick Fil A – Green Bubble Gorgeous – Toledo Port Authority – Toledo Express Airport – Poshe’d Apparel – PizzAroma – Tony Tribble at Swanton Ballas Chevrolet – Marsha Nelson – Toledo Mud Hens – Swanton Sports Center – DJ Adam – Tano’s Pizza – KH Photography – First Federal – DeEtee’s Dream Diner Swanton Library – Brandon Johnson Memorial/Team Johnson – Cassie Kline Haller’s Mail Pouch – Swanton Alumni Foundation – Erin H Cassie Kline – Swanton Corn Festival -Tony Geftos 13abc

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. 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: Organizers Kris Elliot, Pat Pilliod, Tara Shaver, Stephanie Fessenden

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rk4qcJJrfdwXZJgz8

Holding on to a fragile two-point lead with 2.4 second remaining in the game, the Swanton Bulldogs missed two free throws and had to survive a long three-point shot attempt to beat the visiting Delta Panthers 47-45 in an OHSAA Division V Boys Sectional Basketball game at Kevin J. McQuade Gymnasium Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs led the Panthers 11-9 after the first quarter and maintained the two-point advantage after the end of each of the next three quarters despite there being more than a half dozen lead changes, including four in the final frame.  Evan Reinhard led all players with 18 points and Brady O’Shea had 13 including three treys for Swanton.  Victor Martinez scored 11 points for Delta and Ashton Alig added eight.

Delta finished the season with a 5-18 record.  With the win, Swanton improves to 8-15 on the year and advances to the District Semifinal game tonight at 7:00 PM against the Paulding Panthers (18-4) at Paulding High School.

Delta Panthers:  9-8-13-15 = 45   Victor Martinez (11), Ashton Alig (8), Alex York (7), Kade Lintermoot (6), Gary Valentine (4), Gunnar Avery (4), Jack Mazurowski (3), Jadon Lohnman (2)

Swanton Bulldogs:  11-8-13-15 = 47   Evan Reinhard (18), Brady O’Shea (13), Brady Haselman (9), Gio Ruiz (4), Dylan Smigelski (3)

Click on the link 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: Bulldog senior Brady O’Shea drains a three-pointer in his final home game

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Sep3j9qLMsTSErX7

With just 70 fourth quarter seconds remaining on the clock and the Archbold Lady Blue Streaks holding a seven-point lead, 44-37, over the Delta Lady Panthers, this OHSAA Girls District V Semi-Final game at Defiance High School on Tuesday night, was essentially over.  Until it wasn’t.  An Archbold foul on Keagyn Gillen while receiving an inbound pass sent the Lady Panther to the free throw line, and what transpired from there will forever be etched into Delta High School girls’ basketball lore.

Gillen drained both of her shots, reigniting Delta’s offense.  The Panther defense forced a couple of turnovers and did not allow another Blue Streak basket the rest of the way.  Abby Todd scored from the inside and Anna Lohnman sank three foul shots and a layup to give Delta their first lead since halftime.

“Our girls showed true grit, they showed the reason you say ‘never give up.’  Archbold came in and played tough, they gave our girls a real challenge but thankfully our girls pulled through in the end,” said Delta Head Coch Kelsey Gillen.   From that point the game was all about free throws.  The Lady Panthers were deadly accurate in the game, making 19 of 24 shots from the stripe and in final quarter, hitting 9 of 10 attempts while the Lady Blue Streaks went ice cold, missing all six of their attempts.  Archbold got the ball back with 4.2 seconds left in the game, but their long three-point attempt fell short and Delta had its 47-44 victory.

“We have had trouble with free throws all season, we changed up a pressure free throw drill over the last week in practice.  The girls weren’t thrilled about the drill but they battled through it.  Our free throws saved us in the end.  We made 9 of 10 free throws in the 4th quarter- that was a huge reason we were able to pull off the win,” Coach Gillen explained.

Lohnman led Delta and all players with 21 points.  Gillen scored 12 points and Todd added 10.  Reagan Wendt had 13 points for Archbold.  Molly Harris scored 11 points and Charlee Forward finished with 10.

The win improves the Delta Lady Panthers’ record to 20-4 on the season and sends them to Lakota High School this coming Saturday at 3:00 PM to face the Willard Lady Crimson Flashes for the District Championship.  The Archbold Lady Blue Streaks conclude another successful season with a record of 18 wins against six losses.

Archbold Lady Blue Streaks:  13-9-14-6 = 44   Reagan Wendt (13), Molly Harris (11), Charlee Forward (10), Miley Gericke (8), Klaire Kean (2)

Delta Lady Panthers:  12-13-9-13 = 47   Anna Lohnman (21), Keagyn Gillen (12), Abby Todd (10), Olivia Mohring (2), Addison Wyse (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: Delta Lady Panthers and their fans

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The Archbold Blue Streaks dominated the early rounds of the 2026 NWOAL Wrestling Tournament, sending 10 wrestlers to the championship round and went on to claim the title on Saturday at Swanton High School.  The Defending Champion Delta Panthers tied with the Liberty Center Tigers for the most individual champions with four each.  Archbold and Wauseon had two individuals stand on top of the podium and the Swanton Bulldogs and Patrick Henrty Patriots each had one champion.

