Just My Opinion – where do we go from here?

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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.

Welcome to my blog

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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.

Lady Bulldogs Beat Tinora for 22nd Win of the Year

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On Saturday morning, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs held on for a 7-5 victory over the Tinora Lady Rams at Harding Field in Swanton’s Memorial Park in a non-league game.  With bases loaded and two outs in the top of the 7th inning, relief pitcher Alexa Faber induced a ground ball to shortstop Kendall Glonek who threw to Adriana Milligan-Elliot at first base to end the threat and the ball game.  The victory extended Swanton’s school record in one season to 22 with at least two more games on the schedule.

Starting pitcher Belya Remer picked up the win throwing five innings, giving up five runs on seven hits with five strikeouts.  She also went 3 for 4 at the plate with two runs scored.  Faber was credited with the save, allowing zero runs on two hits and was 1 for 3 with a run scored.  Jordyn Rmirez went 2 for 3 with a double and scored once.  Lacey Shinaver was 2 for 4 and scored a run.  Glonek knocked in two runs with a double and Cara Ludlow had one run and one hit.

Currently, the Lady Bulldogs are 22-3 on the season and will now face the Bluffton Lady Pirates at home in the first game of the OHSAA Division V playoffs on Wednesday, May13th, at 5:00 PM.

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: Carli LaGrange rips a line drive to right-center field for a single

Village of Swanton Purchases Former Elks Building

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At the April 28th meeting of the Swanton Village Council, Village Administrator Shannon Shulters announced that the Village had purchased the properties located at 116 and 118 North Main Street.  The building that sat on the combined parcels was the former home of the Swanton Elks Lodge No. 2462.

Due to dwindling membership, the Lodge folded and eventually sold the building to Swanton resident Jeffrey Schultz for $11,000 in January of 2018.  At the time, Mr. Schultz was running a small restaurant, also on Main Street on the south side of the railroad tracks, called the Switchback Crossing.  He began a restoration project on the Elks building, but after several months he discontinued the work.  Soon after, Mr. Schultz abandoned the building and moved out of the area.  Over the years, there were attempts to sell the building but all those failed.

The structure continued to deteriorate, the roof over the second floor collapsed and the building was declared beyond repair.  It reached a point where, if a fire broke out inside, fire fighters would not be allowed to enter to battle the flames for obvious safety concerns.  The Village attempted to contact Mr. Schultz and offer to buy the building, however, he had relocated several times and could not be found.  Finally, the Village obtained a viable address for him and sent letters containing the offer, to which he did not respond.  Eventually, a private detective was hired to find Mr. Schultz and personally hand him the letter.  The Village’s offer was for $30,000 which Mr. Schultz accepted.

With the Village now in possession of the building, the next step is to have it taken down.  Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe stated the estimate for razing the building is approximately $120,000, which the Village hopes to cover with grants.  Complicating the process is the structure being attached to another building on the north side with steel girders.  There is a small vacant lot on the south side.  No timetable has been set for the building’s demolition.

Swanton Softball Celebrates Class of 2026 Senior Night

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Before their thrilling 9-8 extra inning walk-off victory over the visiting Patrick Henry Lady Patriots on Monday night, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs Softball Team held their Senior Night to pay tribute and thank four senior players for their contributions to the program.  All four players, Alexa Faber, Kendall Glonek, Carli LaGrange and Jordyn Ramirez, were significant factors and the core of Swanton High School’s most successful softball season in its history. And, after who knows how many Lady Bulldog seniors over all the years took that same walk, these four will be the last to do it on the field, “up on the hill” at Memorial Park. An new era is soon to begin.

Retired Swanton educator, Betty Jo Sadowski, introduced each senior and read a short bio:

First up, we have Alexa Faber escorted by Chad and Carah Faber.  Alexa has been playing softball for 10 years and has been on varsity all four years of high school.  She received First-Team All-NWOAL and District Honors her freshman, sophomore and junior years.  Throughout high school, Alexa has also played volleyball and has been a part of the National Honor Society, Frosh Fest and Leadership.  She has also played travel softball for the Wizards, Magic, Ohio Hawks and Firecrackers.  Her future plans are to attend the University of Findlay and major in Echocardiography.

