The Swanton Lady Bulldogs fell short against NWOAL opponents, the Wauseon Lady Indians and the Patrick Henry Lady Patriots in a golf match on Monday afternoon at Valleywood Golf Club. Wauseon fired a 204 to easily outdistance Patrick Henry at 223 and Swanton at 225.
Wauseon Lady Indians – Hayden Konieczka (44), Alexis Perez (48), Julia Lugabihl (54), Wainani Neifer (58) Total = 204
Patrick Henry Lady Patriots – Elise Wyandt (50), Taylor Shwaber (55), Payton Boyer (56), Evie Meyer (62), Total – 223
Swanton Lady Bulldogs – Gabbie Orner (53), Audrey Carte (56), Raegan Rominski (57), Audrey McFarland (59) Total = 225
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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Audrey Carte blasts out of the bunker at the first hole at Valleywood
On Monday afternoon at Valleywood Golf Club, the Swanton Bulldogs went up against two area big schools and were able to come away with a 36-stroke victory and a one stroke loss. Swanton easily defeated the Toledo Central Catholic Irish 149-185 but fell just short to the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets 148-149.
Bulldog junior Christian Bulter fired a score of 35 (+1), outshooting all other golfers to earn Medalist Honors. Carter Malak finished just one stroke behind with a 36 (+2). Dylan Smegelski shot a 38 (+4), Owen Hurst had a 40 (+6), Carson Bond came in with a 41 (+7) and Harry Pancoast rounded out the Swanton scoring with a 44 (+10).
Swanton continues their pursuit of the NWOAL title on Thursday when they travel to Patrick Henry to take on the Patriots at Pike Run Golf Course.
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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Medalist Christian Butlerchipping onto the 11th green
On Friday night before the football game against Montpelier, Swanton High School recognized the athletes from the Class of 2027 for their contributions to their respective sport.
Football
Gabriel Graham – He is being escorted by Heather Durdel and Jason Graham. While at Swanton, Gabe has participated in Football, Frosh Fest, 6th-Grade Camp counselor, Show Choir, and musicals. Gabe’s future plans are to attend The Ohio State University on a Pre-Med pathway to become an Anesthesiologist.
Nickson Chapman – He is being escorted by Nick Chapman and Pon Chapman. While at Swanton, Nickson has participated in Football and Indoor & Outdoor Track. Nickson’s future plans are to enter the workforce.
James Bates – He is being escorted by Daniel Bates and Alexandria Bates. While at Swanton, James has participated in Dash, Football, Basketball Track & Field, and National Honor Society. James’s future plans are to continue playing football and major in Sports Management.
Chris Foster – He is being escorted by RJ Rose. While at Swanton, Chris has participated in Basketball, Football and Track. Chris’s future planes are to become a nurse and continue his football career.
Sean McGarry – He is being escorted by Rustina and Brian Gochenour. While at Swanton, Sean has participated in Football, Track, Wrestling and Basketball. Sean’s future plans are to go into the workforce, pursuing his career as a bricklayer.
Seth Carmen – He is being escorted by Kane Carmen and Virginia Carmen. While at Swanton, Seth has participated in Football, Track, Wrestling and Indoor Track. Seth’s future plan is to join the armed forces and become a Marine.
Dennis Robinson II – He is being escorted by Ashley and Gerald Hyslop. While at Swanton, Dennis has participated in Football, Basketball, Baseball, National Honor Society and Frosh Fest. Dennis’s future plans are to attend college and raise a family of his own.
Keith Thatcher – He is being escorted by Christine and Jerimiah Paul. While at Swanton, Keith has participated in Football, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Baseball. Keith’s future plans are to become an electrician and play football at the next level.
Brenan Upham – He is being escorted by Nicole and Rob Upham. While at Swanton, Brendan has participated in Soccer, Baseball, Golf, Football, Student Council, National Honor Society, Frosh Fest, Show Choir, Musicals, Honors Choirs and 6th-Grade Camp Counselor. Brendan’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and graduate with a major in Sports Management.
Girls Soccer
Lexi Yeager – She is being escorted by Jessica and Kevin Yeager. While at Swanton, Lexi has participated in Soccer, Golf, Track, Student Council, National Honor Society, Interact, Leadership, Homecoming Court, Frosh Fest, and 6th grade camp counselor. Lexie’s future plans are to attend college for a career in the medical field.
Madelyn Foster – She is being escorted by Bridget and Chris Foster. While at Swanton, Madelyn has participated in Volleyball, Soccer, Frosh Fest and Homecoming Court. Madelyn’s, plans are to graduate from Penta County in Cosmetology, get her license and become a full-time stylist.
