Is there any more that can be said about the Trump-incited mob that attacked the U.S. Capital Building yesterday that has not already been voiced by someone? I’m sure there will be, but will it change what happened? Of course not. Will it make any difference? We can only hope and pray. The tragic event that took place on Capital Hill on January 6, 2021 will now take it’s rightful place in the “Where Were You When” category of American history under the “Shameful, Needless and Preventable” sub-group.
So, who do we blame? Better yet, who do we not blame? We all saw it coming and we all let it happen. Donald Trump began constructing this bomb since the beginning of the 2016 Presidential campaign. When, to the surprise of many, including Donald himself, he won the election, he moved his bomb making lab into the White House. From there he began to perfect his weapons of mass distraction and test fired one every time he found himself in political hot waters. Yesterday he launched his most destructive and lethal one to date. And, hopefully, his last.
Finally, after yesterday’s insurrection which failed to achieve Trump’s objective, Donald is agreeing to a “smooth and peaceful” transition of power. If true, it comes two months too late. But nobody will be holding their breath waiting for it to happen. Regardless, Donald and the Trump family will be out of office in less than two weeks. The next question is how do we recover and where do we go from here?
Undoubtedly, it will take many years, a lot of work and a lot more understanding, compromise and forgiveness to heal our nation. We have never been more divided in a four year stretch since the years of 1861 to 1865. Obviously, our differences and disagreements over past four years pale in comparison to what took place 160 years ago so it gives us much hope that we come back from this and return to the great nation and role model to the rest of the world we used to be.
For now, the causes behind the self-inflicted black eye American suffered on Capital Hill yesterday will be analyzed and debated in search of a vaccine that will protect us from repeating a similar attack of our democracy. Many will still argue in support of the violence but their voices will fade and reason will take hold. I still have faith in America.
My name is Bill O’Connell and I live in Swanton, Ohio, a village of approximately 3700 residents located about 15 miles west of Toledo. I retired in 2012 and began helping my family restore and re-open a shuttered bowling center and banquet hall which took just over one year. Several months after it was up and running I began working as a sub-contracted sports journalist/photographer for the Swanton Enterprise and Fulton County Expositor. Just short of two years with those two weekly papers I took a similar position with the Village Reporter, a weekly publication that covered Fulton and Williams County and held that for almost four years. While with the Reporter I covered virtually every type of event from sports to festivals to council and school board meetings to business ribbon cuttings.
Now I am trying something very similar in substance but very different from a technology aspect, a blog and website. My plan is to continue covering local sports, including all seven Fulton County school districts with photography and short articles along with human interest stories from around Fulton County. I will also write editorials on various subjects and will continue a daily cartoon called “About Face” that I now post on my Facebook page. To start, there will be very few postings on my site but my goal is to develop it over the next few months. Also, any photos I publish can be copied for no charge. I will be looking for an easier way to make my photos available. Please let any of your friends and relatives know about my site if you think they may be interested. Thank you.
The Delta Panthers opened the 2026 baseball season be defeating the visiting Lake Flyers 9-7 on Monday afternoon in a very lengthy non-league affair. The game only lasted six innings but had to be called because of darkness despite it being started right on time. Both teams issued numerous walks or went deep into the count before a ball was put in play, causing the first three innings two hours to complete. The Panthers are next in action on Friday when they welcome in the Tinora Rams.
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.
On Friday afternoon, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Annual Luncheon in the Benfield Wines Banquet Room on Main Street in Swanton. Chamber Executive Director, Delray Busch, now in her third year of leading the organization, gave her State of the Chamber Address, focusing on the importance and impact of the Chamber on the Swanton community and surrounding area. Excerpts of her speech are below:
“When you look at this year’s report, a few numbers stand out right away. 127 businesses. 27 events. And more than 770,000 people reached through our messaging. Those numbers matter, but to me, what matters even more is what they represent. The 127 businesses represent people. People who are building something, serving this community, creating jobs, taking risks, and showing up every day with a lot on their shoulders. The 27 events represent connection. They represent handshakes, conversations, ribbon cuttings, learning opportunities, partnerships, and the kind of face-to-face time that still matters so much in a community like ours. And that 770,000 plus reach represents visibility. It means the stories of Swanton’s businesses, events, and momentum are not staying quiet.
People are seeing what is happening here. They are seeing growth, activity, and a community that continues to show up for its businesses. So yes, those numbers are important. But behind every one of them is a person, a business, a conversation, or a moment that helped move this community forward. That is the work of the Chamber. To connect people, support businesses, and help move Swanton forward together. To me, membership is never just a list of names. It is people who get up every day carrying a lot of responsibility. They are running businesses that support their families, their employees, and in many cases, our community as a whole.
One of the most meaningful parts of this role is getting to hear the stories that do not always make it into a Facebook post or a ribbon cutting photo. Stories like the business leader who came to me completely exhausted. The kind of exhausted that comes from lying awake at night trying to figure out a problem you never saw coming. Through the Chamber, we were able to connect that person with a regional resource they did not know was available. And just like that, there was a little relief. There was someone to call. Someone who could help. And a reminder that they did not have to carry all of it alone.
I also hear stories of businesses adapting, finding their footing again, and realizing they are not alone. And honestly, some of my favorite stories are the ones that start with hope. The person who spent years saying, ‘someday I want to open a business.’ And then one day, they do it. They sign the lease. They order the sign. They unlock the door. And that thing they carried around in their head for years suddenly becomes real and becomes part of this community. They are people willing to take risks, work hard, and build something here.
