Fulton County Ohio Media

The recipient of the 2026 Swanton Lions Club Academic Scholarship is Hailey Frosch who graduated from Swanton High School this past May 17^th.  Hailey’s submitted application and resume showed her to be an outstanding and well-deserved candidate with high academic achievements and an incredible list of extracurricular activities, including many community service commitments.  With her application, an essay on Hailey’s efforts and experiences involving community service was required.  The essay read:

The word “service” is a complex word for many people.  Serving others can seem daunting or belittling to some people, but to me, it is the simplest way I can improve the world around me.  In everything I do, I try to serve others.  When high school started, I had a great desire to help my community in every way I could.  It started through the student council and my dream of becoming a doctor, but then it turned into something I try to accomplish every single day.  Whether through clubs based on community service, such as the National Honor Society or INTERACT, where I completed over 70 hours of community service yearly or something as simple as holding the door open for somebody, serving my community is something I pride myself on.

Even now, four years later and a senior in high school, I still hold service as one of my personal pillars.  I am involved with as many service projects as I can be.  I spend my free time working on different teams to improve student life at Swanton High School, as well as keeping the school as safe as I can.  I also volunteer with my church regularly as a children’s church teacher and a member of the Praise Team.

One of my favorite things about the groups I participate in is that the aren’t just things I have to balance; they are ways I can give back.  I love spending time with others and serving as someone who can raise the voices of others around me, I realize that I have privilege when it comes to certain things in life, and I use it to make a positive impact.

 I also dedicate a lot of my time to help take care of my great-grandparents, who have adopted me.  I chop wood for the fire, work to support us financially, do the dishes and laundry whenever I can, as they have a semi-difficult time maneuvering around our house.  I won’t say that it has been an easy task, as balancing service and all of my personal goals is definitely a challenge, but I won’t sacrifice one for the other.

Serving others has been built into my life through various circumstances, and it is one of the few things that I hope to never lose.  I truly love serving others with my whole heart and I want to continue serving others in the medical field as a missionary in my future.  I also hope to continue participating in Rotary groups throughout my college career.  Overall, service is a beautiful thing and I want my passion for it to inspire others to serve their communities as well.

Hailey has chosen to attend The Ohio State University to major in Cellular Biology on a Pre-medical track.

Photo: Hailey Frosch receives a scholarship check for $1,000 from Swanton Lions Secretary Holly Lawson

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Forced by the weather to play on Memorial Day, the Swanton Bulldogs walked off their home field at Memorial Park for the final time as winners, and as champions after defeating fellow NWOAL rival, the Delta Panthers 2-0 to win the OHSAA Division V Baseball Sectional Title.  After an estimated eight or nine decades of play on the field, adjacent to South Main Street at Memorial Park, the Swanton High School Varsity Baseball Team will begin the 2027 baseball season on a new field located on the school’s campus.

The game itself was a fitting send-off as both teams, playing for the chance to move on, battled each other in a classic pitching duel with Swanton’s Carson Bond getting the better of Delta fireballer Carlos DeSantos in complete game efforts.  The Bulldogs and the Panthers managed just two hits each, but it was only Swanton that was able to take advantage of putting runners on base, and only in the second inning.

In the bottom of the second, Owen Hurst worked a walk from DeSantos and later scooted to second base on a wild pitch.  Down two strikes after failed bunt attempts, Brendan Upham flared a single down the right field line, scoring Hurst and giving Swanton a 1-0 lead.  Upham moved to second after a walk to Drew LaPoint and was replaced by pinch runner Landon Hendricks. A passed ball sent Hendricks to third and he came home on a ground ball to short by Drew Koder to put the Bulldogs up 2-0 after two innings.

Pitching dominated the next three innings until Delta threatened in the top of the sixth when they put a runner on third base with one out with DeSantos, whose strong hitting matches his pitching, coming to the plate.  Bond was able to get DeSantos to pop out to third and the next batter to ground out to short to end the threat.  In the top of the seventh, the Panthers went down 1-2-3 and Bond and the Bulldogs cashed their ticket to the District Semis.

The win moves Swaton’s record to 16-10 on the season.  They will now face the 22-5 Archbold Blue Streaks on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 PM at Defiance High School.  Delta concludes their season at 11-12.

It was the end of an era for Swanton High School baseball after decades and decades of calling the lower diamond at Memorial Park their home field.  Of course, there will be countless memories for those who played or watched Bulldog games there.  But the new field, along with the new softball field, on school property for the first time in the history of Swanton High School, will be in line and measure up to most high school fields on the Bulldogs’ schedule.