Team Scores

Archbold (197.5), Liberty Center (174), Delta (170), Wauseon (126), Swanton (67), Patrick Henry (51), Evergreen (50.5), Bryan (19)

First Place

106 – Brenden Bosco (A) dec. Braxton Tammarine (LC), 13-9.  113 – Brooks Miller (A) p. Kendall Pontious (W), 2:57.  120 – Braedyn Tammarine (LC) dec. Ty Bosco (A), 7-2.  126 – Tyler Barnes (D) p. Lars Soles (A), 3:45. 132 – Carter Stuckey p. Isaac Brown (A), 1:05.  138 – Daine Bayer (LC) MD Thomas Hernandez (D), 15-3. 144 – Joseph Lugabihl MD Kayden Wellman (A), 9-1. 150 – Chase Godwin (S) SV Layne Miller (A), 4-1. 157 – Lane Lopez (D) won by default over Brady Badenhop (LC). 165 – Gunnar Taylor (D) dec. Ashton Stuckey (A), 1-0. 175 – Marcus Nagel (D) TF Ethan Bowman (A), 17-1. 190 – Trent Johnson (PH) MD Wyatt Flickinger (D), 20-7. 215 – Kolton Wymer (LC) MD Isidro Hernandez (A), 11-0. 285 – Logan Sifuentes (LC) p. Brady Smith (D), 2:42.

Third Place

106 – Exzander Borstelman (S) dec. Brian Camacho (W), 5-3.  113 – Lindley Crow (LC) idle. 120 – Gabe Stevens (S) dec. Braxton Pennington (D), 11-8. 126 – Jeff Smith p. Terner Vitek (B), 3:45. 132 – Luke Spiess (D) dec. John Haury (B), 5-1.  138 – AJ Gleckler (E) p. Dylan Velazquez (S), 2:41. 144 – Brody Jaqua (LC) p. Jaidan Rutter (PH), 1:37. 150 – Jackson Zeiter (LC) tech fall over Wade Stubleski (E). 157 – Hayes Studenka (E) p. Camdyn Keith (PH), 4:38. 165 – A’Zarrion Hicks p. Tyce Westhoven (LC), 2:59. 175 – Kahle Albright p. Brady Kimple (E), :26. 190 – Hunter Warner (A) dec. Degan Schwaiger (LC), 9-7. 215 – Malacaih Ambriz (D) p. Zander Lowe (W), 2:15. 285 – Parker Bixler (A) p. Logan Secory (S), :31

Click on the link above to access the more than 400 photos from the tournament. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and share for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncopuntymedia.com website.

Photo: Archbold Blue Streaks Wrestling Team

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NbkTMqNbpAMyMJen6

Senior Brady O’Shea scored 18 points in the first half, including five three-pointers and the Swanton Bulldogs held off the Toledo Christian Eagles 61-53 on Tuesday’s Senior Night Celebration at Swanton’s McQuade Gymnasium.  The Bulldogs held a very tenuous 43-41 lead entering the fourth quarter but built an eight-point cushion on the strength of two baskets from behind the arc by Brady Haselman and four consecutive high-pressure free throws by Owen Hurst to seal the victory.

O’Shea led Swanton and all players with 21 points.  Haselman scored 12 points and Evan Reinhard add 10.  Josiah Hillrich topped the Eagles, out of the Toledo Area Athletic Conference, with 18 points and Josiah Michalski added 12.

The win improves the Bulldogs’ record to 7-14 on the season.  Sitting at 0-6 in the NWOAL, they will be at home tonight hoping to pick up their first league win against the (17-4/5-1) Patrick Henry Patriots.  This coming Wednesday, Swanton will be at home to face the Delta Panthers at 6:00 PM in an OHSAA Division V Sectional Semi-Final Playoff contest.

Toledo Christian Eagles: 11- 17-13-12 = 53 Josiah Hillrich (18), Josiah Michalski (12), Peter French (8), Josiah Winkler (5), Mak Koralewski (3), Jake Bade (3), Micalah Mickel (2)

Swanton Bulldogs: 18-15-10-18 = 61 Brady O’Shea (21), Brady Haselman (12), Evan Reinhard (10), Owen Hurst (6), Gio Ruiz (5),Connor Mitchey (4), Drew Koder (3)

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: Brady O’Shea about to score his 21st point

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UCvRvBiD2sFuJo9g8

Inspired by the unlikely return of senior standout Troy Manz from what was initially believed to be a season-ending knee injury, the Evergreen Vikings exploded out of the gate and steamrolled the visiting Swanton Bulldogs 84-48 at the “Big House” on Friday night in NWOAL basketball action.  Manz and fellow senior Quinten Eisel combined for 21 first half points in staking Evergreen to a 42-22 lead as the teams went to the locker room.

In the third quarter the Vikings continued their scoring blitz putting up 32 points to the Bulldogs’ 20 and eventually triggered a running clock in the fourth quarter when the advantage hit the 35-pont mark.  With just over five minutes remaining in the game, Evergreen coach Kyle Bostater emptied his bench to finish out the contest.

Manz and Eisel tied for game-high scoring honors with 21 points each, Manz draining shots from the outside including three from beyond the arc and Eisel dominating inside with most of his baskets coming off the glass.  Goerge Allendorf tossed in 18 points in the win.  Brady O’Shea and Brady Haselman both scored 11 points to lead the Bulldogs and Owen Hurst had six.

The Evergreen victory moves their record in the NWOAL to 2-4 and they are 12-9 on the season.  They will next play at home against the Delta Panthers on Friday night to finish league play.  Swanton is 0-6 in the league and 6-13 overall.  They will play the Toledo Christian Eagles on Wednesday at home on Senior Night.

Swanton Bulldogs:  12-10-20-6 = 48    Brady O’Shea (11), Brady Haselman (11), Owen Hurst (6), Gio Ruiz (5), Drew Koder (5), Evan Reinhard (5), Landon Hendricks (3), Connor Mitchey (2)

Evergreen Vikings:  26-16-32-10 = 84   Troy Manz (21), Quinten Eisel (21), Goerge Allendorf (18), Will Ruetz (9), Chris Shrader (7), Brycen Bolger (4), Blake Fisher (2), Austin Gillen (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: Troy Manz is introduced before his first game back from injury