Friday, September 12, 2025, was celebrated around the country as Armed Forces Day. Adding to the celebration was a flyover of four F-16 fighter jets from the 180th Tactical Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard based at Toledo Express Airport. The F-16s flew over seven high school football stadiums beginning with the David W. Hansbarger Field at Swanton High School just prior to kick-off as the Swanton Marching Bulldog Band played the National Anthem.
Click on the link above to access photos from the night including the flyover, the Bulldog Band and students from both Swanton and Liberty Center. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
The Liberty Center Tigers showed why they are one of the best high school football programs in the state of Ohio when they came into Swanton and beat the Bulldogs 64-0. The Tigers jumped out to a 27-0 lead in the first quarter and led 51-0 at halftime, triggering the running clock to begin the second half.
With the loss, Swanton falls to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in the NWOAL. Liberty Center improves to 4-0 and 1-0 in the league. Next week the Bulldogs welcome in the Delta Panthers (2-2, 0-1) in the Battle for the Kettle. The Tigers return home to face the Bryan Golden Bears (1-3, 0-1).
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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Bulldog Shawn McGary turns up field against the Tiger defense
The Swanton Bulldogs fired a score of 170 to beat the Archbold Blue Streaks (172) and the Bryan Golden Bears (180) in a boys league tri-match at Valleywood Golf Club in Swanton. Archbold’s Grady Short captured medalist honors edging Swanton’s Dylan Smegelski 37-38, however, the balanced low scoring of the rest of the Bulldog team carried them to the critical win and placed their NWOAL record at 5-0.
Swanton will conclude their league regular season schedule when the compete in a tri-match on Monday, September 15th, against the 4-1 Delta Panthers and the 2-1 Wauseon Indians at White Pines Golf Course in Swanton. Archbold, now 4-1 in league play, will entertain the Evergreen Vikings (1-4) and Liberty Center Tigers (1-2), also on Monday. Bryan (1-3) will next play Liberty Center and Wauseon on Tuesday, September 16th, at Ironwood Golf Course in Wauseon.
Archbold Blue Streaks (172): Grady Short (37), Griffen Valentine (40), Javery Valentine (46), Trevor Osterland (49), CJ Arroyo-Thompson (50), Gentry Valentine (50)
Bryan Golden Bears (180): Kai Dauber (39), Matthew Delvin (45), Asher Sito (46), Jaydan Deel (48), John Dalrymple (57), Nash Kendrick (66)
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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Swanton junior Dylan Smegelski tees off on hole #7
Following a critical tri-match with Archbold and Bryan at Valleywood Golf Club, the Swanton Bulldog boys’ golf team celebrated Senior Night in recognition of the two seniors on the roster. Former Swanton teacher, Betty Jo Sadowski, read a small bio and introduced both seniors, Brady O’Shea and Grady Tipton.
Our First Boys Golfer is Brady O’Shea. Brady is being escorted by Matt and Becky O’Shea. While at Swanton High School Brady has participated in Golf, Basketball, Baseball, National Honor Society and Frosh Fest. His future plans are to attend the University of Toledo and to pursue a degree in business finance. Senior Brady O’Shea
Our next golfer is Grady Tipton. Grady is being escorted by Adam and Michelle Tipton. While at Swanton Grady has participated in Golf, Frosh Fest and Community Service. His future plans are to attend college and major in business. Senior Grady Tipton
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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Senior Lauren Bettinger scored three first half goals, two in an 18-second span, and two more in the second half to lead the Swanton Lady Bulldogs to an impressive 7-3 win over the Toledo Central Catholic Lady Irish on Monday afternoon at Thomas Krupitzer Soccer Field.
Central Catholic took a quick 1-0 lead with a goal just 1:36 into the game. But after that goal, Bettinger took over and scored the next three goals of the contest, at the 33:32 mark, then at 18:56 and 18:38 for a Swanton 3-1 lead. With just 17 seconds left in the half, the Irish converted a penalty shot to bring the score to 3-2 at halftime.
