Fulton County Ohio Media

https://photos.app.goo.gl/X64WGaHX5UvXjUzBA

The Village of Swanton observed Memorial Day this morning with a parade and a ceremony organized by the Murbach-Seifert Post #479 of the American Legion in Swanton.  Ohio State Representative James M. Hoops of District 81 was the featured speaker.  Before Mr. Hoops spoke, Swanton Legion Commander John Schmidt addressed the crowd which had gathered at the end of the parade route, in Memorial Park in front of the Doughboy Statue.  Below are some experts from Commander Schmidt’s speech:

Today, we honor the more than one million men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation while serving in wars and missions since the American Revolution.  As proud Americans, we should all remember that our freedom is not free.  It is only possible because heroes, some from our own families or neighborhoods, have paid the highest price.  It’s that price which enables us to have ceremonies and observances like this in towns across this great country.

In the American Legion Preamble, we pledge to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.  We do this not to pat ourselves on the back or impress people with stories of our own military service.  We know what we did.  But we are also witnesses.  Veterans have seen heroism in its purest form.  Veterans served alongside the very men and women that we remember today.

One such witness was Lou Conter.  On April 1^st, 2024, Lou passed away at the age of 102.  He was the last survivor of the USS Arizona.  During Pearl Harbor observances in 2020, Lou said to the American Legion, “We’re not the heroes.  The 1,177 who went down with the ship are the heroes.  You have to remember we got to go home, get married, have children and grandchildren, and we lived a good life.  Those who didn’t get to do that should be call the heroes.”

Lou’s sentiment was undoubtedly influenced by his own humility, for he did serve heroically throughout his 26-year Navy career.  But his larger point must also be remembered.  We are able to raise families, continue careers and live good lives because of the sacrifices made by young men and women who never came home.

We must always remember them.  May they all rest in peace.  Thank you for being here.  God Bless Us All.  And God Bless these United States of America.

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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6sm2xxZixuCkrS5N6

Yesterday afternoon, blessed with near-perfect weather, the Murbach-Seifert Post #479 of the American Legion in Swanton, celebrated the 100^th anniversary of its founding in 1924.  The American Legion was established in March 1919 at Paris, France, by officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.). In September 1919, it was chartered by the United States Congress.  The Swanton American Legion was established approximately four years later.

The committee tasked with organizing the event put on a great celebration that included the Color Guard of the 180^th Tactical Fighter Wing presenting the colors as Melissa Geckler performed a stirring rendition of our National Anthem.  There were speeches by Legion Commander John Schmidt, Swanton Mayor and Air Force veteran Neil Toeppe and Ohio State Representative (81^st District) James Hoops. The traveling display of Wreaths Across America was on hand as were several food trucks, bouncy houses, and displays from the Flag City Honor Flight, Fulton County Veterans, HOOVES Ponies and a demonstration from the Springfield High School Junior ROTC Drill Team.

Among the many attendees, the most special was United States Navy veteran of 31 years and Swanton resident Billy Chinnis, who served America during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  Billy, at the age of 101, actually outdates the Swanton Legion and will turn 102 on the 19^th of September.

Mayor Toeppe read a proclamation from the Village of Swanton honoring Post #479 for its years of service to the community.  Prior to the proclamation, Commander Schmidt welcomed everyone to the event and gave his speech as follows:

Today we celebrate the 100^th birthday of the Murbach-Seifert Post #479 of the American Legion.  More than 100 years ago, Dr. Louie Cosgrove and 15 other World War I veterans from Swanton, gathered together and formed a local organization based on the Four Pillars of the newly Congressionally chartered American Legion: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children and Youth.  Their Mission: To support veterans, active-duty sailors, soldiers and marines and their families; promote patriotism and good citizenship and foster peace and security.

Four years later, the reason for the time span is not known, the Murbach-Seifert Post was chartered as an official Post of the American in the Department of Ohio.  The Auxiliary Unit 479 was actually chartered a few months before the Legion Post.

Over time, the American Legion family grew to include the Sons of the American Legion and, much later, the American Legion Riders.  Over the years, our Post has suffered some setbacks, such as a fire that destroyed the building, to a pending sale of the property as Post 479 languished dur to falling membership numbers and economic hard times.  But through it all, the mission continued, and so did the dedication of the members to the Four Pillars.

And so today, our Legion family begins the next century of service to veterans, active-duty military and their families, and children and youth.  After all, we are “Veterans Strengthening America.”

I want to thank the people involved in putting this celebration together, the committee that worked for a year to make this birthday party an event to remember for the next 100 years.

