Evergreen Romps in Season Opener

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The Evergreen Vikings jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead at home on its way to a 41-7 victory over the Delphous Jefferson Wildcats in the first football game of the 2025 season.

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: Senior quarterback Bryce Bolger looks for an open receiver

Earnest Brew Works Opens in Oak Openings Metro Park

Almost one year after the closing of Heavy Brewery at the Wheelhouse in Oak Openings Metro Park in Swanton, the Toledo-based Earnest Brew Works has stepped in to fill the vacancy and offer a large variety of craft beers for park goers.  They will also have a food truck on location during their hours of operation.  The Wheelhouse is located in the Beach Ridge area of the park with the entrance at 3520 Waterville-Swanton Road (State Route 64).

This past Thursday afternoon they held their official ribbon cutting and keg tapping to celebrate what is now the fourth location of Earnest Brew Works.  Other locations can be found in Toledo at 4243 S. Detroit Ave., 25 S. St. Clair and 3142 W. Central Ave.

Photo: Oak Openings Metro Park Director Matt (Left) and Earnest Brew Works owner Scot Yarnell hold the ribbon on the keg they are about to tap to officially open the new brewery in Oak Openings.

Delta Runs Past Swanton in Girls Soccer

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The Delta Lady Panthers scored early and often in a home match against the Swanton Lady Bulldogs on their way to a 12-0 victory in the first NWOAL match of the season for both teams.  Senior forward Adrianna Dunning scored the first two goals of the game, sophomore Josie Maurer then found the back of the net followed by senior Abby Todd’s score for a 4-0 Panther lead with 17:51 left in the first half.  At the 2:11 mark, senior McKenzie Kruger closed out the scoring in the half to stake Delta to a 5-0 lead at halftime.  Not long after the second half began, the Panther offense scored to send the contest to a running clock, and added six more goals for the win.

The Lady Bulldogs gave great effort throughout the match, however, the program is just starting to make its way back after having to cancel last season due to a lack of participation.  Swanton has a young roster with only three seniors and is short on experience because of missing last season.

Statistics: Adrianna Dunning (4 goals, 1 assist), Abbey Todd (4 goals, 1 assist), Josie Maurer (2 goals, 1 assist), Kenzie Kruger (1 goal), Olivia Siewertsen (1 goal), Olivia Mohring (2 assists), Anna Lohman (1 assist)

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 fuiltoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Delta’s Josie Maurer (0) and Swanton’s Mandy Pelland battle for control of the ball

Downtown Swanton Welcomes The Good Vibe Guild

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If you like craft shops with a heavy mix of nostalgia, then you will want to travel to 109 South Main Street in Swanton to pay a visit to the newest local business, “The Good Vibe Guild.”  Renee Tufts, a name well known in the craft show world of Northwest Ohio, realized a long-held dream and opened a shop with handmade crafts from 12 different “Makers”, along with her own creations.

“A dream come true.  A long-time goal and I’m really really happy,” said a very excited Renee during a ribbon cutting to officially open the doors to her new venture.  “It started with the idea of creating a different market.  All the items here are designed and made by hand by many of the same makers you will see at local craft shows, the Bulldog Market and the Swanton Corn Festival.” 

Renee, by her own admission, was born a quarter century too late and loves the artistic expression that grew out of the 1960’s and 1970’s.  She is seen with her creations, in her many appearances at area craft shows under the name “A little Bit Retro.”  As for her fellow craft makers in the shop, those she has met over her years being part of show, “They have fully embraced my idea of a 60’s and 70’s vibe,” explained the Flower Child who bloomed decades afterward.

If there was ever a generation that had its own set-apart “vibe” it was the Baby Boomers who were born between 1945 and 1960.  They created a counter culture through music, art and lifestyle that has left an indelible mark on society that still resonates today.  At The Good Vide Guild you will find an abundance of items that will take you back to those days if you happened to be alive and aware then, or it will give you an eye-opening look into early lives of your grandparents.  And yes, your grandparents were really cool then.

To begin, The Good Vibe Guild will be open on Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Visit them on Facebook for more information.

Click on the link above to access photos from the ribbon cutting.