Adrianna Elliot – She is being escorted by Jodi Elliot, James Elliot and Tara Gardner. While at Swanton, Adriana has participated in Softball, Basketball, and Soccer. Adriana’s future plans are to go to college to get her Associates Degree in Nursing and become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse.
Boys Soccer
Landon Bolyard – He is being escorted by Joe and Loring Bolyard. While at Swanton, Landon has participated in 4-year Varsity Soccer, 4-year Varsity Track, Basketball and Frosh Fest. Landon’s future plans are to attend college to become a physical therapist.
Evan Reinhard – He is being escorted by Sarah and Mike Reinhard. While at Swanton, Evan has participated in Varsity Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Track, National Honor Society, 6th-Grade Camp Counselor, Frosh Fest, and was selected for OASSA Student Leadership Conference. At this time, Evan’s future plans are undecided.
Jayden Wilson – He is being escorted by Lucas and Suzanne Wilson. While at Swanton, Jayden has participated in Soccer, Football, Wrestling, Track, HOSA through Penta Career Center. Jayden’s future plans are to attend college and become a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Giovanni Ruiz – He is being escorted by Deb Ruiz and Jay Ruiz. While at Swanton, Gio has participated in Varsity Soccer, Basketball, Track, National Honor Society, Frosh Fest Mentor and FCA. Gio’s future plans are to attend college and major in Sports Management.
Lucas Lohman – He is being escorted by Nicole Lohman. While at Swanton, Lucas has participated in Soccer, Track, FCA, National Honor Society, Youth Leadership Toledo, 6th-Grade Camp Counselor, and Frosh Fest Mentor. Lucas’s future plans are to attend The Ohio State University, join the Ohio Air National Guard and earn a degree in Physical Therapy.
Luke Bettinger – He is being escorted by Kristi Bettinger. While at Swanton, Luke has participated in Soccer, Indoor and Outdoor Track and National Honor Society. Luke plans are to attend college and major in Finance.
Ryan Mohr – He is being escorted by Jake and Elizabeth Mohr. While at Swanton, Ryan has participated in Soccer and has attended Penta his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years in construction electricity. Ryan’s future plans are to become a licensed electrician.
Boys Golf
Carson Bond – He is being escorted by John Bond and Joanna Kosier. While at Swanton, Carson has participated in Golf and Baseball. Carson’s future plans are to attend college and play baseball.
Dylan Smegelski – He is being escorted by Jeremy and Kelli Smigelski. While at Swanton, Dylan has participated in Golf, Basketball, Baseball and Leadership. Dylan’s future plans are to attend college and further his golf career.
Owen Hurst – He is being escorted by Melissa and Steve Hurst. While at Swanton, Owen has participated in Golf, Baseball, Basketball, 6th-Grade Camp Counselor, Leadership, Frosh Fest Mentor, and is a volunteer referee and umpire. Owen’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University for Business and Marketing.
Girls Golf
Jocelyn Villagomes – She is being escorted by Heather Villagomes. While at Swanton, Jocelyn has participated in Golf, Vice President of Student Council, Vice President of Interact, National Honor Society, Show Choir, Select Choir, and musicals. Jocelyn’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and major in Nursing.
Olivia Silveous – She is being escorted by Elizabeth and Jerry Silveous. While at Swanton, Olivia has participated in National Honor Society, Interact, Show Choir and musicals. Olivia’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and major in Nursing.
Ellana Sgro – She is being escorted by Emily and David Sgro. While at Swanton, Ellana has participated in National Honor Society, Golf, Show Choir, and musicals. Ellanna’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and become an elementary school teacher.
Gabbie Orner – She is being escorted by Courtney Nemer, Sean Nemer and Sean Orner. While at Swanton, Gabbie has participated in Golf, Softball, National Honor m Society, Interact, Leadership, Frosh Fest and Student Council. Gabbie’s future plans to attend college for a business pathway.
Audrey Carte – She is being escorted by Jillian and Jason Carte. While at Swanton, Audrey has participated in Golf, Track & Field, Interact, and Leadership. Audrey’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and study Occupational Therapy.
Audrey McFarland – She is being escorted by Michelle and Travis McFarland. While at Swanton, Audrey has participated in Golf, National Honor Society, Student Council, Interact, and Leadership. Audrey’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University for Business Marketing.
