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.
On Sunday at Harding Fields, the Swanton 10U Black and the Swanton 10U Pink were tied at the end of regulation of the Championship game leading to a sudden death shoot out. Braylen Lederman and Landon Sargent secured the win for Swanton 10U Black.
Photo and information provided. Pictured left to right: Coach Sarah Sardent, Ella Mohr, Madynn Schuchman, Evelyn Hamrick, Landon Sargent, Colton Sugg, Everett Moser, Adalyn Fryman, Braylen Lederman, Francis Wertz, Coach Ava Mohr
The Bryan Golden Bears scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter and went on to a 35-7 win over the Swanton Bulldogs on Friday night in Swanton’s Homecoming football game. Down 28-0 at halftime, the Bulldogs battled the Golden Bears to a 7-7 tie in the second half.
Swanton’s record drops to 0-4 in the NWOAL and 1-6 overall. The Bulldogs travel to Evergreen next Friday to face the Vikings (0-4/0-7). Bryan improves to 2-2 in the league and 2-5 on the season. The Golden Bears will entertain the Wauseon Indians (1-3/1-6) next Friday.
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.
At Friday night’s Swanton High School Homecoming Celebration, the Marching Bulldogs took the field with alumni and the Middle School Marching Bulldogs to entertain the enthusiastic crowd.
Click on the link above to access photos from the show. 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: Former Swanton High School Band Director Rob Cintron
On Friday evening, Swanton High School celebrated their 2026 Homecoming by presenting Queen Lexie Yeager and King Landon Bolyard along with the rest of the Homecoming Court to the crowd. Retired Swanton educator Betty Jo Sadowski introduced each student and read a short bio as they walked across the field with their parents.
Freshman attendants Class of 2030
Josie Dreyer – She is escorted by Rita Dreyer and Chris Dreyer. Josie has participated in Volleyball, Club Volleyball Legacy Elite Volleyball Academy and Show Choir.
Cannon Bond – He is escorted by Joanna Kosier and John Bond. Cannon has participated in baseball.
Sophomore Attendants Class of 2029
Kaylie Graham – She is escorted by Heather Durdel and Jason Graham. Kaylie has participated in Volleyball FCA Show Choir and club volleyball.
Blake Litten – He is escorted by Jamie Gerken and Greg Litten. Blake enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors and doing landscaping.
Junior Attendants Class of 2028
Leah Baldwin – She is escorted by Bill Baldwin and Laura Baldwin. Leah has participated in Cheer and she dances competitively.
Christian Butler – He is escorted by Eric and Stacy Butler. Cristian has participated in Golf, Basketball and Soccer.
Marah Stinehelfer – She is escorted by Jeremy and Mandi Stinehelfer. Marah has participated in Soccer, Wrestling Matt Maid and National Honor Society.
Landon Henricks – He is escorted by Krista and Ron Hendricks. Landon has participated in Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and Youth Leadership Ohio.
Senior Attendants Class of 2026
Madelyn Foster – She is escorted by Bridget Foster and Chris Foster. Madelyn has participated in Volleyball, Soccer, Frosh Fest and Homecoming Court. Madelyn’s future plans are to enter into the work force and continue to build her clientele as a hair stylist.
Dylan Smigelski – He is escorted by Jeremy and Kelli Smigelski. Dylan has participated in Golf, Baseball, Basketball, and Leadership. Dylan’s future plans are to attend college and further his golf career.
Myla Goins – She is escorted by Linday and Dennis Goins. Myla has participated in NHS, Blood Drive Volleyball, Softball and UT Health professions camp. Myla’s future plans are to attend UT for nursing to be a Nurse Practitioner then after a few years of experience in a hospital become a travel nurse.
Evan Reinhard – He is escorted by Mark and Sarah Reinhard. Evan has participated in NHS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 6th grade camp counselor, Frosh Fest, Varsity, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball and Track. He was selected to participate in the state leadership conference. Evan’s future plans are to attend college or a trade school.
Audrey Carte – She is escorted by Jason and Jillian Carte. Audrey has participated in Golf, Track and Field, Interact and Leadership. Audrey’s future plans are to attend BGSU and study Occupational Therapy.
Luke Bettinger – He is being escorted by Kristi Bettinger. Luke has participated in NHS, Track, Basketball Soccer and he works at Sadowski’s Produce. Luke’s future plans are to attend The Ohio State University and major in finance and accounting.
Audrey McFarland – She is being escorted by Michelle and Travis McFarland. Audrey has participated in Student Council, NHS, Leadership, Interact, and Golf. Audrey’s future plans are to attend college for business marketing.
James Bates – He is being escorted by Daniel Bates and Alexandria Bates. James has participated in Football, Track and Field, JV Basketball, Frosh Fest and NHS. James’s future plans are to continue his football career at the next level and major in Sport Management.
The 2025 Homecoming Queen and King
Anna Rukieh – Anna is escorted by Sy and Jodi Rukieh. Since graduating, Anna has continued her education at BGSU where she is pursuing a degree in Special Education. After completing her undergraduate degree Anna plans on earning a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy to pursue a career helping others reach their goals and achieve greater independence.
Zack Wylie – Zack is escorted by Lisa Wylie. Since graduating Zack has continued building his career through the local 18 Apprenticeship program. He is gaining valuable hands-on experiences while working under the Hite Concrete Pumping.
