Locked in a tight 1-1 defensive battle entering the bottom of the fourth, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs exploded for nine runs in the inning and went on to run-rule the Northwood Lady Rangers 15-5 in six innings at Swanton’s Memorial Park. Carli LaGrange powered the offense with two home runs and six RBIs and Beyla Remer went the distance in the circle, giving up just three earned runs on eight hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
The rest of the hit parade looked like this: Lacey Shinaver (1 for 5, 1R), Beyla Remer (3 for 5, 1R, 2RBI), Alexa Faber (2 for 2, 3R), Cara Ludlow (1 for 5, 1RBI), Carli LaGrange (4 for 4, 2R, 6RBI), Jordan Ramirez (2 of 4, 1R, 1RBI), Adriana Elliot (2 for 4, 2R, 1RBI), Gabbie Orner (1 for 3, 2R), Myla Goins (1R)
Swanton moves to 3-6 on the season and will play Toledo St. Ursula on Thursday.
Northwood Lady Rangers: 5 – 8 – 2
Swanton Lady Bulldogs: 15-18-2
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.
Photo: Carli LaGrange is greeted at home by her teammates after hitting the first of her two home runs
After taking the second half title with a record of 23-5, Team Miracola defeated the first half winners, the Dry Humpers in a one-game roll-off to capture the Swanton Sports Center’s Saturday Night 16-Team Mixed League Championship. In winning the title, Miracola gained a little revenge on the Humpers who won the first half title with a 22-6 record, beating out Miracola’s 19-9 mark.
Team Miracola game averages on the season were: Alex Gigax (192), Thomas Miracola (151), Dave Mattin (129) and Ashley Borck (127). The Dry Humpers’ game averages were: Chuck Iwinski (187), Lauren Iwinski (131), Clint Poca (122) and Carisca Poca (94).
The combined finishes and records of all 16 teams are as follows:
Individual High Averages: Men – Jerry Donaldson (208.95) Women – Brenda Donaldson (155.00)
Scratch Series: Men – Ron Leonard (718), John Lauch (714), Brad Wolfe (683) Women: Brandy Rhodes (526), Sandy Wanless (506), Patricia Quinto (488)
Scratch Game: Men – Ricky Bunting (280), Roger Frederick (257), John Hart (246) Women: Norma Leonard (210), Tammy Frederick (205), Joy Wilson (187), Lauren Iwinski (187)
Photo #1: Team Maricola – Ashley Borck, Tom Miracola, Alex Gigax, Dave Mattin
This weekend, including tonight, Evergreen High School will be presenting the award-winning musical “She Loves Me.” The romantic comedy, adapted from a play in 1937, hit Broadway in 1963 and London in 1964. The show went on to produce several revivals over the years, including on Broadway in 1993. Together, the two Broadway versions were nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won twice.
The plot has two protagonists who know each other, but are, unknowingly and secretly, communicating with each other and only discover this fact towards the end of the show. This production has a sort of “You’ve Got Mail” vibe to it and the very talented cast does a tremendous job bringing it to the audience. You do not want to miss it.
Performances will held in the Evergreen Middle School gym on Friday, April 4th at 7:00PM, Saturday, April 5th at 11:00AM and Sunday, April 6th at 2:00PM.
Click on the link above to access photos from the musical. Photos are in the jpeg format tp allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Bowling in the Wednesday Night Tournament League at the Swanton Sports Center, Jerry Donaldson of Delta threw a perfect 300 game to start off the night. It was the 7th 300 game of his career. He followed that up with a 232 and a 248 for an amazing 780 series to lead all bowlers. Jerry serves as the girls bowling coach for the Delta Lady Panthers and is also the owner of Jerry’s Pro Shop inside the Sports Center. Congratulation, Jerry!
For his entire multi-sport athletic career within the Swanton Local School District, Benjamin (Ben) Tufts has heard the chant of “Go Bulldogs” from fans when getting ready to compete against other schools. Yesterday, in front of family, friends and teammates, he signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and football career with Adrian College, ensuring for the foreseeable future, he will be hearing that familiar chant as a member of the Adrian Bulldogs football program.
Given his size, Ben has spent most of his time on the football field as an offensive and/or defensive lineman. Over the years, his talent and abilities as an offensive center stood out, especially his skill as a long snapper, the position responsible for hiking the ball back to the holder on place kicks or, even further, back to the punter. It was a capability that put him on the radar of several local colleges.
“It’s a great community around there. I’ve been around those parts a lot and it’s a great city and Adrian College has a great football program,” said Ben explaining his school decision. “They have very good academics and there are a lot of good coaches there willing to help you develop. I’m going there specifically to play center and be a long snapper. And I wanted to stay a Bulldog.”