Over the past year, the Chamber has focused on creating more opportunities for those people to connect with each other. Through networking events, block parties, ribbon cuttings, and partnerships across the region, we are helping businesses meet, learn from one another, and support one another. Financially, the Chamber is in a strong and stable position. Through careful management and intentional planning, we have continued building reserves and working to make sure this organization stays sustainable for years to come.
But being stable is not the finish line. The goal is growth. Looking ahead, we will continue focusing on growing membership, strengthening regional partnerships, increasing sponsorship opportunities, and exploring the creation of a nonprofit Chamber Foundation that could support community projects, workforce development, and economic growth here in our region. We are also beginning conversations around succession planning and long-term sustainability, so we can make sure the Chamber remains strong for the next generation of business leaders too.
Before we move on, I want to take a moment to thank the sponsors who made today’s Annual Meeting possible. Thank you to Tomahawk Printing, F&M Bank, the University of Toledo Family Business Center, Benfield Wines, Kim Bradford & Associates, and Soaring Software Solutions for helping make today possible and for supporting the business community here in Swanton. Tomahawk Printing donated our annual reports today. F&M Bank, Kim Bradford & Associates, and Soaring Software Solutions were meal sponsors. The University of Toledo Family Business Center provided today’s speakers. Benfield Wines once again allowed us to use this beautiful venue. And thank you to Tano’s for catering today’s meal.
Next, as part of our annual meeting business, we need to conduct the election of officers for the coming year. First, I want to recognize two incredible women who are coming off the board this spring. DaNetra Smith, owner of Level Fitness, thank you for your support, your encouragement, and the way you welcomed me into this role from the very beginning. I truly appreciate it, and I wish you all the best in this next chapter. Shelly Keifer, manager of First Fed Delta, thank you for being such a strong supporter of the Chamber, of Swanton, of our schools, and of this community. I am very grateful for your support as I stepped into this position. Thank you.
I would also like to recognize the rest of our current Board of Directors for the time, leadership, and support they give to this organization and to our business community. Bill O’Connell of Swanton Sports Center, Jennifer Knapp of F&M Bank, Sheena Baker of Oncore Brewing, Eric Fessenden of Fessenden’s Hardware, Robert Benfield of Benfield Wines, Julia Benfield of Benfield Wines, Mandi Gineman of Sew Beyond Blessed.
Our Board of Directors has recommended the following slate of incoming officers: Rebecca Padilla of Swanton Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and Donovan Cooley of Tri County Block and Brick. Thank you, and congratulations to our officers and board members who continue to serve and lead this organization.”
Following the address, attending members heard from featured speakers Stephen Hardy, Program Manager of Membership at the UT Family Business Center, and Dan Skilliter, owner of Skillful Strategies. Both individuals took questions during their talk and stayed after the meeting to meet with other Chamber members.
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: Julia Benfield, Swanton Chamber Board of Director member and luncheon host
Swanton sophomore Cara Ludlow banged out three hits, including two doubles, drove in four runs and scored three times as the Lady Bulldogs picked up a road win with a 16-4 run-rule victory over the Pettisville Lady Blackbirds on Tuesday afternoon. Leading 2-1 heading into the top of the third inning, Swanton broke the game open with four runs in the frame, added another seven scores in the fourth and three more in the fifth to lead 16-3 going into the bottom of the inning. Pettisville did tack on one more run but was unable to reduce the deficit to under 10, invoking the mercy rule after five innings.
Beyla Remer tossed four innings for the Bulldogs allowing four hits and three runs, one earned, with six strikeouts and zero walks. Other Swanton hitters with big days at the plate included Adriana Milligan-Elliot with two hits and four RBIs, Kinley Curtis with three hits and two runs, Carli LaGrange with three hits and three runs, Lacey Shinaver with three hits, including a triple, and two runs, Jordyn Rameriz with two hits and two runs and Alexa Faber with two hits and one run.
Macy Hoylman pitched all five innings for the Blackbirds giving up 19 hits, 16 runs, 15 earned, three walks and two strikeouts. Hoylman led Pettisville with two hits, one walk, one RBI and one run scored.
The win was Swanton’s third in as many games. They are home tomorrow to face the Springfield Blue Devils of the Northern Lakes League. After a 17-15 loss to the Wauseon Lady Indians earlier today, Pettisville’s record stands at 0-2. They will next take on the Montpelier Lady Locomotives next Tuesday, 3/31, at home.
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.
The students at Swanton High School are performing the amazing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical version of the centuries old story of “Cinderella.” The first show was on Friday night with another tonight and a 2:00 PM matinee tomorrow. Tickets are still available.
Click on the link above to access the more than 650 photos taken at the final dress rehearsal on Thursday evening. 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.
Senior Brody Voight has chosen to remain a Bulldog and continue his education and volleyball career at Adrian College in Michigan. Brody will be joining the Adrian Bulldog Men’s Volleyball program after playing for two years with Swanton High School and several years with a club program in Maumee. He is currently competing with the Anthony Wayne Generals.
“I played soccer for a while and I always really liked soccer, but when I started playing volleyball, I really loved it so that’s what made me choose to continue with that,” said Brody. “I’m naturally better at volleyball than I am at soccer.”
In selecting Adrian College, he will be just over the Ohio/Michigan border, less than an hour drive from home. “I really liked the team and the atmosphere. The team culture is just great and the campus is really nice,” explained Brody about his school choice.
The men’s volleyball regular season begins in January and runs into April with playoffs starting after. While in the classroom, Brody will be majoring in Psychology.
Click on the link above to access photos from the signing. 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: Brody signs with parents Rob and Melanie and brothers Nolan and Gavin
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 23rd 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 9th. 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
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
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
Fulton County Ohio Media 