The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen
Landon Bolyard – He is escorted by Joe and Lori Bolyard. Landon has participated in Soccer, Basketball, track and Fros Fest. Landon’s future plans are to attend college to become a Physical Therapist.
Lexie Yeager – She is escorted by Jessica and Kevin Yeager. Lexie has participated in Soccer, Golf, Track, Basketball, Student council, NHS, 6th Grade camp counselor, Interact, Frosh Fest, Homecoming court and Prom court. Lexie’s future plans are to attend college on a medical pathway.
Congratulations to King Landon and Queen Lexie and the entire Homecoming court.
Click on the link above to access photos of the coronation. 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 Homecoming Court (L to R): Audrey McFarland, Audrey Carte, Madelyn Foster, Myla Goins, Queen Lexie Yeager, King Landon Bolyard, Evan Reinhard, Dylan Smigelski, Luke Bettinger
On Thursday evening, Swanton High School held their annual Homecoming Parade, traveling down Main Street from the Fulton County Courthouse to the Fisher Gym. The revealing of the Homecoming Queen, Alexis Yeager, and King, Landon Bolyard, took place followed by the Class vs Class Kickball Tournament.
Click on the link above to access photos from the parade. 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: Seniors Landon Bolyard and Lexie Yeager being transported in a 2022 Ferarri by Rick Lederman
Prior to their 5-2 victory over the Liberty Center Tigers on Tuesday afternoon, the Swanton Bulldogs recognized ten seniors for their contributions to the boys’ soccer program. The players were introduced to the crowd in alphabetical order:
#5 Luke Bettinger, #6 Landon Bolyard, #3 Lucas Lohman, #13 Ryan Mohr, #23 Evan Reinhard, #1 Giovanni Ruiz, #4 Seth Tedrow, #20 Brendan Upham, #9 Jayden Wilson, #24 Conor Yates
Click on the link above to access photos from Senior Night. Photos are min the jpeg format to allow form editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website
After a brief ceremony to honor the contributions of the 10 seniors on the Swanton Boys Soccer roster, it was junior Eli Bolyard who showed up big with an offensive explosion, scoring four goals as the Bulldogs defeated the Liberty Center Tigers 5-2 at Krupitzer Soccer Field on Tuesday afternoon. Senior Brendan Upham scored once and added two assists while seniors Evan Reinhard and Lucas Lohman each had one assist.
As anticipated, the match was close most of the way. Swanton were on top 2-1 at halftime and held a very tenuous 3-2 lead with approximately seven minutes remaining. At that point, Bolyard scored his third goal of the game to give the Bulldogs some breathing room and then sealed the match a few minutes later with his fourth. Junior Landon Hendricks had another solid game in goal with 11 saves.
The win moves Swanton’s record to 2-1 in the NWOAL and 9-2 overall. The Bulldogs will welcome in the Pettisville Blackbirds on Thursday for a non-league game. Liberty Center drops to 2-2 in the league and 7-4-1 on the season. The Tigers travel to Defiance on Saturday to face the Bulldogs.
Click on the link above to access photos from the match. 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 Eli Bolyard drives a shot towards the Tiger goal
For the first time since 1990, and only the second time in school history, the Swanton Bulldogs Boys Golf team is headed to the OHSAA DII State Tournament after shooting a 333 and finishing as District Runner-Up at Eagles Landing Golf Club today in Oregon. After a rough front nine, the Bulldogs found themselves well back of the second-place team and final qualifying position. It took a furious rally with the number of holes dwindling down, but Swanton was able to come from behind and clinch the last remaining spot, behind District Champion, the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans, to move on.
“We were eight strokes behind with seven holes left to go. The Dogs battled. That’s for sure,” said Swanton Head Coach Austin Luce. “We knew if we came out today and played our best golf we could hang with all the teams there. Once you get to the District level all the teams are really good so you’ve got to bring your ’A’ game which we did for the last six holes and that put us over the edge and got us to State,” commented Assistant Coach Carter Swank.
A pivotal moment in the tournament came on the final hole with Swanton’s #1, Dylan Smigelsk, tied at the time for medalist honors with Archbold’s #1 Grady Short. Facing a water hazard to the left of the fairway, the Bulldog coaches asked Dylan to play it safe and lay-up in front of the green rather than risk going into the water and being penalized a stroke and having to re-hit from the same spot. Dylan, the 2025 District Champion, complied with the request, sacrificing his chance to defend his individual title but keeping the Bulldogs in second place. Grady, the 2026 NWOAL Tournament Medalist, finished with a score of 74 to earn Medalist Honors and Dylan, essentially ‘taking one for the team’ finished just one stroke behind with a 75.
Swanton Bulldogs (333): Dylan Smigelski (75 – 1st Team All-District), Christian Butler (83), Owen Hurst (86), Carson Bond (89), Carter Malak (92)
It has been a long 36 years but the next stop for the Swanton Bulldogs will at the world renown Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio to take on some of the best golf teams in the state. The 36-hole tournament will be held on Firestone’s par 72 North Course on Sunday, October 11th and Monday, October 12th. Tee time for both days is 9:00 AM.
Photo (L to R): Assistant Coach Carter Swank, Carson Bond, Carter Malak, Christian Butler, Owen Hurst, Dylan Smigelski, Head Coach Austin Luce
Click on the link above to access photos from the Wauseon Homecoming Coronation. 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.
Click on the link to access photos from the non-football activities from the Delta at Wauseon football 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.
