Roof Ohio is a locally owned and operated roofing company. They have been in business since 1997 when they were known as G.A. Wilson Builders and are now known as Roof Ohio to reflect more of what they do, roofing. They serve the Northwest Ohio area and do mainly asphalt shingle roofs.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today to commemorate their new location. As of October 1, 2022 they will be located at 128 E. Airport Highway in Swanton. They can be contacted at 419-865-1799.
Picture: Gene Wilson cuts the ribbon to begin the next chapter for Roof Ohio in servicing customers of Northwest Ohio.
Living to the age of 100 is a remarkable feat enjoyed by less than half of a percent of Americans. Serving your country in three separate wars and still reaching that rare milestone can only be described as miraculous.
With that being said, today, September 19, 2022, is the 100th birthday of 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’s birthday was celebrated this past Saturday at the Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post #479 and attended by family, friends, fellow veterans, local television stations and currently serving Navy personnel.
Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe read a proclamation honoring Billy at the event, one he had read during the Village Council meeting the Monday before.
It read: On September 19, 1922 Billy R. Chinnis was born in Holland, Ohio then graduated from Holland High School in 1940. Upon graduation he joined the Navy in 1942 and spent most of his career at sea and served during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He travelled the world including India, China and Italy. His last two vessels were the USS Toledo and the USS Oklahoma City.
Billy met his wife, Theresa, a U.S. Marine in San Diego in 1952. It was love at first sight. They married shortly thereafter and had three children, two sons and a daughter. They were married for 69 years. Billy retired from the Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class in 1973. The family moved to Swanton in 1986 where he still resides.
The Village of Swanton wishes to honor Billy Chinnis on the occasion of his 100th birthday for his service to our country and the Swanton area by his example, and the indelible impact on the community and its citizens, and the quality of life we enjoy.
On behalf of the Village Council and the People of the Village of Swanton, I, Neil Toeppe, Mayor of Swanton, do hereby honor Mr. Billy Chinnis for his exemplary life well lived and wish him many more.
Also in attendance was Chief Petty Officer (CPO) James Reese who delivered a letter honoring Billy from Admiral Michael M. Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, the highest-ranking military member of the U.S. Navy.
Admiral Gilday wrote, in part: “Dear Mr. Chinnis, on behalf of more than 600,000 sailors and Navy civilians, I want to send my very best to you on the occasion of your 100th birthday. We are grateful for your service in our Navy during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The legacy your generation set is an example for sailors of today to follow. I know your years in the Navy were an inspiration to your family as they embarked on their path in life. Their achievements, as well as those of everyone else you have inspired, are a part of your legacy.”
Adding to the many tributes from fellow Swanton Legionnaires and past Post Commanders was CPO Reese. “I just really appreciate being here. It’s an incredible honor just to able to be in your presence, sir,” said the Chief. One hundred years and your service across three wars. Your generation set the example that my generation and those that follow can only hoped to fill your shoes. You cast a pretty large shadow.”
Speaking to Toledo television station WTOL11, Billy commented on his service. “It’s not for everybody, but for me, I enjoyed it, he said. “And, if you want comradeship, good fellows, get into the service.”
Initial thoughts of holding this highly-deserved celebration came from Swanton Legion Commander Rick Maynhart during a meeting this past February. According to Legion member John Schmidt, who served as the emcee, planning began in earnest about two months ago. The celebration was well organized, heavily attended and will be a lasting tribute to one of America’s and Swanton’s heroes.
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.
Click on the link above to access photos. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for FREE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Wauseon scored two quick touchdowns in the first quarter to take a 14-0 lead over Swanton before the Bulldogs rallied for a touchdown of their own and stiffened their defense as the teams went to halftime with the Indians holding a 14-6 advantage. In the second half, Wauseon was able to reignite their offense to the tune of 21 points while their defense held Swanton scoreless in a 35-6 Indians’ victory. The win moves Wauseon to 1-1 in the NWOAL and 3-2 overall. Swanton drops to 0-2 in the league and 1-4 on the season.