Photo: Owner Renee Tufts cuts the ribbon on her new shop alongside husband Kevin and with family, friends and members of the Swanton Chamber of Commerce

Wauseon Wins NWOAL Girls Golf Tri-Match

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The Wauseon Lady Indians defeated the Swanton Lady Bulldogs and the Patrick Henry Lady Patriots in an NWOAL Golf tri-match at Ironwood Golf Course in Wauseon yesterday afternoon. Wauseon shot a score of 177 to easily outdistance Swanton and Patrick Henry who both finished with a 224 score.

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: Wauseon coach Mike Marshall explains the ground rules to the golfers prior to the match

New Ice Cream and Donut Shop Opens in Downtown Swanton

This past Saturday at 6:00 PM on the corner of Main Street and Zeiter Way, The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening and ribbon cutting of The Spot, a new ice cream and donut shop in the heart of downtown Swanton. The celebration kicked off just before the August Block Party and offered tastes of handcrafted treats, specialty beverages, and community fun.

The Spot Offers • Assorted gourmet donuts and small-batch ice cream • Coffee drinks like cold brew • Dirty sodas made with premium mixers • Red Bull Refreshers and other specialty beverages • Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches.  Operating hours will be announced soon • Follow The Spot on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Spot-Swanton/

“We are excited to welcome residents and visitors to The Spot,” said Delray E Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s rewarding to see this location brought back to life with new energy and purpose. The Spot is a fun addition to downtown and the perfect place to grab a treat before enjoying the Block Party.” The Spot Contact Information: • Phone: (419) 389-7132 • Email: thespotswanton@gmail.com

About The Spot:  The Spot is Swanton’s newest donut and beverage destination, offering donuts, ice cream, and custom drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

About the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce:  The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, fosters economic growth, and organizes events that celebrate and strengthen our community. For more information, contact swantoncc@gmail.com or call (419) 826-1941.

Photo: Trevor Bowman cuts the ribbon alongside Amber Willard to officially open The Spot as Swanton Chamber Director Delray Busch and Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe hold the ends.

Swanton Ties Toledo Christian in Boys Soccer Opener

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Down 3-2 late in the match while playing on a hot sweltering afternoon at Swanton’s Krupitzer Field, junior Brendan Upham drilled a penalty kick past Toledo Christian goalie Logan Teems, allowing the Bulldogs to tie the Eagles 3-3 in the 2025 Boys Soccer opener.  Swanton was given the opportunity even the score when sophomore Eli Bolyard was knocked to the ground by two Eagle defenders inside the penalty box with 3:31 remaining in the game.  Upham lined up the kick and fired just past the fingertips of the outstretched keeper.

The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of the first half with the Bulldog goal being scored by Luke Bettinger around the 24-minute mark and Toledo Christian’s Nate Flagg answering on a breakaway with 2:34 left before halftime.  Swanton wasted little time in retaking the lead when Eli Bolyard scored after just 14 seconds had ticked off the clock to start the second 40-minute half.  The visitors tied the game approximately 10 minutes later and then went on top 3-2 when Flagg scored his second of the contest on another breakaway setting the stage for Upham’s heroics.

Click on the link 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’s Brendan Upham scores on a penalty kick

The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes The Good Vibe Guild

PRESS RELEASE:  The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome The Good Vibe Guild to our downtown business community. A Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration will take place on Wednesday, August 20 at 6:00 PM at their location, 109 S. Main Street, Swanton, OH 43558.

The Good Vibe Guild is a maker’s collective that draws inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s—an era of creativity, peace, and bold self-expression. The shop features a variety of handcrafted and repurposed goods, including:


Artwork created from vinyl records, Macramé pieces and wall hangings, Handmade birdhouses and feeders, Dried flower creations, Jewelry, leather goods, and select apparel.

Owner Renee Tufts is a long-time Swanton resident, a passionate supporter of our community, and the friendly face behind many local craft shows at the Swanton Sports Center- including the well-loved Bulldog Market. Her commitment to uplifting local artisans and fostering community spirit is at the heart of The Good Vibe Guild.

