Fulton County Ohio Media

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Ryder Ryan rushed for 150 yards on just 16 carries and three touchdowns and Max Pinter completed 15 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two scores as the Archbold Blue Streaks blew past the Seneca East Tigers 44-12 in a second round OHSAA Division VI playoff game at Archbold High School on Friday night.  Archbold was coming off a bye week after finishing in fourth place in Region 22 and earning home filed advantage while Seneca East, out of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference, had defeated the Woodmore Wildcats 15-13 in the opening round to advance.

With just 1:53 off the clock, Ryan punched it into the end zone to give the Streaks a 7-0 lead after Quinn Sauder converted the extra point attempt.  Sauder would follow that kick up with a 32-yard field goal and Pinter hit Collin Short with a nine-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Archbold advantage to 17-0 after one quarter.  Another Ryan carry crossed the goal line, this time from 26-yards out, and the Sauder conversion put the Streaks on top 24-0 early in the second quarter.

After a long drive, Seneca East was able to get on the scoreboard when Tiger quarterback jammed it in from the one-yard line.  The extra point failed and Archbold lead 24-6.  The Streaks scored again before the half on a 21-yard touchdown catch by Aranjer Krieger from Pinter.  A missed extra point kick kept the score at 30-6 entering the second half.

Ryan scored his third touchdown of the game in the third quarter, to send the Blue Streak past the 30-point mark at 37-6, triggering the OHSAA mandated running clock.  The Tigers managed to score again in the fourth quarter to stop the running clock, but Ashton Stuckey ran in from a yard out and the running clock was reimplemented until the game was over.

The victory places Archbold’s season record at 9-2.  The Streaks will now travel to Bascom, Ohio, home of the Hopewell-Louden Chieftains (10-1) next Friday night for round three of the playoffs.  The Chieftains defeated the Western Reserve Roughriders 42-6 last Friday to move on.

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 courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Ryder Ryan

H.O.O.V.E.S. Announces Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrating Major Facility Upgrades and Community Partnership Swanton

H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services) is proud to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 5, at 2:00 PM at the organization’s Swanton farm, located at 4055 Wilkins Road, Swanton. The event marks a celebration of progress, partnership, and the continued mission to serve veterans and their families through equine-assisted healing. The upgrades were made possible through the generous partnership of the Ohio Contractors Association and its member companies, whose support has transformed the safety and accessibility of the H.O.O.V.E.S. facility.

About the Improvements Recent upgrades include: ● New windows throughout the entire facility were provided by Window World Toledo, replacing older, non-functional windows and improving comfort and ventilation. ● A complete reconstruction of the parking area and driveway, replacing uneven stone surfaces with paved, level areas that provide safer access for volunteers, visitors, and veterans — particularly those using wheelchairs or mobility devices. ● A new turnaround driveway and expanded parking between barns, improving functionality and safety for vehicles, staff, and therapy animals alike. These changes represent a significant step forward in supporting the organization’s long-term vision of creating a healing space that serves both veterans and the animals who assist in their recovery.

Acknowledging Our Partners H.O.O.V.E.S. extends heartfelt gratitude to the Ohio Contractors Association and the many companies that contributed their time, materials, and expertise to make these projects possible:

● Miller Bros. – Excavation and leveling in the back area ● Crestline – Asphalt installation ● Shelly & Gerken – Asphalt provided ● E.S. Wagner – Excavation and stone prep for the driveway ● SanJan Truckin, & Ebony, Green Earth Transportation – Provided trucking ● Heidelberg Materials – Donated the stone for the driveway ● Mosser Construction – Concrete work around the house.

H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services) is a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans to transform their lives through equine-assisted therapy. Founded by Amanda Held, H.O.O.V.E.S. pairs rescued horses with veterans seeking healing from PTSD and other service-related challenges. Each program emphasizes emotional regulation, purpose, and community through direct connection with horses and nature.

For more information, visit http://www.hooves.us or contact info@hooves.us / (419) 930-7936 or contact Swanton Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 116 Swanton, OH 43558 | Facebook | SwantonCC@gmail.com | 419.826.1941

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Click on the link above to access photos from the performances of the Archbold and Liberty Center bands during the football game played on 10/24/25. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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Just a few days, maybe even just a few hours after the end of the tremendous Swanton Corn Festival, a question begins to pop up on local Swanton Facebook pages.  “When is Halloween Hoopla?”  Even though the Swanton Lions Club has already publicized the date and times by then, families all over the Swanton area want to verify the information and mark it on their calendars.  The Halloween Hoopla has become so popular, it one of Swanton’s biggest “Can’t Miss” events.

This past Saturday, the Swanton Lions Club presented the Halloween Hoopla for residents and visitors from all around Northwest Ohio.  The Hoopla has long been the Village of Swanton’s family social event of the Fall season, packing Main Street with bouncy houses, pedal carts, dancers and, of course, children, as well as adults, dressed for the festive occasion. 

