The Village Reporter - October 16, 2024

Bryan Truck Line Supports Hurricane Victims Through Donation Drop-Off

By: Breana Reliford

THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com

MONTPELIER – Bryan Truck Line of Montpelier, OH, is currently taking donations to support the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Founded in 1948, Bryan Truck Line has been known for their reliability, extensive transportation routes, and impeccable customer service.

Now, they are adding “disasterrelief supporters” to that list. They are currently holding donation dropoffs for those who wish to contribute locally to the victims of Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene survivors endured a week of destruction, damage, and devastation. Now, they are dealing with the aftermath.

In some areas, cities or communities are completely destroyed. In others, some lost their houses or cars. Because of this, Bryan Truck Line, in connection with Operation Compassion, is looking to donate as many resources as possible.

The donation period will range from October 9 to October 21. They are looking to collect a variety of items, such as paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, new blankets, sheets, and pillows, pet food, baby formula, baby food, paper plates, cups, and flatware.

Hygiene products they need include soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, baby wipes, and diapers.

Food items needed include canned goods (with the pull top), tuna and chicken foil packs, peanut butter, protein bars, bottled water, Boost,

Ensure, and Gatorade.

Due to a lack of power in some areas, they are also reaching out for generators, tarps, zip ties, duct tape, rope, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries.

The drop-off location will be at the Bryan Truck Line South Building, 14020 US Highway 20A, Montpelier, OH, between the hours of 8am-5pm.

For those wishing to make monetary donations, checks should be made payable to: theChurch Maumee, 3000 Strayer Road, Maumee, OH 43537; Memo Line: Hurricane Victim Fund Ron Dean of Bryan Truck Line shared that the community has been very supportive in their efforts so far, and he hopes to continue seeing a great turnout.

For more information, contact Bryan Truck Line at 419-485-8373 or visit their Facebook page.

Future Unclear For Former Delta Administrator’s Legal Claims

By: Jesse Davis

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

jesse@thevillagereporter.com

Since the handling of legal allegations against the village of Delta by terminated former administrator

Andy Glenn have been handed to an outside entity, it is unclear whether the public will receive any answers on the outcome.

During a meeting of the Delta Village Council last month, Mayor Allen Naiber read a letter from Francis Landry of Wasserman, Bryan, Landry & Honold, LLP, a law firm retained by Glenn accusing the council of violating his contract as well as his rights.

Based on allegations in the letter, Glenn challenged the handling of his termination if it was truly at will, while also arguing it was actually a for-cause termination both inappropriate in its usage and not following the conditions required for such an action. According to his contract with

CONTINUED ON PAGE A11

PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

Glenn

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

DONATED ITEMS … Pictured is Heather Valdez and Denise Dean going through some of the items donated by the community.

Obituaries & Death N otices

Joseph Kiacz (1946 – 2024)

(Former Bryan Municipal Court Judge)

It is with enormous sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Robert Kiacz after a lengthy illness. Joseph was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1946. He attended the University of Dayton, graduating with a BS in Psychology and a BA in History. A brilliant legal mind, Joseph graduated third in his class from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, now part of Northern Kentucky University, in 1973. That same year, he moved to Bryan after accepting the position of City Attorney.

Joseph was an active member of the Williams County community, serving as Judge of the Bryan Municipal Court, City Attorney, and a member of the city council.

He successfully argued cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and played many roles in the legal field, including maintaining a private practice later in life. A tremendous advocate for his clients and loved ones, Joe was the ideal person to have in your corner.

Joe was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Patrick’s Church, where he served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. In 1982 Joseph married Cynthia Kiacz (Lilly).

A family man, Joseph cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He also had a passion for food and travel and was a well-known film enthusiast.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph S. Kiacz; his mother, Pauline Kiacz (Beutle); and his brother, Dan Kiacz.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Lynn Kiacz; his beloved wife, Cynthia Kiacz (Lilly) of Bryan; daughters Beth Kiacz of Los Angeles and Emily Kiacz of Brooklyn; and grandchildren Destiny, Hunter, Skyler, and Holden.

Visitation was held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan. A memorial Mass was celebrated following visitation with Rev. Andrew Wellmann officiating.In lieu of flowers please send all memorial donations to St. Patrick Church in Bryan, Ohio.To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.

Clarence “Bud” Mast (1937 – 2024) (Delivered Cars For Don’s Automotive In Wauseon)

David Szmania (1939 – 2024) (Belonged To Delta Fraternal Order Of Eagles)

David Edwin Szmania, age 84, passed away at his Delta home, Saturday evening, October 5, 2024.

He was born in Toledo on December 10, 1939, to the late Frank S. Szmania and Eleanor (Rybarczyk) Szmania.

David worked as a designer in the model shop at Owens Illinois while attending Macomber High School and after graduating went on to serve over 44 years with them before retiring.

During his career time, David managed to attend and graduate from Owens Community College with an associate degree. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life.

Some of them included bowling; of which he achieved a perfect 300 game, golfing, manicuring his yard, hunting and growing flowers, herbs and vegetables at his home.

David was also an avid fisherman, often traveling to the lakes of Canada with his friends. Most of all, he loved his family and spending time with them, while making lasting memories. David was a member of St. Caspar Catholic Church, Valleywood Golf Club and Delta Fraternal Order of Eagles #2597.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara J. (McQuillin) Szmania; whom he married on March 2, 1984. David is also survived by his step children, Chad (Kristie) Tedrow, Melanie (John) Gilders and Gina (Matt) Anglin; brother, Thomas Szmania; grandchildren, Sidney (Allan) Insco, Jared Gilders and Benjamin Anglin; great grandson, Levi Insco; nieces and nephews, Chris (Greg) Smith, Diane (Steve) Ash, Nancy (Jim) Meinert, Sharon (Rick) Vidovich and Joseph (Pam) Szmania; many great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Helen Szmania.

A funeral service celebrating David’s life was held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Delta with Fr. Todd Dominique officiating. Interment followed at Winameg Cemetery near Delta.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the St. Caspar Catholic Church, 1205 N. Shoop Ave, Wauseon, Ohio 43567, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Rd, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or Delta Fire and Rescue, 500 Main St., Delta, Ohio 43515 in his memory.

Myrtle Gonzalez (1936 – 2024)

(Member Of St. Patrick Catholic Church)

Myrtle M. Gonzalez, 88 years of Bryan, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Hillside Country Living, rural Bryan, where she was a resident.

Myrtle was born March 10, 1936, in Huntington, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Clarence and Ellar (Linville) Browning. She married Vincente Gonzalez on March 13, 1983, in Williams County, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on June 8, 2022. Myrtle was a machine operator for Robinair Manufacturing for 35 years. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bryan.

Surviving is her two children, Alan (Polly) Conrad of Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina and Eric (Tina Tressler) Conrad of Alvordton, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Kathy Conrad of Montpelier, Ohio, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincente and one son, Tony Conrad, one sister, Vivian Abbott and three brothers, Clarence, Theodore and Buster Browning.

Graveside funeral services for Myrtle M. Gonzalez were held Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in West Jefferson Cemetery, Montpelier with her son, Alan Conrad officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com

Sunday, October 6,

residence surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of OberlinTurnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506. Condolences may be sent to the family, or the online guest book may be signed at www. oberlinturnbull.com.

Clarence “Bud” Wilbur Mast, age 87, of Wauseon, passed away at his home on October 4, 2024. Bud worked for Toledo Edison as a mechanic for many years. After retirement, Bud worked for Don’s Automotive delivering vehicles.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel. com.

Dorothy “Coach” Maneval (1930 – 2024)

(Physical Education Teacher At Bryan)

Bud was born on September 7, 1937, in Toledo, to the late Carlton and Opal (Kelly) Mast. On February 2, 1963, Bud married the love of his life, Margaret (Hall), and she survives.

Bud served his country as a member of the United States Navy, where he participated as a Navy Seabee in Operation Deep Freeze III, spending the entire year of 1958 in Antarctica.

Bud loved farming, woodworking, tinkering, and camping. He was also known for taking pictures and videos, especially for family events.

He was proud of his farmhouse that he and his wife remodeled. Those who knew Bud, knew him as a people person, always conversing with those around him.

Bud is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Kelly (Dave) Duling of Maumee; son, Will Mast of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Joshua Duling, Samuel Duling, and Lillian Duling; and nieces, Sue Ann (David) Mahnke and Amy (Gene) Coles. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Jr.; and sister, Mary Ann Mast.

A funeral service took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon with Pastor Eli Koehler officiating. Burial will took place at the Wakeman Cemetery in Waterville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Zion Church of Wauseon - Co. Rd 11. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com.

Dorothy L. “Coach” Maneval, age 93 of Bryan, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 20204, at Evergreen Healthcare Center in Montpelier following a lengthy illness.

Coach was a physical education teacher at Bryan High School for many years. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, the Ohio Retired Teacher’s Association, an 82 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a life member of the University of Michigan Alumni Club. She was an avid Michigan Wolverine football fan.

Dorothy was born in Bryan, Ohio on December 1, 1930, the daughter of Vernon and Nellie (Moore) Maneval. A 1949 graduate of Bryan High School and graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1953.

Following graduation, she began teaching at Lorain City Schools before returning home to teach at Bryan City Schools. She retired having taught for over 30 years.

Dorothy is survived by her friends and care givers, Kristine Grimm, Carlene Meyers, Cheryl Powers, Sandy Siller and Carol Chrisenberry; and was preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside funeral services were held on Monday, October 14, 2024 with Pastor Steve Rath officiating at Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity.

In lieu of flowers, Coach requested memorial contributions may be made to the Bryan High School Athletic Department for the purchase of girls sports equipment.

To sign the online register or to send condolences, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.

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Bonnie G. Oberlin, 64, of Stryker, Ohio, passed away peacefully

2024, in her

Bonnie Oberlin (1960 – 2024) (Stryker Resident)

Obituaries & Death Notices (Continued)

Paul Meyers (1941 – 2024) (Former Longtime Resident Of Delta)

Paul D. Meyers, age 82, former longtime resident of Delta, passed away at his daughter’s home in Toledo, Sunday morning, October 6, 2024. He was born on November 15, 1941 to Louis D. Meyers and Margaret (Nobbs) Meyers.

Paul graduated from Swanton High School in 1960. He married Roberta “Robin” Wurns, who survives. For over 25 years he drove truck, beginning with Blissfield Inc and retiring from King Transportation.

Paul enjoyed reading, watching football with his family and grandchildren and cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.

Most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Paul was a member of the Swanton VFW and the Delta Fraternal Order of Eagles #2597.

He is survived by his wife Roberta “Robin” Meyers; daughters, Roxann (Casey) Bresnehan, Amy Sue (Darryl) Jennings and Kimberly Sue Churchill; grandchildren, Nathan (Harrison) Gibbs, Jessica Meyers, Stephanie Pence, Nicole Meyers, Nicholas (Kristen) Meyers, Tyler (Ashley) Reed, Charles (Aquaria) Jennings Jr., Chance (Brianna) Jennings and Hunter Hamilton, many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death his parents; son, Allan Paul Meyers on July 30, 2024; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Meyers on April 27, 2019; son-in-law, Tim Churchill on December 5, 2021; stepmother, Opal B. Meyers on May 8, 2007; brother, George Meyers and sisters, Julia Scherzer and Martha Yoder.

In honoring Paul’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Fulton Union Cemetery in Delta.

Arrangements are entrusted with Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 St. Hwy. 109 in Delta. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. barnesfuneralchapel.com.

Roger “Dean” Cryer (1943 – 2024)

(Graduate Of North Central High School)

Roger “Dean” Cryer, 81 of Montpelier passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born on September 16, 1943 in Van Wert, Ohio to Howard Edwin and Ilo Marcelle (Pitts) Cryer.

Dean was a graduate of North Central High School in Pioneer. On October 20, 1962 he married Suzanne Ruth Oyer at the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Pioneer and she survives.

Dean was raised on a farm in Bridgewater Township and continued this career path for his entire life. At one time early in his career, Dean was also a dairy farmer.

He was a life-long member of the Solid Rock Community Church in West Unity. Dean most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Dean is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Suzanne; daughter Kelly (Bill) Livensparger of Montpelier; two grandchildren Shea (David) Eldridge and Keean (Aleea) Livensparger; and four great grandchildren Creed, Calloway, Klayton and Lailey. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Kevin Cryer and his brother Allen Cryer.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer with Pastor Mike Wilder officiating.

Donations in memory of Dean can be made to the Williams County Humane Society. Condolences for the family can be left at www.thethompsonfuneralhome. com

We realize that the loss of a loved one is one of the most painful moments a family can endure. We also know that this difficult time can be financially burdensome which includes expensive costs associated with placing obituaries within local newspapers.

The Village Reporter publishes obituaries within our print edition, online edition and social media platforms free of charge as our community public ministry. We hope this small effort will help alleviate a small amount of financial burden during your time of loss.

Obituaries are gathered from participating area funeral home websites from Northwest Ohio, Northeast Indiana and Southcentral Michigan on a daily basis by newspaper staff, obituaries where the departed and/or surviving family members have a connection to our immediate coverage areas of Williams & Fulton Counties in Northwest Ohio are published free of charge both in print and online. The Village Reporter does not limit obituary word counts and allows families to place personalized messages and/or scripture references within their final published message to their loved ones which are then archived at the newspaper office, local Northwest Ohio Historical Societies along with College Libraries dating back to the 1870’s).

If your chosen funeral home does not participate in this program or is located outside the Northwest Ohio, Northeast Indiana or Southcentral Michigan area obituaries may be sent directly to The Village Reporter via email at publisher thevillagereporter.com or by stopping at our main office located at 115 Broad Street, Montpelier, Ohip open 8:30 a.m. - 4:50 p.m. Monday - Friday).

Phyllis Axford (1932 – 2024)

(Attended West Unity High School)

Phyllis Axford, 92 years of West Unity, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024, at Fairlawn Haven, Archbold.

Phyllis was born March 4, 1932, in Montpelier, Ohio, the daughter of the late Robert and Willetha (Finch) Hartman. She attended West Unity High School. She married Robert Axford on October 1, 1949, in Angola, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on November 29, 2008.

Phyllis worked at Allied Moulded for a period of time. She then stayed at home, caring for her family and their daily needs. Phyllis enjoyed her puppies, taking drives with her husband, Robert, and spending winters in Winter Haven, Florida.

Surviving are her two children, Alesia (Rick) Short of West Unity, and Robert (Debbie) Axford of (West Unity; five grandchildren, Chad (Jeanette) Axford, Matt (Jessica) Axford, Kelli (Dave) Dempsey, Shane (Sara) Short and Adam,(Brandi) Short; five greatgrandchildren, Devin Dempsey, Brennan Dempsey, Elisabeth Axford, Brady Axford and Aiden Short. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert and one brother, Marvin Hartman.

There will be no visitation and private graveside services will be held in Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity, with Pastor Kevin Doseck officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, West Unity.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Related Disorders Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family, or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com

David Blake, Sr. (1962 – 2024) (Resident Of Bryan)

David Lee Blake, Sr, age 62, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024 at his home following a brief illness. David enjoyed fixing stereos, listening to all kinds of music and collecting CocaCola memorabilia.

David was born on April 11, 1962, in Beckwith, West Virginia, the son of Roy and Nancy (Kirk) Blake. He married Pam Ridenour in 1983 in Bryan and she survives.

Along with his wife, David is survived by his daughters, Christina Blake, of Bryan, Christal Dodson, of Montpelier and Angel Blake, of West Unity; son, David L. Blake, Jr, of Montpelier; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and his sister, Laura Hesselschwardt, of Bryan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

In accordance to his wishes, there will be no services for David. Krill Funeral Home, 860 East Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio has been entrusted with his arrangements.

The family asks any memorial contributions be directed to the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter, 210 South Main Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506.

To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.

Martin Bechtol (1936 – 2024) (Worked At Edon Farmer’s Co Op)

Martin Harold Bechtol, 88, of Montpelier, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 6, 2024. He was born on March 11, 1936 in Superior Township to Alfred Martin and Elgie Enola (Henry) Bechtol.

Martin graduated from Montpelier High School in 1954. On March 14, 1975, he married Jorette “Joyce” Fredrickson in Montpelier and she survives.

Martin worked full time for the Edon Farmer’s Co Op in Blakeslee from 1954 to 2002 and then continued to work on a part time basis until 2004. He was a member of Montpelier Church of Christ.

Martin is survived by his wife, Joyce Bechtol; children, Lyn Smith of Pioneer, Dawn K. Dingledine of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Thomas M. Bechtol of Montpelier and Steven L. Bechtol of Edon; step-children, Ronald M. Arkwright of Edon, Karen A. Kissinger of Angola, Indiana and Debra Fuller of Plattsburg, New York; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and 12 greatgreat grandchildren; siblings, Leslie (Martha) Bechtol of Edon and Eileen Gipple of Montpelier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Denver and Ralph Bechtol; and sister, Esther.

A time to receive friends was held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at the Thompson Funeral Home in Montpelier. A memorial service took place at the funeral home following visitation with Pastor Adam Fox officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.

Memorials contributions may be made to Montpelier Church of Christ. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.

Deanna Whipple (1947 – 2024) (Member Of St. Caspar Catholic Church)

Deanna M. Whipple, age 77, of Wauseon, passed away on October 4, 2024, at Fulton Manor in Wauseon. Deanna worked for Fulton Industries for many years. Deanna was born on March 9, 1947, in Toledo, to the late George and Lillian (Hayman) Ritter. Deanna was married to Charles Noe, the father of her children, her second husband, Leslie Clark, and third husband, Clarence Whipple, who all preceded her in death. Deanna was a member of St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon. She also volunteered her time as a St. Mary CWV Auxiliary Post 306 Officer. She enjoyed gardening.

Deanna is survived by her daughter, Denise (Travis) Drenning of Wauseon; son, Mike (Roberta) Noe of Curtice, Ohio; eight grandchildren; 21 greatgrandchildren; and brother, Jim (Kim) Ritter of Holland.

She was preceded in death by husband, Charles Noe; second husband, Leslie Clark; third husband, Clarence “Sonny” Whipple; parents; grandson, Jacob Baumgartner; and brothers, George, Dan, and Dave Ritter.

Visitation for Deanna took place on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the St. Caspar Catholic Church, A memorial mass followed visitation with Rev. Todd Dominique officiating. Inurnment followed at the St. Caspar Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com.

The Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home of Wauseon is honored to serve the Whipple family.

Doris Geren (1936 – 2024) (Graduate Of Bryan High School)

Doris I. Geren, age 88 of Bryan, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 7, 20204, at her residence, with her family at her side.

Doris was born in Bryan, Ohio on March 25, 1936, the daughter of Willard “Bill” and Irene (Wolf) Weber.

A graduate of Bryan High School, Doris was a homemaker and worked at the Bryan Times, Bryan Canning, Mansion Homes and had worked at Ohio Art Company where she met David A Geren.

She married David on June 2, 1956, and they were married 57 years before he preceded her in death on March 24, 2013. Doris was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bryan.

Dave and Doris enjoyed summer camping with their children from 1964 on and attended a Lutheran Church in the camping areas. They were winter bowlers on doubles leagues and separate men and women leagues until shortly after retiring.

Doris is survived by her three children, Susan Tack, of Defiance, David Geren, Jr. and Michael Geren, both of Bryan; three grandchildren, Jason and wife, Tracy Kurtz, of Minnesota, Wendy Weller and Jennifer (Cody Cereghin) Tack, both of Defiance; and seven greatgrandchildren; six great-great grandchildren and her brother, Wayne (Joyce) Weber, of Bryan. Along with her husband Doris was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the Krill Funeral Home in Bryan. Memorial services immediately followed with Reverend Mary Beth SmithGunn officiating. Private interment took place in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. To sign the online register or to send condolences, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.

Monty Lockwood (1951 – 2024) (Attended Waldron (MI) High School)

Monty L. Lockwood, age 73 passed away on September 27, 2024. He grew up on a dairy farm in Michigan with his parents and brother, Timmy. Monty attended Waldron High School and graduated in 1969. His career was driving across the country as a semi-truck driver and for Panther for over 40 years. Monty never met a stranger and loved to socialize about cars and trucks.

He also liked “tinkering around” doing various projects. He resided in St. Charles, Missouri with his girlfriend, Melody Moore for 21 years.

Monty was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Jeannette Lockwood. Surviving are his four children: Christy (Rick) McFarland, Jason (Michelle) Lockwood, Jeremy (Lauren) Lockwood, and Amie (Rob) Lockwood - Stucker. He also had 13 grandchildren: Lexi, Elijah, Anna, Abby, Amelia, Ethan, Shelby, Tyler, Owen, Samantha, Jaxson, Declan, and Scarlett.

A memorial in his honor will be held at New Hope Community Church in Bryan, Ohio on Sunday, October 20th at 2:00pm.

Obituaries & Death Notices (Continued)

Ronald Bigger (1945 – 2024) (Graduate Of Edgerton High School)

Eldon Birky (1939 – 2024)

(Member Of Lockport Church Since 1964)

Mary Box (1944 – 2024) (Enjoyed Camping & Fishing With Family)

Ronald L Bigger 79 of Auburn Indiana, peacefully passed on October 3, 2024 At PRMC, with family surrounding him.

He was born on February 23,1945 to Vernon and Helen, Bigger of Edgerton Ohio. He attended Saint Mary’s Catholic school and graduate it from Edgerton high school in 1963. He went on to marry Anna Ewing on July 11, 1964. He served in the US Army from 1968 to 1971 during the Vietnam war. He worked as a diesel mechanic for 43 years, While working at Gulick’s truck repair and also owning his own business, Bigger’s truck repair for 8 years and retiring in 2011.

Eldon L. Birky, age 85, passed away Thursday October 3rd, 2024.

He was born in Fisher, Illinois on July 16th, 1939 to Alvin and Elizabeth Birky.

He had three older and loving sisters, Delilah (Paul Stamm), Margie (Jesse Liechty), and Edith (John King) all of whom preceded him in death.

He was a member of the American legion post 202 in Butler, IN and a member of the Immaculate conception Catholic Church. He loved working in his wood-shop, watching westerns, and spending time with his dog Chloe.

He is survived by two daughters, Dana (Chris) Hedges, Laura (Dave) Teegardin, son Justin Bigger, brother Warren Bigger, 12, grand children and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years Ann, sisters, Velma Bowen, and Ila Hutchins, and a great grandson Lyric Sours.

Memorial service was held at Pine Hills Auburn on Saturday, October 12, 2024 with graveside service at Butler Memorial Gardens, Butler Indiana, immediately following.

Memorials are requested to DeKalb humane shelter or Parkview Cancer Institute of Fort Wayne Indiana.

Allen Cox (1951

– 2024) (Graduated From Fayette Schools)

FAYETTE – Allen Lee Cox, age 72, of Fayette, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. He was born in Morenci to the late Denver and Jeanette (Schoonover) Cox, on November 27, 1951. Allen attended and graduated from Fayette Schools.

In 1981, he married Barbara Beaverson, and although the marriage ended, they remained great friends. Allen drove truck prior to working for TRW in Fayette as a CNC Operator until his retirement.

The most important things in Allen’s life were his daughter and his grandchildren. He never missed a special moment in their lives or one of his grandkids sporting events.

Allen loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle any chance he got. He was a very social and helpful person. Even in his recent illness, he would often call and offer help to anyone that needed it. In the past, he also use to love to fish and travel.

Surviving are his daughter, Hillary (TJ Gype) Cox; his grandchildren, Xzavier, Alyias, Ezekiel, and Aubriella Molina; brother, Stanley (Mary) Cox; and his friend and former wife, Barbara. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Mike Cox.

Cremation will take place and there will be no services. Online condolences to the family may be offered at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations in Allen’s memory may be given to the family for future designation. The Eagle-Marry Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting Allen’s family.

Walter Boyer (1939 – 2024)

(Retired From Bryan Custom Plastics)

Walter L. Boyer, age 85, of Montpelier, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Park View Nursing Center in Edgerton.

Mr. Boyer was retired from the former Bryan Custom Plastics in Bryan with over 40 years of service.

He also was a grain and livestock farmer. Walter enjoyed tinkering on antique tractors and lawn mowers, and helping his boys with their fair projects when they were younger.

Walter L. Boyer was born on January 14, 1939, in Montpelier, Ohio, the son of Charles R. and Leona (Kellogg) Boyer. He married Arlene Kay Seeley in Columbia, Ohio on August 5, 1972 and she survives.

Walter is also survived by his son, Dennis L. (Amy) Boyer, of Montpelier; grandchildren, Kaylie Brown, Taylor (Dakota) Pitts, Dakota Shaffer and Joseph (Ahlia) Boyer and a great granddaughter, Ezlyn Fox with another on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale Boyer and a brother, Olin Boyer.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at the Krill Funeral Home in Edon. Funeral services immediately followed visitation with Pastor Mike Wilder officiating. Memorials are requested to an organization of the donor’s choice. To sign the online register or to send condolences, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.

Eldon had an eye for detail and was gifted with the understanding of fine measurements and meticulous labor.

Combining his gifts with a passion for woodworking he successfully started his own business, Precision Pattern and Mold.

In his business he created unique, often ornate patterns out of wood to make molds; many of which for products people still use around their home on a daily basis.

Answering the call to Prison Ministry, Eldon spent countless hours at CCNO sharing the love of Christ with all who had an ear to listen for over 20 years.

Eldon enjoyed working at Sauder Village feeling right at home constructing Wig-Wams, and tipis while working on the Natives and Newcomers exhibit and Trading Post.

He also spent time in the Cooper Shop making buckets just as they did in “the olden days” without modern tools.

Eldon was blessed with three wonderful children from his first marriage, Jeffery, Michael (passed 2021), and Carmen Birky (Roberts) as well as their children, Joel, Zach, Denae and Katelyn Birky, Scott (deceased), Weston and Amber Birky, and Rebekah (Phelps), Joshua, Rachel (Olalla), Rayna and Rylah Roberts. As well as seven great-grandchildren, Myah, Declan, Maddox, Trentin, Taylah, Turock and Valerie.

Eldon married Jan on July 20th, 1991; she survives. She has two daughters, Krista (Doug Way) and Stacey (Jason Pelfrey) as well as their children, Brandon (Victory), Kayla (Mike Adkins), Chelsea and Mason. They also have 5 great-grandchildren, Audrey, Liam, Owen, Karli and Kenny.

Some of his favorite hobbies were gardening, taking walks through the woods, singing, hiking and listening to live Gospel Music.

Eldon and Jan loved traveling the US by car to some of their favorite places including Florida, Branson, Missouri, and of course the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Ever the servant, he enjoyed spending numerous hours in his shop after he retired making dozens of benches, stools, wooden spoons and anything else that was requested.

Eldon was a member of Lockport Church since 1964 and was always finding ways to serve.

He taught Sunday School as well as Bible School, he ushered, was on the Missions Committee, and the Visitation Committee.

He never met a stranger and was always eager to share the Good News. One of his favorite verses he would quote was Psalm 91:2 “I will say of The Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him I will trust”.

There will be a service at Lockport Mennonite Church Saturday, October 26th. Visitation 9-11am, service at 11am, lunch to follow.

Phil Fix (1937 – 2024)

(Served As Bryan Tree Commissioner)

Phil Donald Fix, age 87, of Bryan, Ohio passed away late Saturday evening, October 5, 2024, peacefully at his home.

He worked the Ohio Art Company for 48 years, retiring as a foreman and served as Bryan Tree Commissioner for over 20 years.

Mary Elizabeth Victoria Box, age 80, of Liberty Center, Ohio, passed away to be with Jesus, early Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024, in Bowling Green Ohio under the care of Bridge Hospice. She was born February 19, 1944, in Berkey, Ohio, to Charles R. Moore, Jr. and Victoria H. (Shufelt) Moore. After graduating from high school, Mary married the love of her life, Darwin E. Box, on September 10, 1962. He preceded her in death on September 24, 2023.

Mary worked for Spring Valley Business Solutions as an Income Tax Preparer. She loved the Lord Jesus and felt close to Him by spending time outdoors and being in nature.

Mary looked forward to fishing with her husband and camping with the family. Most of all, she just loved being surrounded by family.

Mary is survived by her children, Christopher (Kimy) Box, William Box, Sarah (Tony) Erb and John Box; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Thomas (Nancy) Moore and John (Judy) Moore; sisterin-law, Irene (Dave) Jacobs and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Darwin, Mary was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Emery Dryer; stepmother, Murial; granddaughter, Elizabeth; and brother, Robert Moore.

In keeping with Mary’s wishes, she will be cremated and services will be private.

Rev.

Grant Nicholls (1946 – 2024) (Bryan Resident)

Rev. Grant Telfer Nicholls, 78, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in his residence.

Grant was born March 22, 1946, in East Meadow, New York, son of the late Russell E. and Marjorie G. (Gardner) Nicholls. He graduated from Lenape High School (NJ) in 1964, Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1969, American College of Bryn Mawr (Pennsylvania) with a Master’s in Finance in 1982, and a Masters in Management in 1987, Theological College at Drew University (NJ) with a Masters of Divinity in 2001, and was a Doctorate of Ministry candidate at Drew University (NJ).

Grant married Susan E. Pfahler on April 18, 1998, in New Jersey, and she survives. Grant was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and ended his career as a retired U.M.C. pastor.

In his free time, Grant was an avid ham radio operator and volunteered to serve his community in multiple capacities including volunteer emergency and fire departments, the Allamuchy town planning board, Rotary International, and other civic and charitable organizations.

Grant had an extensive work history, spending four years as a full-time firefighter at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, six years (1970-1976) as an agent training director with Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, ten years (1976-1986) as an administrative assistant and then national sales director with Colonial Life/ CHUBB, three years (1986-1989) as the superintendent of agencies with Bankers Security Life Insurance Company, 13 years (1986-1996) as owner and operator of Personal Financial Advisors, and nine years as a professor and director of continuing education at Centenary College. Grant started his career in ministry in 2001, serving as pastor at Buttzville (NJ) U.M.C., Watkins-Glen and Beaverdams (NY) U.M.C., Minetto (NY) U.M.C., Oakwood (NY) U.M.C., and finishing his career at Williams Center (OH) U.M.C.

During his younger years, Phil was a very competitive basketball player.

He spent many weekends umpiring men’s

and women’s softball for over 40 years.

He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a member of Faith United Methodist Church, where he coached the church softball team for several years.

He always enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports and other activities during his later years.

Phil Donald Fix was born March 27, 1937, in Pioneer, Ohio, the son of Donald E. and Nora H. (Yoder) Fix. He married Peggy Lynn Weber on September 10, 1966, and she survives.

Phil is also survived by his sons, Ryan (Jennifer) Fix, of Sylvania, Ohio and Christopher (Cheryl) Fix, of Perrysburg, Ohio and his three grandchildren, Katelyn, Evan and Alex Fix.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gale Fix.

Visitation was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Krill Funeral Home in Bryan. Funeral services followed visitation with Pastor Eric Dailey officiating. Burial followed at Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan with graveside military rites presented by the combined Bryan VFW/American Legion Honor Detail and the US Army Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial denotations to the Bryan Parks and Recreation for planting of trees.

To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.

Surviving is his loving wife, Susan of Bryan, OH; five children, Russell E. (Elizabeth) Nicholls of Tenafly, NJ, David (Joelle) McGill of McKinney, TX, Debra (Brittan) Reisse of Frederick, MD, Amy (Pastor Sean) Wightman of Morgantown, WV, and Jennifer (Keefe) Murphy of Cape Coral, FL; 13 grandchildren; sister, Macy (Bob) Swift of Amherst, VA. Grant was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Rev. Grant Nicholls will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 506 Oxford Drive, Bryan, Ohio. Funeral services will immediately begin at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Pastors Leonel Pech, Barry Sweet, Sean Wightman, and David Nicholls officiating. Interment will follow in Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be directed to Cancer Assistance of Williams County. Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www. oberlinturnbull.com.