The Bulldogs regained the momentum early in the second half on goals by Lexie Yeager and Dixie Anderson for a comfortable 5-2 advantage. Bettinger finished her amazing offensive explosion with two more scores as the Lady Bulldogs captured their first win of the season.
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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Lauren Bettinger (10) congratulated by Lexie Yeager after scoring the first of her five goals.
The Swanton Yearbook staff for the 2024-2025 academic school year has been awarded Jostens Gold Level of the National Yearbook Program of Excellence, the highest level achievable. Last year, only 11 high schools nation-wide were able to reach the Gold Level.
The National Yearbook Program of Excellence is a prestigious award give by Jostens to schools that excel in the creation and distribution of their yearbooks. The award recognizes school for their extraordinary efforts in creating a meaningful yearbook that is accessible to every student. The criteria for the award include creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement, and successfully managing the yearbook creation process. Schools that achieve this award are celebrated for their dedication to student inclusion and the quality of their yearbook programs.
This past Monday afternoon, prior to their match with Springfield High School, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs golf team celebrated Senior Night with the two seniors on the team, Hailey Frosch and Anna Rukieh. Former Swanton teacher, Betty Jo Sadowski, read a small bio and introduced both seniors.
Our first golfer is Hailey Frosch, Hailey is being escorted by Brenda and Greg Frosch. While at Swanton High School Hailey has participated in National Honor Society, Interact, Yearbook, 6th Grade Camp, 4-H, Show Choir, Band, Prom Committee, SEED, Girls Golf, Praise Team, Student Council, Quiz Bowl, Musicals, Youth Leadership Toledo, Young Women of Medicine, Broom Ball, NYLF Medicine and National Academy of future physicians. Her future plans are to attend college and medical school and then become a family physician. Senior Hailey Frosch
Our next Girls Golfer is Anna Rukieh. Anna is being escorted by Sy and Jody Rukieh. While at Swanton High School Anna has participated in Student Council, Frosh Fest, Leadership Class, 4-H, Golf, Track and Field, Soccer and National Honor Society. Her future plans are to attend college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Then earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy specializing in pediatrics. Senior Anna Rukieh
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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Click on the link above to access photos from the match at Valleywood Golf Club. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Lady Bulldog Anna Rukieh chips onto the 10th green
Angela Nowak, a 5th-Grade English Language Arts teach at Swanton Middle School (SMS), has been given an award for Regional Teacher Recognition for Excellence from Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) Northwest Region. Winners are nominated educators that have been found to promote middle school concepts through involvement in exemplary programs, leadership or research that serves the needs of middle level students. The announcement was made by SMS Principal Nicolette Starks following the Swanton Seven Initiative “House Reveal” celebration held on the school’s football field last Friday morning.
Ms. Starks read some of the tributes and accolades from Ms. Nowak’s colleagues and former students to the SMS student body, faculty and staff that explained her nomination why she was chosen to receive the prestigious award:
Angela Nowak is an exemplary educator whose dedication to the academic and personal growth of her students is nothing short of remarkable. She has consistently devoted her time and energy to various committees aimed at enhancing the educational experience for all students. Notably, Angela is an active member of the data team and has led the middle school’s initiative on standards-based grading. She has also taken on a leadership role in the Curriculum Choice Team, overseeing its successful implementation. Angela’s passion for teaching English Language Arts shines through in the creative and engaging lessons she develops for her students. She transforms her classroom into dynamic learning environments—such as a “fancy restaurant” where students explore individualized reading materials based on their interests and an “art studio” where they sculpt masterpieces out of ivory soap while studying Renaissance artists. These innovative approaches make learning both enjoyable and meaningful. Above all, Angela’s ability to connect with her students is what truly sets her apart. With a warm, calm, and welcoming demeanor, she creates a safe and nurturing environment where all students feel valued and supported. Walking into her classroom is akin to stepping into a space filled with care and encouragement. Many students choose to stay before or after school, seeking one-on-one guidance, as Angela is always willing to provide additional support. Her willingness to be a trusted adult for students who may need extra care outside of the classroom demonstrates her deep commitment to their well-being.
