Fulton County Ohio Media

Tomorrow, May 5^th, is election day and the registered voters of the Village of Swanton will have an opportunity to decide to support or reject a levy to help fund the parks in our community.  Studies have shown that well-maintained community parks have a similar positive impact on a municipality as does a strong school system.  The benefits are many but we often do not give them a second thought or just take them for granted.

But don’t take my word for it.  Just read what the benefits are according to scienceinsights.org:

Community parks have been shown to offer a wide range of benefits, including improved health, enhanced social connections, and economic growth.  Here are some key findings from studies on the benefits of community parks:

Health Benefits:  Parks contribute to healthier communities by providing space for physical activities, which can reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.  They also offer a calming environment that can help reduce stress and improve focus.

Social Connections:  Parks serve as neutral public gathering places where community members can meet, collaborate and become empowered.  They foster social capital, which can lead to lower mortality rates, reduced depression and economic mobility.

Economic Impact:  Parks generate significant economic activtyand support jobs.  They also contribute to environmental benefits, such as cleaner air and lower noise levels which can lead to reduce health care costs.

Community Cohesion:  Community parks enhance the quality of life for residents and provide a platform for socialization and community cohesion.  They are especially beneficial to vulnerable population groups such as socioeconomically deprived and older people.  These studies highlight the importance of community parks in promoting well-being and fostering a strong sense of community.  They are essential for creating healthy and resilient communites.

There is a core group of residents and some non-residents that have, for years, donated their time and effort to maintain our parks as much as possible.  Unfortunately, it is not always enough.  Hopefully, the passage of this levy, which will begin in 2027, will collectively allow the Village of Swanton, to raise and maintain our parks at a high and attractive level.

Jerry Donaldson defeated Mike Laver 190-184 in a roll-off earlier this week to win the Wednesday Night Tournament League Championship at the Swanton Sports Center. 

The weekly Tournament League is a handicapped league and its format has each participant bowl three games with the top four scores advancing to a one-and-done playoff.  A payout is awarded at the end of each evening.  There is no commitment to bowl any more weeks than a bowler wants to, however, points are accrued based on where a bowler finishes each week and are accumulated for the end of each half of the season.  Payouts are again awarded based on the overall point totals with the first and second half winners, along with the champion, receiving the highest amount.

If one bowler happens to win both halves, there is no roll-off.  This season, Donaldson, head coach of the Delta Panthers Bowling Team and proprietor of Jerry’s Pro Shop in the SSC, won the first half with 26 points and Laver, a 2025 graduate of Evergreen High School and an accomplished bowler with the Vikings Bowling Team, won the second half with 28 points.

Photo: Jerry Donaldson

https://photos.app.goo.gl/k5CkDqxazQXhn7276

On Wednesday at Swanton’s Harding Field, the Lady Bulldogs scored 20 unanswered runs after falling behind 2-0 and defeated the Toledo Christian Lady Eagles 20-2 in a non-league game.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game as well as the Game Changer write-up and box score. 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: Avy Hamrick about to fire to the plate

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e2mr6gjoVd9fTRs87

Click on the link above to access photos from tri-meet. 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.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dc2kVxoUxrvSCAS36

Prior to a home track & field tri-meet with the Delta Panthers and the Evergreen Vikings, the Swanton Bulldogs celebrated the careers and contributions of six student-athletes.  Swanton Athletic Director Wade Haselman read a short bio of each senior as they were introduced to the crowd.

Our first senior is Lauren Bettinger.  Lauren is being escorted by Kristi Bettinger and Luke Bettinger.  While at Swanton High School, Lauren has participated in Soccer, Basketball, National Honor Society, Interact and Frosh Fest. Her future plans are to attend The Ohio State University to major in biology on a pre-med pathway with plans to pursue a career as a neuro-oncologist.

Our next senior is Xavier Hornyak-Ramsey.  Xavier is being escorted by Magen Hornyak.  While at Swanton High School, Xavier has participated in both Football and Track.  His future plans are to enter the workforce.

Our next senior is Eva Rose Kozakiewicz.  Eva Rose is being escorted by Callie and Brian Kozakiewicz.  While at Swanton High School, Eva Rose has participated in Student Council, Track & Field, Yearbook, Volleyball, Prom Committee and Band.  Her future plans                                                                       are to enlist in the United States Navy and pursue a medical career.

Our next senior is Ava Lewis.  Ava is being escorted by Amie and Timothy Lewis.  While at Swanton High School, Ava has participated in Volleyball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and National Honor Society.  Her future plans are to attend college and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse as well as playing sports at the college level.

Our next senior is Audrey Robinson.  Audrey is being escorted by Wayne and Catherine Robinson.  While at Swanton High School, Audrey has participated in Track & Field and Show Choir.  Her future plans are to become an esthetician.

Our final senior tonight is Zach Smith.  Zach is being escorted by DeNetra and Kent Smith.  While at Swanton High School, Zach has participated in Baseball, and Track & Field.  His future plans are to join the Toledo Junior Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) electrician apprenticeship.

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.

Photo: Track & Field Class of 2026 – Xavier Hornyak-Ramsey, Audrey Robinson, Ava Lewis, Lauren Bettinger, Eva Rose Kozakiewicz, Zach Smith

PT Link Physical Therapy has relocated its Swanton location from its former Turtle Creek Circle location to a new downtown home at 99 N Main Street, Swanton, Ohio 43558. The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. to celebrate the move and welcome PT Link to its new space.