VETERAN

VETERAN

POLICE, EMT, FIRE, TRAFFIC & COURT NEWS

WILLIAMS COUNTY

WILLIAMS COUNTY TRAFFIC

•Fisher, Nicole L (Bryan) stop school bus. Costs: $200.00 Fine amount: $79.00

•Canelon-Nunez, Alfredo J (Wauseon) fail control. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $71.00; seatbelt. Costs: $40.00 Fine amount: $30.00

•Gray, Danielle K (Montpelier) seatbelt. Costs: $40.00 Fine amount: $30.00

•Gaines, Sheila M (Bryan) assured clear distance ahead. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $50.00

•Oberlin, Stanley J (Bryan) improper turn. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $71.00

•Strauss, Angel C (West Unity) 51/35 speed. Costs: $85.00 Fine amount: $40.00

•Perdue, David G (Bryan) improper start/back. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $71.00

•Gibler, Madison N (Montpelier) no driver’s license. Costs: $205.00 Fine amount: $150.00; one way traffic. Costs: $40.00 Fine amount: $50.00

•Callantine, Riley D (Bryan) stop school bus. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $200.00

•Bauer, Michael T (Bryan) stop school bus. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $200.00

•Roberts, Kyle J (Bryan) 78/55 speed. Costs: $85.00 Fine amount: $65.00

•Jones, Nicole E (Bryan) stop school bus. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $250.00; financial responsibility suspension. Costs: $40.00 Fine amount: $100.00

•Wright, Brenden S (Bryan) lights on bike. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $25.00

•Wodarski-Felt, Sawyer R (West Unity) lights on bike. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $20.00

•Villalobes Gonzalez, Luis M (Edgerton) no driver’s license. Costs: $79.00 Fine amount: $150.00

•Santiago-Contreras, Richard A (Bryan) OVI/under the influence. Costs: $84.00 Fine amount: $600.00; lanes of travel. Costs: $40.00 Fine amount: $50.00

WILLIAMS COUNTY CRIMINAL

•Nester, Chandler (Edgerton) public indecency. Defendant plead guilty, Defendant found guilty; Costs: $85.00 Fine amount: $50.00

•Warner, Brad (Edgerton) dog at large. Defendant plead other, Defendant found guilty; Costs: $40.00 Fine amount: $135.00

BRYAN POLICE

October 3rd

•Bryan Police Department: 304 W High

St, Assist Req Civilian

•Laura Stover Wealth MNG: 110 W High

St, Assist Req Civilian

•Bryan Police Department: 304 W High St, Assist Other Dept

•1201 Colonial Ln, Assist Req Civilian

•St Patrick Church: 610 S Portland St, Traffic Detail

•Location N/A, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•Domino’s: 327 S Main St, Disturb Peace

•Bryan Community Apartments: 936 E Wilson St, Assist Other Dept

•Bryan Street Department: 330 Townline Rd, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•Meadow Creek Apartments: 1700 E High St, Assist Req Civilian

•1319 Colonial Ln, Hang up 911

•Bryan High School/ Middle School: 1000

W Fountain Grove Dr, Hang up 911

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Dam-

age

•623 S Beech St, Keep the Peace

•Radiation Oncology Center: 524 W High St, Accident – no Injury

•Bryan Police Department: 304 W High St, Harassment

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Shoplifting

•Hamilton/Portland: 0 Hamilton St/Portland St, Assist Req Civilian

•329 N Walnut St, Harassment

•Union/Bryan: 0 Union St/Bryan St, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•Union/Co Rd 15-D: Union St/Co Rd 15D, Crew

•Bryan Inn: 924 E High St, Larceny

•218 Enterprise St, Domestic Violence

•430 E Wilson St, General

October 4th

•Bryan Wash & Fill (Ridis): 1114 S Main St, Lockouts

•318 S Emmet St, Accident – no Injury

•St Patrick Church: 610 S Portland St, Susp. Person

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Larceny

•Fabricare Car Wash: 1225 W High St, Assist Req Civilian

•Tractor Supply: 1120 S Main St, Susp. Person

•Frankie’s Restaurant: 308 N Union St, Accident – no Injury

•Perry/Main: 0 Perry St/Main St, Accident – no Injury

•Lincoln Playground: 301 E Butler St, Ha-

rassment

•Bryan Inn: 924 E High St, General

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Assault

•Premier Office and Floor Cleaning: 116 S Lynn St, Forgery/Fraud

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Trespass

•Bryan Community Apartments: 936 E

Wilson St, Civil Compliant

•706 Briarwood Ln, Overdose

October 5th

•Circle K: 923 S Main St, Lockouts

•Wilson/Co Rd 16: 0 Wilson St/Co Rd 16,

Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•Fountain City Park: 925 E Perry St,

Susp. Person

•Fountain Grove Cemetery: 1409 S Main

St, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•9876 Co Rd 16, General

•415 S Walnut St, Hang up 911

•Circle K: 923 S Main St, Dog Compliant

•411 Cardinal Dr, Civil Compliant

•224 N Lewis St, Disturb Peace

•High/Runkle: 0 High St./Runkle Rd,

Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•127 Co Rd I50, General

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Hang up 911

•CHWC – Hospital: 433 W High St, Child

Abuse/Neglect

•416 S Cherry St, Juvenile Compliant

•CHWC – Hospital: 433 W High St, Gen-

eral

•CHWC – Hospital: 433 W High St, Assist

Other Dept

•Rent A Center: 1360 S Main St, Property

Damage

•McDonalds: 1207 S Main St, General

•McDonalds: 1207 S Main St, Accident

Injury

•Bryan Inn: 924 E High St, Civil Com-

plaint

•Grace Community Church: 206 W

Bement St, Civil Complaint

•Main/Trevitt St: 0 Main St/Trevitt St,

Assist Other Dept

•Bryan Police Department: 304 W High

St, Assist Other Dept

October 6th

•700 S Walnut St Blk, Assist Other Dept

•High/Cherry: High St/Cherry St, Signal

3 / Traffic Stop

•100 E Trevitt St Blk, Signal 3 / Traffic

Stop

•404 W Bryan St, Hang up 911

•600 S Myers St, Criminal Mischief

•600 S Myers St, K-9 Assist

•1000 S Lynn St Blk, Susp. Person

•High/Allen: 0 High St/Allen St, Susp.

Person

•334 E High St, Well-being Check

•515 S Cherry St, Criminal Mischief

•700 N Main St Blk, Signal 3 / Traffic

Stop

•Main/Foster: 0 Main St/Foster St, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•Foxglove Apartments -8: 117 Paler Ln, Lockouts

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Larceny

•Wabash Trail: 0, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•336 S Beech St Alley, Parking Violation

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Property Found

•Garver Baseball Field & Concession: 225

Blakeslee Ave, Juvenile Compliant

•200 S Allen St Blk, Juvenile Complaint

•2629 Co Rd 8, General

•700 S Lebanon St Blk, Assist Req Civil-

ian

•500 E Butler St Blk, Firework Compl.

October 7th

•235 N Walnut St, Hang up 911

•Bryan Main Stop: 232 S Union St, Dog

Compliant

•802 Pleasantwood Ave, Lockouts

•1517 Colonial Ln, Trespass

•Bryan High School/ Middle School: 1000

W Fountain Grove Dr, Juvenile Complaint

•Bryan Community Health Center: 228 S

Main St, Auto Violation

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Shoplifting

•Bryan Inn: 924 E High St, Assist Req Ci-

vilian

•CHWC – Hospital: 433 W High St, Crew

•409 N Cherry St, Property Found

•428 N Allen St, Identity Theft

•330 E Mulberry St, Civil Compliant

•Bryan Community Health Center: 228 S

Main St, Crew

•535 S Cherry St, Well-being Check

•342 S Beech St, Susp. Person

•807 E Wilson St, Assist Other Dept

•207 E Trevitt St, Assist Req Civilian

•Bryan Senior Housing: 1915 E Wilson

St, Assist Req Civilian

•Mayberry/Center: 0 Mayberry Dr/Center St, Trespass

October 8th

•Winthrop Terrace Apts.: 1000 Buffalo

Rd, Excessive Noise

•Spangler Candy Company: 400 N Portland, Lockouts

•Wilson: 0, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•Bryan High School/ Middle School: 1000 W Fountain Grove Dr, Accident – no In-

jury

•Bryan Police Department: 304 W High St, Assist Req Civilian

•300 W High St, Assist Other Dept

•Hillman Chiropractic: 128 S Lynn St, Lockouts

•Wendy: 1120 E High St, Trespass

•215 E Charles St, Assist Other Dept

•Taco Bell: 1104 S Main St, Accident – no

report

•807 E Wilson St, Assist Other Dept

•CHWC – Hospital: 433 W High St, Auto

Suspicious

•E Vapor Hut: 209 S Main St, Domestic

Dispute

•Main/High: 0 Main St/High St, Accident

– no Injury

•703 Center St, Crew

•327 N Cherry St, Death – Natural

October 9th

•330 Mulberry St, Civil Compliant

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Lockouts

•Allied Moulded (PLT. 3): 2103 Industrial Dr, Hang up 911

•High/Lebanon: 0 High St/Lebanon St, Accident – no Injury

•306 E Hamilton St, Assist Other Dept

•Main/South: 0 Main St/South St, Signal 3 / Traffic Stop

•812 S Main St, Junk Vehicles

•824 S Main, Junk Vehicles

•809 S Main St, Junk Vehicles

•825 W High St, Junk Vehicles

•18587 Co Rd E, General

•Avalon/Sycamore – Bona Vesta: 0 Avalon Dr/Sycamore Ln – Bona Vesta, Hazardous Conditions

•Bryan High School/ Middle School: 1000

W Fountain Grove Dr, Traffic Stop

•Lucky Stop-Bryan: 402 S Main St, Trespass

•Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Hang up 911

•Lewis/Mulberry: 915 E Bryan St, Harassment

•Bryan High School/ Middle School: 1000

W Fountain Grove Dr, Auto Violation

• Wal-Mart: 1215 S Main, Shoplifting

•Moore Shelter House: 1029 Oakwood

Ave, Dog Complaints

•200 S Beech St BLK, Susp. Person

•521 S Myers St, Dog Compliant

•1220 S Main St BLK, Auto Suspicious

•Bryan Main Stop: 232 S Union St, Auto Suspicious

EDGERTON POLICE

October 4th

•3587 ST RTE 49, Medical

October 5th

•314 E River St, Trauma

October 6th

•328 W Vine St, Heart Problem

October 7th

•S Michigan Ave/S Michigan Ave, Blocked R/R

•148 Maple Ln, Property Damage Accident

October 8th

•307 E Gerhart St, Civil

•358 E Gerhart St #311, Well-Being Check

•113 N Elm St, Well-Being Check

October 9th

•314 W Vine St, Theft

•328 W Vine St, Medical

•324 N Michigan Ave, Stray Animal

EDON POLICE

October 7th

•107 W Indiana St, Alarm

•310 Walz St Apt B, Civil

October 8th

•304 Walz St, Breathing

October 9th

•705 W Indiana St #25, Agency Assist

WILLIAMS COUNTY EMS

October 3rd

•936 E Wilson St # D4, Medical

•BCH ER to Parkview Regional, Transfer

•7322 Co Rd 13, Chest Pain

•607 Circle Dr, Medical

•Bryan ER to Toledo Hospital, Transfer

•305 Toy St, Trauma

•430 E Wilson St, Trauma

•3640 Casebeer Miller Rd, Overdose

•212 1/2 W Main St, Intoxication

•3151 Co Rd 2425, Medical

•14594 Co Rd 17, Suicide Threat

October 4th

•1433 N Main St, Medical

•BCH ER to ST V’S, Transfer

•807 E Wilson St, Breathing

•706 Briarwood Ln, Overdose

•BCH ER to UTMC, Transfer

•WCGH ER to ST V’S, Transfer

•WCGH ER to BCH Telemetry, Transfer

•WCGH ER to ST V’S ER, Transfer

•206 Village Ave, Trauma

•14594 Co Rd 17, Convulsions

October 5th

•4671 Co Rd 1575 # 14, Chest Pain

•BCH ER to PRMC, Transfer

•9876 Co Rd 16, Trauma

•BCH ER to Hillside, Transfer

•BCH Med Surg to Certus, Transfer

•1207 S Main St, Personal Injury Accident

•1210 S Main St, Trauma

•3147 Co Rd 17, Trauma

•807 E Wilson St, Breathing

•728 S Walnut St, Trauma

•300 Irene Dr, Trauma

•13197 ST RTE 15, Medical

•17583 Co Rd O, Suicide Threat

•US RTE 127/Co Rd I50, Personal Injury

Accident

•314 E River St, Trauma

•WCGH ER to Promedica Toledo, Transfer

•924 Charlie's Way, Medical

•15600 Co Rd 7, Medical

October 6th

•807 E Wilson St, Medical

•114 Sycamore St, Medical

•853 E High St, Trauma

•203 Old Farm Trl, Convulsions

•308 W Brown Rd, Medical

•203 Belfast Ln, Medical

•328 W Vine St, Heart Problem

•2629 Co Rd 8, Structure Fire

•BCH ER to PRMC, Transfer

•BCH ER to PRMC, Transfer

•BCH ER to Nationwide Children's St V’s, Transfer

October 7th

•201 Park St, Trauma

•235 N Walnut St, Medical

•Bryan Telemetry to UTMC, Transfer

•201 Ohio Ave, Trauma

•255 Industrial Ave, Trauma

•1121 Townline Rd #129; Apt, Medical

•1001 E Jackson St, Breathing

•BCH Telemetry to Park View Nursing, Transfer

•715 E North St #21, Medical

•BCH Med Surg to Evergreen, Transfer

•3587 ST RTE 49, Medical

•WCGH ER to BCH Med Surg, Transfer

•511 N Union St #28, Chest Pain

•21747 Co Rd M, Convulsions

•1104 Wesley Ave, Chest Pain

•807 E Wilson St, Breathing

•109 Barbara Ln, Medical

•807 E Wilson St, Breathing

•Montpelier ER to Bryan Med Surg, Transfer

•327 N Cherry St, Full Arrest

October 8th

•12272 Co Rd Q, Medical

•304 Walz St, Breathing

•308 W Brown Rd, Medical

•WCGH ER to Bryan Telemetry, Transfer

•US 20A between CR 16 & CR 17, Personal Injury Accident

•Co Rd 1950 & Co Rd F, Personal Injury Accident

•BCH Telemetry to Evergreen, Transfer

•924 Charlie's Way, Breathing

•807 E Wilson St, Medical

•1104 Wesley Ave, Trauma

•344 E Edgerton St, Trauma

•WCGH ER to UTMC, Transfer

•924 Charlie's Way, Trauma

•BCH ER to Certus, Transfer

•WCGH ER to BCH Telemetry, Transfer

•Bryan ER to St V's ER, Transfer

•12272 Co Rd Q, Medical

October 9th

•1433 N Main St, Medical

•924 Charlie's Way, Medical

•Parkview ICU to Fountain Park, Transfer

•13673 Co Rd E #24, Medical

•3151 Co Rd 2425, Medical

•2546 Co Rd 16, Breathing

•15203 Co Rd 15C, Medical

•328 W Vine St, Medical

•BCH ER to Park View Nursing Home, Transfer

•1211 Cardinal Dr, Chest Pain

WILLIAMS COUNTY FIRE

October 3rd

•11404 US RTE 20, Controlled Burn

•10603 ST RTE 107, Controlled Burn

•600 S State St, Hazmat

October 4th

•715 E North St #21, Citizen Assist

October 5th

•US RTE 127/CO RD I50, Personal Injury Accident

•13197 ST RTE 15, Medical

October 6th

•2629 CO RD 8, Structure Fire

•203 Misty Ln, Controlled Burn

•Seneca Dr/Lumbee Ln, Field Fire

•Gilbert/Hartley, Waldron, Mutual Aid

•12700 Gilbert Road, Hillsdale, Mutual Aid

October 8th

•US 20A between CR 16/CR 17, Personal Injury Accident

•CO RD 1950/CO RD F, Personal Injury Accident

October 9th

•506 N Lincoln St, Field Fire

•8985 Co Rd C, Grass Fire

•Co Rd B50/Co Rd 22, Field Fire

MONTPELIER POLICE

October 3rd

Police, EMT, Fire, Traffic & Court News (Continued)

•212

•E

•5788 Co Rd 22, Lockout

•Co Rd 6/Co Rd J, Property Damage Ac-

cident

•4052 Co Rd S, Disorderly

•US RTE 6/Co Rd 14, Animal Problem

•2042 Co Rd 15, Theft

•9302 US RTE 6, 911 Hang Up

•14894 Co Rd 850, 911 Hang Up

•US RTE 20/Co Rd 10, Disabled Vehicle

•US RTE 20/Co Rd 9, Disabled Vehicle

•1954 Co Rd 250, Civil

•Co Rd M50/Co Rd 1250, Property Dam-

age Accident

•14594 Co Rd 17, Suicide Threat

•SR-15 N/B from Ney, Traffic Offense

•US RTE 20/ ST RTE 15, Disabled Vehicle

•16879 Co Rd 15, Disabled Vehicle

October 4th

•US RTE 6/CO RD 2260, Property Dam-

age Accident

•3587 ST RTE 49, Medical

•ST RTE 34/CO RD 20, Dead Animal

•5623 CO RD 9, Civil

•18414 ST RTE 34, Suspicious Activity

•8705 US RTE 6; Lot 2, Well-Being Check

•10536 CO RD 6; RR Crossing Traffic Haz-

ard

•US RTE 6/ST RTE 576; W/B, Traffic Of-

fense

•3075 CO RD 2350, Assault

•CO RD 12; Between CR- R/CR -Q, Traffic

Hazard

•ST RTE 15/CO RD H, Traffic Offense

•3724 CO RD 9, Breaking & Entering

•480 Seneca Dr, Violation of Protection

Order

•106 Payne Dr, Juvenile Problem

•19351 CO RD 15, Custodial Interference

•US RTE 6/CO RD 22, PD Accident

•CO RD D/ST RTE 576, Property Damage

Accident

October 5th

•23796 Co Rd B50, Suspicious activity

•5768 ST RTE 15, Alarm

•480 Seneca Dr, Keep the peace

•116 Old Farm Trl #10, Theft

•6695 St RTE 15 # Lot 11, Agency assist

•17583 Co Rd O, Suicide threat

•US RTE 127/Co Rd I50, Personal Injury

accident

•Co Rd D & Co Rd 20, Traffic offense

October 6th

•US RTE 6 W/B near ST RTE 2, Traffic

Offense

•3389 CO RD 2425, Vandalism

•480 Seneca Dr, Agency Assist

•6695 ST RTE 15 #52; Oakwood #52, Dis-

turbing Peace

•ST RTE 15/CO RD S, Property Damage

Accident

•410 N Defiance St, 911 Hang up

•101 N Michigan St, Alarm

•8759 ST RTE 34 NS, Threatening

•6652 CO RD 12, Citizen Assist

•13187 US RTE 127, Theft

•150 Seneca Dr, Vandalism

•21747 CO RD M, Family Dispute

•215 Empire St, Found Property

October 7th

•300 Irene Dr, Breaking & Entering

•ST RTE 2/Co Rd 10A, Property Damage

Accident

•ST RTE 107/Glen Dr, Traffic Stop

•18952 Co Rd 20, Agency Assist

•6061 Co Rd C75, Deliver Message

•8822 Co Rd D, Theft

•13270 ST RTE 107, Telephone Harass-

ment

•200 S Brice Ave, Domestic Violence

•Co Rd F & Co Rd 18, Citizen Assist

October 8th

•Co Rd 16/Co Rd C, Traffic Hazard

•10106 US RTE 20, Keep the Peace

•US 20 A between CR 16/CR 17, Personal

Injury Accident

•Co Rd 1950/Co Rd F, Personal Injury Ac-

cident

•11160 US RTE 127, Disabled Vehicle

•7353 US RTE 127, Property Damage Ac-

cident

•12246 Co Rd I, Well-Being Check

•Co Rd K & US RTE 127, Property Damage

Accident

•13038 Co Rd D50, Property Damage Ac-

cident

•Co Rd E/Co Rd 7, Property Damage Ac-

cident

•Co Rd G/ ST RTE 576, Traffic Hazard

October 9th

•9790 ST RTE 107, Stray Animal

•ST RTE 66/US RTE 6, Property Damage

Accident

•Co Rd K/Co Rd 13, Traffic Hazard

•8902 Co Rd J, PD Accident

•Co Rd B50/Co Rd 22, Field Fire

•13848 Co Rd S, 911 Hang up

•13673 Co Rd E #24, Medical

•13870 Co Rd 2230, 911 Hang up

•Co Rd 2150/US RTE 20, Agency Assist

•Co Rd C/US RTE 127, Traffic Offense

•ST RTE 49/US RTE 20, Traffic Offense

•ST RTE 15/Co Rd G, Well-Being Check

•8902 Co Rd J, Suspicious Car

•Co Rd 24D/Co Rd E50, Investigation

•5783 Co Rd 1575, 911 Hang up

WEST UNITY POLICE

October 3rd

•212 W Rings St, Lockout

•101 W Jackson St, Citizen Assist

•106 E Church St, Suspicious Car

•300 Oak St, Unsecure Premises

October 5th

•125 Shire Crest Dr, Apt 104, Domestic

dispute

October 6th

•1037 E Meadow Dr, Domestic Violence

October 7th

•107 E Jackson St, 911 Hang up

•310 W Rings St, Unsecure Premises

•1001 E Jackson St, Medical

•715 E North St # 21, Agency Assist

•109 Barbara Ln, Medical

October 8th

•US 20 A between CR 16/CR 17, Personal Injury Accident

•US RTE 127/Co Rd K, Agency Assist

October 9th

•106 S Liberty St #9, Disorderly

•202 N Liberty St, Parking Problem

•1045 E Meadow Dr, Child Abuse

•506 N Lincoln St, Agency Assist

FULTON COUNTY

FULTON COUNTY TRAFFIC

•Hartrick-Collins, Olivia R (Archbold) 70/55 speed. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $47.00

•Flanders, Courtney L (Swanton) 68/55 speed. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $37.00

•Galvan, Hayden M (Archbold) 72/55 speed. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $47.00

•Lenz, Mary A (Bryan) 69/55 speed. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $37.00

•Thompson, Emma G (Wauseon) fail to yield. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $37.00

•Gomez Santiz, Omar (Wauseon) no operator’s license. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $150.00; 77/55 speed. Costs: $25.00 Fine amount: $100.00

•Pickett, Larry M (West Unity) improper backing. Costs: $100.00 Fine amount: $102.00

DELTA POLICE

October 4th

•Barnes Funeral Chapel, Assist Public

•6210 Us 20 A, Assist Public

•Memorial Hall, Assist Village Services

•537 Wood Street, Zoning Violations

•County Road H/County Road 7, Traffic

Safety Complaints

•Enterprise/Us 20 Alternate, Traffic

Warning

•Panther Drive/Taylor Street, Traffic

Warning

•Main St. At Washington St., Traffic Warning

October 5th

•901 Fernwood Street 911 Hang-Up / Dis-

connect

•701 Main Street, Assist Fire / Ems

•Delta Community Parks, Unlock

•Fernwood Avenue, At/About Wood Street, Animal / Unconfined

•Delta Police Department, Assist Other Police Agency

October 6th

•4400 County Road H, Assist Fire / Ems

•412 Palmwood Avenue, Trespassing

•307 Wood Street, Theft

•322 S. Madison Street, Theft

•N. Madison Street, Near Main Street, Misc. Traffic Incident

October 7th

•Assembly Of God Church, Assist Public

•Northstar Bluescope Steel, Assist Public

•Main Street, At Madison Street, Misc.

Traffic Incident

•Delta Police Department, Threats/Menacing

October 8th

•Dollar General, 325 Main St., Trespassing

•435 Monroe Street, Juvenile Unruly

•313 Main St., Assist Fire / Ems

•Enterprise/Us 20 Alternate, Traffic Warning

•415 Parkwood Street, Emotionally Disturbed Person

October 9th

•6744 Co Rd 10, Suspicious Vehicle

•Delta High School, Suspicious Vehicle

•612 Northwood, Assist Fire / Ems

•Main/Madison, Traffic Warning

•200 Main Street, Traffic Warning

•Edgewood/Hawthorne, Traffic Safety

Complaints

•112 Jackson, Property Lost/Found

•Delta Middle School, Juvenile Unruly

•Us 20 Alternate/Enterprise Drive, Traffic Safety Complaints

October 10th

•Delta Reservoir, Traffic Safety Complaints

•Main/Madison, Traffic Warning

•Traffic Safety Complaints

•Intersection Of North Madison/Palmwood Streets, Traffic Safety Complaints

•700 Oakview Drive, Disturbance / Dis-

orderly

•703 Oakview, Delta, Welfare Check

•304 Wood Street, Suspicious Person

•State Route 109/County Road H, Traffic Warning

October 4th

•400-8 E Lutz Rd, Traffic Offense

•500-8 Lafayette St, Traffic Offense

•500-8 Short-8uehrer Rd, Traffic Offense

•N Defiance St/Stryker St, Parking Viola-

tions

•415 E Lutz Rd, Suspicious Activity

•111 Weires Dr, Fraud

•High St/E Holland St, Crash

•Miller Av/Pin Oak Pl, Traffic Offense

•600 Park St, Miscellaneous Complaints

October 5th

•1950 S Defiance St, Community Service

•Middle St/W Barre Rd, Traffic Offense

•1111 S Defiance St, Utilities Problem

October 6th

•Sauder St/W Barre Rd, Traffic Offense

October 7th

•N Defiance St/Flory

Civil Process / Paper Ser-

vice

•5753 Co Rd M, Threats / Harassment

•4896 Co Rd 5, Loud Noise

•4750 Co Rd 5, Trespassing

•6042 Co Rd 1-1, Civil Matter

•20A/11, Property Crash

•G/26, Property Crash

•120/12, Injury Crash

•11120 SH 108, Property Crash

•11518 Co Rd M, Welfare Check

•Downe/4, Traffic Sign

October 4th

•Fulton/Linfoot, Traffic Stop

•7900 SH 109, 911 Hangup

•23979 Co Rd J, Breaking & Entering

•4549 Co Rd E, Domestic Dispute

•450 W Main St, Civil Process / Paper Service

•311 Jackson St, Civil Process / Paper Service

•6298 US 20, Traffic Offense

•4896 Co Rd 5, Trespassing

•17777 Co Rd MN, Assist Public

•9803 SH 108, Full Arrest

•17980 US 20, Larceny

•Oak/Shoop, Property Crash

•6793 Co Rd EF, Littering

•9691 Co Rd 12, Suspicious Vehicle

•368 W Main St, Peace Keep

•5/E, Suspicious Activity

October 5th

•6717 Co Rd D, Suspicious Activity

•5230 Co Rd 5-2, Protection Order Viola-

tion

•11671 Co Rd C, Alarm Activation

•G/20A, Disabled Vehicle

•6012 SH 120, Welfare Check

•8860 Co Rd 9-2, Full Arrest

•16022 Co Rd M, Suspicious Activity

•20A/3, Property Crash

October 6th

•B/5, Suspicious Vehicle

•4549 Co Rd E, Injured Person

•4025 Co Rd 2, Larceny

•209 E Main St, Larceny

•4613 Co Rd D, Alarm Activation

•9/E, Livestock on Road / Loose

•15926 US 20A, Disabled Vehicle

•4400 Co Rd H, Fire - Outdoor

•J/17, Property Crash

•20A/16, Disabled Vehicle

October 7th

•2148 US 20, Alarm Activation

•17980 US 20, Unresponsive

•15220 US 127, Property Crash

October 4th

•222 W Jackson St, Civil

ARCHBOLD POLICE

Police, EMT, Fire, Traffic & Court News (Continued)

•11239 Co Rd F, Vandalism

•12735 Co Rd L, Hit Skip Property

•14400 US 20A, Unlock

•23/J, Wildlife Call

•3530 Co Rd C, Fight

•1457 Co Rd D, Suspicious Activity

•1/C, Fire – Vehicle

October 8th

•9526 US 20A, Alarm Activation

•13461 Co Rd 2, Alarm Activation

•Nfs/4, 911 Open Line

•14544 Co Rd 6, Welfare Check

•5014 Co Rd 20, Property Crash

•100 W Barre Rd, Assist

•129 Court House Plz, Sex Offense

•9609 Co Rd 22, Threats / Harassment

•13684 Co Rd 22, Unwanted Subject

•13621 US 20, Property Crash

•11797 County Road K, Vandalism

•10587 Co Rd 4, Domestic Dispute

•8198 SH 108, Unwanted Subject

•603H N Gorham St, K9

October 9th

•3469 Circle Dr, Dog Complaint

•C/19, Property Crash

•109/120, Property Crash

•8484 Co Rd 7-2, Unruly / Runaway Juvenile

•109/H, Disabled Vehicle

•1751 Co Rd 1, Alarm Activation

•9315 Dover Dr, Larceny

•14/L, Property Crash

•3679 US 20A, Unlock

•3449 Circle Dr, Property Crash

•127/20, Property Crash

•4549 Co Rd E, Loud Noise

•26909 County Rd MN, 911 Hangup

October 10th

•214 S Munson Rd, License Plate Recognition Hit

FULTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR

The following individuals were sentenced in the Fulton County Common Pleas Court according to the Fulton County Prosecutor’s Office.

•Michael P. Shenefield, of Swanton, Ohio, age 40, pled guilty to Possession of Cocaine. According to the Fulton County Prosecutor's Office. Mr. Shenefield did knowingly obtain, possess, or use Cocaine.

Judge Scott A. Haselman sentenced

Mr. Michael P. Shenefield to 3 years of community control. He ordered Mr. Shenefield to pay prosecution costs; successfully complete the Drug Court program; be assessed at Recovery Services of Northwest Ohio and successfully complete any recommended treatment and aftercare; not consume or possess alcohol or illegal drugs or THC/marijuana in his home or vehicle; not enter bars and/or taverns; consent to suspicionless searches; and comply with a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew. Mr. Shenefield received credit for 87 days served in jail. Failure to abide by these conditions could result in Mr. Michael P. Shenefield serving 6 to 12 months in prison.

•Tayler James, 27, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, previously pleaded guilty to Attempted Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer. He attempted but failed to comply with orders or signals given by police.

Judge Scott A. Haselman sentenced Mr. James to 3 years of community control and ordered him to pay prosecution costs, abide by a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew, stay out of bars/taverns, not possess or consume alcohol, THC or Marijuana, and serve 21 days in CCNO, with credit for 15 days already served. Failure to comply could result In Mr. James spending 6-18 months in prison.

•Dakota Ferguson, 19, of Delta, Ohio, was previously found guilty of Domestic Violence. He caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member.

Judge Scott A. Haselman sentenced Mr. Ferguson to 3 years of community control and ordered him to pay prosecution costs, including jury fees, abide by a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew, have no contact with the victim, successfully complete the Batterer's Treatment Program and any recommended aftercare, successfully complete the parenting program at Shalom Ministries, and complete any recommended aftercare, maintain full time employment, successfully complete treatment at the Zepf Center, and any recommended aftercare, and serve 45 days in CCNO, with credit for 21 days already served. Failure to comply could result in Mr. Ferguson spending 1-180 days in CCNO.

State Fire Marshal Lifts Ban On Open Burning

Columbus, Ohio – Working in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has issued an order lifting a Ban on Open Burning that was initially ordered on Sept. 6, 2024, in response to extremely dry conditions in much of the state.

While drought conditions persist in parts of the state, the onset of moderate fall temperatures and atmospheric conditions and recent sustained rains that have fallen across the state have provided enough moisture to create a significant and sustained reduction in wildfire fuel loads during the first part of October.