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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe delivers a proclamation with Legion Commander John Schmidt behind.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LRBG6LBgRipWUF6v5

Yesterday afternoon, between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, Zeiter Way between Main Street and Lincoln Street, was filled with craft booths, food trucks and people as the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) jump started the unofficial summer season with Maker Market and Block Party celebration.  It was the year’s first event held within the confines of Swanton’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) that did not include a total solar eclipse.

With a lot of the street seating area taken by the craft sellers, the recently remodeled South side of the Benfield Wines building, provided more than enough seating capacity to allow attendees to enjoy their food and drinks as well as the live music on a warm Spring early evening.

At his time, there are three Block Parties, minus the craft booths, scheduled for the downtown DORA.  The dates are June 8^th, July 13^th and August 3^rd.  Last year these parties proved to be immensely popular with each party being more heavily attended than the previous one.  Mark your calendars.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RgTshraro4pYxs5L8

In January of this year, after more than two decades of dedicated service, Neil Toeppe stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC).  Earlier in his time with the organization, he simultaneously filled the same role with the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce and, for the past four plus years, he has served as mayor of the Village of Swanton.  With Neil’s help and guidance, his position was posted and subsequently led to the hiring of Delray Busch by the SACC Board of Directors.  Delray, a Swanton resident, married with three young children, came to the Chamber with a strong background in marketing and is a small business owner specializing in website creation and management.

On May 14^th, the Swanton Chamber held its Annual Luncheon at one of the top wedding and event venues in Northwest Ohio, Birchwood Meadow with Delray at the helm for the first time.  Below are excerpts from her speech to those in attendance.

Welcome to the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting. Thank you for being here!

Before we get into the agenda, I would like to take a moment to introduce our board members who play a vital role in guiding the chamber’s decisions:

• Julia Benfield, Benfield Wines
• Bill O’Connell, Swanton Sports Center
• Bill Bohney, F&M Bank
• DaNetra Smith, Level Fitness
• Shelly Keifer, First Federal of Delta
• Eric Fessenden, Fessenden Hardware
• Seth Thomas, Thomas Construction
• Sheena Baker, Oncore Brewing
• Rick Lederman, Soaring Software Solutions

I’d like to extend a special thank you to Julia Benfield for her years of dedicated service as a board member. Julia has brought invaluable insight, leadership, and dedication to our chamber, and we are immensely grateful for her contributions to Swanton. Please join me in expressing our gratitude for her outstanding service.

As we bid farewell to Julia, we also have the opportunity to welcome a new addition to our board. I’d like to take a moment to formally go into a chamber meeting to vote on the appointment of Robert Benfield, who Julia might actually know, as a new board member. Robert is a veteran, known locally as the “wine guy”, seems to be able to fix basically anything, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, and we believe he will make a valuable addition to the board. All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand.

Thank you. With unanimous support, I’m pleased to welcome Robert Benfield to the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our event sponsors who have generously supported us today. A special thank you to the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, Birchwood Meadow for graciously allowing us to utilize their beautiful venue, and Mailpouch Saloon and Pizzaroma who I unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to add to the program as it was a last-minute addition on my part, for providing us with a delicious meal.

As we reflect on the past year, we cannot overlook the significant changes and milestones we have experienced. In January, Neil retired from his role as President/CEO of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce, and we proceed further, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge Neil for his remarkable 21 years of service to the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. Neil’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to Swanton have been instrumental in shaping the chamber and the village into what it is today. Please, everyone, take a moment to give him a round of applause for his outstanding contributions.

I’m excited to announce that we have re-established a financial partnership with the Village of Swanton. Since January, we have welcomed 25 new members to the chamber, a testament to our growing influence in the community. While we’ve made the difficult decision to discontinue the Swanton Juried Art Show at Valleywood, we are excited to unveil plans for a new, vibrant art festival with the hope of launching in the summer of 2025. This aims to celebrate the arts while fostering community spirit, providing even greater opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce the inaugural 2024 Business Expo & Market presented by F&M Bank! It is my goal to remind our community of the many amazing businesses right here in Swanton. Registration has now opened, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.

As part of our ongoing efforts to allocate resources effectively in a post-Covid world, the Chamber has decided to sell the chamber building. With just one part-time staff member and numerous fantastic restaurants, community organizations, and alternative meeting venues available, the board collectively decided to make this strategic move in March. After the sale of the building, we will continue to meet monthly at the Swanton Public Library board room. This will save the chamber over $5,000.00 a year. Before you ask, we have an offer and we are excited to announce more information soon and you all will be among the first to know.

