Fulton County Ohio Media

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Madelaine Diaz, Swanton Lady Bulldog soccer standout, has chosen to continue her education and soccer career at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio.   “The reason I chose Tiffin is it gives me the opportunity to pursue the passions I want to pursue along with taking them in the right direction,” said Madelaine explaining one reason for her choice. “Soccer is very important at Tiffin, it embodies everything soccer is, it’s family, it’s people coming together to enjoy something they have a mutual love for.”

Last year at this time, Madelaine was not sure she would even have a chance to play at the next level.  The Swanton girls’ soccer program had been suspended for lack of participation and the remaining roster was added to the boy’s team.  With the swollen roster and having to compete against the boys, she had significantly less playing time and was unsure if the program would be brought back for her senior year.

Fortunately, former Lady Bulldog soccer coach and alumni, Kendra Eitniear Gustafson, returned and was able to restart the once-proud program.  “I came back because it broke my heart to see there wasn’t a program for these girls to get opportunities to play where they want.  I’m happy I was able to bring it back and for Madelaine to keep going and play with the passion she has,” said Coach Gustafson who was rewarded for her efforts by being named NWOAL and District Coach of the Year.

By becoming part of the Lady Dragons soccer team, Madelaine will be following in the footsteps of Swanton Assistant Coach Arika Lutz and her twin sister Averie who signed with Tiffin University almost four years ago.  In the classroom, Madelaine will be studying for a degree in Forensic Psychology.

Click on the link above to access photos from the signing. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing abd can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Madelaine Diaz signs with Tiffin alongside parents Shaun and April Bailey and Coach Kendra Gustafson

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Click on the link above to access photos from Tigers vs Eagles football game night. 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.

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In a highly anticipated “Clash of the Titans” matchup, the 11-0 Liberty Center Tigers dominated both sides of the ball from the opening kickoff and crushed the visiting 12-0 Liberty-Benton Eagles 42-10 to advance to the OHSAA Division V Regional Championship game next Friday night.

After forcing the Eagles into a three-and-out on the game’s opening possession, Baxter Barret broke loose for a 19-yard touchdown run that was set up by a 51-yard run by Garrison Kruse.  Max Walker kicked the extra point and the Tigers led 7-0 with just 2:32 expired off the clock.  Liberty Center scored again after holding Liberty-Benton to another three-and-out when Kruse found the end zone from five yards out following a 38-yard sprint by Thomas Mohler. 

The Tigers led 14-0 entering the second quarter but were just getting started.  A four-yard run by Kruse, a one-yard plunge by Mohler set up with a 79-yard pass and run from Kaden Kreinbrink to Barret, then a 60-yard punt return by Mohler pushed the LC point total to 35 while the LB offense could only manage a field goal.  The 35-3 halftime score triggered the “running clock” to begin the third quarter. 

Mohler scored his third touchdown of the game with an 11-yard run in the third and the Eagles finally got into the end zone on a two-yard run by quarterback Connor Barbara in the fourth quarter to make the final score 42-10.  The running clock was in play the entire second half.

Statistically, Liberty Center racked up 453 total yards to 187 for Liberty-Benton.  Kruse led the Tiger running attack with 109 yards on 9 carries and Mohler was right behind with 9 rushes for 106 yards.  Quarterback Kreinbrink was 5 for nine passing for 123 Yards.  The Eagles were led by Barbara’s 98-yards rushing on 15 attempts.  Barbara also threw 26 times, completing 11 for 88 yards.

With the victory, Liberty Center moves to 12-0 on the season and will travel to Fostoria High School to meet the 11-1 Genoa Comets, champions of the Northern Buckeye Conference, on Friday, November 21^st at 7:00 PM for the Regional Championship.

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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.com.

Photo: Hunter Spangler (75) leads the LC Tigers onto the field for pre-game warmups.

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On Monday morning, in front Veterans and their families, students, faculty and staff, Swanton Local Schools held a Veterans Day celebration at the high school for veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.  Swanton senior Haley Frosch served as Master of Ceremonies during the event that included performances by the SHS Show Choir, the SHS Concert Band and Swanton Elementary students.

The poem “As We celebrate Veterans Day” by Marylyn Lott was recited by SES 3^rd Grade students; Ellie Johnson, Fisher Twigg, Penelope Webb and Francis Wetrz.  “What Veterans Day Means to Me” was read by SES 4^th Grade students Avery Smith and Julia Mendenhall.  A Flag Folding Ceremony was conducted by SMS student Kourtney Fulton, Carson Braden and Deegan Bowser.