Most importantly, those reduced wildfire fuel loads are not projected to increase back to the dangerous levels observed in September for the foreseeable future.

Specifically, broad areas of the state that received measurable amounts of rain have seen grass return to green, and heavier wildland fuels like larger sticks and logs have had the opportunity to soak up moisture, substantially lessening the risks of uncontainable wildfires.

The Ban on Open Burning that was in place for the past month relied heavily on the US Drought Monitor, which focused on overall long-term drought conditions.

An additional and proven index to examine regarding drought-related wildfire risks is the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which links precipitation effects to wildfire fuel availability and is founded in the concept that fuels with less moisture burn more actively and fuels with more moisture burn with less intensity, or potentially not at all.

The hot, dry summer and early fall conditions led to extreme and exceptional drought conditions as noted in the US Drought Monitor, as well as very high KBDI values, meaning wildfire fuels were exceptionally dry.

This created many problems related to wildfire dangers: grass was withering and dry and very receptive to ignition; large logs were very dry and ready to burn with extreme intensity; and organic materials on and in the ground had very little moisture.

The early October rain provided enough moisture across many parts of the state to allow the KBDI and wildfire moisture levels to recover to a more

Twenty-One Area Law Enforcement Officers Complete CIT Training Sponsored

By ADAMhs Board

Twenty-one law enforcement officers from 11 different departments completed a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training sponsored by the Four County ADAMhs Board recently.

This was the 15th training that the ADAMhs Board has coordinated in the last 13 years. A total of 218 law enforcement officers from area police and sheriff departments as well as probation and corrections officers and chaplains have now been trained in techniques that have been proven effective for deescalating crisis situations involving mentally ill persons.

During the week-long training, a variety of mental health topics were presented to help participants recognize when they are dealing with a situation that may involve someone with a mental illness.

Mental health professionals who work for local behavioral health organizations also explained how mental illnesses are treated as well as the types of medications that may be prescribed.

The instructors’ presentations were supported by family members and persons with a mental illness who explained how they act and respond to others when they aren’t doing well. They also explained how they would like to be treated and interact with others, including law enforcement.

During the week, participants learned that the assertive skills and approaches that police officers have been trained to use in a crisis often causes someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis to become more agitated.

B. J. Horner, manager of community services for the Four County ADAMhs Board and coordinator of the CIT training, said that the participants were extremely engaged, asked a lot of good questions, and had a strong desire to understand how their response may impact someone struggling with a mental health issue.

In addition to Horner, instructors for the training included Bethany Shirkey, director of quality improvement at the ADAMhs Board, Pioneer Police Chief Tim Livengood, Edon Police Chief Tom Szymczak, Brenda Byers with Recovery Services of Northwest Ohio, and Dr. Clarissa Barnes, associate professor of special education and director of the Hench Autism Studies Program at Defiance College.

The CIT program was developed a number of years ago by the National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliate in Memphis and that city’s police department following an incident involving a mentally ill person that ended tragically.

Today, the program is widely used to teach police how to safely and humanely handle calls that involve someone who is mentally ill.

With nearly 220 law enforcement officers now trained in CIT in Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams counties, Horner urges family members or friends of a loved one with a mental illness to tell the police when they need help if the situation involves someone with a mental illness.

“And, request a CIT-trained officer if the department has one on duty,” she said.

average range for this time of year.

Additionally, the cooler, fall-like weather that has moved into the state has a less dramatic drying influence on fuels and has also helped fuels recover from the extreme drought conditions.

“Factors we look at are the burnability, or how easy it is to ignite those fuels that are on the ground,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “When those fuels are drier, they will obviously ignite faster. When there is more moisture, that changes their ignitability quite a bit. There’s a lot that goes into this, but it simply boils down to how easy is it to start a fire on the ground.”

While the Fire Marshal’s Ban on Open Burning has been lifted, if drought conditions worsen and KBDI values return to concerning levels, the ban could be reinstated in areas of concern.

For those who want to burn during unrestricted hours, the Division of State Fire Marshal encourages them to do so cautiously and to have a source of water and tools on hand in case they are needed. Fires should never be left unattended.

“Think about the ground conditions where you’re at, if the ground is very dry, any fire you have could spread quickly and easily,” Reardon said. “We ask all Ohioans to be careful, think before starting a fire, and to be fire safe.”

“Ohio law dictates that most outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Fire Prevention Manager Aaron Kloss.

”In addition, make sure you are aware of any other open burning restrictions that might be in place, including Ohio EPA or any local fire department regulations, and be sure to never burn on dry and windy days, even during an unrestricted time.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s normal annual burning restriction is found in the ORC 1503.18c and prohibits most open burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in unincorporated areas in Ohio. This restriction is in place every fall from October 1 to November 30, and every spring from March 1 to May 31.

Any local burn bans put into place by local jurisdictions will remain in effect unless lifted by that jurisdiction.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER TRAINING COMPLETED ... Eleven law enforcement officers from Williams and Fulton counties completed the week-long Crisis Intervention Team training earlier this month that was sponsored by the Four County ADAMhs Board. Participants included (front row from left): Bethany Shirkey, one of the training coordinators from the ADAMhs Board; Fulton County Adult Probation Officer Calista Garza and Fulton County Adult Probation Officer and part-time patrol officer Tyler Sommers; and Juvenile Detention Center officers Jessica St. John and Denise Miranda. Back row from left: Brenda Byers, one of the training coordinators from Recovery Services of Northwest Ohio; patrol officer Jordan Villarreal and Sgt. Michael Oehlers, Wauseon Police Department; School Resource Officer and Fulton County Sheriff Deputy Steve Schlosser; patrol officer Shailynn Bohner, Pioneer Police Department; Officers Brian Robinson and Justin Garza, Bryan Police Department; and Officer Tracy Williamson, Stryker Police Department.

Authorities Investigate Accidental Shooting In Defiance County

On Friday, October 11th, 2024, at approximately 4:09 pm, the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Mercy Hospital of Defiance and informed of a shooting that occurred at 10825 Stevens Rd., Richland Township, Defiance County, Ohio.

Deputies responded to Mercy Hospital, where the two men involved in the shooting were present.

The investigation revealed that Devon Johnson, age 23, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and left shoulder from a 9mm pistol that was being handled by Richard Johnson, age 56.

After Deputies concluded initial interviews, the scene of the shooting was processed on Stevens Rd. The investigation further revealed the men were both handling firearms next to one another, when Richard’s pistol accidentally discharged and unintentionally impacted Devon.

After the incident, Richard immediately transported Devon to Mercy Hospital for treatment. Staff at Mercy Hospital reported Devon to be in stable condition and he was later flown by Mercy Life Flight to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo for further treatment and evaluation.

Swanton Man Sentenced To Prison For Drug Trafficking

A Swanton, Ohio man was sentenced on October 4, 2024, in the Fulton County Common Pleas Court.

Andrew J. Moll, age 40, previously pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs and one count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs. According to the Fulton County Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Moll did knowingly sell or offer to sell Oxycodone, and he did knowingly obtain, possess, or use Oxycodone.

Judge Scott A. Haselman sentenced Mr. Andrew J. Moll to serve 30 months in prison for Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs and to serve 5 to 7.5 years in prison for Aggravated Possession of Drugs. Said sentences shall be served concurrently. Mr. Moll also forfeited $11,000 in cash and his 2014 Dodge Ram truck.

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION Month

TIPS TO MAKE A HOME LESS VULNERABLE TO CRIMINALS

Property crimes are perhaps more common than people may realize. Data from the Council on Criminal Justice indicates residential burglaries declined by 26 percent in 2023 compared to 2019. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicates there were nearly seven million property-related crimes committed in 2019, which means there were still more than five million such crimes committed in 2023.

Homeowners recognize the importance of protecting themselves, their loved ones and their valuables. Locking doors at night is one measure of protection anyone can employ, but there's a host of additional steps individuals can take to make their homes less vulnerable to criminals.

• Embrace some simple solutions. The Insurance Information Institute recommends utilizing simple security devices such as padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars, and bolts. These devices may not prevent burglars from entering a home, but they can increase the amount of time it takes criminals to gain access. That can be enough to discourage criminals and also provide extra time for homeowners and neighbors to see and report suspicious individuals lurking around homes.

• Periodically assess existing security devices. Locks, security cameras and additional devices are effective deterrents, but only if they're working properly. It's easy to overlook security devices, but routine inspections can ensure they continue to serve as a security blanket between residents and criminals.

• Install a burglar alarm. Burglar alarms can be effective deterrents and even help homeowners save money on their insurance policies. The Electronic Security Association estimates that home alarm systems can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their insurance policies. Such savings can offset the cost to purchase and install burglar alarms. Homeowners who doubt the efficacy of burglar alarms as a crime deterrent should know that a study from researchers at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte examining the habits of burglars found that 60 percent decided against burglarizing properties they learned had burglar alarms.

• Trim privacy trees and shrubs around the perimeter of your home. Privacy trees and shrubs can make it harder for passersby to see into a home from a nearby street or sidewalk.

However, such features also can provide hiding space for criminals looking to gain access to a property. Routinely trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows so they are not inadvertently providing cover for criminals.

• Light up the outside. Exterior lighting is wildly popular among homeowners for its aesthetic appeal. But lights around walkways and throughout a landscape also illuminate the exterior of a home, making it harder for criminals to get around without being seen. Spotlights and motion-detection lights can alert homeowners if someone is outside, and such lighting also can make it easier to spot criminals on exterior cameras, which can deter burglars. There's no shortage of ways for homeowners to make their properties less vulnerable to criminals.

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

The early days of a new relationship can be an exciting time in a person’s life. People may seem like the perfect partners during the early months of dating, and many couples ride that wave of compatibility all the way to the altar.

Though people enter relationships to enhance their lives, some partnerships become unhealthy and may even turn abusive. The National Domestic Violence Hotline says that many abusive people appear quite calm and normal in the early stages of a relationship. When abuse occurs, it may catch victims off-guard.

Family and domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people every year in the United States, according to the National Library of Medicine. As many as one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence. Abuse can trigger various emotions and outcomes, and the outward signs of abuse may not be as obvious as one might think. WebMD says it can be hard for abuse victims to see their partner’s actions for what they really are. And when emotional abuse precedes violent interactions, those on the outside of the relationship might not be aware that anything is wrong.

Although the signs of domestic violence are not the same for everyone, the following are some behaviors and early indicators a person is dealing with an abusive individual.

• Pushing for quick involvement in a relationship and coming on very strong after an initial meeting.

• Showing signs of extreme jealousy, such as accusations of an affair, or preventing a partner from going out because they might meet someone else.

• Controlling behavior that may include keeping all of the money and insisting you ask permission to do anything.

• Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, especially family members, peers or friends.

• Making insulting, demeaning or shameful comments, especially in front of other people.

• Blaming a partner for problems or mistakes.

• Getting easily insulted and flying off the handle when he or she is really angry.

• Expecting a partner to serve and obey at all times.

• Showcasing sudden mood swings by switching

BENEFITS OF HOME SECURITY CAMERAS

Homeowners go to great lengths to make their properties comfortable places to call home. Whether it’s new interior furnishings or renovated outdoor living areas or the installation of various smart home technologies, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade a home with comfort in mind.

When homeowners renovate a home in an effort to make spaces more relaxing and welcoming, it’s important they recognize the relationship between comfort and safety. A home is only as comfortable as it is safe, as residents might struggle to relax if they’re concerned about their safety. Security cameras can help quell such concerns, which is one of a handful of reasons homeowners should consider these increasingly popular safety features for their homes.

• Security cameras can help to deter criminals. Property crimes may not garner the same level of news coverage as violent crimes, but a recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicated that there were still nearly 900,000 burglary offenses in the United States in 2022. That figure represents a decline of more than 50 percent since 2012, when FBI data indicates more than 1.8 million such offenses were committed. A host of variables undoubtedly contributed to that decline, and the greater availability and increased affordability of security cameras has made it easier than ever for homeowners to make their homes less appealing to prospective burglars.

• Security cameras may help to lower insurance premiums. Exterior security cameras can help individuals lower the cost of their homeowners insurance policies. The extent of those savings may depend on the type of cameras homeowners install and whether or not the cameras are integrated into a whole-home security system. The Insurance Information Institute notes that whole home security systems can save homeowners anywhere from 2 to 15 percent on their homeowners insurance policies. More advanced systems, such as those which feature alarms and exterior cameras, can earn homeowners greater savings on their policies.

• Security cameras provide peace of mind while traveling. Modern security camera systems now provide remote access through smartphone apps.

That can give homeowners peace of mind when traveling, as they can monitor their properties when they’re away from home and potentially alert local authorities if they notice anything suspicious on their remote feeds.

• Security cameras can give parents peace of mind. Much like security cameras help travelers keep an eye on their property while they’re away, parents also may find that access to real-time video footage of their homes can calm their nerves when children are in the house. Parents can utilize cameras to keep tabs on youngsters playing in the yard and monitor feeds to see what older kids are up to while Mom and Dad are at work or away from the home for other reasons.

Home security cameras are a worthwhile investment that can save homeowners money and provide peace of mind that they’re doing everything possible to make their homes comfortable, safe spaces to live.

from sweet to violent in minutes.

• Intimidating a partner with threatening looks or weapons.

• Threatening to injure or kill a partner or someone else close to them.

If any of these warning signs seem familiar, it is essential to seek prompt help. Abuse is never the fault of a person who is the victim of it. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or another emergency number. Help also is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE.

Local Hometown News

WILLIAMS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Programs To Support Housing, Agriculture, & Individuals With Disabilities Discussed

By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com

The Williams County commissioners recently convened with Pat McCauley from the state treasurer’s office to receive an update on the programs offered through that office.

The Ohio Treasurer’s Office offers a program to assist residents in purchasing a home, whether it’s their first time or if they want to upgrade.

The Ohio Homebuyer Plus program, launched in January, allows individuals to save for a home and receive a higher interest rate compared to what banks or financial institutions offer. Residents who are 18 or older and live in Ohio can participate. They can check with their local financial institution to see if they are participating in the program. You can

save up to $100,000 in an account for your primary residence in Ohio.

The funds can be used for the down payment and closing costs, and you have five years to use them. It’s open to anyone, and you don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer.

Since the program’s launch earlier this year, Ohio now has about 18,000 accounts, while Iowa only has around 800.

Many financial institutions in northwest Ohio are participating, providing customers with plenty of options. Commissioner Terry Rummel supports the program based on personal experience.

McCauley mentioned the tax benefit of using the program, as contributions can be deducted from income tax.

The treasurer’s office still offers the popular Ag-Link program, which

has been performing well since the borrowing limit was increased to over $150,000 and made available year-round.

McCauley mentioned that they have helped finance around $9.1 million this year, with last year’s total being $14.3 million.

He also discussed the STABLE Account, which enables individuals with disabilities to save and invest without affecting their federal benefits, helping them cover living expenses and medical costs.

Many parents open accounts for their young children to save for their future living expenses. Anyone can contribute to the account, and businesses can offer a direct deposit option to employees. Ag-Link funding is for operations only.

In other news, the Commissioners approved

the following transfers: WILLIAMS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - $5,212.42 from Unappropriated to Repairs for Painting Common Pleas Restrooms and 4th Floor Flooring; $454.00 from Workers Compensation to Dues to fund line through end of 2024.

WILLIAMS COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT

- $125.00 from Unappropriated to Special Projects for Budget shortfall.

WILLIAMS COUNTY EMS - $20,634.82 from EMS BWC to EMS Repairs for low fund amount.

WILLIAMS COUNTY ENGINEER - $150.00 from Unappropriated to Fuel for Fuel for mowing county parks; $14,000.00 from Administration to Repairs and Materials for Repair cost for WWTP Repairs and Materials for WWTP and new tap.

WILLIAMS COUNTY SHERIFF - $425.10 from

Commissioners

Workers Comp to Advertising for MAN Unit Ad.

WILLIAMS COUNTY TREASURER - $200.00 from Unappropriated to Office Supplies for Office Supplies (Adding Machine).

Kylee Towne has been offered and accepted the Director position of Williams County Job & Family Services with a potential start date of November 18, 2024. The new director will receive a salary of $115,000 per year, in addition to benefits. She will directly report to the county administrator. The hiring is subject to a successful background check.

The Village Reporter Earns 15 Awards & Honorable Mentions

At Annual National Newspaper Association Convention

The 2024 National Newspaper Association (NNA) Better Newspaper Content nominations were judged, with The Village Reporter (Northwest Ohio Publishing LLC) having won fifteen awards and honorable mentions.

This year’s winners were recognized during the NNA’s 138th Convention held this September in Omaha, Nebraska.

Best Multiple Advertiser Section

Honorable Mention: The Village Reporter – Honoring Years In Business, Forrest R. Church

Judge’s Comments: Great idea for a clean layout and great participation from the community.

Best Newspaper Promotion

Second Place: The Village Reporter – 800,000+ Photo Reprints Forrest R. Church, Publisher

Judge’s Comments: Nice piece promoting a strong community service.

General Excellence

Honorable Mention: The Village Reporter, Forrest R. Church, Publisher

Judge’s Comments: Very colorful front page. Good preview section on front page to steer readers to stories inside. Superb sports section.

Photo – Best Photo Essay

First Place: The Village Reporter – Bundle Of Joy, Forrest R. Church, Publisher

Judge’s Comments: Just a huge bundle of joy! Basic photos, yet a terrific “bundle” not just for the parents, but the entire community!

Photo – Best Sports Photo Third Place: The Village Reporter – Swimming Form, Jacob Kessler

Judge’s Comments: Perfectly captured dive.

Section – Best Family Life Living Section Pages

Honorable Mention - The Village Reporter – Embracing The Unexpected, Amy Wendt

Judge’s Comments: Nice selection of stories with a family feel to the entire paper. Solid writing. Consistent layout.

Section – Best Special News, Sports or Feature Section or Edition

First Place: The Village Reporter – 150 Years Of Fayette History, Forrest R. Church, Publisher; Jacob Kessler

Judge’s Comments: This was not just a piece of journalism. It’s also a piece of history in how it not only chronicles the history, but also how that history is seen. Great mix of old and new photos. The point of view of the children is a great inclusion.

Story-Series – Best

Performing Arts Story

Honorable Mention - The Village Reporter – Bryan High School Theater Presents “Clue On Stage”, Jacob Kessler

Judge’s Comments: Clever way to tell the story! The layout,

great photos and cutlines and a short brief article. You wrote to your audience and many of these younger people don’t want to read a long story, but they do want to be featured.

Story/Series – Best Coverage of Military Affairs

Third Place - The Village Reporter – Veterans Tribute, Forrest Church, Jacob Kessler, Anna Wozniak, Amy Wendt

Judge’s Comments: A great group effort that explored many facets of veterans’ and current military members’ service produced a section with substance.

Story-Series – Best Business Story

Third Place - The Village Reporter – Fish Farm, Jacob Kessler, Forrest R. Church, Publisher

Judge’s Comments: Great story… Overall, great job.

Story-Series –

Best Sports Story

First Place: The Village Reporter – Edgerton’s Kayt Timbrook Reaches 1,000 Career Digs, Nate Calvin, Sports Director

Judge’s Comments: Well written, plenty of details, background info, multiple quotes. Loved the layout and photos of this entry...

Story-Series –

Preserving Local History

Second Place: The Village Reporter – 150 Years Of Fayette, Ohio History, Forrest R. Church, Jacob Kessler

AWARDED ... Forrest R. Church, Publisher of The Village Reporter (Northwest Ohio Publishing LLC) was presented awards on behalf of the newspaper’s staff at the annual National Newspaper Association Convention held this year in Omaha, Nebraska. Pictured presenting Church with a first-place award is NNA Foundation Board President Michael Fishman of the Citizen Tribune, Morristown, Tennessee.

Judge’s Comments: A massive project that paid off handsomely for readers. Great deep dive into a community’s story.

Story-Series – Preserving Local History

Third Place: The Village Reporter – 185-Year-Old Historic Cabin Has Deteriorated Past

The Point Of Restoration, Forrest R. Church, Publisher; Rebecca Miller

Judge’s Comments: A sad current situation is put into perspective with good historical narrative. Nicely reported.

Best Use of Social Media

For Breaking News

Third Place: The Village Reporter – Local Pastor’s Charges Dropped, Forrest R. Church, Publisher; Jacob Kessler, Writer

Judge’s Comments: Nice and short memo that is a perfect summary of the article to go along with the link, driving traffic to the website.

Best Use of Social Media For Breaking News

Honorable Mention: The Village Reporter – Suspect Found Dead, Forrest R. Church, Publisher

PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER APPROVED …

approve the accepted offer of Kylee Towne as the Director of Williams County Job & Family Services.

Village Of Delta To Contract Deputies To Cover Officer Shortage

By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com

Interim Delta Police Chief Sgt. Drew Walker reported an upcoming sick leave for one of the village’s fulltime officers will require the contracting of a Fulton County Sheriff’s Office deputy to cover two 12-hour

shifts.

According to Walker, the department currently has four full-time officers and three part-time officers, where full staffing would be seven full-time and two part-time officers, counting the chief.

With the officer taking two weeks of sick leave, a total of 24 hours of shift coverage will be required.

No action was required to authorize the action according to Law Director Kevin Heban, who said the cost fell below the spending limit which requires council approval.

Mayor Allen Naiber reported the second set of interviews for police chief applicants will “hopefully” take place next week, with a resolution coming to the council to hire at the next meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS

The council approved Halloween trick-or-treating hours to be set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31.

Alice Rychener appeared on behalf of the park board to turn in the money raised to cover the cost of address signs for park buildings.

The signs will allow people in emergency situations at the buildings to provide emergency responders with an actual address to improve response times.

Rychener turned the funds over to Assistant Finance Director Marlena Allwood, who will provide a check to Rychener to pay the invoice for the signs.

The council gave final approval of a resolution authorizing the chief of police or the village administrator to sell surplus property through the GovDeals website, “including motor vehicles, road machinery, equipment, tools, or supplies that are not needed for public use, or are obsolete or unfit for the use of which they were acquired,” also authorizing them to establish any other terms or conditions of sale as they deem appropriate.

The council gave final approval of a resolution updating the village’s impound lot policy, changing the towing rate from $125 to instead conform to whatever the village is charged by the towing service.

The next regular meeting of the Delta Village Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 28, at 401 Main Street in Delta.

Former Delta Administrator ... From The

the village, an at-will termination can be made at any time “upon 90 days written notice to Glenn.”

“If the Village does not request continuance of services, Glenn shall still be compensated at his full rate until the date of termination. Glenn shall be compensated for all unused vacation time and any unused sick time pursuant to the Village’s policy manual,” the contract reads.

During the meeting in which he was terminated, it was confirmed to Glenn that he would be receiving that 90 days of pay, although it is unclear whether he was provided written notice. The letter claimed that Glenn not receiving or having the option for a public hearing on the

matter was a “violation of the Ohio Revised Code and his rights to due process.”

It was also indicated in the letter that Glenn believes he was terminated due to his age, an allegation challenged by council ember Robert Shirer when asked for comment.

“I would recommend reading comments that Mr. Glenn made to newspaper in regard to why he was terminated three months ago, because in those complaints nowhere was age discrimination ever a thought in his mind,” Shirer said.

“So I find it strange that they are now a concern. If he has any evidence that he was discriminated against,

I would love for him to bring it forward, I would love to see it. But we are not aware of any.”

Glenn’s demands per the letter includes payment of his salary from the date of his termination through the “standard termination date” of May 22, 2025approximately $74,000 based on his termination date 90 days after the May 20, 2024 council meeting during which he was terminated and his contracted annual salary at that point of $98,000.

He is also demanding 10 years worth of his 14 percent Public Employee Retirement System contributions (totaling roughly $137,000) plus $250,000 in damages “resulting from the defamatory nature of the proceedings against him which have severely damaged his career as a public servant,” for a total amount in the ballpark of $461,000.

Law Director Kevin Heban said the allegations and legal issues have been passed along to the village’s insurance carrier.

“That’s what the village paid for,” Heban said. “There’s coverage

Dotting My Teas

OPINION COLUMN

The world seemed perfect that day. It was springtime when the sun was shining as it should be. The skies were blue and dotted with a few clouds.

It was easy to notice the birds outside. My house windows were open to let the outdoor air make its way in. I’d spent the morning in front of my computer screen, typing on a keyboard. By afternoon, the need to get out of the house overwhelmed me. I didn’t care where I went; I just needed to feel some outdoor air.

So I took to the road, stopped at Edgerton’s coffee shop for a hot coconut latte, and headed to my childhood home. I poked around in the back yard for a bit. Checked out the pink rose bush. Visited with my brother Don for a few minutes.

When it was time to head home, I decided upon the scenic route. A train going through town made me pause long enough to remember I had planned to stop at the cemetery. I wanted to see the flowers that’d been placed at Stevie’s grave.

It would be a quick visit with no plans to stick around. No reason to overthink. No reason to start up the crying. My internal dialogue was speaking to me in the “jackal voice,” a voice my friend had recently explained to me. It’s a voice in which everyone is an expert. A voice we use to make fun of the situation we’re in. To make fun of ourselves or others.

After she explained it, I recognized the jackal voice was something I’ve used as a coping measure. As a way to change the seriousness of the moment.

In preparing myself for a quick visit to the cemetery, the voice in my head was telling me to think logically. There was no need to cry.

I was perfectly capable of standing at a tombstone for a short while. I could check things out. I could get back in the car. I could drive away with dry eyes.

There I stood before a row of tombstones with the names of family members etched upon them. I could read the year of their birth. The year of their death. So final. Etched in stone.

Surrounding me were rows of tombstones with the names of friends I’d known during their time on this earth. I told myself there’s no need to cry. Just walk. Read the names upon the stones and get back in the car.

My time at the computer that morning had included writing a story about Aunt Luella. I remember thinking it had been a while since I had written about her.

Front Page

under our policy for that. If a police officer gets in an accident or injures somebody, it’s all covered just like in your own personal insurance.”

He said the issue was now fully out of the village’s hands. “I don’t expect to hear back from the insurance company,” Heban said.

“We’ve turned it over to them, so they’ll engage their own lawyer and handle it themselves.”

Reached for comment, Glenn said he expected consequences. “This callous and unthoughtout action taken by the village council caused harm not just to me but to every taxpayer and resident in the village of Delta, and I intend to hold them accountable for their actions,” Glenn said.

In the time since Glenn’s termination, Edward Ciecka has served as interim village administrator. The opening for a full-time replacement was posted several weeks ago.

Mayor Naiber said the village is looking through resumes now, with interviews expected to take place sometime in the next two weeks.

She had played a role in helping my sister Elaine at the time of her open heart surgery. Luella was one of the volunteer blood donors who’d traveled to Indianapolis back in 1960. She was there for my family. Aunt Luella stayed close to us over the years, and we helped her celebrate her ninetieth birthday by hosting a family gathering in her honor. She celebrated ninety-two birthdays before passing away in 2012.

As I was walking past Uncle Bob and Aunt Luella’s tombstone, I saw a piece of folded cloth material on the ground. It was stuck in the grass, so I gave it a gentle tug in order to loosen it.

I stood motionless as I realized I was holding a woman’s cloth handkerchief. Pink roses in the design. Near-perfect condition. No rips. No tears. Just a tiny green grass stain. I asked myself if I was being told to go ahead and have a good cry.

The next morning, the first thing I thought about was having found a handkerchief beside Aunt Luella’s tombstone. I thought about having spent the early part of the day writing about her. I thought about the synchronicities.

About what it took for that handkerchief to be there for me to find. Someone had dropped it. It landed where it landed.

A few weeks later, I was searching for a letter my Aunt Joan had written to my parents at the time of my birth. As I sorted through my box of papers, I noticed a greeting card with a picture of three little angels on the front.

The angels were individually donned in purple, yellow, and blue dresses. Little wings upon their shoulders. A pink rose in the center. I opened the card to find Luella’s signature.

I was the ninth child in the family, so this was the ninth baby card she’d given to my parents. No one knew at the time she would be sending two more.

No one knew the eleventh child would be Stevie –someone who was born with Down syndrome. Someone we’d all be sending cards to. Someone who wouldn’t let others forget his birthday. Someone who showed us how to live.

I found a video in my camera in which Stevie was making fun of me – calling me a “crazy girl.” Twice. I’ve replayed it and decided it may be a good example of the jackal voice. He was definitely teasing me. He was poking fun at his sister who was taking life too seriously.

I’ve placed the video on his Facebook page. He can be heard doing an impression of me saying, “I can’t find it” after I’d been searching for where the extra rolls of toilet paper had been stored.

Stevie didn’t know the seriousness of the national toilet paper shortage. He didn’t know there were people working overtime at the toilet paper factories. He didn’t know how hard the truck drivers were working to deliver to the stores. Or how busy the store clerks were.

He didn’t know people were buying more toilet paper than usual. This was a serious situation which Stevie knew nothing about. And there he was, making fun of me. Laughing at his sister. Calling her a “crazy girl.” Making fun of someone as important as his sister. Those who knew Stevie often tell me how much he meant to them. How he changed them for the better. I know what they’re talking about, yet I want them to tell me what they’re talking about.

It seems that Stevie lived his life with no doubts. No second guessing. No reason to think of himself as anything less than wonderful. If we could see the beauty of the world through Stevie’s eyes, we’d see how worthy we are. We’d see the beauty in one another – a beauty that’s unmatched in all the earth. We’d know that big things happen in small moments. We’d know when we’re taking life too seriously. Marlene Oxender is a writer, speaker, and author. She writes about growing up in the small town of Edgerton, her ten

Crazy Girl - By: Marlene Oxender

PHOTO BY JESSIE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SIGNS FOR SERVICE ... Park Board representative

Alice Rychener addresses the Delta Village Council regarding address signs for the park buildings to aid emergency responders. The board raised funds from donors in the community to cover the cost of the signs.

Column: Caught My Eye, Crossed My Mind

"We Find A Way - We Get It Done!"

By: Forrest R. Church, Publisher THE VILLAGE REPORTER

In late September, I drove to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend the annual National Newspaper Association Convention. I look forward to this trip each year as the convention is held in different locations across our country, often in cities I would not otherwise visit. Last year, I had the honor of being in the House of Representatives halls in Washington D.C. to discuss postal reform after massive issues and price increases to our Periodical Permit to mail your newspaper. Other recent cities have included San Francisco, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; and Franklin, Tennessee. I am unable to attend conference every year but I do my best.

It was a long drive from Northwest Ohio after a work shift, but I honestly enjoyed it. There are times when I feel desperate to escape the hectic lifestyle of being a newspaper publisher, which demands endless hours in front of a computer monitor and on the phone. The long drive across Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa west towards Nebraska during one of the most beautiful times of the year was refreshing. The autumn colors were vibrant in the trees, and the fields were gold and brown as farmers gathered their harvest to feed the world. It was amazing and much needed.

Attending the conference was an honor, especially since our newspaper staff either won or was nominated for fifteen awards—see the related article in this week’s edition.

It was also refreshing to connect with others who are equally passionate about this profession. The cornfields of Northwest Ohio do not offer many opportunities to meet fellow newspaper publishers over coffee, sharing our frustrations and, preferably, encouraging one another. Frankly, there are not many left. Many former publishers that I fellowshipped with in one way or another are no longer in business, such as the Hamilton News, Antwerp Bee Argus, Hicksville Tribune, Montpelier Leader, Fulton County Expositor, Delta Atlas, State Line (Morenci) Review, Swanton Enterprise, Fayette Review, and many others within a short drive are gone.

But there was another surprise on the trip. I did not know at the conference that Eric Meyer, Publisher of the Marion County Record (Kansas), would speak and that I would have several instances of being able to spend time with him one-on-one to discuss the ordeal he recently went through.