The students at Swanton Middle School have nothing but great things to say about Mrs. Nowak. Dezmon, a current 5th-grade student, shared his appreciation, saying, “Mrs. Nowak was nice enough to let me stay after her class to stack chairs because the hallways are so crowded, and I’m not a fan of fighting the crowd. During this time, we get to talk and she’s always so kind to me.” Other past students of Mrs. Nowak’s, Kaylee and Makayla, remember how kind and supportive she was. They both say, “Mrs. Nowak was one of my favorite teachers because she was just so nice and great to talk to. She was always supportive and made class fun!” Brooke recalls Mrs. Nowak’s creative lessons: “Her lessons were so good and she made a hard subject like writing way more fun. She also made sure to go slow and explain things well.” Izzy remembers just how genuinely kind and sweet Mrs. Nowak was, recalling, “The one day in her class my voice was completely gone and Mrs. Nowak was the only teacher to ask how she could help me feel better.” These heartfelt comments reflect the positive and lasting impact Mrs. Nowak has on her students, showing her dedication to their well-being, learning, and personal growth.
Team member, Kaye Batanian explains how much she admires Nowak as a person, “Having had the privilege of working alongside Angela Nowak for the past six years as a member of the fifth-grade team, I can confidently say that she has been an exceptional colleague, friend, and role model. During this time, I became a mother, and I often found inspiration in Angela’s ability to balance her professional and personal life. As a mother of four boys, she consistently demonstrates remarkable patience and passion in her work, motivating me to approach both work and home life with the same dedication.” Principal, Leigh Pancoast reminisces about the last observation in her classroom. “It is always a pleasure to observe Angela’s teaching. Her calm and composed demeanor, extensive knowledge, and the supportive rapport she builds with her students are truly admirable. She effortlessly fosters an environment of respect and engagement, impacting her students’ learning experience.”
Angela exemplifies the qualities of patience and flexibility that are essential in education. She is the model of adaptability, handling unexpected changes with grace and a positive attitude. She consistently approaches each school day with determination and a commitment to fostering a learning environment where all students can thrive. Angela Nowak’s unwavering dedication, passion for teaching, and genuine care for her students make her an outstanding candidate for the Regional Teacher Recognition for Excellence.
Ms. Nowak, a graduate of Whitmer High School and the University of Toledo, has been an educator for 18 years. She taught at St. Rose in Perrysburg for the first three years and has been at Swanton for the last 15. Prior to the announcement, Ms. Nowak was not informed of her selection. “It was a shock. I was stunned,” she said when she realized her name was about to be announced after a list of her accomplishments were read to the crowd. “Oh, my God, that’s me,” she thought when it finally sank in.
“I love the atmosphere of the community here and the small town,” she said. “I’ve been her long enough that I’m starting to have cousins and siblings of former students. So, it’s just nice that I’ve been able to see other generations of family come through. It’s a family atmosphere and I just love middle school.”
Click on the link above to access photos from the announcement. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Angela Nowak (white tutu and hat) and family
The Village of Swanton, in collaboration with the Fulton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Lucas County Local Emergency Planning Committee, will conduct a multi-county full-scale emergency response exercise on Friday, September 26, 2025. This exercise fulfills annual LEPC training requirements and is designed to strengthen coordination and preparedness for large-scale emergency situations.
Participating agencies include the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Lucas County EMA, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Fire, Toledo Fire & Rescue, Fulton County Medical Center, Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, Lucas County 911 RCOG, Swanton Village Administrator, Swanton Fire & Rescue, and Swanton Police Department.
The exercise will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be focused in the area of Zeiter Way at Hallett Ave. Please note that this is only a training exercise, and no actual emergency exists. During this time the road will be CLOSED to thru traffic.
Fulton County Ohio Media 