In the last 5 months, we’ve undergone a transformative period:

• We’ve unveiled fresh new branding and logo
• Our updated website and database system have enhanced our digital presence
• Through cost-cutting measures, we’ve managed to save over $5,500.00 annually, with further potential savings expected from the future sale of the building.
• We’ve expanded our social media presence, now active on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram, reaching broader audiences and engaging with our community on multiple platforms.
• We have welcomed 25 new members since January
• We have hosted six Ribbon Cuttings
• Our Solar Eclipse Block Party was just one highlight among several successful block parties over the summer
• Coffee & Conversations Events have provided valuable networking opportunities for our members, with an average of 16 area business leaders meeting monthly.
• Planning our first Fall Business Expo & Market on November 2, we’re poised to create new avenues for business growth and development.

Thank you all for your support and commitment to the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. As always, I am an email or phone call away and love learning about each and every one of your businesses. Please never hesitate to contact me. Here’s to another successful year ahead.

Introduction: I’m honored to introduce our keynote speaker, the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority. Established in 1955, it’s been a cornerstone of economic development in our region for nearly 70 years. The Port Authority’s mission is clear: to drive growth and prosperity by developing transportation and logistics infrastructure. Through innovative finance programs, they’ve facilitated over 600 projects, generating 20,000 jobs and attracting $2.0 billion in investments. Please welcome the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority.

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 for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Delray Busch, President/CEO Swanton Area of Commerce

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z9FhDvVcbjkq79zC6

In the final game of the season, Swanton Bulldog ace, Adam Lemon, shut down the Northwood Rangers, allowing no runs on two hits, one walk and an incredible 17 strikeouts in a 4-0 complete game victory in 87+-degree temperatures yesterday afternoon at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo.  Playing as the “Home” team on the jumbo scoreboard in the pristine stadium of the Toledo Mud Hens, the Bulldogs scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning without the benefit of a hit.

Isaiha Bolyard reached on an error by Ranger third baseman Kyle Lewandowski, stole second and came home on another throwing error that also put Brady O’Shea on the basepaths.  O’Shea scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly to right field by Drake Harris to give Lemon all the help he needed.  Swanton scored twice more in the sixth inning on singles by Trent Eitniear and Carson Lemons and two more errors by the Northwood defense.

“It’s fun.  It’s fun to embrace it all.  I really enjoyed it” said Lemon commenting on being able to pitch on the same mound as professional baseball players, many of who went on to pitch in the Majors.  He also thanked his defense which played an errorless game with the few chances they were given.  With the 17 strikeouts, Lemon bested his career high of nine and was just one short of the school record of 18, needing approximately 90 pitches

“It’s always great to play here,” said Swanton Head Coach and 2024 NWOAL Coach of the Year, Josh Siewert although he was hoping for more offensive production given how well his Bulldogs hit the ball.  “A ‘W’ is a ‘W’.  That’s what I always tell the kids.  Northwood played really good defense.  I tip my hat to them.  They played really well.  They kept us in check so we had to squeak a couple out.”

Coach Siewert was just mildly surprised at the effort of his star pitcher.  “Great day on the mound.  He went home sick from practice yesterday so we weren’t even sure he was going to play today.  He wasn’t 100%.” 

The Bulldogs ended the season with an overall record of 12-9.  They finished in a tie for second place in the NWOAL with the Bryan Golden Bears at 5-2, one game behind the 6-1 Archbold Blue Streaks.

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.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oNu1KAPAiVrG43Hn7

The OHSAA DIII Softball District Semi-Final game held last night at Springfield High School between the fifth-seeded Swanton Lady Bulldogs (14-10) and the First-Seeded Tinora Lady Rams (20-3) matched one fireball pitcher against another and played out almost exactly as you would expect.  Swanton’s Taylor Forrest surrendered three hits and one earned run while striking out 10 batters, while Tinora’s Scylea Zolman gave up only two hits and zero runs and striking out nine hitters in the Lady Rams’ 2-0 victory.  The real difference in the game was a solo home run by Tinora’s Paige Gamby leading off the bottom of the second inning. 

“We did about as well as we could.  We hung right with them as a #5 Seed.  They’re a great team,” said Swanton head coach Lauren Yoder.  “But we’re also a great team.”  Swanton’s best opportunity to score came in the top of the third when they loaded the bases with two outs but could not bring home what would have been the tying run at that point.  “We had the heart of the order up.  That was our best chance but we just couldn’t get it done,” said Coach Yoder.  In addition to the great pitching, both teams played a tight and excellent defense.

If there was any consolation for Forrest in the loss, it was breaking the school record for strikeouts in a single season about halfway through the contest.  Both pitchers in the game are headed to play at the next level.  Zolman at Tiffin University and Forrest at, ironically, right across town at Heidelberg University. There is a chance they may face each other again. 

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

Photo: Taylor Forrest

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8FfammTuVFy5kfoB6

Alexa Faber went 3 for 3 in four trips to the plate including a walk, a single, a double off the centerfield fence and a home run to left field to help power the Swanton Lady Bulldogs to a 7-3 victory over the Genoa Lady Comets in the DIII Sectional Championship game at Genoa High School Friday night.  Swanton pounded out nine hits, drew two base-on-balls and were aided by a couple of Genoa errors and never trailed in the game after taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Not only did the Bulldogs defeat the higher seeded Comets on their own field but they also were facing one of the best pitchers in Northwest Ohio in Kaylin Shields, Genoa’s all-time career strikeout leader with over 800 Ks and committed to play softball next year at Wheeling University in West Virginia. Shields managed to add eight more strikeouts to her school record but was hit hard overall by the Swanton lineup.

“She did a great job.  She threw hard, she did everything right.  We just came ready to go and really hit the ball,” said Lady Bulldog Head Coach Lauren Yoder explaining her team’s success at the plate against the Genoa ace.  “All the credit to her but we had a really great day today.”

It appeared that the Swanton hitters were not at all intimidated by Shields’ press clippings and a first-inning leadoff double by Payton DeTray helped set the tone and gave her teammates, including Faber, confidence.  “It felt really good.  I wasn’t sure how I was going to be against her but when I saw her, I got really excited,” commented Faber on her performance against Shields.  “She hit one to the moon.  She had a killer day today,” added Coach Yoder.

For the most part, the game was very close.  After the Bulldogs went up 2-0, the Comets scored to pull within one.  Swanton opened their lead to 4-1 with two runs in the third inning only to see Genoa answer with two of their own in the bottom half.  In the top of the fifth, Jordyn Rameriz stroked a clutch two-strike single to right field, giving the Bulldogs a three-run cushion again.  Taylor Forrest shut down the Comets’ bats from there and Faber launched her “moon shot” in the top of the sixth inning for the 7-3 final.

An interesting side story to the game was the pitchers that faced each other, Genoa’s Shields and Swanton’s Forrest. Both pitchers are seniors, both are their school’s career leader in strikeouts and they became friendly over the past few summers competing against each other in travel softball.  “It’s like a travel rivalry.  All good blood, nothing bad,” said Forrest who will be taking her softball talents to Heidelberg University in Tiffin the Fall.  In this game, they both had two hits and drew one walk, basically breaking even in the head-to-head matchup, except for the final score.

Swanton, now with a 13-10 record on the season, moves on to the DIII District Semi-Finals to be played on Wednesday, May 15^th at 6:00 PM at Springfield High School.  Their opponent will be the Tinora Lady Rams, the 2024 Green Meadows Conference Champions, who improved to 20-3 after a 4-0 Sectional win over Archbold..

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: 2024 DIII Softball Sectional Champions

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mt6esyrJn5bRUAGx5

Yesterday morning, in front of family, friends, coaches and teammates, Swanton Lady Bulldog Alexia Ostrander signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her education and soccer career at Lourdes University in Sylvania.  Alexia, a multi-sport athlete who also played golf, basketball and softball, spent her last two years of high school at Swanton after two years at St. Ursula Academy of Toledo, where she also played varsity soccer.

Lourdes was an easy choice for Alexia after she visited the university.  “Lourdes was my first ever visit and once I stepped on campus, I knew instantly it was going to be my home for the next four years,” shed said.  “When I practiced with the girls, they were so welcoming and had so many kind words to say (about the school).”

In addition to her four years of soccer/football experience in high school, Alexia honed her skills in the “off” season playing for teams in the highly competitive Greater Toledo Football Club (GTFC) based in the Rossford Dome. 

On May 19^th, she will be receiving her high school diploma and will have a short time off before she begins practice with the Lady Grey Wolves.  In the classroom, Alexia plans to major in Criminal Justice.

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

Photo: Alexia signs with parents Brooke Ostrander and Greg DeTray

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FTNg9zjTbipPZ24T8

The Archbold Blue Streaks jumped out to a 5-1 lead after two innings on their way to an easy 16-6 road victory over the Pettisville Blackbirds in a non-league baseball game. 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: Broden Piercefield fires to the plate.