A brief recap of a complicated story that received international attention:

On August 11, 2023, the Marion County Record, a local newspaper in Kansas, was raided by law enforcement under the direction of then-Police Chief Gideon Cody. The raid targeted the newspaper's office, the home of its editor, Eric Meyer, and the residence of a city councilwoman. Authorities alleged identity theft and computer crimes, but these claims were later dismissed as unfounded by prosecutors.

Tragically, during the raid, Eric Meyer's 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, who co-owned the newspaper and lived with him, suffered significant distress and passed away the following day from a heart attack attributed to the stress of the incident. Eric Meyer has publicly stated that he believes the raid directly contributed to her death.

In the aftermath of the raid, Police Chief Gideon Cody resigned from his position in September 2023 and has since been charged with felony obstruction of justice and interference with the judicial process. These charges stem from allegations that Cody attempted to persuade a witness to withhold information and requested a local restaurant owner to delete text messages related to the investigation. A motion by Cody to dismiss the charges for lack of probable cause was rejected by the District Judge, indicating the seriousness of the allegations against him.

The raid has ignited a national conversation about press freedom and the role of law enforcement in suppressing journalistic activities. A report from prosecutors concluded that no crimes were committed by the newspaper staff, raising questions about the legitimacy of the police actions. Eric Meyer has called for accountability not only for Cody but also for other officials involved in the raid, emphasizing the need for transparency in law enforcement.

As the legal proceedings against Cody continue, the case has become a focal point for advocates of press freedom and civil rights. Cody, who is reportedly living in Hawaii, made his first public appearance in Marion since his resignation during a recent court hearing.

Numerous news agencies around the world covered this story, which again, was captured on home securi-

ty footage showing Eric’s elderly mother yelling at authorities—who were a third of her age—to get out of her home. It is simply heartbreaking. I have followed this story closely since first learning about it, through Joan’s funeral and, of course, all the legal proceedings since.

I have not personally investigated the incident and have relied upon reports from other media outlets. We are not the judge and jury on the matter and know there is always two sides to a story. But this has been extremely concerning and seems pretty clear cut.

I’ve talked about my family in this column and noted that you cannot separate family from the community hometown news business when you own, operate and live the line of work 24/7. The owners from whom I bought our first newspaper lived the same life. Most hometown newspapers share this lifestyle, so the thought of having your office—and even worse, your home—raided because of investigative reporting at your newspaper is concerning at best.

I learned a lot about the case that I will not share here. I listened to Eric publicly speak about how a current police leader, who is a short-term replacement, wanted to press assault charges against his 98-yearold mother due to raising her walker when they were raiding their family home on the day before her death. Just unreal. I know what my departed grandmothers on both sides of the family would have done with their walkers in this case.

The point of sharing this story with my column readers was that despite being very concerned about attacks on freedom of the press, I was inspired by Eric’s determination to continue the paper, even the next edition. While having to plan his mother’s funeral and despite having all the computers, software, and basic equipment needed to produce a newspaper seized, he still published the next edition, still mad that he was just about perfect beyond forgetting one advertisement. WOW!

The mindset of remaining community newspaper publishers throughout the country clearly can be summarized as, “Find a way - we get it done!”—clearly sometimes in the midst of scenarios that we cannot even fathom or plan for.

In a group setting, I shared how not in one instance but twice, I made our print press deadline from the comforts of an emergency room, one time on a morphine drip for kidney stones. I joked that it was the best newspaper we ever published (anybody going to college in the 1970s knows what I am talking about). Others shared their personal stories that were an inspiration at their community newspaper operation.

I also shared the story of Thanksgiving 2005 when we were computer hacked in West Unity (The Advance Reporter) along with our sister office in Edon (The Edon Commercial) which hosted our backup computer system. Everything including our backup was wiped out with a message, “You’re F***ed” as our welcome message when discovering the attack.

We had no idea how to put one foot in front of another; everything was wiped out. It would have been easier to recover if a fire had burned the business to the ground or if we were flattened by a tornado. I could have gone to Best Buy, bought a few computers, restored the backup, and would have been operational.

I was able to share with my colleagues, while being very clear our story pales in comparison to Eric’s experience, we were able to continue. Although all these years later, I think we are still trying to recover from the financial loss from our computer hacking incident.

I would also like to note I am personally extremely pro-law enforcement, and in our case, those serving were absolute heroes from the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Defiance County Cyber Crime, West Unity, Edon, Edgerton, and Montpelier Police Departments, and others. In our case, through our internal investigation capabilities coupled with law enforcement effort, we traced the hackers. When they were rightly raided their computer equipment found some pretty nasty material. Those who remember or followed our case can remember; I won’t go back into details further.

Long story short, I believe this case of obvious overreach and corruption in Kansas does not nor should not reflect the norm for law enforcement, actually just the opposite (at least my experiences).

As I drove back home through the beautiful autumn conditions in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana after the completion of this year’s conference, I had time to reflect on this newspaper mindset.

Community newspapers, “Find a way - we get it done!”

I think maybe I need to start a line of merchandise with this concept printed on shirts and coffee cups. But seriously, this is one of the most difficult lines of work to exist in, yet we, “Find a way - we get it done!”

While restaurants, retail shops, and other businesses may enjoy profit margins of 25%, 50%, or 75%, we often sell our thick newspaper edition for a financial loss, yet we, “Find a way - we get it done!”

Though the hours are insane and the pay at any minimum wage job would be an increase, we, “Find a way, we get it done!” We feel a calling to do this each day / each week.

Working at a community newspaper will not make anybody rich, yet we find the right community team members that believe in our vision for our Northwest Ohio communities and stand shoulder to shoulder with us to produce The Village Reporter each weekwe, “Find a way - we get it done!”

God forbid we face anything like we have in the past again or anything close to Eric’s story, but if we do, I’m thankful for the conversations at this year’s con vention and the long drive back to reflect. I needed the reminder that we, “Find a way - we get it done!”

That is it for this week. I’d love to hear from you. As always, feel free to reach out to me at publisher@ thevillagereporter.com or via mail at 115 Broad Street, Montpelier, Ohio 43543.

Everyone should have a go-to whole chicken recipe in their culinary repertoire. While roasting a chicken certainly gets the job done, it’s hard to beat the flavor profile of a chicken cooked low and slow on a smoker. The chicken can be enjoyed right off the bone, and leftovers can be pulled or chopped to use in enchiladas, tacos, salads, and more.

Fire up the smoker or grill for this “Pecan-Smoked Spicy Chicken” from “Jon Bonnell’s Texas Favorites” (Gibbs Smith).

SERVES FOUR 2 cups water 21/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder 11/2 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon honey

1 whole all-natural chicken, roughly 5 to 5 1/2 pounds 2 tablespoons Texas Red Dirt Rub Southwestern Blend, or similar Southwestern seasonings

Combine the water, pepper, garlic powder, salt, and honey in a pot and heat over the stove until completely dissolved together; let cool in the fridge. Place the chicken in a 2-gallon zip-top freezer bag and pour in the brine. Force out as much air as possible, then seal the bag. Allow the chicken to soak in the refrigerator overnight, turning several times to ensure the brine reaches the entire bird.

Remove the chicken from the bag the following day, drain off all of the brine and pat the bird dry with paper towels. Rub the bird well with the Southwestern Blend, even the inside of the cavity. Truss the bird with kitchen twine, pulling the legs and wings in tight to ensure it cooks evenly. Place the bird in a smoker with pecan chips and cook at 250 F until done, about 2 hours.

Gas grill alternative: Turn one burner on high and leave one burner off. Place a foil package of pecan wood chips over the hot side until they begin to smoke. Place the bird on the cool side, pull down the lid and allow to smoke. Turn the bird once in a while to ensure even cooking, and refresh the chips as needed to maintain a smoky environment inside your gas grill.

Eric Meyer, Publisher of the Marion County Record (Kansas)

Pettisville FFA Members Attend Soil Contest & Ag Fest

NATIONAL

Hot facts

MONTH about

fired up about pizza, courtesy of Papa Woods’s

DeNiro’s Pizza, Big Mario’s New York Style Pizza, and DidYouKnow.com.

• More than 10 percent of food service sales in the United States involve pizza. Plenty of people are ordering pizza to their homes or dining at restaurants that serve this beloved dish.

• Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping (if you’re not counting cheese).

Pizza consumption tends to be highest during sporting events. Pizza retailers sell millions of pizzas during the Super Bowl every year, for example.

• When pizza originated in Naples, Italy, it was intended to be an option for low-income families, as it was a cheap meal to make at home.

• Researchers at The Artificial Language Laboratory

used a computer to order a pizza in 1974 to test the computer’s speaking ability. The order was a pepperoni, mushroom, ham, and sausage pizza from local pizzeria Mr. Mike’s.

Around 80 percent of Italian cheese production in the United States revolves around making mozzarella to accommodate the pizza industry.

Americans love their pizza. Of the more than five billion pizzas sold worldwide each year, approximately 60 percent of them are sold in the U.S.

• The outer edge of the pizza is known as the “cornicione.” Despite the interesting name, chances are someone in your household leaves that crusty goodness behind on the plate after enjoying a slice or two.

• When American World War II soldiers returned home after eating pizza in Italy, they brought their love for this food with them and helped bring pizza to the masses.

Each year, the International Pizza Expo takes place so that those in the pizza industry can mingle and share information about this delicious food.

PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

RURAL SOILS ... Twenty FFA members attended the Fulton County Soils Career Development Event (CDE). The top 8 on the team competed at the District contest on September 24. The Rural Soils team placed eighth with Caite Wixom placing 14th and Casin Nofziger placing 17th. Back row from left: Baylee Tietje, Gauge Huner. Middle row from left: Bailey Booth, Caite Wixom. Front row from left: Carter Beck, Casin Nofziger.

AG FEST HELPERS ... Four Pettisville FFA members ran a station at Fulton County

3rd Grade Ag Fest on September 17, 2024. They ran the small animal station and brought a goat and pigs for students to see up close and pet. Third graders from around the county learned about different breeds of animals, nutrition in feeds, and livestock terms at the station. From left: Ava Genter, Sophie Wilke, Courtney Wiemken, and Olivia Beck.

FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT?

Dear Editor:

I wanted to express my support for the idea of having a female president, I always celebrate when minorities achieve leadership roles.

However, I must admit that Vice President Kamala Harris feels more like a political plant than a genuine candidate. I celebrated when President Obama was elected, as it marked a significant moment for representation in the highest office in the land. But this situation feels different.

During his campaign, Biden promised to choose a Black woman as his running mate, and he did—sort of. While no one should judge our heritage, it raises questions

SIGN STOLEN

when videos show her consistently identifying as Indian until it became necessary to identify as African American to meet Biden’s criteria. Am I the only one who believes that selections should be based on merit rather than gender or race? Appointing someone solely for representation is both misguided and, frankly, racist (not reverse racist either – good oldfashioned racism).

It’s important to note that everyone has experienced racism in some form, and I have more African heritage than she does, yet I do not leverage it to get ahead in life.

She struggled during the legitimate primaries held by the Democratic Party, being one of the first candidates to exit

Dear Editor: I am a lifelong Conservative Republican. There was a time when folks understood we all love our country, and we could have an intelligent adult conversation about our country and elections. People could share and discuss differing ideas calmly and with respect for one another. Those are the real “good old days”. Now we have lies, name-calling, hateful insults, and worse.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Dear Editor:

As the election draws closer, we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change on our communities. Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer — they’re all clear warning signs of a

USE COUNTY SALES

TAX FOR EMS

Dear Editor:

Property taxes are currently imposed on buildings and land only, not on financial or personal property.

To ease this burden on property taxes the State authorized an “income tax” for school districts which has been very successful in funding

OHIO DESERVES BETTER

Dear Editor:

I want to share why I believe Kamala Harris and her California-style politics just do not fit Ohio. Her policies will threaten the values we care about and the economic stability we’re aiming for in our state.

One of the biggest concerns I have is her support for late-term abortions. It’s upsetting to think that babies who can dream, play, and recognize their mom’s voice are seen as just a “choice” instead of a life.

This view undermines the value of life and shows a lack of responsibility. Ohio needs leaders who put families and the importance of life first.

Additionally, the tax relief that many Ohioans enjoyed during the Trump administration is now in jeopardy. Harris and her supporters have talked about letting those important tax cuts expire, which would lead to higher taxes for middle-class families in

due to unpopularity, largely because of her extreme positions and her record in California.

Then, Biden selected her as Vice President—a role I initially accepted until she misled Americans about her oversight of the southern border, where countless lives have been lost or destroyed.

How many obituaries do we need to see in the newspaper of young people, including two locally whom I know who died from fentanyl coming across the border? Black communities across America have been devastated by horrific fentanyl and other drugrelated deaths, including the use of Tranq, a horse tranquilizer that turns people into zombies—all stemming from issues at

Frankly, I am tired of the nastiness and chaos. I am ready for a bit of calm, quiet, and a return of personal honor and dignity.

very real climate crisis. This issue deserves more attention than it’s received so far this election cycle. During the presidential debate, only one brief question was asked about climate at the very end. The fact is, the climate crisis impacts us all, no matter where we live or how much money we make. Americans are

the schools’ operating expenses. Currently no state authorization has been given to counties to use “income taxes”, but instead, the state has authorized “county sales taxes” which Williams County currently uses to collect approximately $8 million dollars per year. The current EMS ballot proposing a property

Ohio.

This is a real threat to the financial stability of families who are already struggling. With inflation driving prices up, losing those tax breaks will make it even harder for many people in our Northwest Ohio communities to get by.

While some people focus on Trump’s personality, we can’t ignore how effective his economic plan was for Ohioans looking for safety and prosperity. The difference between his approach and Harris’s couldn’t be clearer.

People are leaving California in huge numbers because of high taxes and rising crime allowed by Harris and other extreme left leaders to look for better opportunities in Republican-led states. Why would we want to copy California’s mistakes?

Harris has also shown some concerning inconsistency in her policies, often changing her stance without clear explanations during

the southern border. We sit in the comfort of our homes, disconnected from the pain and suffering occurring in our country, while our current leadership seeks four more years without telling us the truth.

After 3.5 years, she finally visited the border for a photo op, much to the disapproval of ICE and Border Patrol.

Why didn’t she do so earlier when many politicians from both sides of the aisle have gone on their own accord for years to explore the problem firsthand?

As a union member, I tend to vote Democrat, but I cannot, in good conscience, support Harris. Unions across the country, including surveys among their members, now show

significant support for Trump. It’s simple: we need values. We should focus on reducing prices in America and keeping money out of the hands of our enemies overseas, who are funded through oil sales. Building in America used to be a reason I voted Democrat; now, I only hear Trump advocating for this, which is why many union members who traditionally vote Democratic are now supporting him.

It’s time to stop voting based on looks and personality; we need to start voting for common sense. Whose policies truly support middleclass Americans?

whose extreme ideas have proven ineffective during her nearly four years in office.

Shame on the Democratic Party for pushing her into the spotlight and sidelining Biden. Once again, she was appointed, and the party of democracy placed someone who received no votes from the members. My old party could have chosen from dozens of candidates I would have supported over Trump. Harris is a facade and not what America needs or deserves.

Wake up, Democratic Party, and realign your values, or you will only hold power in the most extreme, woke areas of the country.

So, I put up a “Republicans For Harris” sign in my yard. It lasted two days before it was vandalized and destroyed. Really? This is who we have become? Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are laughing at what we are doing to ourselves.

being told to flee their homes and risk losing everything.

Meanwhile, Big Oil continues to put profits over people by prioritizing fossil fuels that continue to destroy our environment. We cannot afford to lose any more time in the fight against the climate crisis. We need leaders — at the federal, state, and

tax is an unfair tax on agriculture. Modern farms are uniquely dependent on large investments in buildings and land needed for living incomes.

It would be good and equitable if only my house were taxed, but additional taxes on my corn and soybean fields will increase my farm EMS taxes 30 times

recent interviews. This makes me question her ability to lead effectively.

Ohio deserves a leader who stands by their principles, not someone who shifts based on what’s popular at the moment.

Under the Biden/ Harris administration, we’ve seen a rise in illegal immigration, and Harris has said she wouldn’t change a thing about it. This approach is risky for

-Stephen Seagrave Delta, Ohio

local level — who believe in the science of climate change and are willing or can be convinced to take bold action before it’s too late.

So I urge everyone: When you cast your ballot this November, think of our planet and the people that call it home.

Who is boasting about eliminating Trump-era tax cuts that experts warn will devastate the middle class? I would rather vote for the orange man, who makes me shake my head half the time he speaks and who is not politically correct, than for someone

P.S. Biden, who told my family, “we ain’t black” if we didn’t vote for him, should consider using that line on his choice, who feels more like a plant than a true leader.

People Undervalued Local News & Now Our Communities Are Suffering The Damage

By: Monica Nieporte, Ohio Media News Association

OPINION COLUMN

-Tom Scheller Hillsdale,

For too many years people undervalued having a local newspaper, local radio station and local journalists who they knew by name and trusted. People eagerly turned to social media as an alternative to subscribing to their local paper or tuning in their local radio or TV station.

Michigan

greater than on my house alone. This is totally inequitable for the EMS personal services desired.

EMS operating expenses should be paid with our sales tax revenues already authorized, not with additional property taxes on farmland and farm buildings.

-Marvin Dietsch Edgerton, Ohio

Ohio and for the country, and it’s not something we can afford to continue.

Ohio needs leaders who will support life, foster economic growth, and keep our communities safe. Kamala Harris’s California politics aren’t the solution. We should choose a path that protects our values and creates a better future for all Ohioans.

-Deb

Tiffin Liberty Center, Ohio

We saw early signs of trouble as more and more people started sharing unsubstantiated rumors with their friend groups as news or facts.

We saw the dangers of this during the COVID pandemic and 2020 election. We continue to see that no topic is immune.

Springfield has dealt with viral social media posts causing chaos in their community and now those in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are finding internet misinformation getting in the way of its residents and disaster help. This is a truly dangerous situation.

Some of what is being shared is not done with bad intent – but these folks are just blindly passing along every rumor and every internet post they see on the topic without realizing the harm that can come from someone being misinformed.

People who are trying to coordinate supply drives and search and rescue assistance are being sent on wild goose chases and thwarted by people circulating rumors.

We are already seeing it again this week with Hurricane Milton. People being falsely told that FEMA has no money for them and won’t help them. What if people decide not to evacuate because of this and end up losing their lives?

It has never been more important for communities to have a local news source they can trust. We can see how easily large groups of people can be swayed into believing something without any factual basis in reality.

This does not bode well for communities where there are no local journalists to help them sort fact from fiction.

-Shawna Hill Holland, Ohio

Board Receives Preview Of Five-Year Forecast

By: Jesse Davis

THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com

The Swanton Local School District Board of Education got a sneak peek at updates to the five-year forecast at its meeting Wednesday evening.

According to Treasurer Sheila Horseman, the district’s income tax collections from July were up roughly 8 percent from last year, with the next payment coming in by the end of this month.

Horseman wrote in her update that the new state funding formula for districts including the Fair School Funding Plan “results in significant changes to the calculation and payment of state foundation funding,” with one of the major changes being “a move to fund students where they are educated, rather than where they live.”

“Community school students, STEM school students, students participating in a scholarship program (Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship), and students participating in open enrollment will all be directly funded at their educating entity,” Horseman wrote.

“This change eliminates the deduction and transfer of funds from resident districts to educating entries for students participating in these school choice options.”

Declining enrollment and increasing property values have left Swanton’s state funding flat, she wrote.

Board members will receive a draft

of the five-year forecast revenue projections after the October tax collection, and a full presentation will be given at the November 15 board meeting.

REPORT CARD ON OHIO SCHOOLS

Superintendent Chris Lake reported the school district had received its report card from the Ohio Department of Education.

The district received an overall score of 3.5 stars, where three is considered the standard. District scores included four stars for achievement, two for student growth expectations, four for closing educational gaps, four for graduation, and three for early literacy.

At the individual school level, the elementary received three stars, while the middle school earned four and the high school earned 3.5.

OTHER BUSINESS

The board accepted donations

$301.21 from Tano’s Pizza, $15,000 from Sunny Days In-Home Care, and $25,000 from an anonymous donor for the baseball/softball complex, $408.31 from Kroger for prom, an anonymous $200 donation for volleyball, $100 from Campus Box Media for athletics, $11,000 from Margaret A. Eldred/Red Barn Fund for musical instruments for the elementary school music program, $5,000 from North Star Bluescope Steel for the spring baseball trip, and $50 from CHarles and Theresa Erdman for the Veteran’s Day program.

The district has put a new school bus into service that replaced an older

bus which had been driven more than 200,000 miles.

The board approved a single payment in lieu of transportation for a family of five.

The public portion of the meeting ended with the board voting to go into executive session for the purpose of dis-

cussing compensation. No action was expected as a result.

The next regular meeting of the Swanton Local School District Board of Education is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13 at 108 N. Main Street.

Tri-State Trucking opened in 1978 and recently changed its name to Tri-County Repair. The business is owned by Dewey Kunkle and is located at 21751 St. Rt. 20 in Fayette.

Dewey and wife, Ivy, are lifelong residents in Fayette and have been active in the community through various groups and organizations along with strong support to Fayette athletics through their children.

The staff of three full-time employees is here to provide you with the best service possible.

They service trucks and trailers, and complete federal inspections for them. They make all kinds of hydraulic hoses & fittings, sell Lucas Product and 1/8” thru 1/2” plastic bedliners. Road services are also available.

Tri-County Repair is open Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to Noon.

PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

NEW LIBRARIAN ... New Librarian Marian Veld introduced herself to the Swanton Local School District Board of Education during the board’s meeting on Wednesday.

Edon High School Celebrates 2024 Homecoming

On October 11, prior to a 47-6 win over Hilltop, Edon celebrated their 2024 homecoming with the introduction of the homecoming court. Attendants were chosen by each class, and the Queen was chosen by the entire student body.

A dance was held on Saturday, October 12 to cap off the week of activities.

The 2024 Homecoming Queen and Court consisted of: Hope Siebenaler, Homecoming Queen 2024, daughter of Justin Siebenaler and

Kim Sullivan; Georgia May Howard, Senior Attendant, daughter of Herb and Christy Howard; Ella Osborn, Junior Attendant, daughter of Brent and Courtny Osborn; Rebecca Waters, Sophomore Attendant, daughter of Misty and Jeff Pease and Joe Waters; Avyonna Jo Hamrick, Freshman Attendant, daughter of Gary and Morgan Hamrick; Kendall Siebenaler, Homecoming Queen 2023, daughter of Josh and Heather Siebenaler; Flower Girl: Bella Green daughter

(Continued) Edon High School Homecoming

Ohio Auditor Issues Finding For Recovery Against Former Delta Police Chief

By: Jacob Kessler

THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com

The Ohio Auditor of State Office released a list of Audit Reports on Tuesday, October 8th. One of these reports was a financial audit for Sylvania Township that included a finding for recovery against former Delta Police Chief Robert Austin. The recovery found against Austin is set at $69,698.48.

“A finding for recovery of $69,698.48 was issued Tuesday against a former Sylvania Township police officer, who improperly added a second wife to his township health insurance coverage”, the statement began.

“The finding against Robert Austin was included in an audit of the Sylvania Township’s finances from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023. The full report is available online at. https://ohioauditor. gov/auditsearch/search.aspx”

“Auditors confirmed that Austin was married in Las Vegas in November 2014, while he was employed by the Sylvania Township Police Department. However, he was still legally married to another woman until May of 2015, making the November 2014 nuptials invalid.”

“Still, Austin requested and was approved for a change in township health insurance to add the second woman as his spouse for coverage. Sylvania Township paid $134,862.16 for employee plus spouse coverage from Jan. 1, 2016, through May 2, 2023, though the second woman was not eligible for the health insurance plan.”

“Austin was eligible for coverage only for himself, leading to an overpayment of $69,698.48 in premiums by the township. Austin resigned from his position with the Sylvania Township Police Department in May 2023.”

The report mentioned in the statement includes additional information.

“We have reviewed the Independent Auditor’s Report of Sylvania Township, Lucas County prepared by Julian & Grube, Inc., for the audit period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Based upon this review, we have accepted these reports in lieu of the audit required by Section 117.11, Revised Code.”

“The Auditor of State did not audit the accompanying financial statements and, accordingly, we are unable to express, and do not express an opinion on them.”

“In conjunction with the work performed by the Independent Public Accountant, the Auditor of State is issuing the following.”

“Robert Austin was employed with the Sylvania Township Police Department. Mr. Austin requested and was approved for a change in health insurance coverage from Single to Employee plus Spouse beginning January 1, 2016.

Mr. Austin was married in Las Vegas in

November of 2014; however, he was still legally married to his first wife until May of 2015, therefore making his November 2014 marriage invalid under law.

Mr. Austin’s second wife was on his Township health insurance plan from January 1, 2016 through May 2, 2023, when he resigned.”

“Sylvania Township’s health insurance plan is only available to legal spouses and dependents of the employee. Mr. Austin’s second wife was not a legal spouse and therefore not entitled to health insurance under the Township’s health insurance plan.

Sylvania Township paid a total of $134,862.16 for Employee plus Spouse premiums and health savings contributions from January 1, 2016 through May 2, 2023.”

“Since the second spouse was not eligible for the health insurance plan, the Township should have only paid $65,163.68 for Single premiums and health savings contributions from January 1, 2016, through May 2, 2023, resulting in an overpayment of $69,698.48.”

“In accordance with the foregoing facts and pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 117.28, a Finding for Recovery for public monies illegally expended is hereby issued against Robert Austin, in the amount of $69,698.48, and in favor of Sylvania Township’s Police Fund in the amount of $69,698.48.”

“Our review was made in reference to the applicable sections of legislative criteria, as reflected by the Ohio Constitution, and the Revised Code, policies, procedures and guidelines of the Auditor of State, regulations and grant requirements. Sylvania Township is responsible for compliance with these laws and regulations.”

Austin served as the police chief in Delta until this past May when he resigned. A statement issued by the Village of Delta, dated May 14th, 2024, states, “Recently, Delta Administrator Andy Glenn” (former administrator) “received concerning information about Police Chief Robert Austin from a reporter. According to news reports, Chief Austin allegedly was married to two women at the same time in 2014, and misrepresented information on benefit forms with a former employer.”

“We expect everyone who works for Delta to follow the law and that expectation is even higher for a police chief. After we questioned Robert about these allegations, he submitted his resignation.”

“We’ve reported what we know to the Auditor of State and the Lucas County Prosecutor. We will fully cooperate with all investigations into his actions.”

“Until we identify a new person to lead our police department, Sgt. Drew Walker will serve as Acting Police Chief.”

Is It Really So?

By: Dr. Jerry Bergman, Montpelier, Ohio

How A Black Man Became A White Man

When presenting at a large church in Indianapolis a few years ago, a White man came up to me and said “I used to be a Black man!” I looked at him, noting it was obvious that he was a good-looking White man. Wondering what to say in response to him, I thought for a few seconds and then, thanks to my medical background, reasoned the change must be due to vitiligo, a skin condition that results in the loss of skin pigmentation.

But his face, hands, and even his arms were all clearly white, so I asked him if his whole body changed, since usually vitiligo only affects small spots called splotches, not the entire body.

He explained much of his body was still black. I soon got to know and like this gentleman. His name was Charles Sheppard, and he is the Senior Pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church in Indianapolis where I have since spoken several times.

In view of my interest in the racism birthed by evolution, his example drove home the fact that changes in one trait, skin color, illustrates the observation that often race is only skin deep.

Often under the skin is a White man, a fact that helps support the teaching in Genesis that only one ‘race’ exists, the human race.

In years past, evolutionists have aggressively taught for decades that there

were three races of mankind, Black, White, and Yellow. Furthermore, they taught that the Black race was less evolved than the White race.

This racism teaching was firmly implanted in many leading biology textbooks for decades, fertilizing the growth of movements such as the Klu Klux Klan.

The race idea disintegrated as science advanced, and soon the number of races became five, then seven. Scientists eventually accepted the teaching of Genesis and discarded the concept of different human races entirely.

THE MEDICINE BEHIND VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin caused by the lack of the melanin skin pigment. It can affect any area of skin, but it commonly affects the face, neck, hands, and skin creases.

The main cause of vitiligo is the body’s immune system attacks the melanocytes that produce the skin pigment in the same way that it destroys a virus or a bacteria.

Multiple mechanisms often work jointly to cause vitiligo, including the general destruction of melanocytes due to aging, ultimately leading to the same clinical result.

This particular autoimmune disease affects an estimated 0.5 to 2 percent of the worldwide population. Vitiligo affects all ethnic groups and people of all skin types but is more obvious on dark-skinned persons.

I remember reading cases in old medical books where a Black man becomes a White man. I then dismissed the report as a foolish claim. Although it is clear that the influences are complex, genetic factors are involved in its development.

Treatment involves using dyes to make the white portion black or bleaching to make the black splotches white. Michael Jackson treated his vitiligo by bleaching the black parts of his skin.

Creationists support the fact that all men are descendants of Adam, making us all brothers.

To support this, pictures such as fraternal twins where one baby is White and the other is Black, are used to help to illustrate this fact.

Likewise, pictures of a Black man that became a White man serve the same purpose. There is only the human race.

Dr. Jerry Bergman has taught biology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, anthropology, geology, and microbiology for over 40 years at several colleges and universities including Bowling Green State University, Medical College of Ohio where he was a research associate in experimental pathology, and The University of Toledo. He is a graduate of the Medical College of Ohio, Wayne State University in Detroit, the University of Toledo, and Bowling Green State University. He has over 1,800 publications in 12 languages and 60 books and monographs. His books and textbooks that include chapters that he authored are in over 1,500 college libraries in 27 countries. All 60 of Bergman’s books are on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

OPINION COLUMN

Charles Sheppard as a White man with his wife.

Charles Sheppard as a Black man with his wife.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

RELIEF EFFORTS ... On Wednesday October 9th, the Bryan Lions Club donated a package of Lions Club kitchen brooms to the Hurricane Helene Relief effort. Shown in the photo are Bryan Lions Club President Larry Harsila and Bryan Lions Club members Tom and Pam Barnes.

Council Provides Update On Water Tower Funding

The Village of Lyons held their meeting on Monday, October 7th. Council provided an update on the water tower, stating that they have been notified of receiving a CDBG Grant for the tower. The exact amount of the grant will be known by the end of October.

A meeting was held with MVPO, Ct Consultants, Austin from Marcy Kaptur’s office, and USDA to discuss the water tower. USDA informed the village that their water bills are not at a high enough rate, based on household income, to qualify for grant money. Kaptur’s office mentioned that they will not be able to provide any funding until after the election and into January.

Dollar General had a soft opening on 9/12, with the grand opening scheduled for 9/27/2024.

The EPA service line inventory is progressing well and is expected to be completed on time for October 16th. An EPA inspection of the water tower was also conducted.

The bulk pick-up on October 5th was successful and fall letters have been sent out to the village. The weigh station next to the Dollar General will be removed in the next few months.

The electric service for Dunbar Ingall Park is nearly connected, pending the finalization by Toledo Edison. The completion is anticipated in time for the Christmas tree installations.

An anonymous donation has been received for the procurement of new Christmas decorations at Dunbar Ingall Park.

Discussions were held regarding the health insurance for full-time employees. Additionally, steps are being taken to hire an engineer to consolidate the parcels at

Dunbar Ingall, unifying them into one parcel with the new address.

Furthermore, the appointment of Zack Miramontes as the new Lyons Royalton Fire Chief to succeed the retiring chief Matt Smithmyer in 2025 has been confirmed.

The State Audit is scheduled to commence in the week of October 7th. Council has voted to establish a sweep account at State Bank to optimize interest yield and has also made decisions regarding the indigent defense contract for 2025.