No longer will fly balls need to reach Main Street in left field or the creek bordering right filed or travel 400+ feet in center field to the Village’s brick marquee to be ruled a home run.  Fielders will not need to be wary of vehicles pulling into the park while chasing down foul balls lifted to the left side of the diamond.  Players will be able to walk to practice and home games instead of driving or having to catch a ride.  Coaches and other volunteers will not continually have to battle field conditions on a baseball diamond that, basically sits in a flood plain. 

This sectional contest being delayed two days for that very reason is evidence enough that it is time to move on. To move on to something that will give our student athletes a better opportunity to develop their skills as well as a sense of pride when facing other schools, and will long be an asset to Swanton Local Schools and the community. 

Click on the link above to access photos of the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow foe editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: 2026 D5 Sectional Baseball Champions – Swanton Bulldogs

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Yesterday morning the Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post #479 observed Memorial Day with a parade down Main Street and a ceremony in front of the American Doughboy statue in Memorial Park to honor those Americans that had given their all, in defense of our nation, beginning with the American Revolution. 

The Swanton High School Band, which had marched in the parade, performed the Star-Spangled Banner and the Armed Forces Medley which combines the official songs of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines and Coast Guard. 

Joe Nye, a Legion Post member and a retired Swanton High School educator, was the keynote speaker.  He spoke to the crowd, explaining what Memorial Day meant to him and told of his dedicated support over the years to make sure the Swanton area Veterans who had passed would always be remembered for their service and sacrifice.

Leuitenant Colonel Janes then read the names of local Veteran who had passed since the 2025 Memorial Day Observance, the Color Guard executed the 21-gun salute and two members of the band performed Taps.  The ceremony concluded after the benediction by the Legion’s chaplain.

Click on the link to access photos from the parade and the ceremony. 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 Keynote Speaker – Joe Nye

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Before the final game of the regular season, the Swanton Bulldog Baseball team recognized and honored five seniors (Brady O’Shea, Memphis Dye, Drew LaPoint, Carsen Lemons, Luke Marlow) for their efforts and contributions to the Purple and White program.  Each player was introduced to the crowd and a small bio was read by retired Swanton Schools educator Betty Jo Sadowski.

Our first senior is Brady O’Shea.  Brady is being escorted by Matt and Becky O’Shea and Ryan O’Shea.  While at Swanton High School, Brady has participated in National Honor Society, Baseball, Basketball Golf and Frosh Fest.  He was recently named to the 2026 Second Team All-NWOAL.  His future plans are to attend the University of Toledo and major in Business.

Our second senior tonight is Memphis Dye.  Memphis is being escorted by Nate and Dawn Ryan and Ryan Dye.  While at Swanton High School, Memphis has participated in Baseball and Penta Culinary School and was a Pro Start State Champion.  His future plans are to go to college for Sports Management.

Our next senior is Drew LaPoint.  Drew is being escorted by Julie and Lainee LaPoint.  While at Swanton High School, Drew has participated in Baseball, Wrestling, Show Choir, National Honor Society, Leadership and CCP.  He was recently named 2026 Honorable Mention All-NWOAL and 2026 Honorable Mention All-District.  His future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University to major in Business Administration with a focus on Finance.

Our next senior is Carsen Lemons.  Carson is being escorted by Ash and Marianna Lemons and Brady Lemons.  While at Swanton High School, Carsen has participated in Show Choir, Spring Musicals, Golf, Basketball and Baseball.  He was recently named to the 2026 First Team All-NWOAL and 2026 First Team All-District.  His future plans are to go into the trades as a heaving Equipment Operator with Gerking.

Our last senior is Luke Marlow.  Luke is being escorted by Sara and Jeremiah Bateman, Caleb Bateman and Hannah Bateman and Bo.  While at Swanton High School, Luke has participated in Leadership and Baseball.  He was recently named to the 2026 First Team All-NWOAL and 2026 First Team All-District.  His future plans are to play college baseball and chase his dream of playing professional baseball.

Click on the link above to access photos from the ceremony. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Brady O’Shea, Memphis Dye, Drew LaPoint, Luke Marlow, Carsen Lemons

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The 2026 Swanton softball season, a dream season that reached historical levels, came to an end on Wednesday afternoon when the Lady Bulldogs dropped a 9-4 decision to the Paulding Lady Panthers at Napoleon High School.  Early pitching control issues and several uncharacteristic defensive errors placed Swanton into a 5-1 hole after three innings that the Lady Bulldogs were unable to crawl out of. 