Ben also understands the challenges he will be up against as an incoming freshman. “They told me there’s a very low chance of starting your first year but they also said, ‘We will develop you.’ They were really honest about it,” he added.
One advantage Ben had growing up and playing football was the input from his father Kevin, who was an outstanding football player in high school and served as one of Ben’s coaches in middle school and high school. “Working hard and never giving up and just his love of the game,” listed Kevin as some of the attributes that brought Ben to this moment. “It kept him going and trying to get better every day.”
Ben will also be challenged in the classroom as he has decided to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Click on the link above to access photos from the signing and a few from Ben’s multi-sport high school career. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Ben signs with his father Kevin, mother Renee and Swanton assistant football coach, Dean Ball
Charlie Wood, the towering center of the Swanton Bulldogs basketball team, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and basketball career at Lourdes University in Sylvania. Recently named to the DIII All-Ohio boys’ basketball Second Team, Charlie was also selected, for the second time in his career, to the NWOAL First Team this past season.
“What sealed the deal for me was meeting with the coaches. They’re really great guys and they really care about the character of the players and not just the skill. They’re willing to develop you as a player and make you better,” explained Charlie about his college choice. He also appreciates the fact that the school is so close that family and friends will be able to watch him play.
Charlie’s maturation as a high school basketball player came under the tutelage of Coach Bruce Smith, who was recently named to the Northwest Ohio District VII Basketball Coaches Association. “I tell people all the time that if you had seen that kid as a 7th or 8th grader when he grew a lot early which meant he was a little awkward on the court. But he has worked so hard and if you compare that kid to this kid today, it’s literally a night and day difference,” said Coach Smith. “He’s spent the last two years getting double and triple-teamed and he’s earned everything that he got and I’m really proud of him. He has great heart and is an incredibly hard worker.”
In the classroom, Charlie will be working towards a degree in business, although no specific area right now.
Click on the link above to access photos from the signing and a few from Charlie’s career. Phots are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Charlie Woods with his mother Inga and father Tom
Just 16 hours after the Swanton baseball team’s flight landed in Toledo, returning from their Spring (Training) Break in Cocoa Beach, Florida, the Bulldogs were back on the diamond in Holland to face the Springfield Blue Devils to start the 2025 season. Showing no sign of fatigue from the trip back, Swanton jumped on the Blue Devils for two runs in each of the first two innings and went on to defeat the Blue Devils 8-5.
Adam Lemon with two doubles and three RBIs and Carson Lemons with a triple, a single and three runs scored, powered the offense for the Bulldogs. Drake Harris had one hit, one RBI and two runs scored while Luke Marlow and Evan Smigelski each collected a hit. Marlow started on the mound for Swanton and gave up seven hits and four runs, only one earned, with no walks and five strikeouts in four innings to get credit for the win. Brady O’Shea pitched the fifth and sixth inning for the Bulldogs, surrendering one run on one hit with three walks and two strikeouts. Carson Bond pitched the final inning, walking one and striking out the side to pick up the save.
The Bulldogs play tomorrow, Monday, at home against the Evergreen Vikings. First pitch is 5:00 PM.
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.
For 21 years, up until January of 2024, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) was led by Neil Toeppe, who also began serving his community as the Mayor of Swanton in January of 2020. When Mr. Toeppe assumed the role of SACC Executive Director, the organization was on the verge of financial collapse. Under his guidance and tireless efforts, SACC grew the overall membership, created several non-dues revenue generating events, added a number of membership benefits and brought the Swanton Chamber back to financial solvency.
When Neil decided to retire from the Chamber to focus more on his position as Swanton Mayor, there was a great deal of trepidation among the board members over finding a replacement who, hopefully, could step in and build on the accomplishments and advances realized during Neil’s successful tenure. Several worthy applicants were interviewed and the SACC Board of Directors hired Delray Busch, a wife and mother of three living in Swancreek Township who presented a stellar resume. Delray, originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, holds a degree in Marketing and Business Law from the University of Toledo and has extensive experience in the corporate and non-profit sector world and currently runs her own business, Delray Busch Social Media and Marketing, LLC. She has now been on the job for 15 months and has received high praise from not only the Chamber Board but from the Swanton business community and Mayor Toeppe as well.
“When I saw the job posted I thought it was perfect. Owning my own small business, I saw the need for stronger networking and I thought, not being a native Swantonian, the best way to show my commitment to this community, raising my children here, living here, thriving here, was to find a position just like this one. I interviewed and thought instantly it would be something I would love to do and love to be a part of,” explained Delray.
