After the Tinora Rams bowled a 257 in the first Baker game to take a 53-pin lead over Evergreen, the Vikings bounced back with two strong Baker games of their own to defeat the visitors 2348-2315 at the Swanton Sports Center Tuesday afternoon. Evergreen junior Michael Laver led all bowlers with a two-game series score of 412. Tinora freshman Samuel Tankersley had the Ram’s top score of 398 for the two games including a match-high 249.
Tinora Rams: Samuel Tankersley (149 + 249 = 398), Drew Higbea (188 + 169 = 357), Daegon Begin (203 + 148 = 351), Lucas Stein (178 + 173 = 351), Logan Tankersley (147 + 144 = 291), Baker Games (257 + 172 + 138 = 567) Total = 2315
Evergreen Vikings: Michael Laver (200 + 212 = 412), Makayla McKenzie (178 + 188 = 366), Trevor Johnson (181 + 166 = 347), Xaviar Robinette (156 + 181 = 337), Thomas baker 9155 + 138 = 293), Baker Games (191 + 210 + 192 = 593) Total = 2348
The Swanton Bulldogs bowlers were on a roll last Tuesday, out scoring the Delta Panthers in both match play games and all three Baker games, to bring home the victory 2187-1937 in a Northwest Ohio High School Boys Bowling Conference contest. Swanton bowled a 256 in the second Baker game to hold off any chance of a comeback by Delta in the match held at the Swanton Sports Center, which is the home bowling center for both schools. Connor Williams led the Bulldogs with a two-game series score of 376. Brody Waugh led the Panthers and all bowlers with a two-game series score of 415.
Delta Panthers: Brody Waugh (203 + 212 = 415), Ethan Cone (148 + 155 = 303), Konrad Hawkins (138 + 147 = 285), Aaron Moore (130 + 133 = 263), Carter Mitchell (133 + 115 = 145), Baker Games (134 + 168 + 121 = 423) Total = 1937
Swanton Bulldogs: Conner Williams (172 + 204 = 376), Emma Leonard (172 + 187 = 359), Matthew Chovan 171 + 150 = 321), Scott Lafferty-Reside (148 + 170 = 318), Madison Roytek (145), Conor Yates (110), Baker Games (142 + 256 + 160 = 558) Total 2187
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
This high school basketball season, before the start of each varsity game, Swanton High School has been honoring local military veterans for their service to our nation.
This past Thursday evening, prior to the Swanton Bulldogs boys’ game against the Patrick Henry Patriots, Royce Ann and Phillip Martin, a married couple of 49 years, were introduced and recognized for their commitment to America in front of the home crowd. Below are provided brief biographies of their very impressive accomplishments.
Royce Ann Martin, 1st Lieutenant USAF: Royce is a 1976 graduate of Indiana University with commission through Air Force ROTC. She graduated from Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course AMOC, Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. She was the first officer to proficiency advance through the 6-month course in a mere three months. Royce’s first assignment was to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, where she supervised the maintenance of both the Cessna T37B and the Northrop T38A trainer aircraft. Her dedication to her job, her supervision of her airmen, and her overall duty performance, earned her the distinction of Junior Officer of the Year for the base. It is significant to note, that she was the first woman officer to ever win this distinction at the base. Her follow-on assignment was to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia where she supervised the maintenance of the B-52G bomber aircraft. Her time there was also with high praise.
However, a medical condition gave rise to a short military career. Royce later attended South Georgia Technical College and was the first woman to enroll in and graduate from the aircraft maintenance program. She received both her airframe and power plant FAA certificates to be a mechanic on FAA registered aircraft. Additionally, she was recognized as the number one vocational student in the state of Georgia, and served on the governor’s personal staff promoting vocational education throughout the state of Georgia. Royce later received her PhD in education from Indiana State University and became an associate professor of aviation at Bowling Green State University from which she is retired.