Next up, we have Kendall Glonek escorted by Paul and April Glonek.  Kendall has been playing softball for 14 years and has been on varsity for three years.  She played her first three years of high school softball at Central High School in Burlington, Illinois and came to Swanton her senior year.  Kendall also played travel softball for the Wasco Diamonds.  Her future plans are to attend the University of Toledo to obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Next up, we have Carli LaGrange escorted by William and Theresa LaGrange.  Carli has been playing softball for 10 years and has been on varsity all four years of high school.  She received Honorable Mention All-NWOAL her sophomore year, Second-Team All-NWOAL and Honorable Mention All-District her junior year.  Throughout high school, Carli has also played basketball and has been a part of the National Honor Society, Prom Committee and Frosh Fest. Her future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University majoring in AYA (Adolescence to Young Adult) Integrated Social Studies Education to become a middle school or high school teacher.

Lastly, we have Jordyn Ramirez escorted by Jason and Kristy Ramirez.  Jordyn has been playing softball for 10 years and has been on varsity all four years of high school.  Throughout high school, Jordyn has also played volleyball and has been part of the National Honor Society, Frosh Fest and Leadership.  Jordyn’s future plans are to attend Owens Community College for MRI Tech.

Click on the link above to access photos from the celebration. 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 Jordyn Ramirez, Carli LaGrange, Kendall Glonek, Alexa Faber

Faber Hits Historic Walk-Off Home Run on Senior Night

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It was Senior Night for the Swanton Lady Bulldogs softball team last evening before their game against fellow NWOAL foe, the Patrick Henry Lady Patriots.  A moment, always bittersweet and filled with emotion, to celebrate the contributions of players who have given their all to the program, and, at the same time, to say thank you and goodbye as their high school athletic careers draw closer to the end.

It was certainly a heart-warming send-off for the four seniors, Alexis Faber, Kendall Glonek, Carli LaGrange and Jordyn Ramirez.  Lots of laughs, tears, hugs, memories recalled and heart-felt sentiments recited to them in front of their families, friends, classmates, coaches and, of course, teammates.  When the ceremony ended, the seniors and the rest of the Lady Bulldogs had to quickly regain their composure and play a game with a great deal at stake.

A victory would break the Swanton school record of 19 wins in a season and would also put their mark in the NWOAL at a perfect 6-0, keeping their hopes of a league title alive when they travel to Bryan to face the undefeated Lady Golden Bears (20-0/6-0) in the year’s final league game.  The only thing better than a win to end such a memorable and emotional day, would be to do it in stunning Hollywood-scripted fashion.  And so, they did.

A furious rally in the bottom of the sixth inning erased Swanton’s second three-run deficit of the game and tied the score at 8-8.  Starting pitcher Beyla Remer and the defense kept the Lady Patriots off the scoreboard in both the seventh and eighth innings, allowing the Lady Bulldogs’ career leader in home runs, senior Alexis Faber, to come to the plate with a chance to make history.  One pitch, one swing and one ball driven far over the left field fence, gave the home team a 9-8 victory, sending Faber’s teammates rushing out to home plate to greet their hero and celebrate their record-breaking 20th win of the 2026 campaign.

“It was an emotional pre-game with it being senior night.  My first year at Swanton was my current seniors’ freshman year, so I have a special bond with these seniors, plus our senior transfer Kendall Glonek,” commented Head Coach Lauren Yoder.  “This group Is gritty.  Not only have they shown that they can score a bunch of runs, but they can compete in close games, too. I am so honored that I get to coach this group of girls.”

The Lady Bulldogs (20-2) have several more games remaining, but none bigger than the road match-up with Bryan on Wednesday.  Regardless of the outcome of that game, and the results of the contests going forward, last night will be one forever etched in the memories of those four seniors, the underclassmen and the rest of the Bulldog faithful that were there in support.

Click on the link above to access photos and box scores 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: Faber waits on the pitch

Just My Opinion – A Walk in the Park

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Tomorrow, May 5th, is election day and the registered voters of the Village of Swanton will have an opportunity to decide to support or reject a levy to help fund the parks in our community.  Studies have shown that well-maintained community parks have a similar positive impact on a municipality as does a strong school system.  The benefits are many but we often do not give them a second thought or just take them for granted.

But don’t take my word for it.  Just read what the benefits are according to scienceinsights.org:

Community parks have been shown to offer a wide range of benefits, including improved health, enhanced social connections, and economic growth.  Here are some key findings from studies on the benefits of community parks:

Health Benefits:  Parks contribute to healthier communities by providing space for physical activities, which can reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.  They also offer a calming environment that can help reduce stress and improve focus.