Once seated in the Executive Director’s chair, Delray immediately began to see where improvements could be made in terms of technology, cost cutting measures and Chamber outreach methods among others. “There have been a lot of changes which I know are hard for some people. I like to say ‘growing pains’ because we’ve grown the number of events we do, number of networking events, number of relationships and the number of members. So, I’m happy for that,” she said.
The biggest change may have been the selling of the Chamber Building on the corner of Main Street and Zeiter Way which was purchased in 1978. The sale has provided the Swanton Chamber with a solid financial foundation which will carry it into the future. Monthly Chamber meetings are now held in a conference room in the Swanton Public Library and Delray’s office is now wherever she sets her laptop. “That is very much the 2025 way,” she declared.
As with any new job, there are challenges, some foreseen an some not. “This is one of those jobs that require a lot of creativity. You can’t just do the same event every month and think you’re going to get the same results. Networking is extremely tricky, especially post-COVID. People are not attending events like they once were and they are very protective of their time,” said Delray. One new event is the Chamber Block Party, established by working with the Village Administration, held monthly in the summer which draws hundreds to the Downtown Swanton DORA. Another is the very popular monthly ‘Coffee & Conversation’ get togethers at CK Sweets.
The Chamber growth has been remarkable. In her relatively short tenure, the Chamber has added 42 members to reach the 120 mark. Delray has added online components to the Chamber’s marketing strategy beyond mailers and occasional Facebook posts. “We’re really pushing what our members are doing, what we’re doing and how they can get involved,” she said. Of course, we care about our Swanton members but we also have members that may be in surrounding communities but have connections to Swanton. We have grown by connecting with neighboring Chambers and economic development organizations. We’re stronger when we’re not competing but we’re joining forces to help area businesses.”
Working with Delray to bring the Chamber to this point has been Mr. Toeppe. “One of the things that Neil did for me early on was introduce me to some of the key players in Swanton. And for that I’m so grateful,” she remarked. “It was easy to come in and be welcomed. He has embraced the changes with open arms. He often comes to our events and I love talking with Neil. I always learn so much when we talk.”
Since moving to the Swanton area from Toledo four years ago with her husband Tracy and daughters Corrigan (10) and Selah (8) and son Truman (5), Delray has completely immersed herself in the community with her involvement with Swanton Schools, her business and most recently her position with the Chamber. As much as she has already accomplished, she views all aspects of her job as a work in progress. Stay tuned.
You can contact the Swanton Chamber by visiting their website at swantonohiochamber.com or email at swantoncc@gmail.com or call 419-826-1941 or checkout their Facebook page.
Photo: Delray Busch – Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
On Sunday morning, 30 of the Toledo area’s top Senior (50 years or older) bowlers gathered at the Swanton Sports Center to compete in the 2025 Toledo Bowling Association’s USBC Senior Masters Bowling Tournament. The scratch competition was tough with 22 of the bowlers averaging a score 200 or more for five games to determine the top four placers who would face off in a step-ladder format to crown a champion. The top four finishers were Chuck Reynolds Jr. (1135/227.0), Jeff Benz (1131/226.2), Jeff Piekarzewski (1130/226.0), Van Husted (1103/220.6).
In the first game of the championship round, Piekarzewski defeated Husted 247-189. In the second game, Benz beat Piekarzewski 192-180. In the championship match, Reynolds strung together seven consecutive strikes after an open first frame and went on to claim the title over Benz by a score of 235-207.
Click on the link above to access photos from the tournament. Photos mare in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Top for finishers (L to R) – Chuck Reynolds (Champion), Jeff Benz (2nd), Jeff Piekarzewski (3rd), Van Husted (4th)
Swanton, OH – The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO, Swanton’s newest food truck, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening on Friday, April 4, at 6:00 PM outside Benfield Wines (102 N. Main St, Swanton). They will be open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm that evening to celebrate.
Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO is owned and operated by Tara and Matthew Shaver, already successful local small business owners who consistently give back to the community. Their newest venture brings a delicious menu of gourmet hotdogs, smash burgers, hand-dipped corn dogs, onion rings, and more to Swanton and beyond. Attendees will have the first chance to experience their mouthwatering lineup while celebrating this exciting addition to the local food scene.
“We love seeing new businesses thrive in Swanton, and we’re thrilled to help kick off Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO’s journey,” said Delray Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Shaver family has a strong history of supporting the Swanton community, and we’re excited to see their newest business hit the road.”
Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO is already booking for Summer 2025 and is available for a variety of events, including graduation parties, weddings, community festivals, and school functions. Join us in supporting local business and celebrating this exciting launch! For event bookings and more information, visit their Facebook page: Hot Dogs 2 Go-NWO.
For media inquiries, please contact: Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce Phone: 419-826-1941 Email: swantoncc@gmail.com
Fulton County Ohio Media 