Phillip Martin, Captain USAF: Phil and Royce met each other at Indiana University and were married in 1974. They were both commissioned officers by Phil’s father on 27 December 1976. The couple was fortunate in that they were able to have joint spouse assignments. Phil’s first assignment was to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas where he gained his wings as a pilot. His first assignment was to fly the B-52G bomber at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He acquired 1100 hours of B-52 time while at that base.
Phil’s next assignment was to a newly formed unit known as Euro- NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training. This newly formed unit trained pilots from 14 countries. In that capacity, he served as a T37 instructor pilot, life support branch chief, and aircraft accident investigator. He acquired 1100 flight hours in the T37. After serving nine years in the Air Force, Phil went into civilian life where he taught aviation at Indiana State University, the Institute of Aviation at the University of Illinois, and later he served as the director of Flight Education for The Ohio State University.
Advancing his career, he moved into the business world of flight education, with Flight Safety international, Swanton, Ohio. He was a simulator instructor in Citation business jet aircraft and was later a flight examiner in the Citation issuing Airline Transport Pilot certificates. In 2006 he was recognized by his company as Best of the Best flight instructors, being in the top 1% of the instructor cadre.
The Swanton Bulldogs and the Patrick Henry (PH) Patriots battled all night in a game where the outcome was in doubt until the final buzzer sounded. The home town Bulldogs had to wait until a final three-point attempt by the visiting Patriots missed the mark before they could celebrate a 42-39 victory to open the NWOAL season. It was a very physical game, especially under the boards on both ends of the court where PH sent the double team of 6’6” Mack Hieber and 6’4” Jaden Punches to clamp down on Swanton big man 6’10” Charlie Wood. The strategy worked well in the first half. Wood was held to just two points. However, Swanton was able to hit from long range with Evan Reinhard, Brady O’Shea and Logan Young combining for seven treys to maintain a small lead for most of the contest.
On the defensive end, the Patriots had very little success inside against Wood, being on the receiving end of nine blocks and about the same number of poor shots trying to shoot over him. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 30 points each but Swanton outscored PH 12-9 with Wood hitting two clutch free throws to ice the game. In somewhat of an oddity, only three Patriot players, all starters, made the score sheet and five Bulldog players, all starters, did the same. Neither team received any scoring from the bench.
The win improves Swanton’s record to 4-7 overall and 1-0 in the league. The Bulldogs travel to Ottawa Hills on Tuesday, 1/16, for their next game then return home for a league contest against Wauseon.
Patrick Henry Patriots: 7-7-16-9 = 39 Mack Hieber (15), Lincoln Creager (12), Thomas Smith (12)
Swanton Bulldogs: 12-6-12-12 = 42 Evan Reinhard (13), Charlie Wood (10), Brady O’Shea (9), Logan Young (6), Adam Lemon (4)
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: Charlie Wood goes off glass for two of his 10 points
The Swan Creek Vision Optometry, located at 108 S. Main Street in Swanton, held its official ribbon cutting ceremony today with staff members, Swanton Village officials, Swanton Chamber of Commerce Officials and some Chamber members present. Below is a reprint from a previous Chamber Press Release introducing Dr. Haadia Amin and her business.
About Swan Creek Vision: Swan Creek Vision is committed to providing personalized and expert eye care to enhance the vision and overall well-being of individuals in Swanton and the surrounding areas. Swan Creek Vision is dedicated to delivering top-notch eye care services in a modern and welcoming environment. Dr. Haadia Amin’s expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions, including but not limited to dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes-related eye issues.