Volleyball
Myla Goins – She is being escorted by Lindsay and Dennis Goins. While at Swanton, Myla has participated in Volleyball, Softball, Frosg Fest, National Honor Society, and Blood Drive. Myla’s future plans are to attend the University of Toledo and earn her Nursing Degree and eventually become a travelling nurse.
Cross Country
Abagail Kosier – She is being escorted by Casie and Matt Kosier. While at Swanton, Abagail has participated in Cross Country, Show Choir, Cabaret, Musicals, HOSA, Swanton Area Community Coalition, CADCA, Youth Leadership Conference, National Society of High School Scholars, Congress of Future Medical Leaders, Track, Fall and Winter Cheerleading. Abagail’s future plans are to go into medicine.
Cheerleading
Marisa Langenderfer – She is being escorted by Barbie Nowakowski, Billy Nowakowski and Eric Langenderfer. While at Swanton, Marisa has participated in Cheer for Football and Basketball. Marisa’s future plans are to take the State Boards for Cosmetology and become a successful hairdresser.
Faith Bryant – She is being escorted by Mark and Nicole Bryant. While at Swanton, Faith has participated in Show Choir, Select Choir, SEED, Musicals, Football and Basketball Cheer. Faith’s future planes are to travel to the United Kingdom before going to college in English or History fields.
Adilyn Kay Colon – She is being escorted by Chase and Alaina Roberts and Adam Colon. While at Swanton, Adilyn has participated in Cheer and National Honor society. Adilyn’s future plans are to get a job at a daycare and study Early Childhood Education.
Click on the link above to access photos of the Bulldog Seniors. Photo are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Click on the link above to access the non-football photos taken at the home Swanton football game against the Montpelier Locomotives. 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.
Trailing by just five points at 12-7 in the fourth quarter, the Swanton Bulldogs were unable to stop a long time-consuming touchdown drive by the visiting Montpelier Locomotives that saw that deficit rise to 19-7. Montpelier then recovered the subsequent squibbed kickoff and tacked on another score at the end of the game to defeat Swanton 25-7 in a non-league football game. Lucas Fray ran the ball in from seven yards out for the Bulldogs’ only touchdown and Brendan Upham kicked the extra point.
With the loss, Swanton’s record drops to 1-1. The Bulldogs begin a three-game road trip next week when they take on the Ottawa Hills Green Bears with a 7:00 PM kickoff time.
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 James Bates leads the Bulldogs onto the field
After celebrating Senior Night, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs lost to the Delta Lady Panthers 208-231 at Valleywood Golf Club on Thursday afternoon. The Otsego Lady Knights were also in the match but no score was reported.
Delta Lady Panthers: MacKenzie Grahn (47), Aubrey Perdew (49), Sophie Ford (52), Ana Gilders (60), Aleiya Moore (60), Madelyn Lowe (77), Total = 208
Swanton Lady Bulldogs: Audrey McFarland (55),Reagan Rominski (55) Audrey Carte (56), Gabbie Orner (65), Lexie Yeager (66), Olivia Silvious (75), Ellie Sgro (83), Total = 231
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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Prior to Thursday’s golf match against the Delta Lady Panthers and the Otsego Lady Knights at Swanton’s Valleywood Golf Club, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs held their Senior Night, celebrating the contributions from seven of their seniors to the Lady Bulldog Golf Program. Each golfer was introduced to the crowd and a short bio was read by Swanton educator Betty Jo Sadowski.
Lexi Yeager – She is being escorted by Jessica and Kevin Yeager. While at Swanton, Lexi has participated in Soccer, Golf, Track, Student Council, National Honor Society, Interact, Leadership, Homecoming Court, Frosh Fest, and 6th grade camp counselor. Lexie’s future plans are to attend college for a career in the medical field.
Jocelyn Villagomes – She is being escorted by Heather Villagomes. While at Swanton, Jocelyn has participated in Golf, Vice President of Student Council, Vice President of Interact, National Honor Society, Show Choir, Select Choir, and musicals. Jocelyn’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and major in Nursing.
Olivia Silveous – She is being escorted by Elizabeth and Jerry Silveous. While at Swanton, Olivia has participated in National Honor Society, Interact, Show Choir and musicals. Olivia’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and major in Nursing.
Elianna Sgro – She is being escorted by Emily and David Sgro. While at Swanton, Elianna has participated in National Honor Society, Golf, Show Choir, and musicals. Elianna’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and become an elementary school teacher.
Gabbie Orner – She is being escorted by Courtney Nemer, Sean Nemer and Sean Orner. While at Swanton, Gabbie has participated in Golf, Softball, National Honor m Society, Interact, Leadership, Frosh Fest and Student Council. Gabbie’s future plans to attend college for a business pathway.