Infinite Kinetics is relocating to Wauseon effective November 30th, and K’s Dinner has been sold and will be rebranded as Fatens Lyons Den. An opening date for the establishment has not been confirmed yet.

It is a reminder from the council to ensure participation in the upcoming election on November 5th.

With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for November 4th at 7:00 p.m.

Gorham-Fayette High School Class Of 1964 Celebrates 60

Year Reunion

Your Mind, Body & Spirit

By: Cheryl L Garza - Bryan, Ohio

12 WAYS TO NOURISH THE SELF

(OPINION COLUMN)

It’s easy in this world to get lost. We become overwhelmed and forget who we are and what we are doing.

The constant bad news, the fear, the glamorization of being over productive, and the normalization of burnout can sometimes be too much. We forget ourselves, our needs, our desires.

It’s time to find our essence, to take back ourselves. It’s time to feed a NOURISH our minds, our bodies, our spirits, our souls.

It is time to become whole. It’s time to bloom! We cannot bloom fully without nourishment. The word nourish comes from Latin nutrire, meaning to “feed or cherish”. So, by definition, nourish means “to provide food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition”.

There are many ways to nourish ourselves, our bodies, our minds, our souls. This nourishment is vital to the health of our lives. It is our balance in our wellbeing, our quality of life.

So how do we nourish ourselves-- particularly our spirit, our souls. Here are 12 simple ways to nourish ourselves and deep in our relationship with the self. Start seeing yourself as a whole being. Honor your intuition.

Choose yourself first fill yourself full of things that honor and nourish your body mind and spirit. Practice gratitude my focusing on the things that bring you joy even.

Find connection, Seek ways to give service to others service to your community. Be intentional for all you do and all your choices. Laugh more often and stress less about things we cannot control.

Get into nature, walk your pet or even offer to walk others. --- Take a break and reset as often as needed throughout the day. Taking a mental break and not thinking about anything particular can help you rekindle your mind, body and spirit.

Having this quiet time gives the brain ability to purposely not think about issues, which gives you a fresh mind and attitude when you do get back to things.

Making any shifts in how you see yourself will create the most remarkable changes of all and lead you towards the result you desire have confidence in yourself!

Practicing patience with yourself will only lead to more love for oneself. Give love in all you do and say... Lead with a loving heart.

People are going to come and go into your life, but that person in the mirror is going to be there forever, so please take care of yourself.

We are all really just seeking wholeness and connection to the Earth and to oneself and each other. God, Guadalupe, Angels, Spirit guides, and Divine Intelligence. My greatest hopes and prayers are that we can all share and encourage each other to live a happier, healthier, vibrant life.

I am putting Community resource guide. Power, strength, unity, and connection. Please contact me if interested as always Be Well and Stay nourished! Cheryl L Garza A Lady With Alot Of Zeal and yearning to empower, guide, encourage and share all HOLISTIC Wholesome Living with youth-adults. Highly educated, extremely passionate, determined and driven with no doubts... I choose to make the rest of my life the BEST of my Life, I wish that for all as well... Sharing Love & Kindness... spreadingwellness@yahoo.com 567-239-1960

Hometown Community News Feature

By: India Kenner

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

india@thevillagereporter.com

No is the ultimate negative: it means “not any,” or “not at all,” it’s also used to express a generally negative response. The words No, Never, and Can’t, Do not exist in Benjamin Bruce Murray’s vocabulary.

Murray also known as The eSight Guy was born on Mother’s Day, May 14th, 1989 in Alpena MI. He was born very premature weighing only one pound ten ounces.

As a result of this, his optic nerves did not completely develop and he was diagnosed with optic nerve atrophy causing him to be legally blind. This fate didn’t stop Murray, who is passionate

about helping people and the community.

His dream is to be a 911 Dispatcher. Murray is a board operator at B-Rock 100.9 and Q 96.5, and he also works at his family business Peopleworks as a direct service professional and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church where he ushers and handles audio and tech. Murray also belongs to many local clubs in the community such as the Lions and Eagles and is an athlete in the Special Olympics.

Despite the odds and being told he will never be able to see again by the medical community he refused to accept that fate and that is when he came across the technology called eSight.

eSight was developed in Canada in 2013 by Electrical engineer Conrad Lewis. Lewis’s goal was to help his two legally blind sisters who have Stargardt’s disease. eSight glasses use sophisticated high-speed cameras, patented video processing software, computer software, and organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens to project a real-time image that allows the wearer to make out the images.

The new eSight Go resembles a virtual reality simulator and can zoom for clearer images. Wearing the eSight Go Murray has 20/20 vision.

The new eSight Go costs around $4,950.00 which doesn’t include any extras such as chargers and batteries

but this cost is much lower compared to the original which was over $15000.

With the support of family, friends, and the community, Murray raised the money to purchase the new unit. He wrote over fifty letters and took his story to many Lions clubs.

Murray expressed he has no way to find the words to thank all the people who made his dream of seeing the world possible. One thing he always longed to see was a big American Flag.

He got the chance to see Old Glory flying above the Bryan Courthouse on a beautiful fall evening. It makes one wonder what all we take for granted.

If you are interested in learning more about

PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER WEIGH STATION … The weigh station next to Dollar General is scheduled for removal in the coming months.

PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER 20/20 VISION … Benjamin Bruce Murray demonstrates the eSight Go and it’s many features.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

PAST EAGLES ... Pictured seated left to right - Frank Hibbard, Alice Schilt Hibbard, Glenda Cooley Rupp, Janet Schaffner Sheely, Linda Valentine Zimmerman, DeAnn Gavette Riter, Gene Kunkle, Larry Wieland. Standing left to right - Gary Hibbard, Ronald Rupp, Max Snow, Lee Opdycke, James Kenbeek, Frank Simmons, Edward Keefer, Gary Smith.

Northwest Ohio Once Again Treated To Rare Northern Lights

By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com

Northwest Ohio has once again been treated to what was once a rare phenomenon for our area. I am of course talking about the Aurora or Northern Lights.

These incredible shows of light have been taking social media by storm and have been a sight to behold for many who thought they would never see them without first having to travel up North.

But before we continue a quick science lesson is in order to better understand the Aurora. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory explains the creation of Auroras with the following.

“Auroras are brilliant ribbons of light weaving across Earth’s northern or southern polar regions.”

“These natural light shows are caused by magnetic storms that have been triggered by solar activity, such as solar flares (explosions on the Sun) or coronal mass ejections (ejected gas bubbles). Energetic charged particles from these events are carried from the Sun by the solar wind.”

“When these particles seep through Earth’s magnetosphere, they cause substorms. Then fast-moving particles slam into our thin, high atmosphere, colliding with Earth’s oxygen and nitrogen particles.”

“As these air particles shed the energy they picked up from the collision, each atom starts to glow in a different color.”

So why are we starting to see them more often lately? This has been due to the sun being extremely active these past several months.

A series of coronal mass ejections from the surface of the sun have traveled from the sun and have hit the Earth. These series of CMEs, as they are referred to, are due to the sun’s 11year cycle and where it currently is in that cycle.

That point currently is what is known as a solar maximum. During this time CMEs, Solar Flares, and sunspots happen more frequently. The current solar maximum we are experiencing is expected to continue into 2025 before the sun moves into the next portion of its cycle.

While these storms may look beautiful when it collides with our atmosphere, they can also cause issues for us down on the ground.

Energy from the sun can damage electrical power grids, disrupt satellites, disrupt radio communications and GPS navigation, and can put the lives of astronauts in danger if they are not properly shielded. This is why forecasting for these storms is so important.

Thankfully, many of the possible dangers stated above have not taken place and the storms have only left us with an incredible light show.

If by chance you have yet to see one of the past few Auroras experienced in our area, keep an eye out for the possibility of more as the year comes to a close.

Council Returns To Newly Renovated Chambers

By: Amy Wendt THE VILLAGE REPORTER amy@thevillagereporter.com

After over a year of holding meetings at the Scout Cabin in Ruihley Park, Archbold Village Council was finally able to convene at its remodeled chambers within the municipal building.

Councilors Gary Dominique, Vaughn Bentz, Kevin Eicher, Aaron Babcock, Chad Kern, and Karla Ball were present while Village Administrator Aaron Alt and Mayor Brad Grime were also seated at the new table.

Addressing routine matters, council approved minutes from its September 16 meeting, the payment of $685,028.08 in bills and payroll, and the September 2024 financial reports and bank reconciliation.

Heard for its second reading was Ordinance 2024-43 which consolidates the Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission. According to Village Administrator Alt, no public feedback had been received following the legislation’s first reading in September.

Council President Karla Ball suggested that since no public input had been received, and the matter was largely administrative, a third reading might not be necessary.

Council agreed, and Ms. Ball moved to suspend the rules, waiving the requirement for a third reading. The ordinance was then approved by Council. In departmental reports, two HR

updates from Parks and Recreation were before Council. The first detailed the promotion of Jared Kidder to Parks Maintenance Laborer II, while the second report addressed the hiring of Gavin Grime as Parks Maintenance Laborer I. Alt then spoke on the September 2024 Income Tax Report highlighting that year-to-date withholdings have increased by 3.6% compared to last year. Total income tax collections show a 9.76% rise over the same period.

Other items before council for review included the September 2024 Police Department Calls for Service, Fire & EMS Call Response, Street Department Labor & Fleet Report, and Park Board meeting minutes.

The Third Quarter Engineering Status Report which outlined several ongoing village projects, noted the completion of the sanitary sewer project that began in 2022 and the splash pad project that was finished earlier this year. The municipal building renovation is 95% complete, with remaining tasks including hydroseeding, irrigation, and security camera installation.

Looking at 2024, the West Mechanic Street and J&S Concrete projects have been fully completed. On the other hand, the West Barre Road project and work on the reservoir wetlands are at 25% completion.

The next Archbold Village Council meeting is slated for Monday, October 21, 2024, at council chambers in the municipal building.

A DAM hs Board Approves Number Of Contracts At October Meeting

The Four County ADAMhs Board approved a number of contracts of $10,000 or less at its October 10 board meeting.

The largest expenditure was actually a contract amendment supporting the Williams and Henry county juvenile courts specialty docket initiative.

The funding helps pay for a variety of behavioral health treatment interventions for juveniles instead of traditional detention or incarceration.

Both courts had been awarded $25,000 contracts earlier this year; however, that amount was increased by $10,000 by the board – making the total allocation $35,000 for each court.

The other contracts include:

-$5,500 as the board’s share of the Henry County health needs assessment, which is coordinated by the Henry County Health Department.

-Several D.A.R.E. contracts: Henry County Sheriff’s Department, $5,000 for school-based substance abuse programming in most Henry County schools; City of Napoleon, $4,000 for D.A.R.E. programming in the Napoleon city schools; Fulton County prosecutor’s office, $6,500 for programming in many of the county’s schools; Village of Fayette, $1,000 for programming in the Fayette school district; and Defiance County sheriff’s department, $7,500 for programming in the county’s schools.

-$7,500 for Secure Telehealth to provide encrypted, secure video teleconferencing and telemedicine visits for patients.

The board also approved a resolution that approves the release of $28,599 that had been kept in an escrow account from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for a New Home Development Company capital

project.

The funds were the net proceeds of the sale of two properties that New Home had originally purchased with state funding. The money could only be released to New Home once it had identified a new qualifying housing project.

In her report to the board, CEO Tonie Long reported that 21 area law enforcement officers had recently completed a week-long Crisis Intervention Training that the ADAMhs Board sponsored. The participants represented 11 different police departments, correction facilities and probation departments.

Long noted that this was the 15th CIT training that the board has sponsored over the last 13 years. Nearly 220 law enforcement representatives have completed the training, which is designed to help police officers safely and humanely deescalate situations involving a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Long also updated the board about creating a new five year strategic plan. She explained a five hour board retreat is planned for Friday, November 1 at the ADAMhs Board office.

At that time, the board’s mission and value statements will be reviewed along with the input that board members and staff have provided concerning future plans. By the end of the retreat, goals and objectives to be included in the five year plan will be identified.

A committee of board and staff will review the suggestions and craft a draft five year plan that will be shared with the full board for review and suggestions. A revised draft will then be created for board approval shortly after the first of the year.

PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER NEW LOOK … Village council holds its first meeting in new chambers.

PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF

BIRDS EYE … The above photo was taken over the Village of Lyons during a recent appearance of the Northern Lights.

NIGHT SKY … The above photo shows the vibrant colors shown during a recent appearance of the Northern Lights in Northwest Ohio.

Williams County Accepting Donations For Hurricane Relief

By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com

On Tuesday, the Williams County Commissioners approved the placement of a trailer at the East Annex parking lot. Williams County OSU Extension seeks support to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

They are collaborating with Ag Community Relief to deliver primarily agricultural supplies to individuals in the Southern regions affected by the hurricane’s devastation.

“Our main focus is on the agricultural community in these areas,” said Kayla Wyse from Williams County OSU Extension.

According to Wyse, the trailer will remain in position until October 23. Subsequently, once it is loaded with supplies, it will be transported south.

Two other trailers will also be at Ace Hardware in Wauseon and the old Edon fire station. Wyse also mentioned that they have a warehouse established in Tennessee.

The following items are currently being accepted:

•Dog/Cat Food

•Bagged Hay & Square Bales of Horse Quality

•Wood Shavings

•Wheelbarrows

•All Kind of Gloves

•Walkie-Talkies

•Solar Lights

•Solar Generators

•Solar Power Banks

•Shovels

•Hammers

•Battery Powdered Drills

•Respirators & PPE Gear

•Power Washers

•Buckets

•Water Troughs

•Feed Troughs

•Rakes

•Garbage Bags

•Paper Towels

•Disinfectant

•Cattle & Horse Feed

•Wood Pallets

•Battery Powered Chainsaws

•Zip Ties

•Fencing Tools

Monetary donations can also be made to an account created at F&M Bank. Notably, the account has received a generous contribution of $1,000 in seed money from Current Office Solutions and the Terry Rummel family.

Last week, Karie McDonald from Williams County OSU Extension provided an update to the commissioners, stating that Fulton County has pledged 250 bales of straw to contribute to the relief effort.

Additionally, she informed the commissioners that OSU Extension is actively engaging with various 4-H and FFA clubs in the county to mobilize support in raising supplies. McDonald emphasized the pressing need for monetary contributions, citing the logistical challenges of transporting supplies to the affected areas.

Evergreen FFA Travels To Ohio Statehouse

The Evergreen FFA attended the Ohio FFA Legislative Leadership Conference at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio on September 24th. Four members attended the Ohio FFA Conference where they were able to meet FFA members from across the state while also learning about the Ohio government.

FFA members, Marlee Brubaker, Molly Elvey, Alyssa Marvin, and Lauren Valentine, participated in the day’s events by learning how to advocate and lobbying for issues with agriculture.

While in attendance to the event, the members listened to the Ohio FFA State Officers, Don Jones from the 95th district, and toured the statehouse.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER VISITING COLUMBUS ... Lauren, Marlee, Molly, and Alyssa attended the Ohio FFA Legislative Leadership Conference with FFA members from across the state of Ohio.

Wauseon Among Nine Northwest Ohio Fire Departments To Receive New Federal Funding

(PRESS RELEASE) - As part

of National Fire Prevention Week, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH09), a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee and of the House Fire Caucus announced $3,052,523 in critical federal funding she helped to secure.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs will award 9 Fire Departments across Northwest Ohio new funding to ensure that first responders have the resources and manpower they need to protect local communities.

These awards will provide essential funding for equipment, protective gear, vehicle acquisition, hiring, and training, enabling fire department to respond more effectively to emergencies and keep both the public and our emergency personnel safe.

Among the nine departments receiving AFG and SAFER funding is the Wauseon Fire Department who will receive $53,522.

The AFG funds will allow the City of Wauseon in to purchase a Three Drop Source Capture Exhaust System that will help ensure all Fire Apparatus can utilize the system when parked in the bay.

This will minimize their staff’s exposure to cancer causing exhaust contaminants. The City of Wauseon share of the cost is $2,676.14.

“This additional Three Drop Source Capture System ensures that all Wauseon Fire Apparatus can utilize the system when parked in the apparatus bay, therefore, minimizing the exposure our staff have to cancer causing exhaust contaminants”, said Wauseon Fire Chief Phil Kessler.

“It is important that when our staff come to work, they are provided with a work environment that minimizes any negative exposure that could harm them or be taken home to their families. “The Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program is extremely important to fire departments across the nation.”

“These funds allow us to invest in our staff, the infrastructure and most importantly the community. Most departments would not be able to procure many of these much-needed items.”

Other department receiving finds are:

Village of Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department – $75,428; The AFG funds will help the Village of Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department in Defiance County to afford operations and safety improvements, including the purchase of 8 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA’s) and replace outdated ones.

Village of Whitehouse Fire Department – $294,214; The AFG funds will be used by the Village of Whitehouse in Lucas County to upgrade operations and safety with new Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA’s).

City of Vermilion Volunteer Fire Department – $302,182; The AFG funds will be used by the City of Vermillion in

Erie County to upgrade operations and safety by replacing outdated air packs for firefighters to better and more safely protect residents.

Village of Kelleys Island Volunteer Fire Department – $75,361; The AFG funds will be used by the Village of Kelleys Island in Erie County for operations and equipment, and will replace aged firehose, handline nozzles, and an additional ground monitor.

This equipment will not only be an upgrade, but it will be major upgrades that meet current standards replacing outdated hoses that are 20-30 years old, many of which were donated by other fire departments.

City of Huron Fire Department –$135,523; The AFG funds will be used by the City of Huron in Erie County to replace bunker gear for the entire department. This will ensure the department is compliant with safety and equipment upgrades.

Monclova Township Fire Department – $1,013,046; The SAFER funds will be used by Monclova Township in Lucas County for the hiring of additional fulltime firefighters for their department, including wages and benefits.

Village of Oak Harbor, Portage Fire District – $163,428; The AFG funds will be used by the Village of Oak Harbor in Ottawa County for operations and safety improvements and upgrades, including the replacement of soon to be outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA’s).

City of Northwood Fire Department – $939,819; The SAFER funds will be used by the City of Northwood in Wood County for the hiring of 3 additional fulltime firefighters for their department, including wages and benefits.

“Our firefighters and first responders are the ones on the front lines, running toward danger when others are running in the other direction. They deserve nothing less than the best tools and training to stay safe while protecting our communities,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09).

“This funding will give them exactly that — critical gear, better pay, new vehicles, and equipment upgrades to better protect them as they respond to emergencies and safeguard lives across Northwest Ohio.”

These new funding announcements follow a $671,428 award for NeyWashington Township in August 2024, a $952,380 award to the City of Defiance in July 2023, and a $110,014.28 award to the City of Wauseon in June 2023 all secured through FEMA’s AFG program.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, established in 2001, provides funding to meet the needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

AFG awards are designed to help these agencies obtain the necessary resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire-related hazards. In fiscal year 2023 alone, FEMA distributed 1,616 AFG awards, totaling $289.2 Million.

PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

HURRICANE RELIEF ... Current Office Solutions and the Rummel family donated

$1,000 in seed money to start an account at F&M Bank for hurricane relief. Pictured from left to right: Williams County Commissioner Bart Westfall, Kayla Wyse of Williams County OSU Extension, Williams County Commissioner Lewis Hilkert, Jake Willey of F&M Bank, Williams County Commissioner Terry Rummel (also of Current Office Solutions), Teresa Thompson, and Penny Rummel.

Board Discusses School Calendar For 2025-2026

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

DISTRICT BUSINESS ... Superintendent Travis Lichty and Treasurer Carla Rice

look over items to be discussed during the latest board meeting.

By India Kenner THE VILLAGE REPORTER india@thevillagereporter.com

The Montpelier Board of Education met on Tuesday, October 8th. At 5:30 pm after the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence the meeting was called to order in attendance were board members Jennifer Schlosser, Board President Nate Rose, Troy Roth, Dunne Gambler, Treasurer/CEO Carla Rice and Superintendent Travis Lichty, Elementary principal Lance Thorp and Jr/ High School principal Su Thorp as well as High School Government students and a few members of the community. Board member Patti Rockey was absent.

On the agenda for discussion items was the 2025-2026 school Calendar Public meeting in which Superintendent Lichty commented that there would be 180 days of instruction and that parent-teacher conference days may be moved around—no public participation or comments.

For the superintendent and principal reports, Mr. Thorp mentioned a few upcoming planning and events such as the Walk-a-Thon and Soil Day and the forthcoming Quiz Bowl on October 22nd in Bryan at 6:30 pm. He also talked about testing for the new text and email alert systems.

Mrs. Thorp thanked the High School Government class for attending the meeting. She talked about programs at Northwest State for welding and how that was going for trade/skill classes.

Homecoming went well even though it was changed around a bit. Mrs. Thorp mentioned the feedback from students was that they preferred the way it was set up before so they have more time to prepare for the Homecoming dance.

Superintendent Lichty reported

plans to repair the gym and track and repair security cameras. He also mentioned all required safety drills went well. The board approved the minutes from the September 10th meeting. Moved by Gambler seconded by Roth.

For the treasurer report, Carla Rice talked about working on the five-year forecast as well as looking at the numbers concerning CEP lunch programs.

Rice recommended to the board that the financial reports be approved as well as the following donations, From Bean Day’s $100 to Band from Anonymous 1000 for state testing snacks for students.

$1400 from First Club going to Archery and wrestling, and $7350 from Athletic Boosters going to Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Golf.

Superintendent Lichty recommended to the board to approve the employment of classified staff and the resignation of Gerry Dewire cafeteria manager. Recommend hiring Gerry Dewire as a library aide and approve the recommendation of the resignation of Linda Cummings.

Recommend adding Jennifer Spangler, Naveah Rodgers, and Brandi Boyd to the substitute aide list for the 2024-2025 school year. Recommend to approve classified supplemental list for the 2024-2025 school year. Motion to approve by Roth seconded by Rose.

Other business recommend approving a corporate membership to the Montpelier Rotary Club. $259 annually with meals billed quarterly for the Superintendent, Treasurer, and three principals. Moved by Rose and seconded by Gambler.

The Montpelier Board of Education meeting adjourned at 6:08 and entered into executive session. The next meeting will be held on November 5th at 5:30 pm.

Evergreen FFA Competes At District Soil Judging Contest

On Thursday, September 26th, Evergreen FFA had 11 members compete at the District 1 Soil Judging Contest located south of Napoleon, Ohio.

There were five members in the Rural and five in the Urban Judging Contest. At the contest, members are to determine different soil properties including; texture, landform, and drainage.

The Rural Team consisted of: Austin Gillen, Meegan Gleckler, Ryan

Hassen, Taylor Johnson, and Callie Wyse. The Urban Team consisted of: Sydney Bull, Jackson Huffman, Alex Paulson, Jaylin Prayter, and Riley Studenka. The Rural team placed eleventh and the Urban team placed seventh in the district which includes seven different counties.

FFA member Callie Wyse placed sixth as an individual in the Rural Contest. The Urban Team will be competing at the state competition later this week.

Kiwanis Club Recognizes Students Of The Month At Bryan High School

Spooktacular Halloween Festivities

Await At Fulton County Fairgrounds

Wauseon, Ohio – The Fulton County Fairgrounds is set to transform into a Halloween wonderland this October with a host of exciting events and activities for all ages.

Mark your calendars for a weekend filled with fun, food, and frights from Friday, October 18 to Saturday, October 19, 2024. Admission is $5 per car to park - camping available with online reservations.

EVENT SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:

Friday, October 18: Begin your spooky experience with a variety of food trucks on the Midway from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Test your aim with Archery & BB Shooting at the Beef Barn from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Ax Throwing from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Navigate the Halloween Maze at the Poultry Barn from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Enjoy live music by Renegade Lemonade from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm at the Sale Arena. Wind down with a Glow Hayride departing from Hallett Pavilion between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Saturday, October 19: The day kicks off with a Decorated Pumpkin Contest at 10:00 am at Hallett Pavilion.

Families can enjoy a Petting Zoo at the Dairy Barn and Kids Activities at the Hog Barn from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Don’t miss the Craft Fair and Car Show (weather permitting) from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The much-anticipated Pie Baking Contest will take place at 2:30 pm at Hallet Pavilion, featuring categories like apple, peach, pecan, and pumpkin pies. Join the Costume Contest on the Main Midway at 4:00 pm, with Trick or Treating in all camping areas from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Cap off the evening with a concert by Chase Vanbrandt from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm at the Sale Arena. Foodies Delight: The event features a wide array of food vendors, including A & M Mini Donuts, J & A Tacos, Wicked ‘Wiches BBQ, Pomakai’s Cider & Apple Dumplings, and many more. With a lineup designed to entertain and delight, the Fulton County Fairgrounds’ Spooktacular celebration promises a memorable weekend for visitors of all ages.

Don your best costume, bring your carved pumpkins, and enjoy a festive weekend filled with Halloween spirit!

PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER /

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

SOIL TEAM … Members who competed in the soils judging contest. (left to right) Callie Wyse, Riley Studenka, Alex Paulson, Sydney Bull, Jaylin Prayter, Taylor Johnson, Meegan Gleckler, Jackson Huffman, Austin Gillen, and Ryan Hassen.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

JOURNEY … The guest speaker at the Kiwanis meeting for October 9, 2024 was Dawn Hauter. Dawn is a contributor to two Chicken Soup for the Soul publications. She shared with us her journey to becoming a writer. She read her first published essay, which was about her son leaving home. She also read from her second essay, entitled Lessons from the 5K, which was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone. Pictured left to right: Dawn Hauter and Kiwanian and program host, Von Plessner.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH … The Kiwanis Club of Bryan welcomed the Bryan High School Students of the Month for October 2024. The students are selected by the school’s faculty for not only their academic achievements but their participation in extracurricular activities as well. The students shared with the group a memorable high school experience as well as their future plans. Pictured left to right are Shaylee Kosier, Gillian Davies and Casey Xie.

Veteran Equine Therapy Facility Near Swanton Welcomes Volunteers

By: Jesse Davis

THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com

More than a dozen Lowe’s employees descended on the HOOVES Sanctuary and Healing Center outside Swanton on Saturday to volunteer their time making repairs to the facility.

HOOVES - which stands for Healing of Our Veterans Equine Servicesprovides equine therapy among other efforts and resources for veterans and first responders suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder and other general trauma, as well as their spouses and adult children.

Since 2017, the organization has been holding multi-day programs, and the proof is in the outcomes.

“Participants have had a 99 percent reduction in suicidal ideation, a 76 percent reduction in substance abuse, a 90 percent reduction in self-isolation,” founder and Executive Director Amanda Held said. “We’re still kind of in awe of the results that are being produced, but they’re consistent.”

The main program consists of a fiveday healing intensive during which participants stay in a room in the house or in a rustic cabin with a bonfire, yoga, classroom work, arena work, energetic healing and support, pen crafting, rage painting, essential oils, meditation, massage, chiropractic work, and bee therapy, followed by graduation and a year of follow up support.

According to Held, the current season just ended, and they have now served 500 veterans since 2018.

Other programs include The Patriot Project - a three-day program for teens - and the new Miles 2 Freedom cycling program. Programs are provided at no cost thanks to sponsors.

Joseph Burlage, assistant manager at the Central Avenue Lowe’s location and a veteran himself, said he found a newsletter about the facility on Facebook when he reached out to Held about bringing volunteers to help out.

“Lowe’s runs a hometown hero program. It’s a 5-year, $100 million community outreach program - local stores partnering with programs, whether it’s schools, parks, veteran organizations like this,” he said. “I reached out to Amanda, got to see the farm, and the first time out here it was mind-blowing, really, just seeing all the work that she’s done, it’s been amazing.”

Burlage brought 15 employees with him to help repair a split rail fence damaged when several trees on the property came down during windstorms earlier this year.

They also helped put up chicken wire and put a new storm door on the house. The fence repair involved the facility’s arena.

“The reason that the arena project is so important is that’s where the majority of our healing takes place,” Held said.

Held spent four years in active duty in the Air Force before leaving to stay with her small children while her then husband was still in the military. While her military career was great, Held said she struggled with the transition into civilian life, feeling frustrated, depressed, and isolated.

That’s when she found out there was a stable on the Air Force academy base where she was living.

“I started going to the stable, I adopted a wild mustang named Shelby, and she changed my life and got me back integrated in society,” Held said.

“I started showing up differently in my relationships, having more confidence. I had the confidence to leave a not great marriage and moved back here, brought Shelby, and I still have her today.”

Initially, she opened a horse boarding and training facility with her father, mostly working with women who were successful in business but had never been able to own a horse, now living out their dreams.

“Horses see all of your weaknesses, they see all of the gaps in how you show up in your life, and they - sometimes gently, sometimes not so gently - show that back to you,” Held said.

“I had learned a process while I was in Colorado to gain a partnership and communicate with these horses, and what I was noticing was that these women would get these horses, the horses would be very reactive, aggressive, overpowering them.”

“And they would bring them to me for training and we would just do the horsemanship piece, and then they would come back and say you know I’m handling my employees better at work, I’m handling my relationship better, I’m handling my kids better.”

That’s when Held discovered the field of equine therapy. She got certified in 2009 and went on to earn her master’s in psychology, and the rest is history. The facility is now home to 32 horsesall rescues - including several miniature horses, a descendant of famous racehorse Secretariat, and several other animals including a goat, a pig, and a steer.

Held is not the only one on staff whose life was changed through equine therapy. Director of Outreach and Impact Tiffani Hollis, who is an activeduty Army veteran, said interacting with the horses gave her insight into herself.

“I went through a couple of different programs before coming to HOOVES. HOOVES was literally my last chance, and long story short, it saved my life, it changed my life,” she said.

Hollis said the horses helped her see things she didn’t realize were affecting her and also helped her find her way forward.

“There are no words fully to express the gratitude that I have for this place and for Amanda and for the horses,” Hollis said. “The only thing I thought that would fit was to give my life to this work.”

“I knew that I wanted to do this work and I worked with families and soldiers in the reserves and the National Guard for Illinois, but I knew I wanted to do something more. Something more that would actually help veterans heal in a life-changing way. Not in a way that continued them down a path of talk therapy and symptom management, but life changing interactions.”

For more information on HOOVES Sanctuary and Healing Center, visit www.hooves.us online or call (419)9307936.

August Unemployment Numbers Show Improvement

By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER

jacob@thevillagereporter.com

Unemployment numbers released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services show an improvement between the months of July and August.

For the month of July, both Fulton County and Williams County stood at 4.9% unemployment. These numbers changed to 4.1% for Fulton County and 4.0% for Williams County for the month of August.

The State of Ohio and the U.S. as a whole also saw a slight decrease. Ohio fell from a 4.9% unemployment rate in July to just 4.2% for the month of August. The U.S. also saw a slight decrease, going from 4.5% in July to 4.4% in August.

MENDING FENCES ...

volunteers work on repairs to the

of

arena at H.O.O.V.E.S. Sanctuary and Healing Center, which uses equine therapy among other methods to help veterans and first responders deal with PTSD and trauma.

FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Resolution Supporting The United States Of America’s 250th Anniversary Approved

By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com

The Fulton County Commissioners held their first meeting of the week on Tuesday, October 8th.

The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Commissioners first moved to approve minutes from the meeting held on October 3rd, along with the current agenda. Approval of the bills then took place along with reviews for the following items. An amended certificate of estimated resources, certificate of non-compliance, and Treasurer to Auditor Balancing Report. The following agenda items were then approved.

-Resolution 2024-772 Increase & Transfer Appropriations for Various Departments.

-Resolution 2024-773 Transfer Funds for Postage Reimbursement.

-Resolution 2024-774 Approve and Certify Delinquent Accounts for the Northeast Water System.