About Dr. Amin: Originally from downriver Michigan, Dr. Amin completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and pursued her optometry degree at Ohio State University. With over six and a half years of experience, she has specialized in treating a wide range of eye conditions, including dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes. Dr. Amin also has a keen interest in specialty contacts, particularly for hard-to-fit patients, and specializes in scleral lenses for those with corneal degeneration. The decision to establish Swan Creek Vision was influenced by Dr. Amin’s connection to Swanton through her husband’s family. With the retirement of the Jones family, Dr. Amin is enthusiastic about stepping into their shoes and contributing to the healthcare landscape in Fulton County. Swan Creek Vision aims to provide a comprehensive range of medical eyecare services while offering a curated selection of stylish eyewear. The practice aspires to be a one-stop solution for all eyecare needs in the community. On a personal note, Dr. Amin is not just an eyecare professional but also a foodie, avid traveler, and someone who cherishes spending time with her husband and two dogs. While the website is currently under construction, you can visit http://www.swancreekvision.com, which will be up and running in the next couple of weeks or visit them on Facebook at Swan Creek Vision.
Photo: Dr. Amin cuts the ribbon to open Swan Creek Vision along with (L to R) Shannon Shulters (Swanton Village Administrator), Megan (Staff), Rebecca Padilla, Seth Thomas (Chamber Board), Lori Mossburg (Staff), John Schmidt (Councilman), Delray Bush (Chamber Executive Director), Neil Toeppe (Mayor)
The undefeated juggernaut that is the Liberty Center Tigers boys’ bowlers came into the Swanton Sports Center, home of the Delta Panthers, and rolled an average of 206.5 for the match’s 13 games to defeat the Delta boys’ bowlers 2685-1839. The 206.5 per game average was down from their previous match per game average of 237.7 but more than enough to get the job done. Tim Blanton paved the way for the Tigers with a two-game series score of 488. Brody Waugh led the Panthers with a two-game series of 376. The win improves Liberty Center’s record on the season to 8-0 and 7-0 (First Place) in the Northwest Ohio High School Bowling Conference. Delta drops to 2-6 overall and 2-5 in the league.
Liberty Center Tigers: Tim Blanton (246 + 242 = 488), Landon Amstutz (217 + 224 = 441), Jacob Sexton (214 + 214 = 428), Wesley Wilhelm (156 + 217 = 373), Joey Wymer (171 + 187 = 358), Baker Games (214 + 182 + 201 = 597) Total = 2685
Delta Panthers: Brody Waugh (212 + 164 = 376), Konrad Hawkins (124 + 157 = 281), Ethan Cone (115 + 116 = 231), Jack Tedrick (141), Cody Stricker (133), Carter Mitchell (131), Aaron Mora (90), Baker Games (174 + 138 + 144 = 456) Total = 1839
In the girls’ match, the Liberty Center Lady Tigers beat the Delta Lady Panthers 2128-1401. AJ Seedorf and Hannah Roth led Liberty Center with two-games series scores of 371 and 369 respectively. Chloe Cole bowled a two-game series score of 263 for Delta. The Lady Tigers are currently in second place in the Northwest Ohio High School Bowling Conference with a 4-1 record and are 4-2 on the season. With the loss, the Lady Panthers, with a very young roster, drop to 0-6 overall and 0-5 in the league.
Liberty Center Lady Tigers: AJ Seedorf (180 + 191 = 371), Hannah Roth (198 + 171 = 369), Annaliese Keene (184 + 149 = 333), Vivian Gebers (130 + 171 = 301), Cheyenne Miller (126 + 143 = 269), Baker Games (171 + 176 + 130 = 485) Total = 2128
Click on the link above to access photos from the matches. Photos are min the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncopuntymedia.com website.
Photo: Liberty Center senior Tim Blanton leads all league bowlers with a 234 average.
Swan Creek Vision to Unveil Cutting-Edge Eye Care Services with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Swan Creek Vision, a new and dynamic eye care destination, is thrilled to announce its official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Swanton Chamber of Commerce on January 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm. The event will take place at Swan Creek Vision located at 108 S Main St, Swanton, OH 43558-1345.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the inauguration of Swan Creek Vision, a vision brought to life by Dr. Haadia Amin, an accomplished and caring optometrist. Dr. Amin is excited to welcome the community to join in the celebration. Patient Care Commences: Dr. Amin will begin serving patients starting January 9, offering a comprehensive range of eye care services. Swan Creek Vision is committed to providing personalized and expert eye care to enhance the vision and overall well-being of individuals in Swanton and the surrounding areas. Swan Creek Vision eagerly anticipates the ribbon-cutting ceremony as a significant milestone and looks forward to serving the community’s eye care needs with excellence.