The Paulding coaching staff, obviously paying close attention to the scouting report, chose to intentionally walk Swanton’s dangerous power hitter, Kendall Gloneck, batting in the clean-up spot, all four times she came to the plate.  The strategy failed in Gloneck’s second at bat when Carli LaGrange, hitting next and who also swings a big bat, drove a pitch deep over the left field wall to pull the Bulldogs within two runs at 5-3.  LaGrange later singled following Gloneck’s third free pass but Swanton was unable to capitalize.

The Lady Panthers put up a four-spot in the top of the sixth inning for a six-run advantage and the Lady Bulldogs were only able to add one more run in the bottom of the seventh for the 9-4 defeat.  The loss was just the fourth of the year for Swanton against a school record 24 wins.    

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: Lady Bulldogs celebrate Carli LaGrange at the plate following her two-run blast

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On Saturday afternoon at the White Pines Golf Course in Swanton, the Swanton Lions Club held their annual golf outing to help raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors from Swanton High School.

Jason Ramirez, Joel Studer, Tim Sonia, and Steven Walter composed the winning team and took home $200 and a free round of golf at White Pines.  The team with Jonathon Lemon, Sy Rukieh, Adam Lemon, and Mazan Rukieh finished second place and won a round golf.

Women’s Longest Drive:  Cheryl Lawson    Women’s Closest to the Pin:  Cheryl Lawson    Men’s Longest Drive:  Jacob Dogel

Click on the link above to access the over 400 photos from the golf outing. Photos are in the jpeg format and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the Swanton Lions Club and the fultoncountymedia.com website.

On Thursday evening at the Swanton American Legion Post #479 Murbach-Siefert, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) made a generous donation of $1,500 to the Backpack Buddies Program of the Swanton Local School District.

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.

Photo: SAL member Phil Leidigh hands a check to Backpack Buddies supporter Pat Pilliod along with fellow supporters Stephanie Fessenden and Lou Luce

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Hosting the first game of the OHSAA Division V Girls Softball Tournament, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs took full advantage of playing on their home field and routed the Bluffton Lady Pirates 12-1 on Wednesday night to win the Sectional Championship.  Carrying a slim 1-0 lead into the bottom of the third inning, Swanton exploded for seven runs, highlighted by a two-run blast off the bat of Jordyn Ramirez for an 8-0 lead.

Beyla Remer gave up a solo home run in the top of the fourth then, later in the inning, gave up three straight hits to load the bases before getting a big strikeout to escape the jam.  The Bulldogs added four more runs in the bottom of the fourth and held Bluffton scoreless in the top of the fifth, to invoke the run-rule and end the contest.

Alexa Faber had three hits, including a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.  Lacey Shinaver had two hits and two runs with an RBI.  Carli Lagrange went 1 for 2, scored twice and had two RBIs.  Kendall Gloneck was 1 for 2 with two runs scored.  Cara Ludlow had a 1 for 3 night with two RBIs.

Remer threw all five innings allowing one run on seven hits and striking out six.  At the plate she was 2 for 2, including a triple and two runs scored.

The victory sends the Lady Bulldogs to the Division V District Tournament on Tuesday, May 19^th at 4:30 PM at Napoleon High School where they will face the Paulding Lady Panthers.  Paulding defeated the Delta Lady Panthers 12-0 to advance.

The win also extends the Swanton Softball record number for wins in a season to 23, four more than the previous record of 19 set in 2019.  Before traveling to Napoleon, Swanton will play one more regular season game on Friday, on the road, against the Edgerton Lady Bulldogs.

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On Monday afternoon at Memorial Park, the Swanton Bulldogs Junior Varsity baseball team outlasted the Hicksville Aces 15-11 in a non-league game.  The Bulldogs built an 8-1 lead after two innings but allowed the Aces to score four runs in the top of the third to pull within 8-5. 

Swanton responded with seven runs in the bottom of the inning and lead 15-5.  However, Hicksville kept the pressure on by scoring six times in the top of the fourth inning to trail only by for runs at 15-11.  The pitching and defense tightened on both sides at that point to end the scoring.

On the offensive side for the Bulldogs, all nine starters and two players that later entered the game had at least one base hit.  Harry Pancoast went 3 for 5 with three RBIs and two runs scored.  Eli Bolyard drove home four runs and scored twice and Christian McCarthy had three hits and scored three times.

The JV’s will stay at home tonight to face 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.

Photo: Eli Bolyard would be called safe on this play at the plate, scoring one of his four runs on the day

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This past Saturday afternoon the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce held man Art Walk on Zeiter Way between Main Street and Lincoln Street.

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.