Social Connections:  Parks serve as neutral public gathering places where community members can meet, collaborate and become empowered.  They foster social capital, which can lead to lower mortality rates, reduced depression and economic mobility.

Economic Impact:  Parks generate significant economic activtyand support jobs.  They also contribute to environmental benefits, such as cleaner air and lower noise levels which can lead to reduce health care costs.

Community Cohesion:  Community parks enhance the quality of life for residents and provide a platform for socialization and community cohesion.  They are especially beneficial to vulnerable population groups such as socioeconomically deprived and older people.  These studies highlight the importance of community parks in promoting well-being and fostering a strong sense of community.  They are essential for creating healthy and resilient communites.

There is a core group of residents and some non-residents that have, for years, donated their time and effort to maintain our parks as much as possible.  Unfortunately, it is not always enough.  Hopefully, the passage of this levy, which will begin in 2027, will collectively allow the Village of Swanton, to raise and maintain our parks at a high and attractive level.

Donaldson Captures SSC Wednesday Night Tournament League Championship

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Jerry Donaldson defeated Mike Laver 190-184 in a roll-off earlier this week to win the Wednesday Night Tournament League Championship at the Swanton Sports Center. 

The weekly Tournament League is a handicapped league and its format has each participant bowl three games with the top four scores advancing to a one-and-done playoff.  A payout is awarded at the end of each evening.  There is no commitment to bowl any more weeks than a bowler wants to, however, points are accrued based on where a bowler finishes each week and are accumulated for the end of each half of the season.  Payouts are again awarded based on the overall point totals with the first and second half winners, along with the champion, receiving the highest amount.

If one bowler happens to win both halves, there is no roll-off.  This season, Donaldson, head coach of the Delta Panthers Bowling Team and proprietor of Jerry’s Pro Shop in the SSC, won the first half with 26 points and Laver, a 2025 graduate of Evergreen High School and an accomplished bowler with the Vikings Bowling Team, won the second half with 28 points.

Photo: Jerry Donaldson

Lady Bulldog JV Softball Blows Out Toledo Christian

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On Wednesday at Swanton’s Harding Field, the Lady Bulldogs scored 20 unanswered runs after falling behind 2-0 and defeated the Toledo Christian Lady Eagles 20-2 in a non-league game.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game as well as the Game Changer write-up and box score. 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: Avy Hamrick about to fire to the plate

Swanton Holds Senior Night for Track & Field

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Prior to a home track & field tri-meet with the Delta Panthers and the Evergreen Vikings, the Swanton Bulldogs celebrated the careers and contributions of six student-athletes.  Swanton Athletic Director Wade Haselman read a short bio of each senior as they were introduced to the crowd.

Our first senior is Lauren Bettinger.  Lauren is being escorted by Kristi Bettinger and Luke Bettinger.  While at Swanton High School, Lauren has participated in Soccer, Basketball, National Honor Society, Interact and Frosh Fest. Her future plans are to attend The Ohio State University to major in biology on a pre-med pathway with plans to pursue a career as a neuro-oncologist.

Our next senior is Xavier Hornyak-Ramsey.  Xavier is being escorted by Magen Hornyak.  While at Swanton High School, Xavier has participated in both Football and Track.  His future plans are to enter the workforce.

Our next senior is Eva Rose Kozakiewicz.  Eva Rose is being escorted by Callie and Brian Kozakiewicz.  While at Swanton High School, Eva Rose has participated in Student Council, Track & Field, Yearbook, Volleyball, Prom Committee and Band.  Her future plans                                                                       are to enlist in the United States Navy and pursue a medical career.

Our next senior is Ava Lewis.  Ava is being escorted by Amie and Timothy Lewis.  While at Swanton High School, Ava has participated in Volleyball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and National Honor Society.  Her future plans are to attend college and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse as well as playing sports at the college level.

Our next senior is Audrey Robinson.  Audrey is being escorted by Wayne and Catherine Robinson.  While at Swanton High School, Audrey has participated in Track & Field and Show Choir.  Her future plans are to become an esthetician.

Our final senior tonight is Zach Smith.  Zach is being escorted by DeNetra and Kent Smith.  While at Swanton High School, Zach has participated in Baseball, and Track & Field.  His future plans are to join the Toledo Junior Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) electrician apprenticeship.

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: Track & Field Class of 2026 – Xavier Hornyak-Ramsey, Audrey Robinson, Ava Lewis, Lauren Bettinger, Eva Rose Kozakiewicz, Zach Smith

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