Audrey Carte – She is being escorted by Jillian and Jason Carte. While at Swanton, Audrey has participated in Golf, Track & Field, Interact, and Leadership. Audrey’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and study Occupational Therapy.
Audrey McFarland – She is being escorted by Michelle and Travis McFarland. While at Swanton, Audrey has participated in Golf, National Honor Society, Student Council, Interact, and Leadership. Audrey’s future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University for Business Marketing.
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.
The Delta Boys Golf Team improved their record to 3-0 with a win over Oak Harbor at White Pines Golf Course. Leading the Panthers was Keegan Clapp with a 5 under par 31. Keegan’s 31 set a new school record in a 9-hole match. The Boy’s Golf Team also set a nine-hole team scoring record of 148.
Oak Harbor Rockets: Landon Ish (40), Jacob Lalonde (49), Aden Belcher (42) Ethan Briggs (54), Griffin Gahler (50), Davin Cunningham (47), Total = 178
Delta Panthers: Lane Lopez, (38), Keegan Clapp (31), Luke Spiess, (38), Brady Kile (41), Dylan Funk (46), Randy Wyse (43), Total = 148
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Swanton High School softball season, the school administration informed Coach Lauren Yoder that her supplemental contract would not be renewed for the 2027 season. News of the decision sent shock waves through the community, given the Lady Bulldogs softball team had just finished a record setting season with 22 wins, had broken multiple team and individual school records, and had won an OHSAA Division V Sectional Championship.
The decision to not renew Ms. Yoder’s contract, for what would have been her fifth year as the softball coach, followed an investigation into allegations made into her conduct and behavior and decision making during the season. A summarized report dated 6/5/26, titled “Updated Administrative Analysis of Alleged Violations” was submitted to the Swanton School Administration with the following list of source documents: Student interviews, witness statements, coaching staff concerns, and written complaint materials.
It is important to note, as stated in the summary, “This analysis summarizes allegations only and does not constitute factual findings. All allegations would require formal investigation and corroboration.”
The report concluded with the following statement: “Based upon the totality of the statements, the most substantial and recurring allegation is not sexual misconduct, but rather an alleged boundary-crossing relationship between a coach and a student-athlete that resulted in favoritism, unequal treatment, and disruption of the educational and athletic environment. Multiple witnesses independently described a pattern of preferential treatment, excessive personal involvement, special communication channels, and coaching decisions influenced by personal relationships.”
At the Swanton Board of Education meeting on August 19th, members of the public were given the opportunity to comment on the school’s decision not to offer Ms. Yoder a contract for the coming softball season. The first to speak was Amy Remer, a mother of one of the returning players and the wife of BOE member, Ben Remer. Ms. Remer, who did not agree with the decision, took exception to the way the investigation was conducted, the effect it had on the players, and the timing of the decision to end the school’s relationship with Ms. Yoder.
“Before the start of the investigation, there were concerns brought forth before the end of the season, as reported by the administration, yet you chose to do nothing about it until after the season ended because the girls were having ‘such a great season and you didn’t want to disrupt that.’ That is very concerning. If the safety of the players was at stake, as evidenced by your investigation report, you should’ve taken action immediately rather than allowing the players to remain in an environment where, per your report, professional boundaries were being violated, emotional manipulation and abuse of authority was taking place, and it was hostile and harmful,” she stated.
Ms. Remer continued, “After the investigation and informing the softball coach you’d be moving in a different direction, you did nothing to help with the fallout and failed to address the emotional well-being of the players…your own students. No follow up, no conversation, no chance for players to talk to anyone, nothing. You knew darn well that many of these girls adored Lauren as a coach, they told you themselves in their questioning, and they had just come off the most historic season in Swanton softball, yet you made a decision that directly impacted them and did nothing to support them in the aftermath. It seems you may have again failed to follow the Ohio Educator Licensure Code because according to your report, ‘Educators must: promote emotional safety, maintain respect for students, and avoid conduct that harms student welfare.’”
Following Ms. Remer’s remarks, four players spoke, three of which individually praised Coach Yoder for what she had done for them with respect to teaching them the game of softball and encouraging them to believe in themselves in times of self-doubt. One player gave a statement explaining her experience was more in line with some of the allegations. The two assistant coaches, Gary Hamrick and Morgan Hamrick, also addressed the Board. They both said they were friends of Ms. Yoder, having coached with her for several years, but did not always agree with her methods. They also strongly advocated for all decisions regarding the softball program be made in the best interest of the student-athlete.