-Resolution 2024-775 Approve Payment Request #4 to Contract 2024-67 with Gerken Paving for Asphalt Resurfacing Program.

- Resolution 2024-776 Approve Purchase Orders and Travel Requests.

Commissioners then entered into executive session to discuss employment of a public employee at 9:05 a.m.

Upon their return at 9:41 a.m. and with no action taken, the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 a.m.

Commissioners then held their second meeting of the week on Thursday, October 10th.

The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Commissioners first moved to approve minutes from the previous meeting held on October 8th, along with the current agenda.

An investment report for the month of September 2024 was conducted next before moving on to approve the following agenda items.

-Resolution 2024-780 Increase & Transfer Appropriations for Various Departments.

-Resolution 2024-781 Supporting the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary.

-Resolution 2024-782 Approve Purchase Orders and Travel Requests.

-Resolution 2024-783 Appoint Employee Compliance Specialist.

Commissioners then heard from Scott Gruber of CMT regarding an investment update, before then moving to adjourn the meeting.

MEETING THE MENAGERIE ... Lowe’s volunteers interact with some of the animals at the H.O.O.V.E.S. Sanctuary and Healing Center, located northeast of the Oak Openings Preserve Metropark outside Swanton.

PHOTOS BY JESSIE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

Lowe’s

fencing

the

Looking Back At What We Read Years Ago

WHAT WE READ YEARS AGO WITHIN THE NEWSPAPER PUBLICATIONS THAT BECAME "THE VILLAGE REPORTER"

WEST UNITY AREA NEWS

The West Unity Eagle was established in March 1878. By 1887, its name was changed to The Chief. In 1890, its name was changed to The West Unity Reporter. In 1976 The West Unity Reporter merged with The Stryker Advance to become The Advance Reporter. In 2010 The Advance Reporter merged with The Edon Commercial to become The Village Reporter

130 YEARS AGO

October 1894

School commenced at Leatherwood on Monday with Roy Oberlin as teacher.

The first snow of the season today of about an inch and a half.

Judge Coslet was over from Bryan on Tuesday to cast his vote.

Will and Irvin Stipe went to Lycoming County, Pa., last Tuesday for a few days visit among relatives and for a good hunt.

120 YEARS AGO

October 1904

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Cloyd Jones on Tuesday, Oct. 25, a son.

Wm. Ames and family of near Pulaski were guests of Jas. Wright and were Miss Belle Barnett, Sunday.

D. J. Knapp and family have left for their new home in Tulare County, Calif. Wm. McIntire, Jr., and wife expect to go in the spring.

110 YEARS AGO

October 1914

Emmet Miller and Miss Phyllis White, local residents, were married Oct. 17. John Hickman, an old soldier who lived alone in the south part of town, was found dead Sunday afternoon. He apparently died Saturday evening while studying his Bible lesson, as he was sitting at the table with his Bible and Sunday School quarterly when stricken. The lamp on the table beside him had burned out.

100 YEARS AGO

October 1924

Election News: W.T. Orton was elected as representative: Frank Stewart, Clerk of Courts; Paul Burkhardt, Sheriff; Geo. Scott and Geo. Golding as Commissioners; Ross Stickney, Treasurer, Lisle Weaver, prosecuting attorney, W.C. Holt, probate judge.

Howard Nutt has started a new garage at Kunkle.

90 YEARS AGO

October 1934

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Rogers of Washington, Pa., announced the birth of a son, William Bruce, Oct. 18. Mrs. Rogers was the former Miss Lyndall Miller,

granddaughter of Mrs. Margaret Miller of West Unity.

Martin L. Davey was elected as governor of Ohio in the election on Tuesday. In the county, nearly the entire Democratic ticket was elected, except Robert Hamet, a Republican, who was elected as auditor.

H. A. Peters was in Cleveland from Tuesday until Thursday of last week attending Grand Lodge of F.&A.M. of Ohio.

80 YEARS AGO

October 1944

A son, Kenneth Lee, was born Oct. 22 to Mr. and Mrs. Guy Vanderveer. He weighed 7½ pounds.

Rites were held for Miss Minnie Berno, teacher in the local schools for the past 27 years, who died unexpectedly Monday evening at her home east of West Unity.

70 YEARS AGO

October 1954

Jane Miller daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wade Miller, with her sorrel horse, received Reserve Grand Champion of the 4-H Clubs of Hillsdale County at the Hillsdale Fair.

Corporal Roger A. Daft, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ivo V. Daft, of West Unity, was promoted to his present rank in August.

60 YEARS AGO

October 1964

Wayne Ridgway of Rt. 2, West Unity, received a serious injury to his left foot in a corn picker accident last Thursday.

50 YEARS AGO

October 1974

Mary Ann Denman, wife of Dr, W.M. Denman of West Unity, passed away in her home here on Oct. 17.

STRYKER AREA NEWS

The Stryker Advance was established in 1884. In 1976 The Stryker Advance merged with The West Unity Reporter to become The Advance Reporter. In 2010 The Advance Reporter merged with The Edon Commercial to become The Village Reporter.

120 YEARS AGO

October 1904

Mrs. Lizzie Kellermier, 47, died at her home in Tiffin Township October 11.

Notice - We, the undersigned, physicians of the village of Stryker, desire to announce that the medical fee bill of the Williams County Medical Society which is in general use in all towns in this county, has been adopted by us and will be adhered to from this date.

Signed: C.F. Mignin, MD, N.B. Stubbs,

MD, A.G. Goll, MD and M.C. Coy MD.

Elon Vernier begins his school at Leatherwood next Monday.

After Nov. 2 the barber shops of H.J. Annette and Otto Reamsnider will be closed at 8 pm except Saturday nights.

110 YEARS AGO

October 1914

Thirty-five years ago yesterday, Thomas Edison made the first incandescent electric lamp.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Horace Sanford, on Oct. 17, a daughter.

C.R. Betts was elected president and W.L. Sloan, secretary of the county Sunday school convention held at Edon last week.

100 YEARS AGO

October 1924

A Halloween social is to be held at the school district 6, Edna Strong, teacher.

Otha J. son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wieland died on Oct, 20 at the age of eight years.

90 YEARS AGO

October 1934

William Henry Scott DeGroff, 82, died on October18.

80 YEARS AGO

October 1944

Mrs. Louise Bowman was happily

surprised Oct. 13 when 41 neighbors helped her celebrate her 83rd birthday. Miss Marian Juillard became the bride of Sgt. Raymond Randells on Oct. 9.

70 YEARS AGO

October 1954

A driver training course has been set up in the Stryker local schools. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Daft will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on Oct. 22 at Open house. Sgt. Jack Frost was released from service and arrived home after serving in the US Army for two years with fourteen months in Korea.

60 YEARS AGO

October 1964

The annual school carnival nets $1,081.64. Tammy Planson was crowned this year’s queen. Mrs. Clyde Snider was honored on her 92nd birthday at Beck’s restaurant.

EDON AREA NEWS

The Edon Independent was established in 1895 ceasing publication in 1906. A few months later in 1906 The Edon Commercial was established. In 2010 The Edon Commercial was merged with The Advance Reporter to become The Village Reporter. Williams County Historic Reflection 1921

Area Schools Participate In FFA Soil Judging Contests

The Fulton County FFA’s recently conducted their county soil contest to prepare for districts. The Fulton County Soil and Water technicians prepared pits and conducted the contest in Royalton Township.

The FFA soils contest includes rural and urban. These contests are an extension of their classroom learning and prepare students to evaluate land and soil to determine its potential use. In the Rural Contest students evaluate the land on slope, erosion, texture, natural drainage, land classification and recommended conservation practices.

The first place team went to Evergreen with Braden Studenka, Luke Robertson and Taylor Johnson.

Third place team went to Fayette with Evan Beauregard, Zander Johnston and Keagan Patterson.

First place individual was Braden Studenka, second place was Luke Robertson and third place was Taylor Johnson.

Second place team went to Wauseon with Brayden Burkholder, Richard Noonan and Mason Weirauch.

In the Urban contest students evaluate the land on slope, flood hazard, soil stability, water table and bedrock depth. Both contests include a written exam.

The first place team went to Evergreen with Marlee Brubaker, Jackson Huffman and Sydney Bull.

The second place team went to Archbold with Colton Nofziger, Caleb Wanemacher and Carter King.

The third place team went to Fayette with Lillian Everly, Zoie Brown and Ayaal Kadri

First place individual was Marlee Brubaker, second place was Jackson Huffman and third place was Colton Nofziger.

The county contest was followed by the

District 1 FFA district soil Career Development Events in Henry County. The Soil and Water technicians prepared pits and conducted the contest.

undated

Noble’s Montpelier

Michigan native,

The FFA soils contest includes rural and urban. These contests are an extension of their classroom learning and CONTINUED ON B10

Looking Back At What We Read Years Ago

80 YEARS AGO

October 1944

Jacob Walz bought the residence property owned by Mrs Lottie Zulch Holdridge. It was sold by auction on Saturday.

Miss Florence Eyster is clerking in the Gladding Store.

70 YEARS AGO

October 1954

Mr. and Mrs. Fay Lees, Mrs. Florence Eyster, Mrs. Katherine Chrisman and Mrs. Mary Keppler were at Ft. Wayne Friday evening to see Holiday on Ice of 1954 at the Coliseum.

Mrs. Florence Bauer spent last week with her sister, Mrs. Lloyd Brandon and husband near Montpelier.

Edon’s Trebleaires, sponsored by the Edon Lions Club will go to Buffalo, New York today to participate in a national barbershop contest. Charles Huard is furnishing transportation for the girls.

60 YEARS AGO

October 1964

Mr. and Mr. Tom Barnhardt and daughter and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barnhardt had dinner with Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Craft Sunday.

Mr. & Mrs. Carl Berry and family entertained Sunday, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Burkhardt, Mr. & Mrs. John Burkhardt and son, Mr. & Mrs. George Burkhardt and daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Word and family, Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Burkhardt. The occasion was a going-away party for Barbara who will be leaving this week for airline school in Minneapolis, Minn.

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hurd are the parents of a 7 pound 1½ ounce daughter born Tuesday, October 6 in Bryan Cameron Hospital. She has been named Laura Jean.

50 YEARS AGO

October 1974

Mrs. Juanita Kaiser entertained in honor of her husband Don’s birthday and E.C. Derbyshire’s birthday Sunday evening. Helping them celebrate were Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walsy, Mrs. E.C. Derbyshire and the hostess.

Mrs. Eva Hinkle, Mrs. Letha Merifield and Mrs. Irvin Cook attended the West Eagle Creek Church Ladies Aid meeting at the home of Mrs. Grace Ricketts in Hillsdale, Mich. Thursday.

40 YEARS AGO

October 1984

Edon High School has been notified that one of its seniors has been designated a Commended Student in the 1985 Merit Program. Michael Struble, principal, announced today that Lynn Walters placed in the top five percent of over one million participants in the 30th annual competition and will receive a Letter of Commendation in honor of outstanding promise for future academic success.

Mr. and Mrs. Lavon Siebenaler and

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Long wish to announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their children, Kathleen Ann and Marvin Todd. The bride-elect is a 1982 graduate of Edon High School and is employed at Dimension Veneer of Edon. Her fiance is a 1981 graduate of Edon High School and is employed at Bard Manufacturing Co. of Bryan. An October 27th wedding is being planned at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Blakeslee.

30 YEARS AGO

October 1994

John Juhasz, Edon, has been nominated to receive the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree. This honor is based on demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing and service programs.

Juhasz will be one of the 1,445 members receiving the degree at the 67th National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Mo., November 10-12.

The family of Lloyd and Mildred (Simpson) Oberlin would like to invite relatives and friends to join them on Sunday, October 30, 1994 to honor their parents at an open house between 2-5 p.m. at the Edon High School, West Indiana Street, Edon, Ohio. They were united in marriage October 28, 1944.

20 YEARS AGO

October 2004

Marie Best of Edon celebrated her 86th birthday with her first 5 generation picture. Marie has 13 children, 38 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Residents in the Edon area saw 5 years of hard work and planning come to fruition as they witnessed the dedication of their new K-12 school.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER

(EASTERN WILLIAMS COUNTY & VILLAGE OF FAYETTE NEWS)

In 1976 The West Unity Reporter merged with The Stryker Advance to become The Advance Reporter. In 2003 The Advance Reporter expanded to cover Fayette, Ohio news. In 2010 The Advance Reporter merged with The Edon Commercial to become The Village Reporter.

40 YEARS AGO

October 1984

Unity Mini Mart, West Unity will hold their grand opening. Jim Saneholtz is the owner.

Dr. G.C. Williams proudly displays the plaques presented to him for being named “Chiropractor of the Year 1983”, by the Ohio State Chiropractic Association.

Mrs. Mae Ricks celebrated her 90th birthday on Oct. 15.

30 YEARS AGO

October 1994

The Toledo Symphony recently pre-

sented a workshop to the Stryker Bands. Edna Meyer, of Stryker, received an award from the Ohio Rehabilitation Association for her contributions. Work continues on the new community center in West Unity.

20 YEARS AGO

October 2004

Dean and Colleen Stuckey would like to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Heather Stuckey, to Jeff Savage of Bellingham, Washington. The will be married December 11, 2004 in Bellingham, Washington where they now reside. Megan Rupp, a junior on the Hilltop Golf Team has qualified for district play on Tuesday October 12 at the Sycamore Springs Golf Course in Arlington, Ohio. Megan was the second individual qualifier out of sectionals with a 96 last week at Ironwood in Wauseon.

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

(WILLIAMS COUNTY - FULTON COUNTY AREA NEWS & SPORTS)

In 2010 The Advance Reporter merged with The Edon Commercial to become The Village Reporter. In 2013 The Wauseon Reporter merged with The Village Reporter. Over time since 2010, the newspaper expanded coverage to all the communities of Williams & Fulton Counties in Northwest Ohio to become today's format of The Village Reporter.

10 YEARS AGO

October 2014

Wauseon Mayor Doug Shaw announced his retirement, effective November 3, to City Council during their regular meeting on October 6. May-

or Shaw did not give a reason for his retirement but did note that he has served the City of Wauseon for 13 years - 10 years on City Council and 3 years as Mayor. An unannounced audit of the West Unity Post Office that turned up what authorities are referring to as “financial irregularities” have led to an ongoing investigation by special agents with U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) concerning those irregularities, which total approximately $10,000. While the special agents believe that they have identified the postal worker responsible for the irregularities, they have declined to release any names until the investigation is complete. The employee in question, however, was suspended effective Monday, October 6, pending the outcome of the investigation. Results of that investigation will be presented to a prosecutor for consideration of criminal charges to be filed. Authorities with the U.S. Postal Service are assuring West Unity residents that there will be no disruption in services or delivery during the course of the investigation. The Brown Bag Market located at 14707 County Road J in Wauseon was welcomed by the Wauseon Chamber at a Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. With a wide selection of deli meats, Amish cheese, bulk foods, candy and baked goods, it is quickly becoming a destination for many in the area. Owned by Viola Coblentz and Kathie McClarren and husbands Glenn Coblentz and Brian McClarren, the couples have worked hard at remodeling and stocking for a pleasant shopping as well as tasting experience.

- Storm Damage

The

to the Fulton County Historical Society for the photo. - Do you have a historic Fulton County Historic photo you would like to share? Email: publisher@thevillagereporter.com.

Fulton County Health Department’s BCCP Receives Statewide Awards

PRESS RELEASEWauseon, OH: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fulton County Health Department wants the communities of northern Ohio to be aware of services available. The Northern Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) is a grant funded program housed at the Fulton County Health Department and serves thirty-nine counties across northern Ohio. Through enrollment in this program, funding is available for Breast and Cervical Exams for women who are uninsured or underinsured (meaning they may have insurance but have a high deductible). BCCP pays for screening mammograms, diagnostic mammogram, Ultrasounds, MRI’s, and Biopsies. For Cervical services, BCCP will pay for Pap test with HPV, and colposcopy. If a woman is diagnosed with cancer, BCCP staff will help her apply for a special BCCP Medicaid which will cover all doctor appointments, testing, and medication as long as she is in

treatment.

Once a woman is enrolled into BCCP, our Case Managers will contact her yearly to remind her that it is time for an appointment and schedule that appointment for her. BCCP is an amazing resource we have here in Ohio. Our Northern Region has the best staff who will listen to every woman who calls to ensure she is receiving the services she needs.

The Northern Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project staff recently received two

statewide awards for Exceeding Women Served (2,721 women were served in fiscal year 2024 which exceeded the goal of 2,470 women) and having the highest percent of cervical services completed (1,227 women received cervical services through BCCP funding).

Pictured is the BCCP staff and Fulton County Health District Board President from left to right: BCCP Director Robyn Newberry, Christa Bickel, Tiffany Nofziger, Sara Salaz, Anne Taylor, Jill Precht and Dr. Kenton Kamp. Not

Debrah Boger, Tiffany Shay and Becky Schermond. If you or someone you know could benefit from the BCCP program please call 419-3353907. You can also visit fultoncountyhealthdept. com/bccp for more details.

Soil Judging ... From Page B9

prepare students to evaluate land and soil to determine its potential use.

In the Rural Contest students evaluate the land on slope, erosion, texture, natural drainage, land classification and recommended conservation practices.

Area chapters placing were: thirdWauseon, fifth - Delta, sixth - Fayette, eighth - Pettisville, ninth - Fairview, tenth - Archbold.

Area top finishers were: fourthAbbigail Savage - Delta, eighth - Richard Noonan - Wauseon and ninth - Erika Fetterman - Fayette.

In the Urban contest students evaluate the land on slope, flood hazard, soil stability, water table and bedrock depth. Both contests include a written exam.

Area chapters placing were: first - Tinora, third - Archbold, fourth - Wauseon, fifth - Fairview, sixth -

Holgate, eighth - Fayette, ninth - Delta.

Area top finishers were: first - Emma Gerenscer - Tinora, fourth - Colton Nofziger - Archbold, fifth - David Buchman - Tinora, sixth - Alivia Knight - Tinora. Top teams move on to the state contest on Oct. 12

CDE’s (Career Development Events) are an extension of the local agricultural education classroom and serve as an authentic application of the curriculum in which students are instructed. Through agricultural education and the FFA, amazing opportunities exist for FFA members. With over 300 careers in agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources, FFA members can look forward to unlimited success. They are future chemists, business owners, politicians, community leaders, veterinarians, farmers, and teachers. The skills obtained through FFA will serve a student for life.

following picture shows storm damage from an apparent ice storm on Madison Street in Wauseon. The picture is dated January 29th, 1947.

pictured,

ChurCh Page

An old man took his grandson for a walk through the woods behind his house. Suddenly the old man stopped and pointed to four plants.

The first was just beginning to peek above the ground, the second had rooted itself well into the earth, the third was a small shrub, and the fourth was a full-sized tree.

The grandfather said to his young companion, “Let’s see if you can pull up the first plant.” The boy did so eagerly, using only his fingers.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

(Matt 5:10-12)

This is the final beatitude. From here we will move into being salt and light. And just a reminder that being blessed is God cheering

As I look around the world, all I see is pain and trouble. Recent news headlines include war in the middle east, political tension, increased violence, natural disasters, drug abuse, mental health challenges, child trafficking, and more! All such things create distrust, despair, and discouragement. This naturally leads us to ask questions like; “Where is God? Does God care?”

I remind myself that these circumstances, and so many more, do not dictate God’s attributes. What happens to us, does not define who God is. So

PASTOR'S PONDERINGS

- Pastor Steve Wilmot, Edgerton, OhioTAKE A BREATHER BEFORE YOU ACT

“Now see if you can pull up the second.” The grandson did but found it a bit more difficult than the first. “Can you pull the shrub out of the ground?” The boy had to use all his strength, but he uprooted it.

“Very good,” the grandfather said. “Try to pull up the fourth.” The boy put his arms around the trunk of the tall tree but couldn’t even shake its leaves.

Seizing this teachable moment, the grandfather took his grandson by the shoulders and said, “This is what happens with

our bad habits. When they are young, we can remove them easily, but when they are old, it’s hard to uproot them even when we try hard.”

That’s a tragic truth we adults know only too well. There are unhealthy habits we find nearly impossible to break free of because we’ve done them for so long. And now we suffer consequences we wish we didn’t.

In the days of Jeremiah, the prophet of God, the nation of Babylon invaded, destroyed, and took the Israelites into captivity

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

- Mike Kelly, Retired Pastor, Bryan, OhioBLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

us on, telling us what a great job we are doing, encouraging us to proceed.

Telling us in effect, blessed are those of you who, when persecuted for God’s sake, endure because great is your reward in heaven. First, let me point out that being persecuted for being uncaring, tactless, dogmatic is not what Christ is saying. He is saying that those who are doing Kingdom business in love, in gentleness, in meekness, in humility will be blessed and approved of by God. Walking over people

is not how a Believer is supposed to show God’s love and care. We need the same heart and attitude that Jesus had (Phil 2).

So what makes the world want to persecute us? Why will they/do they hate us? What is it about the message of the Gospel that will drive people who know us and people who don’t, to want to throw stones, or curse us or blame us or even kill us?

We are hated because of Him in us. When we live in a world of darkness the light hurts when shined into their faces.

TWO MINUTE DRILL

- Rex Stump, Wauseon, OhioPUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD

often in our lives when something happens, we blame God or describe God being a certain way in relation to something that happened in our life. God is just, holy, powerful, and full of truth. He is also love, full of mercy, and grace. He is sustainer, redeemer, dispenser of hope and peace to those who seek Him. Unfortunately, current calamities and world events rob the body of Christ and the world of peace and hope. Fear, anxiety, and depression are tools of the enemy that keep us from victory. The enemy knows that God may have

for 70 years.

Forty years before the Babylonians marched into Israel, Jeremiah tried to persuade God’s people to return to him. And over those four decades they refused. They were addicted to false gods they had no interest in breaking ties with.

How did they get into a morbid situation like that? The same way we have. Jeremiah’s heart was broken to see Israel bear the consequences of their sin. He wrote a companion book in the Bible called Lamentations to express his inner torment and distress over their agony.

In the first chapter, God gave him three reasons Israel walked blindly into temptation thinking there was no harm or far-reaching effects… until there are, and then they wanted a way out.

People don’t want to hear that they are wrong or unreasonable. In the last few decades the dislike for Christians has grown to such proportions that society prefers to make light of us, to laugh at us, to devalue what we stand for.

And, truthfully, it takes little imagination or knowledge of history to see what is coming and that is active persecution here in America. We already live in a postChristian nation and soon it will become an anti-Christian nation.

Twenty years ago I told a zoning commission that in 25 years cities would try to keep churches out. I was told that would not happen in Bryan. Really? What’s wrong with Christianity? In today’s world of instant gratification and nearly complete selfishness, any voice saying you can’t have it now or you can’t have it all is unwelcomed.

Colossians 3:1-3

Stop and pray something like this, “Heavenly Father guard our eyes from looking at evil. Shield our ears from words, songs, and voices that detour us from you. Let us focus on you Lord. Let us see your victorious Spirit at work in our lives!

Amen.”

our heart, but he will still battle for our mind.

Scripture tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds! We are not to be anxious or worry about nothing but pray about everything. We are to set our minds on that which is godly!

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Seek God and trust God…for our hope is eternal! Our hope is not in the things around us, but in the Holy Spirit that is in us. Our hope is not in people or politicians, but in the Spirit of God!

Our hope is not in mankind, but the Creator

If we would pause the next time we’re tempted to consider these three truths Israel rejected with tragic consequences, we would save ourselves much pain and regret.

1. “Among all her lovers there is none to comfort her” (Lamentations 1.2).

The things we do to try to find happiness, relief from stress, and an escape from pain only lead us to unhappiness, more stress, more pain, guilt, shame, regret, and slavery. They don’t comfort us when we experience these consequences. They don’t help. They don’t care.

They are counterfeit lovers that draw us away from the One, True Lover who has told us how to experience an abundant life he wants us to enjoy.

Even when we choose the path that brings agony and misery, God will comfort us. If we

No one wants to be told that they have obligations and responsibilities because they live in this world. We live in a society that says without any shyness, we want it all and we want it now.

God made man to care for and about each other. That’s what the word society implies. Yet, the culture is almost just the opposite. What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine if I can take it.

God set in place rules to help us care for each other. He established us to be there for each other but our society is quickly moving away from that standard. It’s no longer about “us”, it’s now about “me”.

Rules frequently limit how much I can have or what I can do. The speed limit sets a rule on how fast I can go regardless of the whether or road conditions. The government says I can’t rob someone for their share of the wealth

of mankind! Our hope is not money, jobs, sports, or material objects, our hope is in Jesus Christ! We can trust God… because He is faithful. The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

run into his arms, we’ll discover they are always open even when we reject him and his ways.

2. “In the days of her affliction and wandering, Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old” (Lamentations 1.7) When tempted to sin with other lovers, we fail to remember the treasures we have in God or to consider the cost of sin. What we’ll lose. Sin looks so attractive and promises to satisfy our deepest longings and needs. It holds up shiny things to lure us to them. Only after the roof crashes in do we remember. If only we would pause to remember what we are forfeiting before we follow temptation into sin, we would show our lovers to the door and tell them not to come back.

CONTINUED ON B12

regardless if I have the gun and they don’t. Our marriage covenant says we can’t be with another person no matter how much we may want to. I just saw in the paper where several men were indicted for child abuse and child porn. I’ll bet they felt the government had no right to tell them who they couldn’t harm. The more our society strays from the way God intended the world to run, the more the persecution of the church will increase. I think I can say that if you are a Believer and are not being persecuted to some extent for your beliefs, you may not have them on display the way God intends.

We are so far into a society that has moved away from God that it would be hard to be a Christian and not find yourself challenging those around you.

CONTINUED ON B12

Lamentations 3:19-24

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Isaiah 26:4,8; “Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock... Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.”

Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.

Montpelier Hosts Annual FCA Fields Of Faith Event

By: Breana Reliford THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com

The 2024 Fields of Faith Event was held in Montpelier on October 9. Hundreds of students, families, and community members from the surrounding areas gathered together on Montpelier’s football field in worship of God. A few students even had the chance to share their own personal testimonials.

The program took place at Hobe Krouse Field in Montpelier and was almost completely student-led. These students are involved in FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, at their local schools.

They are passionate about spreading the word of God and wanted to take the opportunity to share their own personal journey with Christianity.

The event started at 7:00pm with live music and prayer. The live music was performed by Sebastian Rose and the opening prayer was done by Montpelier 11th grade student, Kenny Smeltzer.

Next, the audience was engaged in fellowship and the worship team was introduced. Six local students shared a personal experience they had involving their discovery or reinstatement of faith.

Aaron Williams, a senior at Edgerton High School, Aleigha Hillard, a senior at Montpelier High School, Molly Dickinson, a junior at Hilltop High School, Briggs Fiser, a freshman at North Central High School, Christian Craig, a junior at Bryan High School, and Emma Labo, a sophomore at Stryker High School, all gave emotional testimonies highlighting the importance religion had on their life.

Madelyn Hopper, a senior at Montpelier High School, Will Donovan, a junior at Stryker High School, and

Many students in attendance were in junior high or high school. The goal of the program was for these messages to resonate within this particular age group.

Breather ... From Page B12

The contrast between what God offers and what sin offers would be so stark we’d joyously turn our backs on our other lovers and run to God every time.

3. “She did not consider her future” (Lamentations 1.9). We run blindly into sin without pausing to consider the future it will set in motion.

Isn’t it true that if you could have looked into a crystal ball and seen where your sin habit has lead you when you gave in to temptation the first time, you would have said no to it?

All the years of guilt and shame — gone. Hiding behind masks — not needed. Frustration at your inability to overcome your sinful habit for good —

unnecessary. Feelings of hopelessness that eventually crept in — vanished. Everyone has blown it before, but we can choose to begin to take a break to consider these three truths next time. We don’t have to suffer the same plight Israel did.

All that’s required is pursuing God and kicking all other lovers to the curb. He is enough. He is all you need.

Steve Wilmot is a former Edgerton, Ohio area pastor who now seeks “to still bear fruit in old age” through writing. He is the author of seven books designed to assist believers to make steady progress on their spiritual journey.

Peacemakers ... From Page B12

Parents talking to their teens about promiscuity is an uphill battle today given our societal standards. Having co-workers who think it’s OK and not stealing to work only when someone is looking.

I couldn’t count the number of people who have been angry with me because I wouldn’t give them what they want. The number who shouted “What kind of a Christian are You?”, when I told them there were limits to the help we would extend.

If we live a righteous lie, we will offend those who feel we are getting in the way of their goals. And, if we speak righteousness, we are almost guaranteed a dressing down, a rolling of the eyes, or “What an idiot!” snide comment.

Try telling people what the scripture says about how to get to heaven. Tell

them that Jesus is the only way. There is no other. Not Buddha, not Mohammed, not Joseph Smith, not good works, not your family.

Acts 4:12AMP says it in black and white “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”

But, don’t forget Matt 5:12a “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”

Mike Kelly is the founding pastor of Bryan’s Grace Community Church (retired) and Board Chairman of Bryan’s Sanctuary Homeless Shelter and Williams County’s Compassion (free) Medical Clinic.

Local Fulton County Churches Launch Donation Drive To Aid Hurricane Helene Victims

By: Forrest R. Church, THE VILLAGE REPORTER

WAUSEON – In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina communities, local churches in Wauseon and surrounding communities have organized a donation drive to provide muchneeded relief.

Led by Josh Graber, the youth pastor at True North Church, this initiative seeks to gather essential supplies to support the recovery efforts in West Jefferson, NC, and its surrounding areas.

True North Church is collaborating with Pettisville Missionary Church and North Clinton Church to collect donations. Pastor Graber has been in direct communication with the West Jefferson town office to ensure that the items collected align with the most urgent needs of the community.

“We have been given an extensive list of what is needed to help with the devastation,” Graber explained. “Our community has the

opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.”

Community members are encouraged to donate a variety of items, which will be collected until October 28th. The list includes essential supplies such as diapers, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, toiletries, and wipes. Additional items needed are protein foods, individual chip and cracker packages, baby food and formula, towels, washcloths, paper products, water, hand sanitizer, and candles. More substantial items like blankets, brooms, extension cords, shop vacs, fans, trash bags, shovels, chainsaws, and generators are also welcomed.

Donations can be dropped off at True North Church, Pettisville

Missionary Church, or North Clinton Church. The collected items will be transported to the affected areas in North Carolina shortly after the collection deadline. Graber is also reaching out to the community via social media, asking residents to share the donation drive information on Facebook and other platforms to raise awareness and encourage participation. The churches involved hope to see a strong turnout from the Wauseon community, demonstrating compassion and solidarity with those in need. For further information, or to get involved, community members can contact Josh Graber directly at True North Church by calling (419) 335-8783 or his cell at (567) 4542799.

Jackson Poynter, a sophomore at North Central High School, also had the opportunity to contribute a portion to the program. The event lasted around 2 hours and many left with smiles on their faces.

PHOTOS BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

WORSHIP TEAM … Pictured is the 2024 Fields of Faith Worship Team: Molly Dickinson, Emma Labo, Aleigha Hillard, Madelyn Hopper, Will Donovan, Jackson Poynter, Briggs Fiser, Christian Craig, Aaron Williams, and Kenny Smeltzer.

HUGS … Montpelier senior Aleigha Hillard receives a hug after her emotional testimony.

Bryan Wine & Spirits Location Furthers Progress Towards Opening

By: Breana Reliford THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com

The Bryan City Council met on Monday, October 7th, 2024 at 5:30pm with the following members present: Mary Leatherman from Ward 1, Richard Hupe from Ward 2, John Betts from Ward 3, Stephen Alspaugh from Ward 4, Jim Kozumplik At Large, Mayor Carrie Schlade, Clerk/Treasurer John Lehner, Fire Chief Douglas Pool, City Engineer Brian Wieland, Street Commissioner Tyson Engstrom, Zoning Administrator Andrew

Waterston, city employees from various departments, as well as a few members from the community.