Pictured: Wauseon’s Sam Smith makes a diving catch in the end zone for a touchdown as Swanton’s Ethan Hensley defends,
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 FREE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Click on the link above to access photos from the ceremony. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for FREE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
The Third and Final Reading of an Ordinance designed to allow the formation of an Economic Development Commission (EDC) was unanimously approved at the September 12th Swanton Village Council meeting. and will take effect in approximately 30 days.
The Ordinance read, in part: This new Commission would provide input from all aspects of the Swanton business community and be representative of the business community and residents of the Village of Swanton. The members would provide a sounding board, researching and analyzing issues affecting economic development in the Village.
The duties of the EDC shall include: Make recommendations on matters relating to the improvement of sound economic growth and business development in the Village. Examine opportunities for fostering an attractive climate for businesses within the Village with respect to both existing and potential new business establishments. Recommend additional steps and measures to promote economic growth by retaining businesses and attracting new commerce and industry. Cooperate with Village officials and staff to realize appropriate goals and objectives relating to sound business practices and better employment opportunities.
The Ordinance will take effect in approximately 30 days and members for the Commission will be chosen.
Emerging from a lengthy Executive Session, Council also unanimously approved pay increases for employees of the Village. Mayor Neil Toeppe, addressing the need for the pay raises, issued the following statement:
“As has been common, council authorized hiring three new firefighter/EMTs, contingent on background checks, physicals, and drug screens. The reason that nearly every month we hire new firefighters is because there are a lot of turnovers in the department. Primary among the reasons for the turnover is pay. Often, we get new hires in all departments that get experience here and then move on to departments in Toledo, Lucas and Wood Counties.”
“The Village Administration and Council have been working for several months to try to find a way to slow the turnover. The Village Finance Director and Council took a very serious look at our finances and determined that the Village budget could afford to increase pay to a level that would help us retain our employees. It was determined that our current budget and revenue streams could absorb a 12% increase for most employees and a 6% Increase for others.”
“Currently a firefighter’s base pay is about $15.75 an hour. This is about what some may earn at a fast-food restaurant. A 12% increase will bring that pay to $17.64. While this still does not put us on par with Lucas and Wood County it will help us retain employees and attract others.”
“During this compensation review Council clearly wanted to be assured that this pay increase could be absorbed within our current financial situation. But like everyone else, we are seeing our costs increase for everything and we are working very hard to operate within current financial constraints.”
Pictured: Swanton Village Council Meeting as seated L to R: Councilman Derek Kania, Councilman Dave Pilliod, Councilwoman Diane Westhoven, Administrator Shannon Shulters, Mayor Neil Toeppe, Finance Director Jason Vasko, Councilwoman Sam Disbrow, Councilman Mikey Disbrow, Councilman Patrick Messenger
The Evergreen Vikings took a 2-0 advantage into the locker room at halftime and held on to beat the Wauseon Indians 2-1 in a key home NWOAL match. Viking Tyson Woodring, with an assist from Nick Rosinski, scored early in the game to put his team up 1-0 and later in the first half, a Wauseon defender inadvertently headed the ball into his own net for what would turn out to be the winning goal. The Indians finally scored with under four minutes remaining in the contest but could not find the offense to pull even.
The victory, Evergreen’s eighth straight, moves their record to 2-0 in the league and 9-1 over all. Wauseon falls to 1-3 in the NWOAL and 4-3-1 overall. The Indians host Ottoville this Saturday and the Vikings entertain Bryan next Thursday.
Pictured: Tyson Woodring attacks the Wauseon net with Beau Reeder defending
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 FREE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
The Swanton Lady Bulldogs continued their torrid pace this season with a 3-0 sweep (25-17, 25-12, 25-21) of the Wauseon Lady Indians at home to move to 12-0 (3-0 League) in matches on the year and 35-1 in games. Wauseon drops to 2-2 in the NWOAL and 4-7 overall.
The Lady Bulldogs face their toughest challenge of the season tomorrow night at home when they host the Fairview Apaches starting at 7:00 PM. The Lady Indians travel to West Unity tomorrow night to take on the Hilltop Lady Cadets beginning at 5:30 PM.