Delivering a very inspirational speech was Keynote Speaker Joahua Bender, Navy Petty Officer 3^rd Class.  His bio, below, was published in the celebration’s Program.

Joshua Bender proudly served in the United States Navy from 2006 to 2010 as a member of the Navy Seabees, the Navy’s elite construction battalions known for their strength, skill and spirit.  Stationed out of Gulfport, Mississippi, Joshua deployed across the world to Okinawa, Japan; Manila, Philippines and Balad, Iraq.  While serving in Iraq, he was injured in the line of duty, a true testament to his courage and commitment to his country.

During his years of service, Joshua not only helped build bases, airfields and infrastructure vital to military operations —- he also built lifelong bonds of brotherhood and resilience.  His time in the Navy taught him the value of teamwork, perseverance and selfless service —- lessons that continue to shape his life today.

Joshua lives each day with the same drive and determine that defined his time in uniform, striving to embody the Seabee moto: “We Build, We Fight.”  Whether through his career, his community involvement, or the example he sets for others, he continues to build stronger foundations with his heart and unwavering dedication.

After closing remarks by SHS Principal Anthony Menna, TAPS was performed by SHS Band members Serennah Coburn and Charlie Meyer.  The Swanton American Legion Post #479 conducted the Retiring of the Colors to conclude the Day.

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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Joshua Bender, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class

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Ryder Ryan rushed for 150 yards on just 16 carries and three touchdowns and Max Pinter completed 15 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two scores as the Archbold Blue Streaks blew past the Seneca East Tigers 44-12 in a second round OHSAA Division VI playoff game at Archbold High School on Friday night.  Archbold was coming off a bye week after finishing in fourth place in Region 22 and earning home filed advantage while Seneca East, out of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference, had defeated the Woodmore Wildcats 15-13 in the opening round to advance.

With just 1:53 off the clock, Ryan punched it into the end zone to give the Streaks a 7-0 lead after Quinn Sauder converted the extra point attempt.  Sauder would follow that kick up with a 32-yard field goal and Pinter hit Collin Short with a nine-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Archbold advantage to 17-0 after one quarter.  Another Ryan carry crossed the goal line, this time from 26-yards out, and the Sauder conversion put the Streaks on top 24-0 early in the second quarter.

After a long drive, Seneca East was able to get on the scoreboard when Tiger quarterback jammed it in from the one-yard line.  The extra point failed and Archbold lead 24-6.  The Streaks scored again before the half on a 21-yard touchdown catch by Aranjer Krieger from Pinter.  A missed extra point kick kept the score at 30-6 entering the second half.

Ryan scored his third touchdown of the game in the third quarter, to send the Blue Streak past the 30-point mark at 37-6, triggering the OHSAA mandated running clock.  The Tigers managed to score again in the fourth quarter to stop the running clock, but Ashton Stuckey ran in from a yard out and the running clock was reimplemented until the game was over.

The victory places Archbold’s season record at 9-2.  The Streaks will now travel to Bascom, Ohio, home of the Hopewell-Louden Chieftains (10-1) next Friday night for round three of the playoffs.  The Chieftains defeated the Western Reserve Roughriders 42-6 last Friday to move on.

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 and shared courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Ryder Ryan

H.O.O.V.E.S. Announces Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrating Major Facility Upgrades and Community Partnership Swanton

H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services) is proud to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 5, at 2:00 PM at the organization’s Swanton farm, located at 4055 Wilkins Road, Swanton. The event marks a celebration of progress, partnership, and the continued mission to serve veterans and their families through equine-assisted healing. The upgrades were made possible through the generous partnership of the Ohio Contractors Association and its member companies, whose support has transformed the safety and accessibility of the H.O.O.V.E.S. facility.

About the Improvements Recent upgrades include: ● New windows throughout the entire facility were provided by Window World Toledo, replacing older, non-functional windows and improving comfort and ventilation. ● A complete reconstruction of the parking area and driveway, replacing uneven stone surfaces with paved, level areas that provide safer access for volunteers, visitors, and veterans — particularly those using wheelchairs or mobility devices. ● A new turnaround driveway and expanded parking between barns, improving functionality and safety for vehicles, staff, and therapy animals alike. These changes represent a significant step forward in supporting the organization’s long-term vision of creating a healing space that serves both veterans and the animals who assist in their recovery.