Leatherman called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to follow. The minutes of the September 16th, 2024 meeting were then approved by the council.

The council then opened the floor to public concerns. Steve Cox, a Bryan resident, started off by thanking the council for the addition to a street sign to Huntington Drive. He then presented a few concerns regarding street repairs. City Engineer Brian Wieland and Street

Wauseon’s Beltz Inducted Into Honor Society

Bryce Beltz of Wauseon, Ohio, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Beltz was initiated at The University of Findlay.

Beltz is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of

candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines.”

“Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

Commissioner Tyson Engstrom addressed the issue by giving their input on the process in order to initiate repairs.

Next on the agenda was Ordinance No. 37, 2024, authorizing the mayor to enter into a service agreement and order with Kronos Saasha, Inc., a UKG company. Treasurer Lehner explained that the office is in need of updating their finance software to a new payroll system.

Lehner goes on to say that the best plan would be to implement a city-wide software update for all departments to use, rather than each city department using their own program.

The cost of the program would be dispersed among each department according to their headcount. The motion to approve was made by Hupe and seconded by Alspaugh.

The Bryan Wine and Spirits Liquor Store opening is approaching completion as the council approved the waiving of a local hearing by a majority vote.

Some concerns with the store’s location leave some citizens hesitant about the opening, regarding traffic, deliveries, and parking spaces. Brothers Fayez (owner) and Malek (representative of the company) Abboud were present at the meeting to address some of the confusion or concerns by the council or other citizens.

One of the concerns of this

location is the traffic becoming more congested in this area, due to other businesses such as Biggby Coffee and Little Caesars being located in such a close proximity.

Another included the limited space for delivery trucks to access the store without taking up room for potential customers. Malek Abboud addressed these concerns by stating that they will be first on the route for the delivery trucks, arriving around 6am, which will be before the store is open.

He states having after hours delivery will solve both the traffic and delivery problems. As for parking spaces, they are currently looking into adding additional spots.

When asked about a target date for opening, Abboud replied that they would like to be open before the holidays.

Nihart Enterprises pro-

posed to build more storage units with Ben Schmucker Construction as the contractor for the property. The cost of constructing these additional units is $155,000. The motion was approved by Hupe and seconded by Alspaugh.

Mayor Schlade mentioned that the City of Bryan Fall Trash Drop-off would be taking place October 17 & 18 from 1-7pm and October 19 from 8am-12pm.

Residents of the city can drop off their trash at the street department on Townline Road, but must provide proof of residency in order to do so.

Fire Chief Pool also mentioned that due to the dry conditions and dust being blown from combines in the fields, outdoor burning needs to be watched closely in order to prevent another burn ban.

The meeting then went into executive session at 6:02pm.

VILLAGE OF DELTARESOLUTION 08-2024

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPOUNDING VEHICLES ORDERED TOWED BY THE VILLAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Passed: October 7, 2024

Mayor: Allen Naiber

Att: Marlena Allwood, Clerk Of Council

The complete text may be obtained or viewed at the Clerk’s Office in Memorial Hall.

VILLAGE OF DELTARESOLUTION 07-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY BY INTERNET AUCTION.

Passed: October 7, 2024

Mayor: Allen Naiber

Att: Marlena Allwood, Clerk Of Council

The complete text may be obtained or viewed at the Clerk’s Office in Memorial Hall.

2024 Trustee Board meeting at 7:00 PM. Send bids to Peggy Disbro, Fiscal Officer 1654 Co Rd P-50 Edon, OH 43518. Any and all bids may be rejected . Contact Doug Crawford for more information 419-551-0877.

LEGAL - Northwest Township is opening bids for a 2003, 3500 GM light truck. 6.6L Dura max, Allison transmission, 1000 5-speed, rear axle ratio 4.10, MGVW #12000, wheelbase 137, 191,867 miles. Bids will be opened at the November 12, 2024 Trustee Board meeting at 7:00 PM. Send bids to Peggy Disbro, Fiscal Officer 1654 Co Rd P-50 Edon, OH 43518. Any and all bids may be rejected. Contact Paul Green for more information 260-316-3433.

LEGAL - On September 25, 2024 the Council of the Village of Fayette, Ohio passed the following legislation: Resolution 2024-8: A Resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor. The purpose of this Resolution is to authorize the County Auditor to place upon the tax duplicate and collect the property taxes apportioned to the Village Fayette commencing January 1, 2025. This Resolution shall take effect at the earliest time provided by law.

The complete text of the above legislation can be obtained or viewed at the office of the Village Fiscal Officer at 102 West Main Street, Fayette, Ohio.

LEGAL - NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids for the curb side collection of residential waste in the Village of Delta, Ohio, for the period of January 1, 2025, thru December 31, 2026, will be received at the office of the Village Administrator until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened, and read.

Copies of the Instruction to Bidders, Specifications, and Bid form, may be examined and obtained at the office of the Village Administrator, Memorial Hall, 401 Main Street, Delta, Ohio 43515. Each bid must be made in accordance with the specifications and must be submitted on the bid form supplied for the purpose.

Each bid shall contain the full name, address, and signature of every person, firm, or corporation interested in the same, and if a corporation, the name and address of the president and secretary, and shall be accompanied by a bid bond given in favor of the Village of Delta, Ohio, or a certified check in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), as a guarantee on the part of the bidder that he will enter into a contract on or before December 6, 2024 if called upon to do so for the work covered by such bid and at the rates stated therein. The bonds and checks of unsuccessful bidders will be cancelled and returned. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled time for receipt of bids.

The Village of Delta reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive any or all irregularities or informalities in bids received.

Edward Ciecka, Interim Village Administrator

PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER BUSINESS OPENING ... Pictured is Malek Abboud discussing compromises with the Bryan City Council members.

Help Wanted Help Wanted

HELP WANTED - Our communities have wonderful stories to tell. We desire to share them within our pages, however local writers are needed! Like the feature stories you see inside The Village Reporter? Help provide 1-2 feature stories a week, writing from the comforts of home. Prior experience not necessary, workable unbiased writing skills a must. Submit letters of interest to: publisher@thevillagereporter.com

HELP WANTED - Brookview Farm Meats, a family-owned business since 1961, is looking to fill several positions part-time and full-time. The positions available are in the meat cutting department, slaughter floor and packaging room. Skills required include: must be 18 years of age or older, a willingness to learn new skills, the ability to communicate and work well with others, able to work in a refrigerated environment and be attentive to detail. Experience is a plus but not necessary, all we ask is a willingness to learn and be trained. Send resumes to mail@brookviewfarmmeat.com or drop off or mail to: V354 County Road 24, Archbold, Ohio 43502.

The Village of Edgerton, is seeking applications for the position of S TREET AND PARK LABORER

Position will perform general building construction, lawn and gardening, maintenance of Village streets, assist in repairing water main and sewer breaks, snowplowing, street sweeping, and perform chipper service. Candidates must have the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. and the ability to perform manual labor under various working and weather conditions. Candidate must be able to work a variety of hours and participate in an evening/weekend emergency snow removal and flood situations.

Please submit resume and salary requirements via email to the Administrator at hr@edgerton-ohio.com EOE

& buy! Lots of possibilities with this property. For Complete Details visit

Tract #1: Country ranch home built in 1999 with

28’x30’ garage/shop. Also includes a 12’x20’ livestock building

21 of Northwest Township, Parcel # 094-210-00-011.000, Edon-Northwest Schools and

Tract #2: 13 (+/-) wooded acres with a 60’ drive allowing access from

hunting or recreational property.

Tract #3: 20 (+/-) acres nearly all tillable with road frontage on 2-50 & Q-50. Primary Soil Types:

Clay, Blount and Rawson Loams. Nice tillable parcel to start out with or add to your operation.

Terms: $5,000.00 (non-refundable) down per tract on sale day. Balance due at closing on or before December 23, 2024 when marketable title and possession will be given. Taxes will be pro-rated at closing. Being sold with the immediate confirmation of the sellers.

Former Owner: The Late Kathy J. Callaway Lacey Pelz & Brad Callaway Owners Christopher Walker, Attorney of Richards & Walker, Ltd. Bryan, OH.

STATE ROUTE 2, STRYKER OH 43557 Note: Come prepared to bid on this spectacular 3 bed, 2 1/2 bath home! Over 2,100 sq ft, not including the full finished basement. Gorgeous 2

is sure to exceed all your wishes!

Inspection: Wed Sept 25th and Oct 2nd from 4:00pm - 6:00pm or contact Frey & Sons to set up a showing.

Terms: Bidding onsite ONLY! Sold as-is, not subject to any buyer contingencies. Inspections must be done prior to the day of sale. $5,000 non-refundable down payment due day of auction. Balance due at closing on or before 45 days with no buyer contingencies.

Seller: David D. Graber Estate - Williams County Probate #20231215

LIVE PUBLIC AUCTION

78 acres Williams County Farmland Friday, October 18, 2024 10:00am

Auction Location: Springfield Township Park Shelter, 206 N. Defiance St., Stryker – not at farm! Terms: $10,000 non-refundable deposit sale day with balance due at closing, within 45 days. Sold subject to seller’s immediate confirmation. No buyer contingencies.

Description: Approx. 78.4 acres farmland,

are primarily Latty Clay and Fulton. There are no buildings. 2024 Est. Taxes: $1,130 per half (CAUV applies), Tax Parcel ID# 064-110-00-009.000 (before split)

Note: Here’s another opportunity to purchase some acreage at auction! See our website for further info, or contact us for a info packet. Auction not held on site – come prepared to bid at the Springfield Township Park Shelter.

Seller: Patricia Goebel Estate Williams Co. Probate Case #20241042

PUBLIC AUCTION

model TL348 tiller, model RC 466 rough cut 66”mower, model VA242 hydraulic post auger, has 9”12”18” & 24” augers, Steiner Cab, Sea Do Bombardier on Shore lander trailer, Custom Built 3’x6’ lawn wagon with hydraulic dump.

From the house: 1922 Sellers Hoosier cabinet, Miller, Bud light, Lite, Lowenbrau, Schlitz Neon Beer signs, some furniture, small appliances & household items. Collection of vintage LP albums & more.

From the Shop: Milwaukee stationary sheeting saw, Many Milwaukee & Craftsman drills and driver bits, Milwaukee drill driver, Milwaukee skill saw, Milwaukee reciprocating saw, Werner Ladders, Floor Jacks, Craftsman woodshop vacuum system, Lawson & Fastenal organizers full of nuts, bolts, screws & fittings, Craftsman air guns & Brad nailers, Craftsman rolling tool chest assemblies, Craftsman tools: 10” radial arm saw, 10” table saw, 14” band saw, 16” scroll saw, Stationary sander, Plate Jointer, Oscillating spindle sander, Bench top mortising machine, Val 6 Infrared 118k oil burning space heater, Craftsman 42” lawn sweeper, John Deere tow behind broadcaster, Agri-Fab 48” thatcher, , Drill press, Delta Jointer Planer, Fortress Ultra quiet air compressor, Lead cords, Roto Zip tools, Many hand held tools & treasures. Wood shop tools and most of these items are very much like new! Patio furniture, Folding tables & chairs, Igloo coolers, Iron cookware, Much, much more than can be listed here. See pictures and additional info @ www.aabrownauctions.com

Terms: Cash or a good check at conclusion of the auction, Credit cards accepted with a

convenience fee applied.

Seller: David Mohre Estate

Listing Auctioneer * 419-576*2717 AARON SIEFKER, Broker/ Auctioneer 419-538-6184 Office or 419-235-0789 Cell Cole Limber & Kendra Limber; Assisting Auctioneers Licensed by the Department of Ag Not Responsible for Accidents View Online @ www.siefkerauctions.com www.dlimberauctions.com

2024 ANNUAL FALL MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT

Location: U453 State Rt 66, Archbold OH. Note: Huge 600+ lot estate auction with many interesting items. Open House: Weds Oct 23 from 4-6pm. See details and bid at freyandsons.hibid.com.

2023 John Deere 3033R Loader Tractor, Cab, 72” Mower, 60” Snowblower Only 23 hrs.; Exmark LazerZ 60” Zero Turn Mower - (2) Snowblowers - (2) Pedal Boats - Lawn

Kevin G. Frey, Auctioneer - Broker Archbold, OH 43502 Realtors - Auctioneers 419-445-3739 freyandsons.com

from Versatile, Case, John Deere, Ford,

Massey Ferguson, Minneapolis Moline, Allis Chalmers, Ertl, Pulling team trucks, pulling tractors, First Gear,

Show trucks, DCP, Toy Farmer, Chase units & more

lots of John Deere, Ford, Case, Cockshutt, Minneapolis Moline, Massey, International, Versatile, Ontario Toy Show, Toy Farmers, Gleaner, IH farm sets, Yoder models, Cottonwood Acres, custom models & much more!

WANTED

Whitacre Logistics is looking to bring on owner/operators with later model trucks, fleet owners and highly qualified company drivers throughout our Midwest Region. If you're an experienced driver willing to run in a regional market, our customer base provides a work-life balance and dispatch flexibility second-tonone. In addition to our flexible work-week configurations, ask about our contractor compensation, as well as our company driver benefits. Talk to our recruiter at 866-711-1390 or submit your application at drivewhitacre.com. You can also follow us on our Whitacre Logistics Facebook page.

Varsity High School Football

Archbold Knocks Off Wauseon For Eighth Straight Time, 39-26

By: Jesse Davis

THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com

ARCHBOLD (October 11, 2024) -

The Archbold Bluestreaks beat back a resurgent Wauseon Indians squad after a second-half comeback in wild play Friday night which resulted in almost 700 yards of travel by the two teams.

Archbold took the initiative early with a whole-team effort that started with a 17-yard return by sophomore Aranjer Krieger.

While continuing to gain ground despite senior quarterback Kurt Krueger getting tackled in the backfield and a nearly intercepted incomplete pass, a chop block penalty on the Indians kept the Bluestreaks moving forward.

After being placed on the Wauseon 26-yard line, freshman Anderson Bentley nearly found the end zone, stopped by Indians junior Jo Jo Flowers on the 1-yard line.

A pair of runs were unable to bring it across the plane, and a ball dropped and recovered by sophomore Jarett Rufenacht led to a successful field goal by Rudy Rodger to put Archbold up 3-0.

A holding penalty on the following kickoff put the Indians on their own 18, and they failed to make any ground, punting after an incomplete pass that went in and out of the hands of senior Wyatt Smith at midfield.

Both teams' defenses held strong over the next two drives. The Bluestreaks were unable to gain a single yard and a touchback on the punt put Wauseon on their own 20-yard line. They were subsequently pushed all the way back to their own 3, with Krieger carrying the punt back to the 11.

Archbold capitalized on the situation with a three-yard run by sophomore Ryder Ryan followed up by a lateral pass to Bentley, who carried it in for a touchdown. Rodger's successful kick brought the score to 10-0.

A 53-yard return by Smith nearly became breakaway for a touchdown, only stopped by Rodger nabbing him at the Bluestreaks 40-yard line after kicking off.

A seven-yard run by Flowers was followed up by a three-yard loss after junior quarterback Kahle Albright bobbled the snap and was tackled behind the line of scrimmage to end the first quarter.

Albright held the ball under pressure for a nine-yard gain on the next play, then held again for the final yard for a first down.

Archbold's defense turned up the pressure on the next set of downs, forcing an incomplete pass, tackling Albright in the backfield on a fake handoff, and stopping him short of the first down when he held the ball again on the following play.

When the Indians went for it on fourth and three, Albright was tackled in the backfield again for a loss of 12 and a turnover on downs.

Wauseon cranked up their own defensive pressure on the next drive.

Rufenacht took a snap and ran for 11 and the first down, but Krueger followed it up with a trio of incomplete passes to bring up fourth and 10 and a punt that was downed at the Indians' 15-yard line.

This time the Indians weren't taking no for an answer, with Smith catching a pass, breaking a tackle by Bluestreak sophomore Morgan Harris, and taking it all 85 yards for a touchdown. A successful point after by junior Collin Mennetti narrowed Archbold's lead to 10-7.

The Indians built on their offensive momentum during the next drive with a pair of carries by junior Julian Jasso and one by Flowers for a first down. Another Albright run under pressure, a carry by junior Landon Ballard, a run by Flowers, and a pass to Smith yielded two more.

An Albright draw brought Wauseon to the 19-yard line before a loss on a run and a failed handoff turned backfield tackle pushed them back to the 28, but a successful pass to sophomore A'Zarrion Hicks brought another Indian touchdown and, after the kick, a score of 17-14 with 58 seconds left in the half.

What followed was a whirlwind minute starting with a 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown by Ryan which would bring the score to 24-14.

A penalty for illegal procedure against Archbold on the kickoff set up the Indians on their own 35-yard line. After getting tackled in the backfield again, Albright threw a pass to junior Logan Peaslee who carried it 69 yards for another Wauseon touchdown - marking the third touchdown in just 53 seconds of play. Archbold senior Tristan Wyse fought past the line and blocked the extra point to keep the score at 24-20.

Wauseon wasted no time after receiving the ball to start the second half, with a nearly 70-yard return by Peaslee followed up by trio of runs by Flowers to put them at the one-yard line.

A sneak by Albright brought an Indian touchdown just under 90 seconds into the third quarter, but another blocked extra point limited their new lead to 2624.

Krieger dropped the ball on the kickoff return but recovered and held on at the eight-yard line. A pair of runs by Ryan and passes to senior Broden Piercefield and Bentley brought three first downs and moved the Bluestreaks to nearly midfield, but a long pass attempt to Harris was intercepted at the Wauseon 18-yard line by Indian sophomore Thad Reckner.

The Wauseon offense started struggling in the next drive, losing ground on the first play before being aided by an offsides penalty against Archbold on the following play, but then losing more ground on a dropped and recovered snap and gaining nothing on a pass attempt the next. A low snap on the fourth-andeight punt resulted in the ball being downed at the Archbold 45-yard line. Archbold ran into similar hiccups, with a single first down moving them into Indian territory before catching a flag for holding and then getting stuck at second-, third-, and fourth-and-15. A

high snap on their punt ended in a kick that went out of bounds at the Wauseon 39-yard line.

The Indians initially started gaining ground with a Flowers run and an Albright carry for a first down. Albright held onto the ball for three of the next four plays including a fourth-and-one conversion, the latter of which was stymied by a holding penalty to give them the first down at their own 31 instead of the 21-yard line.

A pass to Hicks under pressure brought another first down and pushed the ball to the 17-yard line, but another holding flag, an incomplete pass, and a pair of sacks by Wyatt Gericke and David Oregon brought up fourth-and-35. The ensuing punt was fair caught by senior Eddie Yoder on the Archbold 8-yard line.

Rufenacht took a snap and carried the ball two yards for second and eight and the end of the third quarter.

An incomplete pass to Piercefield that brought up a holding penalty against the Bluestreaks was followed by a successful one, and sophomore Carter King caught a third pass to gain the first down.

Rufenacht took another snap and carried the ball for what looked like it would only be a gain of two or three but kept the whole pile pushing forward for a gain of seven.

After another flag - this time for a false start - a pass to Harris yielded another first down. A 35-yard pass to Wyse yielded another touchdown, which they followed up with a two-point conversion which was interrupted first by an illegal substitution flag and then by an Archbold time out to put them back up 32-26.

A tipped incomplete pass led to an Albright run for a first down, leading to a high stakes set of downs. Albright first threw a long bomb to Smith which went over his head, then Flowers carried it to midfield for third and six.

he Bluestreaks defense poured it on, forcing Albright to hold the ball under pressure during the next play and limiting him to a gain of three. When he tried to hold it again, he was unable to make the final three yards, turning the ball over at the Archbold 45-yard line.

After the play, Bluestreak junior Jason Grime went down on the sideline as he came off the field. He was first surrounded by staff and then his parents as he was eased up to sitting then immediately back down, before EMTs were called over.

An ambulance was eventually brought in, and he was put on a stretcher, but applause and cheers erupted as he held up a fist to the crowd while he was being loaded into the ambulance.

Seemingly spurred on in support of

his injured teammate, Ryan broke free on the very next play, running 55 yards for a touchdown and the extra point extended the Archbold lead to 39-26.

Wauseon started their next drive with a run by Ballard, who took a huge hit in the backfield for a three-yard loss. A pass attempt to Smith resulted in a flag for pass interference and a first down at their own 47-yard line.

In a pair of back-to-back offensive foibles, Albright threw a pass that was intercepted by Krieger at the Wauseon 21-yard line, immediately followed by Krueger throwing a pass to Harris which bounced out of his arms and into the arms of Indian junior Brady Miller, to turn it back over on the Archbold 27-yard line.

A reverse carried by Smith pushed the Indians in sight of the end zone at the 11-yard line for a first down. Albright held the ball on the following play while looking for a receiver, gaining six yards.

An attempted pass was then tipped twice while in the air and almost intercepted. Albright carried again to make it to the two-yard line for a fourthand-one attempt, but when Hicks attempted to carry it in, he was tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage, turning the ball over on downs.

After the Bluestreaks took possession, a trio of runs by Ryan followed by a trio by Wyse took the ball all the way to the Indian 35-yard line and ran the clock down far enough that they were able to take a knee and run out what time was remaining to take the win, 39-26.

AHS WHS

A – Rodger 23-yd FG

A – Bentley 8-yd pass from Krueger (Rodger kick)

W – Smith 85-yd pass from Albright (Mennetti kick)

A - Harris 41-yd pass from Kruger (Rodger kick)

W – Hicks 28-yd pass from Albright (Mennetti kick)

A – Ryan 92-yd kickoff return (Rodger kick)

W - Peaslee 69-yd pass from Albright (kick blocked)

CONTINUED ON PAGE C3

PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

DEFENSE … Wauseon receiver Wyatt Smith escapes the Archbold

Kahle Albright in the second quarter.

OPENING SCORE … Archbold freshman Anderson Bentley crashes into the endzone for the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter.

Edon Moves To 8-0 After Blasting Hilltop, 47-6

(October

W – Albright 1-yd run (kicked block)

A – Wyse 65-yd pass from Krueger (Krueger run)

A – Ryan 55-yd run (Rodger kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Wauseon – Flowers 9-51; Archbold – Ryan 13-127; PASSING: Wauseon – Albright 4-12-190-1; Archbold – Krueger 12-21-229-2; RECEIVING: Wauseon – Wyatt Smith 2-94; Logan Peaslee 1-69; Archbold – Piercefield 4-51; Harris 3-62; Bentley 3-43; Wyse 1-65out what time was remaining to take the win, 39-26.

AHS WHS

First Downs 14 15

Rushing Yards 23-172 46-104

Passing Yards 229 190

Passing 12-21-2 4-12-1

Total Yards 401 294

Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0

Penalties

A – Rodger 23-yd FG

A – Bentley 8-yd pass from Krueger (Rodger kick)

W – Smith 85-yd pass from Albright (Mennetti kick)

A - Harris 41-yd pass from Kruger (Rodger kick)

W – Hicks 28-yd pass from Albright (Mennetti kick)

A – Ryan 92-yd kickoff return (Rodger kick)

W - Peaslee 69-yd pass from Albright (kick blocked)

W – Albright 1-yd run (kicked block)

A – Wyse 65-yd pass from Krueger (Krueger run)

A – Ryan 55-yd run (Rodger kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Wauseon – Flowers 9-51; Archbold – Ryan 13-127; PASSING: Wauseon – Albright 4-12-190-1; Archbold – Krueger 12-21-229-2; RECEIVING: Wauseon – Wyatt Smith 2-94; Logan Peaslee 1-69; Archbold – Piercefield 4-51; Harris 3-62; Bentley 3-43; Wyse 1-65

RUNNING THROUGH THE TACKLE ... Hilltop running back Terry Rebeck is wrapped up on a first half carry at Edon.

Bryan Lands First Win Of Season After Beating Swanton, 35-13

READY TO PASS (October 11, 2024) ... Bryan quarterback Rhett McGill sets his feet to make a throw in the first half of an NWOAL game at Swanton. VIEW 107 PHOTOS OF THIS CONTEST FOR

Bryan 35, Swanton 13

OFFENSIVE LEADER ... Drake Harris led the Swanton offense with 234 yards rushing and two scores in a 35-13 loss to Bryan.

SWANTON – Dameon Wolfe ran for 100 yards and a touchdown and Rhett McGill went 6/10 for 74 yards and two touchdowns as Bryan knocked off Swanton for their first win of the season. Drake Harris carried the load for the Bulldogs offense with 234 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. UP NEXT: October 18 – Wauseon (2-6, 2-3 NWOAL) at Bryan (1-7, 1-4 NWOAL) 7pm; Swanton (0-8, 0-5 NWOAL) at Evergreen (4-4, 2-3 NWOAL) 7pm BRYAN 8 7 13 7 – 35 SWANTON 0 0 0 13 – 13 B – Carlin 37-yd pass from McGill (Carlin pass from McGill)

– Wallace 12-yd run (Oberlin kick)

– Weber

Creager Accounts For Four Touchdowns

In Patrick Henry’s 37-3 Win Over Delta

CONTINUED ON PAGE C12

Football Summaries

October 11, 2024

Northwood 18, Montpelier 7 NORTHWOOD – The Rangers opened up a close game with a pair of fourth quarter rushing touchdowns for an 18-7 TAAC win. Montpelier’s score came in the final stanza also on a 12yard touchdown pass by Hayden Sharps to Wesley Hartsock.

Sharps finished 15/32 for 155 yards while Griffin Cooley ran for 47 yards and had six receptions for 79 yards.

UP NEXT: October 18 – Ottawa Hills (6-1, 2-0 TAAC) at Montpelier (2-6, 0-2 TAAC) 7pm

MONTPELIER 0 0 0 7 – 7

NORTHWOOD 0 6 0 12 - 18

Liberty Center 42, Evergreen 0 LIBERTY CENTER – After a scoreless first quarter, stateranked Liberty Center found the goal line three times in the second and three more in the third to roll to a 42-0 win.

Evergreen was held to 102 yards of total offense led by Max Mossing with 39 yards rushing and quarterback Bryce Bolger went 8/17 for 71 yards.

UP NEXT: October 18 – Swanton (0-8, 0-5 NWOAL) at Evergreen (44, 2-3 NWOAL) 7pm

EVERGREEN 0 0 0 0 – 0

L. CENTER 0 21 21 0 - 42

Fairview 42 Edgerton 28

SHERWOOD – Edgerton

enjoyed a 21-12 lead at halftime before the Apaches stormed back

FALL SPORTS

by outscoring the Bulldogs 30-7 in the second half for a 42-28 win. The vaunted Edgerton running game was held in check as Fairview limited them to 100 yards, but Maddox Baker responded with the passing game by going 24/34 passing for 331 yards and two touchdowns.

Kellen Sanchez paced the receivers with five catches for 100 yards and Scottie Krontz caught five passes for 82 yards.

UP NEXT: October 18 –Hicksville (2-6, 1-4 GMC) at Edgerton (3-2, 5-3 GMC) 7pm

EDGERTON 7 14 0 7 – 28

FAIRVIEW 12 0 15 15 - 42

OTHER SCORES

(Requested stats not received) Lucas 50, North Central 0

NATE CALVIN THE VILLAGE REPORTER sports@thevillagereporter.com

WEST UNITY – During Hilltop’s BBC win over Stryker on September 26, 2024, Cadet senior Libbie Baker surpassed 1,000 career kills, becoming just the second player to do so in the storied history of the Hilltop volleyball program.

Baker joins the all-time leader in kills at Hilltop, Gabby Rodriguez, who racked up 1,235 between 20192022. Baker also eclipsed 1,000 career points in basketball last season as a junior.

“This means a lot because I have come a long way from being an awkward freshman that had to learn how to properly hit and now, I have hit a milestone that I would have never thought I could have accomplished”, said Baker.

Baker’s volleyball career got a late start as it was the eighth grade before she began. “I only started playing because I made a deal with my best friend, which is my setter Eleana VanArsdalen, that if I were to play volleyball then she would play basketball throughout high school”, elaborated Baker.

“Being able to play sports with my friends and make some of the most unforgettable memories”, said Baker when asked about what memories she’ll take away from her high school career.

“Along with hitting many milestones not only in volleyball but also in basketball. Something I will take with me after high school are the good times and the people I’ve met along the way.”

Baker, who is a member of the student council, National Honor Society, and a FFA officer, is very appreciative of the all the support she has received during her high school career.

“She has gone from only playing front row as a freshman to now being an all-around player. Her knowledge of the game has grown and her ability to make adjustments mid-match has also improved”, said head coach Janice Bruner, when talking about Baker’s improvement during her four years.

“She is a very positive person who works to make herself and those around her better. What people may not always see is how light-hearted and goofy she can be and how she brightens everyone’s day”, added Bruner, who is in her 38th season of guiding the Cadets.

“My family (parents - Joe and Brenda; sisters – Lana and Leanna) have always supported me through and through no matter what I am doing. And I appreciate my coaches and teammates throughout the years that have supported me and made me the leader and player I am today”, concluded Baker.

Baker said her plans after high school are still not set in stone, but she is planning on attending college to be-

Pettisville’s Hastings Hits Career Milestone As Pettisville Sweeps Delta

By: Joe Blystone: THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com

PETTISVILLE (October 8, 2024) -

If someone hasn't given Pettisville's Grace Hastings the moniker of the "Mail Carrier", they should!

On a night when Pettisville's junior setter delivered a perfect pass for her 1,000th career assist, Hastings helped April Beck's Blackbirds score a threeset sweep of Delta, 25-15, 25-20, and 25-14.

The Blackbirds seemed a little too jacked up before a large crowd on which was senior night, along with the anticipation of Hastings' impending milestone, as the Panthers got two Mariah McGary kills and an ace from Ellie Martinez to grab a 5-2 lead.

And then it happened. Hastings put up a special delivery pass and Naomi Richer blasted it into the wood from the left side for Hastings' assist #1,000.

"She is an amazing setter," Beck said applauding Hastings. "She runs the offense and looks for which hitters are ready to go and which she can expect a kill from. She mixes things up at the net, she quickens the offense for us and hustles everywhere. She's just amazing."

"That's the plan," Beck explained of her team's fast pace. "We hope to get the blockers on the other side in a place where they aren't ready. Quicken the offense, that's our goal."

The charged-up crowd fueled the Blackbirds as Miley Harris pounded two shots and Richer scored an ace to give Pettisville a 7-5 lead.

Claire Bates scored off a block to tie the set at 7-7 but the Blackbirds took off from there with Harris leading the flock.

It was Harris from the back row, and Harris from the left side to make it 12-8. Then it was Richer five times, the last an emphatic slam from the left,

followed by Olivia Miller's putback to give the Blackbirds a comfortable 21-13 lead where Hastings finished the first set win with a bump kill.

Miller's ace and Richer's pair of kills boosted the Birds ahead 8-1 in the second, but the Panthers didn't roll over. McGary's five kills, the last a stuff block at the net brought Delta to within 14-13.

Richer went 3/3 in attempts, including a swooping curl from the left side to push the lead to 19-14, and Macy Hoylman and Harris helped finish off the second with a trio of kills.

In the third, a Hastings' kill from the left, Miller's ace and another by Noelle Fox got Pettisville rolling, and Beck's Blackbird Board Blasters took over.

Harris nailed five more kills, Richer stuck a pair and Courtney Wiemken got another as Pettisville flew to a three-set sweep.

"Miley and Naomi just really put the ball down tonight," said Beck of her big hitters. "They mean business when they go up and hit.”

“Olivia Miller puts it down and you know Courtney Wiemken had some good kills from the middle. I mean all of our hitters were just ready to go."