Swanton High School principal Anthony Menna was the final speaker. He gave a statement that read in part:
“Every decision I make may not be popular, but the question I continually ask myself is simple: What is right for our students and our school? There is a simple principle that guides me. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong.
That standard does not change depending who is involved. A last name does not matter to me when determining what is right. A person’s status, popularity, or influence does not change the expectations we have for our students. Every student who walks through the doors of Swanton High School deserves to be treated fairly, consistently and with dignity.
I will not have one set of expectations for one student and another for someone else. Fair does not always mean easy, and it does not always mean everyone will agree with the outcome. Fair means applying our standards consistently and with integrity. I was hired to make tough decisions and that is exactly what I will continue to do. My responsibility is to do what ism right for our students and our school. There are things in leadership on which we can compromise. Ethics are not one of them.”
Photo: Swanton Board of Education August 2026 meeting
At the beginning of tonight’s Swanton Village Council meeting, Mayor Neil Toeppe made the following statement:
I want to make my position regarding Administrator Shannon Shulters very clear.I have the utmost confidence in Shannon’s ability to lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Village. For more than four years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with her and have seen firsthand her commitment to this community, her professionalism, and her willingness to devote significant personal time to the advancement of the Village.
During that time, Shannon has strengthened our administrative team, improved the operation of our departments, taken on difficult and complex projects, and helped build an organization that I believe is second to none for a community our size. Her knowledge, experience, work ethic, and commitment are valuable assets to the Village.
After discussions regarding her decision to resign, Shannon and I have reached an understanding that she will remain as Village Administrator.
Her decision to stay does not mean that we simply return to business as usual. She has appropriately identified several areas that need attention if we are going to make this position sustainable for the long term. Those include maintaining a clear administrative chain of command, establishing appropriate expectations for Council and committee meetings, supporting the transition of our new Fiscal Officer, improving communication, and establishing reasonable boundaries around the Administrator’s workload and personal time. Over the next six months, Shannon and I will work with Council to reassess and evaluate how our administrative structure and working relationships are functioning. This is an opportunity to establish greater clarity, better communication, and a stronger understanding of the respective roles of Council, the Mayor, the Administrator, and our department heads.
Council has an important role in establishing policy and providing legislative oversight. The Administrator has an important role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Village. Those roles are complementary, and the Village is best served when they work together with mutual respect, clear communication, and a common understanding of their responsibilities.
My expectation—and my hope—is that this next six-month period will result in a stronger, healthier, and more productive working relationship between Council and the administration.Most importantly, I believe Shannon wants to continue serving this community, and I believe the Village is better because she has chosen to stay. She has made it clear that she is willing to continue giving the Village her leadership, experience, work ethic, and commitment. Our responsibility now is to create an environment in which she can do that effectively and sustainably.
I believe we have an opportunity here—not simply to resolve a personnel issue, but to strengthen the way our Village government works for the benefit of the entire community.
Following the Council meeting and the subsequent Executive Session, Ms. Shulters issued the following statement:
“After careful consideration, I have formally withdrawn my resignation as Village Administrator for the Village of Swanton. My decision to withdraw my resignation is rooted largely in my loyalty and commitment to the leadership team we have built and to the Village as a whole. We have a strong team in place that works well together, and there are important responsibilities and initiatives currently underway that I believe deserve continuity in leadership. I am committed to seeing our team through the upcoming budgeting process, supporting the transition within our fiscal operations, and ensuring that other outstanding projects and priorities are brought to completion. As Fiscal Officer Elmore continues to grow and become established within her new role, I will remain actively involved in providing the support, institutional knowledge, and leadership necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Establishing stability within the fiscal office and successfully navigating the budgeting process are priorities for both the administration and the Village.
The concerns and time constraints I previously expressed remain important. Mayor Toeppe and I have had productive conversations regarding those concerns and will continue working together to ensure those boundaries are respected while maintaining the needs and responsibilities of the Village. A majority of those considerations will naturally evolve as Fiscal Officer Elmore becomes more established and independent within her position. I have a great deal of respect and loyalty toward the employees and leadership team who continue to show up and serve this community every day. Ultimately, I believe withdrawing my resignation is the right decision for the continuity of our team and for the Village of Swanton at this time. My focus remains on supporting our employees, completing the work currently before us, strengthening the transition within the fiscal office, and continuing to move the Village forward.’’
Fulton County Ohio Media 