Pictured: Swanton’s Maddie Smith and Wauseon’s Jocelynne St. John-Fisher battle at the net.
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 FREE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
At the September 12th Swanton Village Council meeting, a proclamation was read and signed by Mayor Neil Toeppe giving special recognition to three members of the Swanton Fire and Rescue Department for their recent life-saving performance while on duty. The proclamation read as follows:
On August 22, 2022, the Swanton Fire & Rescue Team consisting of Paramedic Nicholas Rohrs, Firefighter/EMT Colin Fessenden, and EMT Jillian Bozarth, responded to a full arrest call on 401 W. Airport Highway. These men and this woman operated seamlessly to provide excellent patient care.
A Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) was achieved on the scene and again in-route to the hospital. Excellent Basis Life Support (BLS) set this patient up to receive Advanced Life Support (ALS) care. The patient was delivered to St. Luke’s with a pulse and began to breath on his own after being clinically dead upon arrival.
The Village of Swanton recognizes these men and this woman for their immediate actions and sound judgment while performing an emergency life-saving procedure to another. Working in the field of Public Safety can often be a thankless job, however, we are appreciative and thankful for our Swanton Fire & Rescue Department. The sacrifices they make as employees and their families make as well, will never go unnoticed.
Pictured (L to R): Nicholas Rohrs, Jillian Bozarth, Colin Fessenden
Swanton Ohio Historical Society Participates in Ohio Open Doors
Swanton, Ohio: Swanton Ohio Historical Society will take part in Ohio Open Doors Sept. 9–18.
Discover Ohio’s amazing heritage Fri., Sept. 9 through Sun., Sept. 18, as historic buildings and landmarks across our state open their doors virtually for online tours and events during the statewide Ohio History Connection event Ohio Open Doors. Explore fascinating places that reflect Ohio’s rich heritage.
All Ohio Open Doors events are free and available online.
This year, Ohio’s historic places will share their stories virtually, with a full listing of events and activities available at ohiohistory.org/opendoors. In addition, the state history organization is placing a special spotlight on historic theaters and opera houses across Ohio. With closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, these important places in our communities need support more than ever.
“Ohio Open Doors shares stories of important landmarks right in our backyard, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio’s most treasured places,” says Amanda Schraner Terrell, Director of the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office. “Our theaters and opera houses are tremendously significant to our shared history. We’re using this event to highlight their impact in our communities and to encourage support for them during this difficult time.”
On Thursday, September 15, 2022 7pm at Benfield Wines the Swanton Ohio Historical Society will give a presentation on the Yellowstone Trail, one of the first automobile interstate routes that ran through northern Ohio, and specifically, Swanton.
Then, on Friday, September 16, 2022 10am-7pm, an 11 building self-guided tour will be available to the public! Start at the Swanton Public Library and pick up a brochure, then go site to site in Swanton on your own. Enjoy a picture collage at each site and watch a video of the history of each building right in the palm of your hand on your smart phone! Some buildings you’ll be able to walk in to and tour, including the Pilliod Opera House (Benfield Wines). Hungry while touring? Enjoy Yamilet Food Truck will be parked outside the Opera House from 12pm-7pm.
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. This year Ohio Open Doors is co-sponsored by TourismOhio, the Ohio Travel Association, Ohio Arts Council and Heritage Ohio.
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Oct. 15, 1966, the Act has proven instrumental in transforming the face of communities from coast to coast, establishing the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. It drives economic revitalization by attracting investment, supporting small business, stabilizing neighborhoods and creating jobs.
The Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office administers the National Historic Preservation Act in Ohio. Many of the landmarks featured in Ohio Open Doors events are on the National Register of Historic Places, which the National Historic Preservation Act created.
For more information about Ohio Open Doors, visit ohiohistory.org/opendoors, the Swanton Ohio Historical Society Facebook page or email swantonohhistory@gmail.com.
About the Ohio History Connection
The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, and local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. For more information, visit ohiohistory.org.
Fulton County Ohio Media 