Pettisville finishes the season playing Holgate and North Central before tournament play begins next week. Delta ends the regular season with Archbold.

Pettisville d. Delta, 25-16, 25-19, 2514

PETTISVILLE (17-3): Naomi Richer –23/25 hitting, 13 kills, 12 digs; Miley Harris – 29/33 hitting, 12 kills; Grace Hastings – 21/22 serving, 2 aces, 11 digs, 38 assists DELTA (1-20): no statistics

JUNIOR VARSITY: Pettisville, 25-22, 25-17

FRESHMAN: Pettisville, 18-25, 2514, 25-20

Montpelier 7th Grade & Pettisville 8th Grade

Win BBC Junior High Volleyball Tournament Titles

Evergreen Wins NWOAL Freshman Volleyball Tournament

Volleyball Summaries

October 7, 2024

Bryan 3, Stryker 2

BRYAN – The Golden Bears fought back from down 2-1 to get a five-set non-league win. Bryan’s McKenzie Mason recorded a team best 27 digs while Kenzie Wirth added 10 kills, 14, assists, and 15 digs. Aubrey Clemens paced the Stryker attack with 22 kills on 53/62 hitting and 22 digs, Abby Oberlin tallied 40 digs, and Reiss Creighton registered 49 assists.

Bryan d. Stryker, 24-26, 25-22, 17-25, 25-21, 15-11

STRYKER (9-11): Aubrey Clemens - 53/62 hitting, 22 kills, 22 digs; Abby Oberlin - 61/68 hitting, 13 kills, 40 digs; Reiss Creighton – 49 assists; Anna Donovan – 32/33 serving, 3 aces

BRYAN (5-16): Nora Kunsman – 16 kills, 6 blocks; Kenzie Wirth – 10 kills, 14 assists, 15 digs; McKenzie Mason – 27 digs; Mary Blue – 13 digs; Clare Stever - 14 digs

JUNIOR VARSITY: Bryan, 25-11, 25-13

Bowling Green 3, Wauseon 0

WAUSEON – Bowling Green upped their record to 15-5 with a straight set win at Wauseon. Johanna Tester had 11 kills, 14 digs for the Indians and Ava Kovar added 18 assists in the loss.

Bowling Green d. Wauseon, 25-16, 25-12, 25-18

BOWLING GREEN (15-5): Tara Hastings – 12/12 hitting, 8 kills; Madison Cowan – 20/23 hitting, 14 kills, 10 digs; Hanna Heinze – 21 digs; Sophie Shepherd – 16 assists

WAUSEON (8-13): Johanna Tester – 26/33 hitting, 11 kills, 14 digs; Bella McGuire – 13 digs, 24/25 serve receiving; Ava Kovar – 18 assists

JUNIOR VARSITY: Bowling Green, 25-23, 25-20

Hicksville 3, Montpelier 0

HICKSVILLE – Hicksville started the last week of the regular season by taking the visitors from Montpelier in a three setter. Kelsie Bumb netted 20 assists for the Locos and Aleigha Hillard notched 15 digs.

Hicksville d. Montpelier, 25-21, 25-20, 25-18

MONTPELIER (8-11): Kelsie Bumb – 20 assists; Jada Uribes – 10 kills; Aleigha Hillard – 15 digs

HICKSVILLE (9-11): no statistics

JUNIOR VARSITY: Montpelier, 2624, 22-25, 25-23

FRESHMAN: Montpelier, 25-21,

25-14

Waldron (MI) 3, Fayette 1

FAYETTE (1-18): no statistics

WALDRON (5-6-1): no statistics

Evergreen 3, Cardinal Stritch 0

EVERGREEN (9-11): no statistics

CARDINAL STRITCH (15-5): no statistics

October 8, 2024

Montpelier 3, Edon 0

MONTPELIER – Jada Uribes had a 28/32 hitting night with 13 kills and was 20/20 serving with three aces in Montpelier’s win over Edon. Kaylynn Bartlett had 14 assists, six digs for the Bombers and Grace Ripke nailed seven kills and recorded 11 digs.

Montpelier d. Edon, 25-15, 25-22, 25-11

EDON (3-17, 1-5 NWOAL): Kaylynn Bartlett – 6 digs, 14 assists; Grace Ripke – 20/22 hitting, 7 kills, 11 digs, 26/31 serve receiving

MONTPELIER (9-11, 3-3 BBC): Kelsie Bumb – 21 assists, 15/17 serving, 5 aces; Jada Uribes – 28/32 hitting, 13 kills, 20/20 serving 3 aces; Aleigha Hillard – 15 digs; Lyla Mahan – 11/15 serving, 6 assists

JUNIOR VARSITY: Montpelier, 2511, 25-18

FRESHMAN: Montpelier, 25-17, 25-7

Stryker 3, Fayette 0

STRYKER – Stryker improved to 4-2 in the BBC after rolling by Fayette in three sets 25-17, 25-8, 25-15. Reiss Creighton notched 24 assists and Addy Oberlin had 16 digs for the Panthers while Kennedy Kunkle had a team-high 11 digs for Fayette.

Stryker d. Fayette, 25-17, 25-8, 25-15

FAYETTE (1-19, 0-6 BBC): Kennedy Kunkle – 11 digs; Kayla Sliwinski – 9 digs

STRYKER (10-11, 4-2 BBC): Anna Donovan – 17/18 hitting, 9 kills; Reiss Creighton – 24 assists; Abby Oberlin – 16 digs

JUNIOR VARSITY: Stryker, 20-25, 25-18, 25-22

Pettisville 3, Holgate 0 HOLGATE – Grace Hastings drilled five aces and registered 31 assists to pace the Blackbirds to a win at Holgate. Miley Harris added a teamhigh 11 kills and Naomi Richer had 10 kills and 13 digs.

Pettisville d. Holgate, 25-15, 25-

PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

SEVENTH GRADE CHAMPS ... The Montpelier Locos seventh grade volleyball team won the BBC tournament championship at Hilltop last Saturday by defeating North Central in three sets to go with their regular season title.

EIGHTH GRADE CHAMPS ... Pettisville concluded the season at 15-1 overall and 7-0 in the BBC for a regular season championship and took home the BBC tournament title by winning all three matches on the day in straight sets.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

LEAGUE CHAMPS … The Evergreen Vikings captured the NWOAL freshman volleyball tournament championship after beating Bryan (25-19, 25-16) in the semifinals and then Archbold in the finals (26-24, 17-25, 25-22).

Varsity High School Soccer

Delta Clinches Outright League Title With 1-0 Win Over Bryan

Archbold Ends NWOAL Play With 11-3 Trouncing

High School Soccer Summaries

BOYS SOCCER

October 8, 2024

Delta 1, Bryan 0 DELTA – Alex York scored on a penalty kick in the first half and that was all the offense Delta needed as they wrapped up an outright NWOAL title with a 1-0 win over Bryan.

BRYAN (9-4-2, 3-2-1 NWOAL) – no statistics

DELTA (13-3, 6-0 NWOAL) – Goal: Alex York

Continental 4, Pettisville 0

CONTINENTAL (7-6-2) – no statistics

PETTISVILLE (5-10) – no statistics

Maumee 6, Evergreen 2

EVERGREEN (6-8-2) – no statistics

MAUMEE (15-0) – no statistics

Archbold 11, Swanton 3

ARCHBOLD – Rudy Rodger and Sonny Phillips each turned in a hat trick and Rocco Rodger had a career high four assists as Archbold ended their NWOAL slate by trouncing Swanton, 11-3.

SWANTON (2-11-3, 1-4 NWOAL) –no statistics

ARCHBOLD (8-4-2, 3-2-1 NWOAL) –

Goals: Rudy Rodger (3), Sonny Phillips (3), Rocco Rodger, Mason Bickel, Jay Riley, Bradley Williams, Elizar Covarrubias; Assists: Rocco Rodger (4); Saves: Carter Kruse - 3

Wauseon 4, Liberty Center 0

WAUSEON – Wauseon’ Collin

Mennetti scored all four goals for Wauseon as they ended NWOAL plat a 4-2 after a 4-0 win over the Tigers.

L. CENTER (3-8-5, 0-5-1 NWOAL) –no statistics

WAUSEON (11-5, 4-2 NWOAL) –

Goals: Collin Mennetti (4); Assists:

Masyn Buehrer, Joshua Bourn

October 10, 2024

MVCD 4, Delta 0

DELTA (13-4) – no statistics

MVCD (11-4-2) – no statistics

Napoleon 3, Archbold 1

NAPOLEON – A Sonny Phillips goal, assisted by Rudy Rodger, gave Archbold a 1-0 halftime lead, but Napoleon rallied with three unanswered after the break to earn the nonleague win.

ARCHBOLD (8-5-2) – Goal: Sonny Phillips; Assists: Rudy Rodger; Saves: Carter Kruse – 2

NAPOLEON (11-2-4) – no statistics

Bryan 3, Pettisville 0

BRYAN – The Golden Bears scored eights minutes into the match for a 1-0 lead at halftime and added two second half scores on their way to blanking Pettisville, 3-0

PETTISVILLE (5-11) – Saves: Rylan Warner - 7

BRYAN (10-4-2) – no statistics

Continental 1, Wauseon 0

WAUSEON (11-6) – no statistics

CONTINENTAL (8-6-2) – no statistics

October 12, 2024

Archbold 10, Toledo Christian 0

ARCHBOLD – Rudy Rodger had three goals, and four assists and Sonny Phillips found the net four times as the Streaks blasted Toledo Christian 10-0.

The four assists by Rodger gave him the school record for assists in a season with 24.

TOLEDO CHRISTIAN (1-14-0) – no statistics

ARCHBOLD (9-5-2) – Goals: Sonny Phillips (4); Rudy Rodger (3); Jay Riley

CONTINUED ON PAGE C9

SWANTON

Bryan Closes Regular Season With 3-0 Win Over Pettisville

Bryan Upends Delta 1-0 To Deny Panthers Outright League Title

NWOAL CO-CHAMPS … Kendall Sprow of Delta knocks down a free ball in the first half at Bryan.

2; Kevin Alcazar; Assists: Rudy Rodger (4); Rocco Rodger

Evergreen 2, Otsego 0

EVERGREEN (7-8-2) – no statistics

OTSEGO (3-12-2) – no statistics GIRLS SOCCER

October 7, 2024

Oak Harbor 1, Wauseon 0

WAUSEON (1-13) – no statistics

OAK HARBOR (9-2-4) – no statistics

Archbold 13, Toledo Central Catholic 1

CENTRAL CATHOLIC (1-13) – no statistics

ARCHBOLD (10-5) – no statistics

Delta 7, Otsego 0

OTSEGO – Anna Lohman scored twice and assisted on two other goals to lead Delta past Otsego 7-0. Adrianna Dunning and Abbey Todd added one goal and one assist for Delta.

DELTA (12-2-2) – Goals: Anna Lohman (2); Adrianna Dunning, Abbey Todd, Evelyn Demaline, Aryha Dunning, Otsego own goal; Assists: Anna Lohman (2) Adrianna Dunning, Abbey Todd, Amelia Kunar; Saves: Ryllie Taylor - 6

OTSEGO (4-13) – no statistics

October 8, 2024

Evergreen 2, Maumee 0 METAMORA – Addy Gleckler netted two goals on assists by Lambert and Lyla Radel to lead Evergreen past Maumee 2-0.

EVERGREEN (9-5-2) – Goals: Addy Gleckler (2) Assists: Gwendalynn Lambert, Lyla Radel

MAUMEE (6-7-2) – no statistics

October 10, 2024

Liberty Center 3, Wauseon 0 WAUSEON (1-15, 0-5 NWOAL) – no statistics

L. CENTER (8-7-1, 1-3-1 NWOAL) –no statistics

Evergreen 3, Van Buren 0 METAMORA – Addy Gleckler and Lyla Radel scored in the first half and Lydia Gleckler found the net on a

penalty kick in the second half as the Vikings shutout Van Buren, 3-0

VAN BUREN (6-9) – no statistics

EVERGREEN (10-5-2) – Goals: Lyla Radel, Addy Gleckler, Lydia Gleckler; Assists: Kyla Risner, Riley Studenka

Bryan 1, Delta 0

BRYAN – Piper Hanna scored with 18:46 left in match on an assist from Josey Arnold as Bryan denied Delta an outright league title with the 1-0 win. Delta, who now shares the NWOAL title with Archbold, was kept off the scoreboard thanks in part to 12 saves by Bryan goalkeeper Mylie Vollmer. For Delta, it’s their first NWOAL championship in ten years.

DELTA (13-4, 4-1 NWOAL) – no statistics

BRYAN (7-6-1), 3-1-1 NWOAL) –Goal: Piper Hanna; Assists: Josey Arnold; Saves: Mylie Vollmer – 12 October 12, 2024

Bryan 5, Continental 0

BRYAN – Five different Lady Bears had a goal and Ava Zimmerman added an assist with her score as Bryan ended the regular season with a 5-0 win over Continental.

Bryan opens tournament play on October 16 by hosting Kenton in a Division IV sectional final.

CONTINENTAL (10-6) – no statistics

BRYAN (8-6-1) – Goals: Ava Zimmerman, Chloe Wallace, Piper Hanna, Macy Burton, Josey Arnold; Assists: Ava Zimmerman, Trinidee Baughman, Averyann Fisher; Saves: Mylie Vollmer – 6 saves

Wauseon 2, Northwood 0

WAUSEON – Tagan Pauley scored twice to lead Wauseon past Northwood for their second win of the season. The Indians travel to Genoa on October 16 for a Division IV sectional final.

NORTHWOOD (1-12) – no statistics

WAUSEON (2-15) – Goals: Tagan Pauley (2); Assists: Mylah Medina, Audrey Strader

Archbold 2, Riverdale 2

RIVERDALE (10-3-3) – no statistics

ARCHBOLD (10-5-1) – no statistics

Dr. Austin Saneholtz

Dr. Jason Kunsman

306 W. Main Street Montpelier, OH 43543 419-485-4257

MOVING THE BALL … Pettisville’s Josh Morris passes the ball during a nonleague match with the Bryan Golden Bears.

Bryan’s Dom Malanga Breaks School Record For Career Saves

Volleyball Summaries

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE C7)

19, 25-20

PETTISVILLE (18-3, 6-0 BBC): Miley Harris – 11 kills; Naomi Richer –29/32 hitting, 10 kills, 13 digs; Grace Hastings – 25/26 serving, 5 aces, 31 assists

HOLGATE (10-11, 2-4 BBC): Jordyn Hoellrich – 26/30 hitting, 9 kills; Mya Tijerina – 15 digs, 25/28 serve receiving; Isabelle Blaker – 11 digs, 14 assists

JUNIOR VARSITY: Pettisville, 2520, 25-17

FRESHMAN: Pettisville, 25-14, 1825, 25-20

Hilltop 3, North Central 0 WEST UNITY – Brynn Rodriguez and Libbie Baker combined for 29 kills in Hilltop’s three-set win over North Central. Anna Burt led the North Central effort with 10 digs and 10 assists.

Hilltop d. N. Central, 25-14, 25-14, 25-18

HILLTOP (18-3, 5-1 BBC): Elena VanArsdalen – 38/38 setting, 16 assists; Brynn Rodriguez – 30/30 hitting, 18 kills; Libbie Baker – 26/27 hitting, 11 kills

N. CENTRAL (7-14, 3-3 BBC): Cailyn Meyers – 9 kills, 6 blocks; Anna Burt – 10 digs, 10 assists; Maddie Zimmerman – 11 digs

JUNIOR VARSITY: Hilltop, 25-10, 25-21

Archbold 3, Delta 0 DELTA – The Streaks dominated from start to finish as they clinched an outright NWOAL title by sweeping Delta, 25-14, 25-3, 25-9.

Keely Culler and Lexi Ripke each delivered 12 kills and seven aces for Archbold and Jazla Torres distributed 31 assists.

Archbold d. Delta 25-14, 25-3, 25-9 ARCHBOLD (18-3, 7-0 NWOAL): Keely Culler – 16/16 hitting, 12 kills, 17/19 serving, 7 aces; Lexi Ripke –14/15 hitting, 12 kills, 10/10 serving, 7 aces; Jazla Torres – 31 assists DELTA (1-21, 0-7 NWOAL): Claire Bates – 7/7 hitting, 3 kills; Keagyn Gillen 6/7 hitting, 3 kills, 5 digs

JUNIOR VARSITY: Archbold 25-12, 18-25, 25-19

FRESHMAN: Archbold: 25-12, 2512

Swanton 3, Patrick Henry 0 HAMLER – Kinley Curtis had 11 kills on 23/26 hitting and Cara Ludlow dealt 27 assists as Swanton closed NWOAL play with a straight set win over Patrick Henry.

Swanton d. Patrick Henry, 25-22, 25-14, 25-14

SWANTON (17-4, 6-1 NWOAL): Kinley Curtis – 23/26 hitting, 11 kills; Lillyana Valderas – 21/22 serving,

4 aces; Lexi Faber – 11 digs; Cara Ludlow – 27 assists P. HENRY (9-12, 5-2 NWOAL):

Carys Crossland – 23/27 hitting, 9 kills, 9 digs, 23/27 serve receiving; Ada Christman – 27/31 hitting, 6 kills; Kynli Crossland – 18 digs, 12 assists

Evergreen 3, Liberty Center 1

EVERGREEN (10-11, 3-4 NWOAL): no statistics

L. CENTER (9-12, 3-4 NWOAL): no statistics

Bryan 3, Wauseon 2

BRYAN – The Golden Bears rallied to win the fourth set and controlled the fifth to get the win over Wauseon.

Nora Kunsman went 49/51 hitting with 18 kills, Clare Stever had 31 digs, and Kenzie Wirth racked up 15 kills and added 23 assists.

Johanna Tester fronted Wauseon with 29 kills and 26 digs, Bella McGuire tallied 38 digs, and Ava Kovar delivered 46 assists.

Bryan d. Wauseon 24-26, 25-23, 21-25, 25-15, 15-7

WAUSEON (8-14, 2-5 NWOAL):

Johanna Tester - 62/68 hitting, 29 kills, 26 digs; Bella McGuire – 15/16 serving, 4 aces, 38 digs, 31/32 serve receiving; Josie Russell – 11 total blocks (3 solo), 26/30 hitting, 8 kills; Kristin Pratt – 23 digs; Ava Kovar – 46 assists

BRYAN (6-16, 2-5 NWOAL) – Nora Kunsman – 49/51 hitting, 18 kills; Kenzie Wirth - 44/52 hitting, 15 kills, 24/26 serving, 4 aces, 23 assists; Clare Stever – 31 digs, 25/25 serve receiving; McKenzie Mason – 24 digs, 32/36 serve receiving; Miley Mason –17 assists, 10 digs

JUNIOR VARSITY: Wauseon, 1925, 25-14, 25-15

FRESHMAN: Bryan, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19

Edgerton 3, Hicksville 0

HICKSVILLE – Edgerton moved to 5-1 in the GMC after handling the Aces in three sets. 25-18, 25-15, 2519.

Ava Swank handed out 40 assists and added 13 digs for Edgerton while Corinne Cape went 30/35 hitting with 14 kills and added 15 digs.

Edgerton d. Hicksville, 25-18, 2515, 25-19

EDGERTON (17-3, 5-1 GMC):

Alivia Farnham – 18/ 21, 11 assists, 15 digs; Corinne Cape – 30/35 hitting, 14 kills, 15 digs; Ava Swank – 21/22 serving, 5 aces, 13 digs, 40 assists; Casey Everetts – 15 digs

HICKSVILLE (9-12, 1-5 GMC): Taylor Slattery – 19/22 hitting, 5 kills; McKenna Baird – 16 digs, 20 assists; Evy McAlexander – 13 digs, 15/17 serve receiving; Elise Baldwin – 13 digs

Bryan High School Esports Team Opens Season

Bryan High School plays in the ESO (Esports Ohio) Esports league and Mario Kart consists of teams of 4 players racing against each other in a best of 3 rounds. A round is made of 4 randomly selected tracks and players in finishing positions score points for their team.

The team with the highest point total after the four races wins that round. Bryan won an early match against Monroe Central, 2-0.

The first round featured Trae Krebs, Owen Davis, Briauna Entenman, and Ava Boehm winning 8836. The second round featured Addalynne Jesse, Nole Carpenter, Paige Lyons, and Philip Berry winning 71-53.

On October 2, Bryan won a match versus Bellevue to move to 1-2

on the season. Round 1 started out as a pretty close set of duals with Bryan trailing 5-6, but Philip Berry was able to eliminate the three remaining players on Bellevue with a 7-2 run resulting in a final round 1 score of 12-8 in favor of the Golden Bears.

Round 2 was controlled by Bryan’s Conner Westgate, eliminating three Bellevue players racking up 9 stock wins. Bellevue went on the offensive with their fourth and final player defeating Conner and allowing Bryan’s second player, Trae Krebs, to clean up the mess going 3-1 and securing Round 2 for Bryan 12-4. Conner Westgate led the team over two rounds with 13 total stocks taken with Philip Berry winning a total of 7 stocks.

On Wednesday, October 9, Bryan lost the best of three series 1-2 to Whitmer and moved to an overall record of 1-3 on the season. Round 1 was dominated by Whitmer, only losing a total of 4 stocks to the Golden Bears. Round 2 was a tight battle with each team knocking out their respective matchup going 6-6 into the last two

fighters for each team. Trae Krebs was able to finish off the last two fighters from Whitmer by running a 3-0 set against the fourth Whitmer player with only one of his own stocks (lives) remaining and winning Round 2 for Bryan 12-11. In round 3, Bryan was unable to put together an offensive run, dropping the round with a score of 5-12. Bryan’s next match will be next Wednesday, October 16th starting around 3:40pm. We have started to capture some of our gameplay and will be posting some basic video footage on our YouTube page found at the link provided below. We hope to add some form of streamcasting in the near future.

Check us out on

YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/@_BHS_ Esports

PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

CAREER SAVE RECORD … Bryan senior goalkeeper Dom Malanga (center) was honored after Bryan’s win on October 10 over Pettisville. Malanga, who broke the record on October 8 when he had six saves to put him at 656, is pictured with previous record holder Chris Fix (third from right) who registered 654 saves from 1994-1996.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

ESPORTS … Briauna Entenman, Philip Berry, Ava Boehm, and Paige Lyons compete against Bellevue while Nole Carpenter checks out some online stats.

Cross Country Action

PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER GIRLS WINNER (October 12, 2024)

… Wauseon’s Ella Rhoades posted a time of 18:28 to win the NWOAL girls race at Swanton High School last Saturday. VIEW 94 PHOTOS OF THIS CONTEST FOR FREE AT WWW. THEVILLAGEREPORTER.COM

TOP 5 FINISH … Nicolette Stickney (pictured) of Bryan placed fifth with a 19:27 to join her teammate Kate Thormeier, who finished fourth, in the top five.

BACK-TO-BACK TEAM CHAMPS …

Bryan’s Josiah Cummins ran a 16:39 to finish sixth as he was one of three Golden Bear runners in the top ten to lead Bryan to their second straight league title.

Pettisville Girls Win BBC Cross Country Title; Fayette Runners Take Top Two Spots In Boys Race

PHOTOS BY JACOB

THIRD PLACE … Delta’s Konnor Hawkins was third with a 16:28, just two seconds behind fellow Panther Daniel Sintobin, as Delta finished third in the team standings.

High School Cross Country Summaries

BOYS RESULTS

October 12, 2024

NWOAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

TEAM SCORES: 1. Bryan 43; 2. Archbold 60; 3. Delta 70; 4. Wauseon 83; 5. Liberty Center 141; 6. Swanton

155

AREA RUNNERS IN TOP 10: 1. Jude Hudson (A) 16:21; 2. Daniel Sintobin (D) 16:26; 3. Konnor Hawkins (D) 16:28; 5. Braydon Buchanon (B) 16:38; 6. Josiah Cummins (B) 16:52; 7. Clay

Wasnich (W) 16:39; 8. Elijah Cummins (B) 16:39; 9. Caleb Harrow (A) 17:06; 10. Miles Kuntz (W) 17:19

BBC CHAMPIONSHIPS

TEAM SCORES: 1. Holgate 42; 2. Pettisville 43; 3. Fayette; 4. Montpelier 129; 5. Edon 143; 6. North Central 145; 7. Stryker 157; 8. Hilltop 195

AREA RUNNERS IN TOP: 1. Ethan Lee (F) 16:28; 2. Jose Blanco (F) 16:33; 3. Kyle Galvin (P) 16:52; 5. Carter Eckley (NC) 17:36; 7. Alex Galvin (P) 17:44; 8. Brady Wilburn (P) 17:47; 10. Caden Bishop (P) 17:55

P.H. / Delta Football ... From Page C4

By: Nate Calvin THE VILLAGE REPORTER sports@thevillagereporter.com

DELTA (October 11, 2024) – In a game with limited offensive possessions, Patrick Henry was the definition of efficient as they scored touchdowns on each of their four first half possessions in a 37-3 win at Delta.

Patrick Henry needed just six plays on their drive to find pay dirt as quarterback Lincoln Creager scrambled, shook off some tackles, and sprinted 75 yards down the sideline for a touchdown with 8:17 to go in the first quarter.

Delta’s first drive was long on methodical, including a pair of third down conversions, a fourth down conversion, and carried over into the second quarter before ending with a Brodey Roth 33-yd field goal to make it 7-3 Patriots with 11:14 left in the half.

Delta would attempt on onside kick on the ensuing kickoff but was unsuccessful as Patrick Henry started their second drive at the Delta 45-yard line.

Creager opened the drive with a 17yard run and four plays later he would score on a six-yard touchdown scamper to push the lead to 14-3.

After a Delta punt, the Patriots went to work through the air as Creager hit Kiefer Holloway on a 27-yard bubble screen to move the ball to the Delta 30yard line.

Facing a third-and-ten, Creager would find a wide-open Cal Schroeder out of the backfield for a 30-yard scoring strike to make it 21-3.

The Patriots scored one more time in the first half after being set up at the Delta 46-yard line after a bad punt by the Panthers.

After a 19-yard completion to Lane Jackson, Creager hit Reid Creager on a 15-yard slant pass for a score with :51 seconds left in the first half as the Patriots led 28-3 at halftime.

Delta’s first second half drive saw the Panthers move the ball to the Patriot 12-yard line after a 25-yard run

by

freshman Marcus Nagel.

Two plays later on second down, Emric Friess was swarmed and coughed up the football which was picked up and returned 68 yards the other way by Conner Neiderhouse to make it 34-3 and put the running clock into effect.

Creager paced a balanced effort by the Patriots with 133 yards on the ground and 135 yards passing while accounting for all four Patrick Henry offensive touchdowns.

Delta was held to 89 yards out of their ground game, led by Landon Lintermoot who had 36 yards on 15 carries.

UP NEXT: OCTOBER 18 – Liberty Center (8-0, 5-0 NWOAL) at Delta (6-2, 3-2 NWOAL) 7pm

PHHS DHS

First Downs 9 10

Rushing Yards 24-179 35-89

Passing Yards 138 32

Passing 7-11-0 4-9-0

Total Yards 317 121

Fumbles-Lost 1-0 2-1

Penalties 3-30 2-15

P. HENRY 7 21 6 3 – 37

DELTA 0 3 0 0 – 3

PH – L. Creager 75-yd run (L. Creager kick)

D – Roth 33-yd FG

PH – L. Creager 6-yd run (Creager kick)

PH – Schroeder 30-yard pass from L. Creager (L. Creager kick)

PH – R. Creager 15-yard pass from L. Creager (L. Creager kick)

PH – Neiderhouse 68-yard return (kick failed)

PH – L. Creager 24-yard FG

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Patrick Henry – L. Creager 10-133; Delta – Lintermoot 15-36; Taylor 7-34; PASSING: Patrick Henry – L. Creager 6-10-135-0; Delta – Friess 4-9-32-0; RECEIVING: Patrick Henry – Jackson 2-56; Holloway 2-34, Schroeder 1-30

GIRLS RESULTS

October 12, 2024

NWOAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

TEAM SCORES: 1. Patrick Henry 50; 2. Liberty Center 70; 3. Archbold 76; 4. Delta 91; 5. Bryan 117; 6. Wauseon 132; 7. Swanton 175; 8. Evergreen 192

AREA RUNNERS IN TOP 10: 1. Ella Rhoades (W) 18:28; 2. Josilyn Welch (D) 18:40; 4. Kate Thormeier (B) 19:12; 5. Nicolette Stickney 19:27; 6. Hadley Hudson (A) 19:30; 10. Paige Hosler (D)

21:04

BBC CHAMPIONSHIPS

TEAM SCORES: 1. Pettisville 35; 2. Holgate 49; 3. Fayette 61; 4. Montpelier 121; 5. Hilltop 126; 6. Edon 129; 7. Stryker 142 AREA RUNNERS IN TOP 10: 1. Kendall Sears (P) 19:24; 2. Addison Schang (F) 20:26; 3. Emily Suydam (Hilltop) 20:48; 4. Grace Remington (P) 21:24; 5. Madison Remington (P) 21:38; 7. Kennedy Kunkle 21:51; 9. Grace Davis (P) 22:18

Bryan High School Soccer Program Donates Proceeds From Kick For A Cure Games

On

at the check presentation are

The teams raised

Junior High Athletics

VOLLEYBALL

October 8, 2024

7TH GRADE Wauseon 2, Bryan 0 North Central 2, Hilltop 0

8TH GRADE Wauseon 2, Bryan 0 Pettisville 2, Holgate 0 Hilltop 2, North Central 1

October 10, 2024

7TH GRADE Bryan, 2 Hicksville 0 Pettisville 2, N. Central 1

8TH GRADE Paulding 2, Wauseon 0 Bryan 2, Hicksville 1 Holgate 2, Montpelier 0 Pettisville 2, N. Central 0

October 12, 2024

7TH GRADE North Central 2, Pettisville 1 Montpelier 2, North Central 1

8TH GRADE

Pettisville 2, Fayette 0

Pettisville 2, North Central 0 Pettisville 2, Edon 0 Wauseon 2, Delta 1

Patrick Henry 2, Wauseon 0 FOOTBALL

October 7, 2024

7TH GRADE Bryan 22, P. Henry 12

8TH GRADE Bryan 32, P. Henry 8

COMBINED

Montpelier 32, N. Central 14

October 10, 2024

7TH GRADE Archbold 27, Wauseon 0 Bryan 36, Hicksville 0

8TH GRADE Liberty Center 20, Evergreen 12

COMBINED

Montpelier 30, Northwood 14

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

CANCER AWARENESS ….

Saturday September 14th, 2024 the Bryan girls and boys soccer teams dedicated their games to raising awareness of cancer, and raising funding to support Cancer Assistance of Williams County by hosting back-toback Kick for a Cure soccer games.

$1,087. Pictured left to right

Cheryl Andres, Calista Garza, and Mollie Culler of Cancer Assistance of Williams County, BHS Boys Soccer Coach Luke Collins, and BHS players Bryce Welling, Masen Welling, Tucker Miller, Josey Arnold, and Ava Zimmerman. In front, Jack (unofficial mascot.)

Good Luck At State Tennis Competition

Bryan’s Caitlyn DeWitt

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER

BRYAN LADY BEAR … Caitlyn DeWitt went 3-1 at the Division II district tennis tournament in Port Clinton to punch her ticket to the state tournament this week. DeWitt opened with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Jocelyn Rollheiser (Oak Harbor) and then beat Uloedo Ezike of Lexington 6-0, 6-0 to move on to the semifinals and qualify for state. DeWitt dropped her semifinal match but came back to win her third-place match 6-0, 6-0 to earn the No. 3 seed at state.

In Photos: Fall Sports Action

Photos By Jacob Kessler, Renea Kessler, Rachel Nagel, Shania Coleman & Michelle Sanchez, Staff