Initial Store Hours (Subject to Change):  Tuesdays: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting, meet Renee, and explore this exciting new addition to Swanton’s growing small business scene. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Guests can shop locally made items and celebrate another step forward for our downtown. 

Swanton Corn Festival 2025 Goes Above and Beyond

Throughout the years, the members of the Swanton Corn Festival Committee have never been ones to rest on their laurels.  Every year, when they reconvene to start the arduous task of planning and organizing the next big show, they brainstorm and research to find new and creative attractions to keep the Corn Festival fresh, fun, inviting and entertaining.  However, with the 2025 edition this past weekend, the Committee may have just outdid themselves and exceeded everyone’s expectations.

For starters, they added one day and one crazy-fun event with Thursday evening’s Color Run up on the “hill” at Memorial Park.  With approximately 400 entries, the runners had to be divided into several groups.  Each runner took off wearing white T-Shirts and returned after making their way through a Kodachrome explosion and looking completely unrecognizable.

“The Swanton Corn Festival Color Run was pure joy from start to finish.  From little ones to grandparents, the smiles and laughter were endless and a great way to kick off the Swanton Corn Festival. Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors and rockstar volunteers who made it happen. Big shout-out to Junior Ambassador Brooklyn Kahl—she jumped right in, learned the ropes, and brought a new outlook to the festival with her energy, said Committee Co-Chair Stephaie Fessenden who brought the idea to the group.  “We can’t wait to announce what we have planned for the 2026 Corn Festival—it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!”

Friday night brought the widely popular All-Class Reunion under the Beard Pavilion in Memorial Park.  Several local businesses provided adult beverages, food trucks were staged just outside the pavilion and Swanton High School alum Vinnie Towel (’07) served as the DJ to crank out the tunes.

The big day, of course, was Saturday.  Park activities got started early with a 5K run, a volleyball tournament and a pickleball tournament among other things.  At 10:30, the Swanton Corn Festival Parade, with its “Cornival” theme, began traveling South from the Swanton Sports Center down a crowded Main Street, crossing the railroad tracks and turning right onto West Garfield.  Lasting over an hour, many said it was the biggest and best Corn Festival Parade they had ever witnessed.

“Every year our parade entrants don’t disappoint; and it was great to see so many decorated floats, involved businesses, great performances and fantastic bands. Everyone’s enthusiasm is what makes the parade so fun every year,” exclaimed Hannah Gombash, Chair of the Parade Committee.

For the record, the float entered by Tri-County Block and Brick, won the trophy for best decorated float and the owner of Tri-County, Rodger Cooley, served as the parade’s Grand Marshal.  The floats from Kesters tis the Season and the Swanton Wrestling Club placed second and third, respectively.

Soon after the parade ended, Memorial Park was filled with one of the highest turnouts that anyone could remember.  It was especially surprising considering the temperature hovered in the low 90’s for most of the day.

“I am amazed, year after year, by the incredible turnout we see each day of the Swanton Corn Festival—but this past weekend truly took my breath away. The energy, the laughter, the smiling faces at every corner… that’s the best reward we could ever ask for. Watching friends, families, and neighbors enjoy themselves from morning to night is exactly why we do what we do. This festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Swanton pride and community spirit. If you were here, you could feel it in the air. We had record-breaking numbers for both our car show and our vendors, and that’s a testament to how special this town is,” related Co-Committee Chair Alyssa Walberg.  “I am beyond grateful for our amazing committee members, who worked tirelessly all year to make this possible, and for every single volunteer who gave their time—whether it was running a booth, helping at a tournament, parking cars, setting up, helping with the race, or serving beer in the beer tent. It takes a village to put on something of this scale… and I truly believe Swanton has the best village there is.”

If you did not have any fun during the three days of the Swanton Corn Festival, then you probably were not there.  It will be a challenge for next year’s Committee to top 2025 but we have all come to never doubt what this hard-working tireless group of volunteers are capable of.

Photo: Swanton Corn Festival Committee

Front: Renee Tufts, Alyssa Walberg Middle: Rebecca Porter, Tara Shaver Back: Monique Gombash, Hannah Gombash, Stephanie Fessenden, Marcus Schmidt, Betty Joe Sadowski, Alan Robasser

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