On this beautiful afternoon, everyone was treated to free hot dogs from Benfield Wines, doughnuts and cider from the Swanton Fire and Rescue Department, popcorn from the Lions Club, and candy from the many downtown businesses that lined up on the sidewalks.  You could also step into the Swanton Board of Education building and decorate your own delicious sugar cookies.  Local favorite disc jockey, Vinnie Towell, filled the area with great music and the talented young performers from Julie’s Dance Studio in Bowling Green performed their traditional version of the classic Michael Jackson video “Thriller”.

The Swanton Lions would like to thank all who were involved in creating and organize this great event, including the local businesses, the Swanton Police Department, the Swanton Village Public Works Department and the Village of Swanton Administration.  The Club will now turn their attention to their Giving Tree Program for the upcoming holidays.

Click on the link above to access photos from the Hoopla. Phots 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: Wizard Brandon Walberg, Good Witch Alyssa Walberg, Wicked Witches Lyla and Rene Walberg with Flying Monkey Monique Gombash

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

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The Liberty Center Tigers defeated the Archbold Blue Streaks 33-14 on the road to claim their fourth consecutive NWOAL Football title, and, for good measure, their 45^th straight regular season victory.  However, despite the final score, it was not easy as they had to rally from a 14-0 late second quarter deficit and only led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter.

After Blue Streak Ryder Ryan scored on an 85-yard touchdown pass from Maddox Pinter to put Archbold up by 14 points, the Tigers switched their offensive game plan and decided to stay with their strength, running the ball.  Thomas Mohler (155 yards rushing) scored the first of his three touchdowns with under a minute to go in the first half to pull Liberty Center within 14-7 at halftime.  Early in the third quarter, Garrison Kruse (233 yards rushing) broke free for a 90-yard game-tying score, silencing the hometown Archbold crowd.

The Tiger offense did not put the ball in the air the entire second half as their offensive line steamrolled its way up and down the field for the rest of the game.  The Liberty Center defense dominate their side of the ball as well and finished the night’s scoring with a 2-point safety in the Archbold end zone.

The last time the Tigers lost a regular season game was in September of 2021, 41-7 to these same Blue Streaks.  In that year’s state playoffs, however, Liberty Center was able to extract a measure of revenge by defeating Archbold 38-35 on a last second field goal.

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: Garrison Kruse ran for 233 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown.

On Tuesday, October 21^st, A Town Hall Q & A Event was held at the Birch Meadow Premier Wedding and Event Barn Venue in Swanton where all six Swanton Village Council candidates, Deacon D. Dzierzawski, Stephen Kasprzak, Noah Kreuz, Patrick Messenger, Dave Pilliod, and Patricia Pilliod, responded to a list of five questions.  The event was sponsored by the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Julia Benfield, owner of Benfield Wines on Main Street in Swanton.

Each candidate was given two minutes for an opening statement, two minutes to respond to each question and one minute for a closing remark.  Stephanie Fessenden kept time and let each candidate know when they had 30 seconds remaining to wrap up their comments.

Question #1 – What specific steps do you plan to take to improve Swanton’s parks and recreation — both in terms of maintaining current spaces and expanding opportunities for families, youth, and community events?

Question #2 – Many neighboring communities rely heavily on grants for infrastructure, parks, and community improvements. How can Swanton better identify and pursue these opportunities, and what areas would you prioritize if additional funding became available?

Question #3 – What changes, if any, do you want to see happen in downtown Swanton? Will there be changes to the DORA area?

Question #4 – What specific incentives or initiatives would you support to make downtown Swanton more appealing to new businesses, and how do you plan to help strengthen and retain the businesses we already have?

Question #5 – Looking ahead five to ten years, what’s your vision for Swanton? What do you see as the single most important step the Village should take to move toward that goal?

Many of the candidates’ solutions to the issues presented in the questions were very similar and could be applied across the board as they involved increasing sources of revenue.  Incumbent Patrick Messenger strongly pushed for more community involvement, input and the communicating to the Council of what residents wanted from the Village Administration.  Council appointee Noah Kreuz for more local business donations for the parks and recreation.  Stephen Kasprzak recommended a park levy to keep those expenditures from coming out of the general fund.  Pat Pilliod advocated for applying for more State and Federal grant money.  Former Councilman Dave Pilliod warned against allowing large tax abatements for new businesses.  Former Councilman Deacon D. Dzierzawski called for a Master Plan to set priorities and where to invest funds.

The entire Town Hall video recording can be found on the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.  The election is set for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Photo (L to R): Patrick Messenger, Noah Kreuz, Stephen Kasprzak, Pat Pilliod, Dave Pilliod, Deacon Dzierawski

The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to champion local business growth, community collaboration, and the partnerships that make our village thrive.

Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible progress together:

• Welcomed 40+ new members

• Hosted 9 ribbon cuttings, 11 networking events, and 6 community block parties in partnership with Hub’s Swantucky Bar and Benfield Wines

Membership in the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce means real value for local businesses. Through our partnership with the Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC), members receive:

• Health care cost savings through Paramount MEWA and Anthem programs

• Up to 45% off shipping through FedEx and PartnerShip

• Energy savings with the Chamber Energy Program

• Marketing discounts through Constant Contact and Office Depot

• Payroll and HR support from ECCA Payroll+

• Workers’ compensation savings through Sedgwick

Today, we join communities nationwide in celebrating chambers of commerce and the essential work they do to strengthen local economies and support small businesses.

Thank you to our members, volunteers, and community partners for helping us make a lasting impact. When you support your Chamber, you’re investing in Swanton’s future.

Not a member yet? Join today — it only takes two minutes: https://swantonohiochamber.com/membership-application/

It has been 10 years since the Village of Swanton held a “contested election” for its Village Council, meaning there were more candidates on the ballot than open seats.  Simply put, not since November of 2015 have the voters of Swanton had a real choice in who would make decisions on how the Village was being run, how their tax money was being spent and what ordinances were being passed into law.  Without opposition, it takes just one vote to be elected, rendering the election to be no choice at all. 

And, like they say, elections have consequences.  The uncontested election of 2017 seated two members, one of which was defeated in 2015, who were anti-business, anti-progress and, arguably worst of all, anti-transparency.  What followed was four years of overall stagnation to the point of regression for the residents of Swanton and its business community.  Even when the devastating effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, this Council held fast against legislative changes to help the local economy.

Fortunately, several local residents organized a grass-roots movement and recruited four civic-minded individuals to run in the 2021 election against any of the four incumbents who decided to campaign for another term.  Wisely, each of the incumbents declined to seek reelection.  This did create another uncontested election however; the four new candidates went out to the public and stated their case to be voted in.  The 2021 elected council was seated in January of 2022 and within a few short months, made major legislative changes to improve economic opportunities, transparency and community involvement during council meetings.

In less than three weeks, Swanton voters will see six names on their Village Council ballot and will be asked to select four.  They are, as listed in order on the ballot:  Deacon D. Dzierzawski, Stephen Kasprzak, Noah Kreuz, Patrick Messenger, Dave Pilliod, and Patricia Pilliod. 

There have been a number of local Facebook postings inquiring about the qualifications of the candidates and where they may be able to find them.  The answers to the questions are crucial to informing the voters allowing them to make, in their opinion, the best choice(s).  What is certain is that it is not the responsibility of the Swanton Village Administration to respond to those inquiries.  It is the sole responsibility of each candidate to inform the public of their credentials that would make them the smartest choice.  That being said, it is also incumbent on each voter to make a concerted effort to find information on the candidates that has been published, whether it be on social media, print or broadcast media or perhaps, have expressed in a town hall or debate setting.

For almost four years now, the Village has been live-streaming and archiving all of its council meetings.  If you had been tuning in during these meetings, you would have witnessed the incumbents in this election and how they handled and voted on issues and how they interacted with the mayor and fellow council members.  This transparency would have given you great insight into their capability to hold the office.  Most of the candidates have also posted their qualifications on Facebook while asking you for your support.  The bottom line is, the information is out there and easily accessible.  And there is about to be another great opportunity to learn about the candidates early next week.

This coming Tuesday, October 21^st, the Swanton Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Village Council Candidate Town Hall from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Birchwood Meadows Wedding and Event Venue, 10 Turtle Creek Circle, just off Airport Highway in Swanton.  Moderated by Julia Benfield, the town hall is designed to give residents the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates running for the Swanton Village Council.

The format will include: ● Equal opening remarks from each candidate. ● A moderated Q&A with questions submitted in advance by the community. ● Equal closing remarks from each candidate.

The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization, is not affiliated with The Swanton Village Administration and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. The purpose of this event is to ensure that residents have direct access to candidates and the information they need to make informed decisions on Election Day. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion.

Collectively, the amount of information available from the sources listed above should be more than enough to evaluate each candidate and make an informed decision on November 4, 2025.  Hopefully, every voter will educate themselves on the choices and vote to continue the positive momentum of the current council.

Swancreek Township is partnering with the Swanton American Legion for Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The community is invited to a ceremony at Swanton Cemetery, South Main Street, at 12:00 p.m.

Details:  Wreath sponsorship: $17 per wreath.  Sponsor a wreath for any participating cemetery by contacting Commander John Schmidt.  Wreath placement locations: Swanton Cemetery, East Swanton Cemetery on Scott Road, St. Richard’s Cemetery on Dodge Street.

Volunteers: Gather at American Legion Post 47, 200 S. Hallett Ave. at 9:30 a.m. for light refreshments, then proceed to cemeteries. Volunteers will be on site to direct activities.

Sponsorship deadline:  November 26, 2025.

About Wreaths Across America:  Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit that coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies each December with a mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.

Contact:  Commander John Schmidt Swanton American Legion Post 47 swantonlegion@spectrum.net 419-345-4600

Photo: Swanton Wreath Across America December 16, 2023