About Swan Creek Vision: Swan Creek Vision is committed to providing personalized and expert eye care to enhance the vision and overall well-being of individuals in Swanton and the surrounding areas. Swan Creek Vision is dedicated to delivering top-notch eye care services in a modern and welcoming environment. Dr. Haadia Amin’s expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions, including but not limited to dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes-related eye issues.
About Dr. Amin: Originally from downriver Michigan, Dr. Amin completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and pursued her optometry degree at Ohio State University. With over six and a half years of experience, she has specialized in treating a wide range of eye conditions, including dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes. Dr. Amin also has a keen interest in specialty contacts, particularly for hard-to-fit patients, and specializes in scleral lenses for those with corneal degeneration. The decision to establish Swan Creek Vision was influenced by Dr. Amin’s connection to Swanton through her husband’s family. With the retirement of the Jones family, Dr. Amin is enthusiastic about stepping into their shoes and contributing to the healthcare landscape in Fulton County. Swan Creek Vision aims to provide a comprehensive range of medical eyecare services while offering a curated selection of stylish eyewear. The practice aspires to be a one-stop solution for all eyecare needs in the community. On a personal note, Dr. Amin is not just an eyecare professional but also a foodie, avid traveler, and someone who cherishes spending time with her husband and two dogs. While the website is currently under construction, you can visit http://www.swancreekvision.com, which will be up and running in the next couple of weeks or visit them on Facebook at Swan Creek Vision.
The Swanton Lady Bulldogs opened the NWOAL basketball season at home with a thrilling roller coaster 49-45 victory over the Evergreen Lady Vikings at Kevin J. McQuade Gymnasium Friday night. Fortunate to be down by only five points, 12-7, after a sloppily-played first quarter characterized by turnovers and poor inside shooting, Swanton pulled within two points several times in the second quarter before Evergreen’s Kyla Risner drained a three-point shot at the buzzer to keep the Viking advantage at five, 28-23, at the half.
However, the Lady Bulldogs came out of the locker room and shook off what could have been a demoralizing end to the first half and proceeded to dominate the third quarter on both ends of the court. Swanton outscored the Lady Vikings 18-4 and entered the final quarter with a 41-32 lead. “It was the halftime speech, I guess,” said Bulldog head coach Jared Walker, jokingly explaining the third quarter turnaround. Swanton got a big scoring boost from Alexia Ostrander who scored six points in that pivotal frame on three backdoor cut baskets. Coach Walker also gave a lot of credit to the senior leadership of point guard Emma Crow who, in addition to running the offense, was tasked with defending Evergreen’s top scorer, Addison Ricker. Ricker scored nine points in the first half but could only muster two in the second half with Crow and the Bulldog defense putting pressure on her every time she touched the ball.
Of course, as every coach in the NWOAL knows, Evergreen Coach Brittaney Cymbolin’s teams do not go quietly. The Lady Vikings stormed back in the fourth quarter, pulling within 43-41 with just over three minutes in the game. Swanton responded, sinking clutch free throws from Crow and Jessica Finfera to seal the win. “Brittany brings her kids and brings all the energy in the world,” said Coach Walker, commenting on the challenge from his Evergreen counterpart. “They are hard-nosed, knock you off your game, they trap well and they are very good offensively.”
With the win, Swanton moves their overall record to 6-3 on the season and 1-0 in the NWOAL. The Lady Bulldogs will play their next league game at Patrick Henry on Friday, January 12th at 7:30 PM. Evergreen drops to 7-4 on the season and 0-1 in league play. The Lady Vikings welcome in the Otsego Lady Knights on Tuesday, January 9th for a 7:30 PM tip-off.