PT Link Physical Therapy is known for helping patients of all ages improve strength, stability, endurance, function, and overall quality of life through personalized care focused on pain relief and rehabilitation. The practice serves communities across Ohio and Michigan and offers physical therapy care for a wide range of injuries, conditions, and recovery needs.

The new Swanton location places PT Link in the heart of downtown, creating greater visibility and convenience for local patients and families. The move reflects continued investment in serving the Swanton community and expanding access to quality therapy services close to home.

“We are excited to celebrate PT Link Physical Therapy’s move to downtown Swanton and to welcome them to this new location,” said Delray E Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. “Having a business like PT Link investing in our community is meaningful, not only because of the services they provide, but because of the role they play in supporting the health and well-being of our residents.”

For more information about PT Link Physical Therapy, contact the Swanton location at 419-559-5591. 

The Swanton Sports Center’s Thursday Night Mixed League champion was decided last week when the second-half winner, “Callin Off Tomorrow” defeated the first-half winner “Crown Town” in a roll-off 2-0 (837 + 823 = 1660) to (795 + 821 = 1616).  Crown Town (Brett Bardwell, Greg Betz, Dusty Dickerson, Matt Mason) won the first-half with a 21.5-6.5 record.  Callin Off Tomorrow (Justin Watts, Brad Betz, Alex Collins, Matt Price) won the second-half with a record of 24-4.  No word yet on whether the members of the winning team reported to work the next day.

Final League Numbers – Season High Scores

Individual High Average:  Men – Jon Myers (221.24)   Women – Alyssa Walberg (151.18)

Team Handicap Series:  Callin Off Tomorrow (2837)   The House (2741)   Rolling Thunder (2682)

Team Handicap Game:  Last Minute (988)   Team 2 (958)   Bakally Slamers (953)

Scratch Series Men:  Roger Frederick (745)   Ray Moore (687)   Kody Moden (671)

Scratch Game Men:  Jerry Donaldson (300)   Brad Betz (277)   Justin Szabo (267)

Scratch Series Women:  Tammy Frederick (499)   Amber Mossing (496)   Becky Nelson (467)

Scratch Game Women:  Lyndsey Peebles (202)   Taryn Marino (192)   Lauren Iwinski (192)

Most Improved Average Men:  Roger Frederick (170 to 186.86 = 16.86)

Most Improved Average Women:  Staci Herdman (96 to 112.74 = 16.74)

Photo: Matt Price, Alex Collins, Brad Betz, Justin Watts

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6TRDCRYJQC6e6Fsb9

In a matchup of two of the NWOAL’s top junior pitchers, Swanton Bulldog Carson Bond threw a two-hit, 10-strikeout complete game to defeat Carlos DeSantos and the Delta Panthers 3-1 on Thursday at Delta’s Harmon Field.  DeSantos also went the distance and struck out 12 Bulldogs along the way.

Currently, Swanton has a record of 10-3 on the season and 3-1 in the NWOAL.  The Bulldogs travel to Bryan on Monday to face the Golden Bears in a league game.  Delta is now 5-6 for the year and 0-4 in the league.  The Panthers will be in Wauseon on Monday to play the Indians in another NWOAL contest.

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: Carson Bond fires to the plate

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ptn2wxXF2Dx6Bn2AA

Jordyn Ramirez went 3 for 3 with a home run, three runs scored and two RBI and Alexis Faber was 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs as the Swanton Lady Bulldogs beat the Delta Lady Panthers at Panther Field on Thursday afternoon. Beyla Remer threw four innings allowing one run on one hit with two walks and one strikeout to pick up the win. Gracyn Pelton tossed five innings for Delta giving up 11 runs (9 earned) on ten hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

The Swanton victory, their seventh consecutive, moves their mark on the season to 16-2 and 4-0 in the NWOAL. Their next league game will be away on Monday against the Bryan Lady Golden Bears (12-0/4-0) with first place on the line. Delta drops to 4-8 on the year and 1-3 in the league. They will next travel to face the Wauseon Lady Indians (8-7/1-3).

Click 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: Jordyn Ramirez drives the ball over the left field fence to put Swanton on the board.

The Swanton Sports Center’s 2025-2026 Saturday Night Mixed League concluded its season last weekend without the need of a roll-off between the first half winner and the second half winner.  Team Miracola (Ashley Borck, Thomas Miracola, Alex Gigax, Martin Taylor) dominated both halves with records of 21-7 and 23-5 to easily capture the crown.

Final League Numbers – Season High Scores

Individual High Average:  Men –Jerry Donaldson (196.14)   Women – Brenda Donaldson (152.54)

Handicap Series:  Big Pins Small Balls (2788)   Shoes on Fire (2731)   33 Gutters (2690)

Handicap Game:  Miracola (990)   Check Ur Lane (970)   Funny MF’s (944)

Scratch Series Men:  Ricky Bunting (717)   Nathan Hinz (691)   Roger Frederick (657)

Scratch Game Men:  Alex Gigax (298)   Jim Dukeshire (258)   Mike Montion (256)

Scratch Series Women:  Hilary Hinz (524)   Patricia Quinto (500)   Tammy Frederick (496)

Scratch Game Women:  Lauren Iwinski (222)   Sandy Wanless (193)   Brandy Rhodes (186)

Most Improved Average:  Men – Clint Short (133 to 150 = 17.00)   Women Kristin Orns (77 to 93.83 = 16.83)

Photo: Team Miracola – (Ashley Borck, Thomas Miracola, Alex Gigax, Martin Taylor)