PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN … A sign memorializing Patrolman Jon D. Birchem, who died in a crash while pursuing two speeders on the turnpike in 1967, is unveiled at the Swanton post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. From left are OTIC Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg), Criss Cline, Bill Cashman, Jessica Cashman, OSHP Superintendent Col. Charles Jones, Jeff Cline, Tracie Cline, State Rep. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon), and State Rep. Erika White (D-Springfield). By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com The Ohio State Highway…
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PRESS RELEASE – temperatures start to drop across Ohio, the state is stepping in to help families keep the heat on by easing the burden of high energy bills. Effective Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program. “We’re proud to show up for Ohioans when they need us most, especially when Ohio winters create challenges for individuals and families,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “The Winter Crisis Program is here to provide critical support so people can stay…
PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DONATION … Recently the Unity Antique Power Club made a donation to the West Unity Police Department for the upcoming Shop with a Cop. Pictured above Rich Miller presents check to Police Chief JR Jones.
PHOTO JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER ANNUAL UPDATE … Montpelier Area Foundation president Kara Custer (above) gives an update on the contributions made during the 2024-25 year at their annual meeting held on Thursday, October 30, at Cookies on Demand in Montpelier. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com The Montpelier Area Foundation held its annual meeting on Thursday, October 30, at Cookies on Demand. With 13 persons in attendance, a motion was made to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, and the treasurer’s report followed. Montpelier Area Foundation president Kara Custer updated on the foundation’s activities and…
CROWD … A full house gathered inside the Fayette High School gym for the Fayette Fire Department’s annual Feather Party, an evening of bingo, raffles, and community fellowship. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER BINGO … The Fayette Fire Department kept the crowd entertained with rounds of bingo during the annual Feather Party fundraiser. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The annual Fayette Fire Department Feather Party brought hundreds of community members together on Saturday, November 1st, 2026, for an evening of bingo, raffles, and fellowship in support of the local fire department. Hosted inside the high…
DAY … Fayette Paramedic Megan Day is presented with a stork pin by Chief Thomas Franks for her efforts in assisting with a successful home birth. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER REINKING … Fayette Fire Chief Thomas Franks awards Advanced EMT Jada Reinking with a stork pin in recognition of her involvement in a recent baby delivery. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Fayette Fire Department once again found itself at the center of a life-changing moment when two of its emergency medical personnel helped deliver a healthy baby during an early morning call in…
FACE PAINTING … Among the activities at the Stryker Fall Fest was face painting in which this youngster is getting her face painted by The Painted Gypsies. PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER TRAIN RIDE … This young boy shows his own excitement getting ready to take a miniature train ride at the Stryker Fall Fest on Saturday, November 1 at Springfield Park. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com On a cool, but perfect fall afternoon, residents of Stryker took part in its own Fall Fest which took place at Springfield Park on Saturday, November 1. The…
TOP FIVE … Wauseon senior Ella Rhoades (above) ran a 18:20 to finish in third place in the Division III girls’ race to end her high school cross country career. SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER ALL-OHIO … Fayette junior Ethan Lee (above) posted a time of 16:04 to finish 12th and earn All-Ohio distinction. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com OBETZ, OHIO (November 1, 2025) – Four area cross country runners successfully reached the awards podium following their outstanding individual performances at the OHSAA State Cross Country Championships held on Saturday, November 1 at Fortress Obetz. Ella…
RETURN GAME … Montpelier freshman Dom Guilford returns a kickoff last Friday at Mohawk. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER FOLLOWING HIS BLOCKERS … Carter Meek lets his blockers lead the way on a rushing attempt in last Friday’s playoff game at Mohawk. By: Nate Calvin THE VILLAGE REPORTER sports@thevillagereporter.com SYCAMORE (October 31, 2025) – Mohawk dominated on the ground and through the air as they rolled up 409 yards of total offense in a 41-6 win over Montpelier in the first round of the Division VII Region 26 state playoffs. The Warriors showed their physicality on their…
PRESS RELEASE – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred on November 2, 2025, on County Road 25 near County Road W in German Township, Fulton County. At approximately 6:13 A.M. Defiance Post Troopers were called to a single vehicle submerged in Brush Creek on County Road 25 near the intersection of County Road W. The crash investigation revealed that a 2009 Dodge Avenger was traveling south on County Road 25. The Dodge Avenger traveled off the left (east) side of the roadway, striking a guard rail end and bridge abutment…
LEADING RUSHER … Delta sophomore Marcus Nagel (above) carried the ball 20 times for 112 yards and two scores. PHOTOS BY RACHEL NAGEL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER BALL SECURITY … Delta’s Gunner Taylor protects the football on a run in the Panthers’ Division V playoff game at Liberty-Benton. By: Joe Blystone THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com FINDLAY (October 31, 2025) – Every once in a while, numbers lie. The final rushing totals for Delta said the Panthers ran for 267 against undefeated Liberty-Benton. Two of those runs were of 45 and 22 from Marcus Nagel. Two more were 80-yard gallops by…
STIFF ARM … Edon sophomore Lincoln Kiess tries to shed an Edgerton tackler. PHOTOS BY REBEKAH DELL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER EDGERTON QUARTERBACK … Maddox Baker (above) threw for 119 yards and ran for 107 in the Bulldogs’ 28-21 loss at Edon. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com EDON (October 31, 2025) – Edon avenged its season-opening one-sided setback to archrival Edgerton in the opening round of the Division VII, Region 26 football playoffs at Leanne Field as the Bombers rallied in the fourth quarter to capture a 28-21 victory over the Bulldogs. “It was a different team than…
By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Williams County Grand Jury has indicted Robert J. Rodriguez on multiple felony charges stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred earlier this year. According to court documents filed on October 27, 2025, Rodriguez faces three counts, including Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person, a second-degree felony with specification; Attempted Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person, a third-degree felony; and Extortion, also a third-degree felony. The indictment alleges that on or about January 21, 2025, Rodriguez created or possessed sexually explicit material involving a minor or impaired…
(Edgerton Graduate; Member Of Bryan Eagles) Yvonne Marie Calvin, age 70, of Bryan, passed away at Majestic Care- Bryan on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with her family at her side. Yvonne worked at the former Murphy’s Five & Dime in Bryan and then worked at K-Mart for over 35 years. After she retired, she continued to work in the kitchen at the Bryan Eagles and was a poll worker for the Board of Elections. Yvonne was a member of the Bryan Eagles, the Eagles Auxiliary where she held the offices of President, Chaplain and Secretary over the years. She enjoyed…
(Member Of Montpelier Moose Lodge) Frederick W. Bleikamp, age 71, of Alvordton, Ohio, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Mercy Health–St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. Fred was born on January 21, 1954, in Wauseon, Ohio, the son of the late Frederick and Vava Grace (Alpaugh) Bleikamp. He attended Bryan High School. On December 26, 1987, he married Sally J. Dangler, and together they shared 37 wonderful years of marriage. Fred worked as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways for 20 years until the company’s closing. He later drove for Yellow Roadway Corporation for 10 years, retiring in…
(1987 Graduate Of Delta High School) Brian K. Roth, age 56, of Wauseon, Ohio, passed away in his home Sunday morning, October 26, 2025, due to natural causes. Brian was born February 25, 1969 in Toledo, Ohio to Martin and Marilyn (Frantz) Roth. Brian was a 1987 graduate of Delta High School. He was a United States Army Veteran, and pursued his passion for electrical work by attending ITT Community College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he earned a degree in Electrical studies. This laid the foundation for a career that began as an electrician in a machine shop and…
(Lyons Resident; Lifelong Farmer) Richard “Dick” Gallup, a devoted life-long farmer, husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away in his home on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025, with his family at his bedside. Dick was born September 26, 1936 in Morenci, Michigan to Ray and Robena (Carpenter) Gallup. Dick’s life was marked by a deep commitment to family and his passion for farming. Dick was a self-taught man who grew up and lived his entire life in a 2-mile radius of Lyons, Ohio. Dick graduated from Lyons High School in 1954 and his many “degrees” come from the school of…
(Member Of St. Richard Catholic Parish) Edwin “Ed” Ernest Hamlet, age 77, of Swanton, Ohio, entered into eternal life, Wednesday morning October 29, 2025, at St. Anne’s Mercy Hospital. Ed was born November 7, 1947, in Framingham, Massachusetts to Edwin Darrel and Catherine (Demers) Hamlet. Ed was a cherished member of his community and a devoted family man. After graduating from Holliston High School in 1966, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Casa Grande. He earned an honorable discharge in 1970. During his time in the service, he met his beloved wife, Susan K. Kennedy…
(Montpelier Resident) In loving memory of Sam Chantra May 2, 1950 -October 28, 2025. Sam Chantra, of Montpelier, Ohio, born Somvang Chanthavong before becoming a proud United States citizen, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 at Swanton Valley Rehabilitation Center in Swanton, Ohio. Born May 2, 1950, in Ghan Tao, Laos, Sam lived a life defined by love, dedication, and perseverance. He was the beloved Son of Lee and Panh Chanthavong. Sam was the devoted husband of 50 years to Southa Sue Chantra. Together, they built a beautiful family and Lasting legacy. Sam is survived by his daughter,…
CROSS COUNTRY OHSAA State Championships @ Fortress Obetz 10am
PRESS RELEASE – Montpelier High School junior Baylee Davis has taken a bold step toward her future, officially enlisting in the Ohio Army National Guard on October 27. Davis’s initiative and commitment stand out, as she begins her service immediately rather than entering the traditional Delayed Entry Program. While continuing her studies as a high school junior, Davis will participate in monthly drills with the National Guard, gaining valuable experience and training. By the time she graduates, she will already have completed two years of her service contract. In addition to serving her community and state—responding to needs such as…
DIVISION V REGION 18 – FIRST ROUND Liberty-Benton 49, Delta 13 DIVISION VI REGION 22 – FIRST ROUND Fairview 42, Tinora 6 Carey 16, Patrick Henry 7 DIVISION VII REGION 26 – FIRST ROUND Mohawk 41, Montpelier 6 Edon 28, Edgerton 21
Mohawk 21, Montpelier 0 Carey 6, Patrick Henry 0 Fairview 21, Tinora 0 Edgerton 14, Edon 7 Liberty-Benton 42, Delta 0
PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER TOWER … The discussion was about whether the board would even consider allowing a resident to put up a fire watch tower on their own property. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Fulton County Board of Zoning Appeals met for its regular session on Thursday evening, where members addressed a variance request from the Kaiser family and discussed an unusual proposal involving the reconstruction of a 112-foot fire watchtower near Delta. The meeting began with roll call, followed by approval of minutes from the previous session. With no corrections or…
PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER UTILITIES BUDGET … Public Utilities Director Randy Mahlman gave a budget update to the commissioners during the Thursday morning meeting. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Fulton County Commissioners met for their regular session on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer and roll call with all commissioners present. Commissioners first approved minutes from the October 28 meeting and then accepted the day’s agenda as presented. Old business opened with a review of the Fulton County Health…
A Stryker man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony sex offenses involving child victims in Williams County. Todd Replogle, age 52, entered guilty pleas on October 9th, 2025, in the Williams County Common Pleas Court to five felony sex offenses. The pleas include two counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, both third-degree felonies under R.C. 2907.05(A)(4)(C)(2). According to court records, Replogle admitted to engaging in sexual contact with a seven-year-old child on February 14th, 2020, and with another child between the ages of five and seven between 2018 and 2020. Replogle also pleaded guilty to three counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented…
PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER PLANNING … Edgerton Village Planning Commission member Lance Bowsher (above) goes over the minutes from the July 24, 2025, session as the commission met on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the village offices. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com The Edgerton Village Planning Commission met on Wednesday, October 29, in the village offices. Commission members present were Lance Bowsher, Larry Welch, Preston Knecht, and Mayor Robert Day. Camie Hicks and Chuck Wallace were both absent. Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles and Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht were in attendance. A request for approval…
By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The AquaBounty fish farming project near Pioneer has resurfaced after the company quietly received new permitting approval from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, even as construction on the facility remains halted. The five-year permit, granted on September 12 and effective October 1, authorizes AquaBounty to install two pipelines roughly a mile in length each. One will draw groundwater from a local aquifer, while the other will discharge treated wastewater into the east branch of the St. Joseph River. The permit remains valid through September 30, 2030. The company acknowledged the approval in its…
(Attended Trinity Lutheran Church In Bryan) Sandra M. White, age 58, of Montpelier, passed away at Majestic Care- Bryan on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, following an extended illness. Sandra had worked at Allied Moulded in Bryan for many years and later at Miller’s New Market. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Bryan when she was able. Sandra enjoyed puzzles but most of all enjoyed time with her family. Sandra was born October 12, 1967, in Defiance, Ohio, the daughter of Brad and Mary (Feeny) Deel. She graduated from Paulding High School. She married Roger Lee White in 2004 and he…
(Born & Raised In Archbold) Betty Joan Riegsecker, loving wife and beloved mother of four, grandmother of twelve, and great-grandmother of twenty-eight, passed peacefully while surrounded by her family, on October 30, 2025. She was 94 years old. Betty was born on April 8th, 1931 in Archbold, Ohio, the daughter of William Storrer and Helen (Shrenk) Storrer. On October 2, 1951, she married the love of her life, Richard L. Riegsecker, who preceded her in death after 66 years of marriage. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and service to others — a partnership defined by devotion…