Author: Newspaper Staff

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS … Archbold Rotarians helped set up two of the holiday displays that the club purchased in the 1990s for the annual Festival of Lights display in Ruihley Park. Here, a group of Rotarians completed the animated bell display while another group of Rotarians set-up the swan and fountain display near the park’s entrance. The club also purchased the entrance arches and poinsettias and the sidewalk arches. Helping with the bell were (from left) Marc Fruth with his grandson Dax Fruth, Lou Levy, Keith Lehman, Adam Grisier, Matt Mello and Cindy Gustwiller. The…

PRESS RELEASE – The November meeting of Taine Club was held at the Wesley United Methodist Church Lounge. Hostesses Jackie Boyd and Vicki Rathbun provided a festive setting with special treats. President Rathbun opened the business meeting with some quotes by Jane Goodall. “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” “We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place—or not to bother.” (Jane Goodall) Secretary and treasurer reports were shared invitations were distributed for the December meeting. The Taine…

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DONATION … Parkview-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary presented a $1,000 donation to the CHWC-Share Foundation during the Nov. 10th meeting at the hospital. Shown at the check presentation, from left to right are Auxiliary Jr. Past President Linda Dilworth, Sara Dye-Volunteer Coordinator & Community Health Improvement Lead-Bryan Hospital, Shannon Newell-Montpelier Hospital Director of Nursing and guest speaker, and Auxiliary President Elaine Willibey. The auxiliary’s annual “Lighting the Way to Christmas” memorial program is Sunday, Dec. 7th at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier. Memorial angels & luminaries dedicated to departed loved ones are available by…

PRESS RELEASE – The Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to announce strong community engagement and growing local implementation of the Blue Envelope Program which is an initiative designed to improve communication and reduce anxiety during interactions between individuals with developmental disabilities and law enforcement. Over the past several weeks, the Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities has worked closely with first responders, individuals served, families, providers, schools, and community partners, to ensure broad understanding and effective use of the program’s tools. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. One recent example came from Delta Police Chief Sam Chappell…

PRESS RELEASE – The regional housing market continued its upward momentum in October, with both buyers and sellers showing renewed confidence as the fall season progressed. REALTORS® across Northwest Ohio are reporting steady foot traffic at showings, motivated buyers, and sellers who are increasingly feeling encouraged to list as the market remains strong. In the single-family market, activity has stayed lively. Homes are still selling at a healthy pace, and many neighborhoods are seeing a steady stream of new listings—giving buyers more opportunities than they’ve had in recent years. At the same time, sellers are benefiting from rising home values…

PRESS RELEASE – The Christkindl Market of Bryan is set to open for the 2025 season on Friday, November 28, running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m. through December 20. It is located on the square in downtown Bryan, Ohio, and includes a European-style outdoor market, hot food and beverage options, visits with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides and nightly entertainment. This year’s market features 14 vendor chalets with products ranging from books to specialty Christmas décor items and toys imported from Europe. The market also includes St. Nick’s Snak Haus, a food and beverage chalet that serves hot cocoa,…

(1980 Graduate Of North Central High School) Gary Glen Durham, 63, of Montpelier passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on April 13, 1962, in Montpelier, Ohio. Gary graduated from North Central High School in 1980. He recently retired from Dick Lavy Trucking after 10 years as a long-haul trucker; prior to that he worked at Fayette Tubular. Gary is survived by his father Darrel (Connie) G. Durham of Pioneer; mother Nora J. (Cogswell) Heaton of Montpelier; siblings Sherry (Tim) Fry, Karen (Ron) Jimenez and Sandra (Jerry) Fry, all…

By: Steve Wilmot Of the four descriptions of love found in 1 Corinthians 13.7, perseverance is probably the hardest to do. Your love for someone will be tested. People you love will let you down. Everyone who has ever been in love has experienced this reality at some point in their relationship with someone — spouse, parent, friend. We need look no further than the divorce rate or the number of children estranged from their parents. But persevering love endures. It sticks around. It never gives up, no matter what happens or how bad the relationship gets. It always hopes…

PRESS RELEASE – Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced in a press release on November 19 that on Tuesday, November 18, at approximately 2:07 p.m., a Van Wert Juvenile Probation Officer went to Lincolnview School to speak with a 16-year-old Lincolnview student. The purpose of this discussion was based on a complaint that the juvenile had allegedly sent threatening text messages to another Lincolnview student. Before this conversation could occur, the juvenile ran from the probation officer, exited the school, found an unlocked car with the keys inside, stole the vehicle, left the school property, and traveled in…

PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER NEW VENUE … The Williams County Commissioners hosted their monthly “Coffee with Commissioners” meeting at the Edgerton Performing Arts Center with local high school students. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Williams County Commissioners met for their monthly “Coffee with Commissioners” meeting on November 18, 2025, at the Edgerton Performing Arts Annex. Their session was opened to high schoolers to get a first-hand look at how small government operates within the county. Many questions were asked, including what it takes to run for an elected position, how they juggle finances…

PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER WEDCO APPOINTEES … Mayor Carrie Schlade presented herself and Mari Ivan as appointees to the WEDCO Board for approval by the council. By: Brianna Balogh THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com Bryan City Council met on Monday, November 17. Council President Mary Leatherman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a motion to excuse council member Richard Hupe. The motion passed, and roll call was taken with members Jim Kozumplik, Steven Alspaugh, and John Betts in attendance. Mayor Carrie Schlade and Clerk-Treasurer John…

PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER COUNCIL DISCUSSES ADMINISTRATOR … Members of the Delta Village Council gather for their meeting on Monday, November 17. Among the business of the day, council members took part in an hour-long executive session during which they discussed a list of goals set for the year for Village Administrator Chris Frazer, who was not included in the session. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com Village Administrator Chris Frazer was the subject of a lengthy executive session discussion during the most recent meeting of the Delta Village Council. At the end of the…

(Napoleon Resident; Born In Delta) Roger L. Henricks, 85, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 14, 2025. He was born in Delta, Ohio on May 27, 1940, to the late Donald and Irena (Osterhout) Henricks. On December 9, 1988, Roger married Judith Dimon who preceded him in death on February 2, 2025. Roger proudly served his country in the United States Navy before continuing his commitment to fellow veterans as Commander of Amvets Post 1313, a role that reflected his deep love of his country. After his military service, he dedicated 42 years of hard work and…

(Stryker Resident; Member Of Bryan Art) Nellie Ann Lohse, age 95, of Stryker, passed away on November 16, 2025, in her home. Nellie worked for Stryker Area Schools as the secretary, from 1964 to 1971, along with various other jobs throughout her life. Nellie was born on September 21, 1930, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Ivan and Phyllis (Cox) Krieger. On April 8, 1950, she married the love of her life, John Lohse, who preceded her in death in 2024. Together, they spent 74 years of marriage together. Nellie was an artist and loved to paint. She was a…

(Resident Of Bryan) Jon Thomas Renfrow, age 48, of Bryan, Ohio passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 in his home. Jon was born September 9, 1977 in Auburn, Indiana to the late James F. and Janice Ann (Epling) Renfrow. Jon was an employee of Domino’s Pizza, Bryan and served as a delivery driver. Jon greatest love was for his family especially his grandchildren. Survivors include, his daughters, Tianna Renfrow, Bryan, Ohio and Elizabeth Renfrow, Oakwood, Ohio. 6 grandchildren. Brother, Jimmy Renfrow and his sister, Joni Lee Walker. Nieces and nephews. Jon is preceded in death by his parents, his sister,…

By: Dr. Jerry Bergman Montpelier, Ohio One examination by the Center for the Study of Popular Culture (CSPC) of over 150 college departments and upper-level administrations at 32 elite colleges and universities found that the ratio of registered Democrats (who tend to be liberal secularists) to registered Republicans (who are more likely to be conservatives and religious) was more than 10 to 1 (1,397 Democrats compared to a mere 134 Republicans). It surprised some that there were actually 134 Republicans! In America as a whole, registered Democrats and Republicans are roughly equal in number. Yet, the CSPC survey found no…

By: Rex Stump Wauseon, Ohio Who are you?  A sinner saved by grace?  A saint?  There are various thoughts and titles given to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, but how about “God’s Holy People?” Ever thought your title could include “Holy?”  Not many of us feel qualified to be called “Holy,” but more than a dozen times, the Apostle Paul used this word to address those in God’s family of believers.  (Colossians 1:2; Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 1:1, Romans 1:7 are just a few) As one who has placed his faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, I am now striving to live a…

By: Marlene Oxender Montpelier, Ohio Those who live in small towns know when a parade is about to begin. Main Street becomes dotted with lawn chairs and blankets. People are gathering. The sun is shining. A good mood is the only mood available. We see fire trucks and police cars. Tractors and trailers. Floats and bands. Candy is thrown at us. Everyone feels loved. Then there are the parades that take place near the end of the year. We dress in winter coats and hats because it’s chilly out there. We line the streets once again, knowing we’re going to…

By: Mike Kelly, Retired Pastor My friend, Kent Hardy, wrote several Facebook posts that caused me to think, so, with his permission, I am using them as the template for my messages in November. Today’s post comments on the reality of evil and the way evil is seen in our liberal worldview. We often see our struggles in life as the result of flawed strategies rather than the result of our captivity to and cooperation with evil. We don’t give enough space to the Evil One, whose entire existence is set on destroying us. Remember John 10:10a “The thief’s purpose…

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

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The Montpelier Locomotives recently held its annual Winter Sports Media Day photo sessions presenting Locomotive winter sports athletes to the community. Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

The Stryker Panthers recently held its annual Winter Sports Media Day photo sessions presenting Panther winter sports athletes to the community. Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

The Edon Bombers recently held its annual Winter Sports Media Day photo sessions presenting Bomber winter sports athletes to the community. Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

The North Central Eagles recently held its annual Winter Sports Media Day photo sessions presenting Eagle winter sports athletes to the community. Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

The Fayette Eagles held its annual Winter Sports Media Day photo sessions presenting Eagle winter sports athletes to the community. Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.