Evergreen Lady Vikings: 12-16-4-13 = 45 Addison Ricker (11), Emmitt Kennedy (10), Kyla Risner (6), Avah Vaculik (5), Bailey Lumbrezer (5), Brooke Sintobin (4), Ella Bugermeister (2), Beth Sintobin (2)
Swanton Lady Bulldogs: 7-16-18-8 = 49 Emma Crow (9), Jessica Finfera (9), Peighton Manning (9), Alexia Ostrander (8), Olivia Gowing (5), Ava Keiser (4), Miranda Yeager (3), Samantha Nelson (2)
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.
Below is an editorial I wrote on January 7, 2021. It was, in fact, my first posting on my just-created blog, Fulton County Media (FCM). I was in shock from the events of the day before and, honestly, I still cannot fully comprehend it. My question today is, “Have things, with respect to the political and cultural divide in this country, gotten any better?” I believe they have become much worse.
The unimaginable wound opened in our Hall of Democracy three years ago has not only failed to heal, it has become infected, with that infection spreading across our nation and the rest of the world for that matter. For me, 2024 will be a ticking time bomb in America. I can only hope and pray that time bomb can be diffused before it explodes and takes us back to 1861. We are living in a fractured nation and we will not survive another Civil War. Our enemies today are immensely more powerful and capable than they were when we first split apart and they are waiting to pounce. We need to come back together and work through our differences before it is too late.
Just My Opinion – Where Do We Go From Here?
Is there any more that can be said about the Trump-incited mob that attacked the U.S. Capital Building yesterday that has not already been voiced by someone? I’m sure there will be, but will it change what happened? Of course not. Will it make any difference? We can only hope and pray. The tragic event that took place on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021 will now take its rightful place in the “Where Were You When” category of American history under the “Shameful, Needless and Preventable” sub-group.
So, who do we blame? Better yet, who do we not blame? We all saw it coming and we all let it happen. Donald Trump began constructing this bomb since the beginning of the 2016 Presidential campaign. When, to the surprise of many, including Donald himself, he won the election, he moved his bomb making lab into the White House. From there he began to perfect his weapons of mass distraction and test fired one every time he found himself in political hot waters. Yesterday he launched his most destructive and lethal one to date. And, hopefully, his last.
Finally, after yesterday’s insurrection which failed to achieve Trump’s objective, Donald is agreeing to a “smooth and peaceful” transition of power. If true, it comes two months too late. But nobody will be holding their breath waiting for it to happen. Regardless, Donald and the Trump family will be out of office in less than two weeks. The next question is how do we recover and where do we go from here?
Undoubtedly, it will take many years, a lot of work and a lot more understanding, compromise and forgiveness to heal our nation. We have never been more divided in a four-year stretch since the years of 1861 to 1865. Obviously, our differences and disagreements over past four years pale in comparison to what took place 160 years ago, so it gives me much hope that we come back from this and return to the great nation and role model to the rest of the world we used to be.
For now, the causes behind the self-inflicted black eye America suffered on Capitol Hill yesterday will be analyzed and debated in search of a vaccine that will protect us from repeating a similar attack of our democracy. Many will still argue in support of the violence but their voices will fade and reason will take hold. I still have faith in America.
The visiting Patrick Henry Patriots defeated the Swanton Bulldogs 2135-1952 in an NWOAL bowling match Friday at the Swanton Sports Center. Patriot Derrick Munding topped all bowlers with a two-game series score of 378. Conner Williams led the Bulldogs with a two-game series score of 350.
Swanton Bulldogs: Conner Williams (172 + 178 = 350), Emma Leonard (194 + 147 = 341), Matthew Chovan (146 + 164 = 315), Conor Yates (149 + 121 = 270), Madison Roytek (100 + 141 = 241), Baker Games (142 + 126 + 167 = 435) Total = 1952
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 Conner Williams currently leads the Bulldog bowlers with a 196 average this season.
Fulton County Ohio Media 