Acknowledging Our Partners H.O.O.V.E.S. extends heartfelt gratitude to the Ohio Contractors Association and the many companies that contributed their time, materials, and expertise to make these projects possible:

● Miller Bros. – Excavation and leveling in the back area ● Crestline – Asphalt installation ● Shelly & Gerken – Asphalt provided ● E.S. Wagner – Excavation and stone prep for the driveway ● SanJan Truckin, & Ebony, Green Earth Transportation – Provided trucking ● Heidelberg Materials – Donated the stone for the driveway ● Mosser Construction – Concrete work around the house.

H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services) is a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans to transform their lives through equine-assisted therapy. Founded by Amanda Held, H.O.O.V.E.S. pairs rescued horses with veterans seeking healing from PTSD and other service-related challenges. Each program emphasizes emotional regulation, purpose, and community through direct connection with horses and nature.

For more information, visit http://www.hooves.us or contact info@hooves.us / (419) 930-7936 or contact Swanton Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 116 Swanton, OH 43558 | Facebook | SwantonCC@gmail.com | 419.826.1941

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Click on the link above to access photos from the performances of the Archbold and Liberty Center bands during the football game played on 10/24/25. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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Just a few days, maybe even just a few hours after the end of the tremendous Swanton Corn Festival, a question begins to pop up on local Swanton Facebook pages.  “When is Halloween Hoopla?”  Even though the Swanton Lions Club has already publicized the date and times by then, families all over the Swanton area want to verify the information and mark it on their calendars.  The Halloween Hoopla has become so popular, it one of Swanton’s biggest “Can’t Miss” events.

This past Saturday, the Swanton Lions Club presented the Halloween Hoopla for residents and visitors from all around Northwest Ohio.  The Hoopla has long been the Village of Swanton’s family social event of the Fall season, packing Main Street with bouncy houses, pedal carts, dancers and, of course, children, as well as adults, dressed for the festive occasion. 

On this beautiful afternoon, everyone was treated to free hot dogs from Benfield Wines, doughnuts and cider from the Swanton Fire and Rescue Department, popcorn from the Lions Club, and candy from the many downtown businesses that lined up on the sidewalks.  You could also step into the Swanton Board of Education building and decorate your own delicious sugar cookies.  Local favorite disc jockey, Vinnie Towell, filled the area with great music and the talented young performers from Julie’s Dance Studio in Bowling Green performed their traditional version of the classic Michael Jackson video “Thriller”.

The Swanton Lions would like to thank all who were involved in creating and organize this great event, including the local businesses, the Swanton Police Department, the Swanton Village Public Works Department and the Village of Swanton Administration.  The Club will now turn their attention to their Giving Tree Program for the upcoming holidays.

Click on the link above to access photos from the Hoopla. Phots 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: Wizard Brandon Walberg, Good Witch Alyssa Walberg, Wicked Witches Lyla and Rene Walberg with Flying Monkey Monique Gombash

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Click on the link above to access photos from the Senior Night celebration. Photos are in the jpeg format to all for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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The Liberty Center Tigers defeated the Archbold Blue Streaks 33-14 on the road to claim their fourth consecutive NWOAL Football title, and, for good measure, their 45^th straight regular season victory.  However, despite the final score, it was not easy as they had to rally from a 14-0 late second quarter deficit and only led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter.

After Blue Streak Ryder Ryan scored on an 85-yard touchdown pass from Maddox Pinter to put Archbold up by 14 points, the Tigers switched their offensive game plan and decided to stay with their strength, running the ball.  Thomas Mohler (155 yards rushing) scored the first of his three touchdowns with under a minute to go in the first half to pull Liberty Center within 14-7 at halftime.  Early in the third quarter, Garrison Kruse (233 yards rushing) broke free for a 90-yard game-tying score, silencing the hometown Archbold crowd.

The Tiger offense did not put the ball in the air the entire second half as their offensive line steamrolled its way up and down the field for the rest of the game.  The Liberty Center defense dominate their side of the ball as well and finished the night’s scoring with a 2-point safety in the Archbold end zone.

The last time the Tigers lost a regular season game was in September of 2021, 41-7 to these same Blue Streaks.  In that year’s state playoffs, however, Liberty Center was able to extract a measure of revenge by defeating Archbold 38-35 on a last second field goal.

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 and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Garrison Kruse ran for 233 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown.