Wauseon senior guard Tyson Rodriguez drained four three-point shots in the second quarter, helping the Indians overcome an early 10-point deficit and eventually beat the Swanton Bulldogs 47-35 in Swanton’s Kevin J. McQuade Gymnasium on Friday night in an NWOAL contest. The Bulldogs, on the strength of long-range shots of their own, held a 19-9 advantage before Rodriguez caught fire and staked the Indians to 26-25 halftime lead. Swanton’s outside shooting cooled in the second half, allowing Wauseon to extend their lead to 11 points, 42-31, entering the fourth quarter. The Indians’ lead held steady throughout the final frame as the Bulldogs never really threatened again. Rodriguez led Wauseon with 19 points and Charlie Wood topped all players with 20 points.
Wauseon picks up their second NWOAL win against no losses and moves to 7-4 overall. They travel to Sylvania Southview on Tuesday, January 23rd to take on the Cougars. Swanton suffers their first league loss to fall to 1-1 and 5-8 on the season. They will play next away against the Fayette Eagles, also on Tuesday, January 23rd.
Swanton Bulldogs: 17-8-6-4 = 35 Charlie Wood (20), Logan Young (7), Brady O’Shea (3), Evan Reinhard (3), Kaden Nofziger (2)
Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to all for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Tyson Rodriguez eyes the rim on a foul shot
Evergreen sophomore Xaviar Robinette rolled games of 232 and 196 for a 428 series as the Vikings topped the Swanton Bulldogs 2209-1987 on Friday at the Swanton Sports Center. Makayla McKenzie fired a 229 in support of the win. Swanton junior Conner Williams shot a 455 series for the Bulldogs, including a match-high 256 game.
Swanton Bulldogs: Conner Williams (196 + 259 = 455), Matthew Chovan (163 + 137 = 300), Conor Yates (178 + 111 = 289), Emma Leonard (111 + 148 = 259), Elias Eaton (142), Madison Roytek (112), Baker Games (149 + 111 + 170 = 430) Total = 1987
Evergreen Vikings: Xaviar Robinette (232 + 196 = 428), Makayla McKenzie (229 + 169 = 398), Michael Laver (167 + 177 = 344), Thomas Baker (150), Trevor Johnson (146), Cohen Myers (137), Isaac Hansel (121), Baker Games (160 + 183 + 142 = 485) Total = 2209
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.
After spending a good portion of the first half on the bench in foul trouble, Liberty Center’s Emerson Gray caught fire after halftime, scoring 20 of her game-high 21 points to lead her Lady Tigers to a 47-32 victory over the Archbold Lady Blue Streaks on Thursday night in the Thunderdome. Playing an aggressive and physical defense, the Tigers were whistled for four fouls in the first 1:45, totaled eight fouls for the quarter and found themselves down 10-7 after one.
With Gray on the bench, Liberty Center eased up on the defensive pressure and was able generate more offense, out scoring the Streaks 13-4 in the second quarter to take a 20-14 lead into the locker room. The second half saw Gray take over the offense, scoring seven points in the third then icing the game in the fourth quarter with 13 more points, including three straight baskets from beyond the arc.
With the loss, Archbold’s record moves to 7-8 overall and 0-2 in the NWOAL. Their next league game is Thursday, January 25th in Delta against the Lady Panthers. Liberty Center improves to 11-1 on the season and 2-0 in the league. They will travel to Swanton next Thursday to take on the Lady Bulldogs.
Liberty Center: 7-13-11-16 = 47 Emerson Gray (21), Bea Barret (11), Kailey Blanton (8), Eliza Jones (5), Elle Mohler (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 thefultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Emerson Gray shoots over the Archbold defense
On January 18th, 2020, Swanton resident and Ohio Air National Guard (180th TFW) Master Sergeant Cat Kania, realized a life-long dream of owning her own business when she and her husband, fellow Ohio Air National Guard (180th TFW) Master Sergeant Derek, opened CK Sweets Coffee & Bake Shop at 95 S. Main Street in Swanton. It was an exciting time for the Kanias and for the Village of Swanton as well with so many area residents wishing for just that type of establishment to come to town.
It was also, for the Kanias, a time of apprehension, as any new business owner can attest, hoping and praying for the best but not knowing what the future would bring. Customers welcomed the new business with open arms and open wallets for the first two months and then, the world and the global economy was hit with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Governor Mike DeWine virtually shut down the State of Ohio on the 15th of March and Cat was devastated, left wondering if her dream would be able to survive.
“I didn’t really think about the future. I just thought about getting through the first year,” said Cat reflecting back on those early days. “When we opened, COVID hit two months later and it was absolutely terrifying. We didn’t even know if we were going to make it through the first year, but the community rallied around us and supported us and got us through it. It was tough, but we made it through. We’re doing well today and it’s the community that’s keeping us here.”
In addition to local tax revenue, CK Sweets has brought jobs for Swanton’s young work force. Cat gives a lot of credit to the many hard-working employees that have helped her stay in business. “We have a really great team,” she said. “Honestly, the high school students we’ve hired have been the hardest workers that I’ve ever worked with. They’re very focused and very dedicated and the bust their butts here and I appreciate them very much.” That is very high praise coming from someone who once served with the American armed forces in Iraq.
What also keeps the business running are the many delicious and mouth-watering offerings you will find when you walk through the doors and the fact that Cat listens to her customers to keep them coming back. “We’ve adapted and changed our menu based on what some of our customers have asked for. We try and keep things fresh by revolving menus for different seasons and different times of year just so we can stay relevant and stay on top of trends,” Cat explained. “We try and expand and not just have your basic coffee and doughnuts. We have muffins going, cookies, cupcakes, custom items, frozen drinks, lotus energy drinks. We have a lot of variety,” she added.
With four years now behind her, Cat still has her thoughts on the future. “We definitely want to stay local. We’ve talked about expanding and going elsewhere, maybe into a little bit bigger of a building. But honestly, we don’t want to leave the community of Swanton,” she said. “We don’t want to leave this location, it’s a great location. It’s within walking distance from the schools for the students. We love being somewhere they look forward coming to after school and hanging out or doing homework. And teachers being able to have meetings here or staffs being able to have meetings here. We’re definitely staying.”
Another reason for Cat to be excited and optimistic about the future is the ongoing economic rejuvenation of the Downtown Swanton area of which CK Sweets is now an integral part. “Having new businesses come and people actually looking to come to Main Street, it’s something we look forward to, when a new business opens and trying to help them navigate opening a new business. It can be terrifying,” she said with a laugh.
Fortunately, for Cat and any potentially new or existing Swanton business, help can be found through the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce or through a business-friendly Village of Swanton Administration and Village Council.
Photo: Cat Kania and her Assistant Manager Rayna Schmidt
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.
Fulton County Ohio Media 