Author: Newspaper Staff

Santa got the Christmas season off to a good start with his annual stop in Edgerton. The Jolly Old Elf set down his sleigh at the Park View Nursing Home to visit with area children who came to plead their case for that special gift. It was tough going for St. Nick who said the lack of snow forced him to put wheels on his sleigh this year. The children came in to the facility’s cafeteria to sit on Santa’s lap, make their requests and get their photos taken by family and the media. Santa was his happy self and…

On Thursday and Friday, Four County Career Center hosted the annual Career Exploration Day for over 1,800 sophomores from the 22 member schools in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, and Williams counties. Each sophomore visited two career and technical programs and heard presentations about the programs from Career Center junior and senior students and instructors. The Career Exploration Day is an opportunity for sophomores to learn more about the programs to make decisions about attending the Career Center during their junior and seniors years of high school. Students can register to attend the Career Center at www.fourcounty.net. Open House for parents and…

Lion Diane Veres (left) is shown with North Central FCA members Allyson Hutchison, Emma Zenz, and NC High School teacher and FCA advisor, Kent Hutchison, who were the speakers at the November 28th meeting of the Pioneer Area Lions Club. FCA stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Allyson and Emma shared what FCA membership means to them. They meet every Friday morning and work on attitudes, sportsmanship and life related skills. The group recently did 10 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Friday, December 2  Scoring Summaries: BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Hilltop 64, Edon 42 The Cadets outscored the Bombers 46-18 during second and third quarter action to dominate the BBC contest. Quinn Smith, Ryan Brooker and Tim Maneval finished in double figures with 16,12 and 11 points respectively to lead Hilltop. Austin Kiess was the lone Bomber in double figures finishing with 11 while Travis Siebenaler finished with nine and Braden Miller added eight. Pettisville 61, Fayette 33 The Blackbirds finished with three players in double figures as they dribbled past the Eagles in an early BBC matchup. Detric Yoder and Canidate…

Thursday,  December 1  Scoring Summaries: GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Stryker 46, Montpelier 11 Brittney Haines and Paige Speelman dropped in 10 points apiece as the Panthers scored the victory. Stryker held a 22-7 halftime lead with a stingy defense and behind the strength of two Speelman three-point buckets and one from Haines. Hailey Doerhmann joined the scoring column in the second half and finished as the game’s leading scorer with 13 points. Montpelier, struggled offensively with 23 turnovers, was led with Landri McKelvey’s four first-half points. Pettisville 60, Fayette 18 The Blackbirds moved to 2-0 with the BBC win. Pettisville opened…

Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (NwOESC) has recently completed a year long process which included a lease payoff and an amended lease agreement for the facility currently shared with the Northern Buckeye Education Council in Archbold, Ohio. Through its elected Governing Board along with a finance committee consisting of area superintendents and treasurers, the NwOESC has used a portion of the proceeds from the lease payoff to establish a fund for both long-term and short-term maintenance needs of the facility. The remaining proceeds will be distributed proportionately per adopted procedures to the twenty-three school districts it serves in Defiance, Fulton,…

Every year the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary sponsor an Americanism Test given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students with the top two scores from each grade are given a certificate and a chance to compete at the county and state level. The two seniors also receive $100. This year’s winners from Hilltop are: Seated: Seniors Shelby Kuney and Tim Maneval. Standing: Juniors Sam Shilling and Johnnie Roth, West Unity American Legion Auxiliary: Sharon Marvin and Vickie Nofziger, Sophomores: Aubrie Calvin and Nash Kuney.

Four County Career Center students united in a school-wide effort and raised over $3.000 and collected toys for the annual Christmas for Kids campaign sponsored by Mix 98.1-WDFM and the U.S. Marine Corps. Led by Student Council, all career and technical clubs at the Career Center participated and through their involvement will bring a happier Christmas to children in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, and Williams counties. Standing with some of the donated items are (FRONT – LEFT TO RIGHT) Student Council members Tycen Ogden, Ag/Diesel Mechanics (Bryan); Abby Patrick, Law Enforcement & Security Tactics (Montpelier); Alex Bishop Accounting & Business…

Edon High School presented the classic play “Bye, Bye Birdie,” to the community and the town came out strong in its support. The Friday night (Nov. 18) performance was sold out, advisor Christina Perry said. “The show was well-received,” Perry said. “The community enjoyed it.” The cast of Bye Bye Birdie performed by Edon High School students are: Albert Peterson: Logan Bloir; Rose Alvarez: Melody Nofziger; Kim Macafee: Hannah Kaylor; Conrad Birdie: Hunter Hodapp; Hugo: Cameron Reed; Mr. Macafee: Riley Manahan; Mrs. Macafee: Alyssa Maier; Randolph Macafee: Trey Whitney; Ursula Merkle: Riley Bloir; Mrs. Merkle: Shaylee Manahan; Mae “Mama” Peterson:…

Gene D. Schubert, age 86, of Bryan, Ohio, died at 8:39 A.M. on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Hillside Country Living, where he had been a resident. Mr. Schubert was a graduate of Ayersville High School and served in the United States Army in Korea, where he was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. He retired from L. E. Smith in Bryan. Gene was a member of the Silver Creek Church of the Brethren in Pioneer, Ohio, and Trail Alongs Camping Club. He enjoyed woodworking, camping and traveling. Gene D. Schubert was born on April 3, 1930,…

Kayla Jeanne Johnson, 48, formerly of Fayette, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. She was born May 5, 1968, in Morenci, MI to Curtis and Jeanne (Kenbeek) Johnson. They survive. Kayla attended Evergreen Schools in her youth, loved sports, and was a Vikings Cheerleader. She enjoyed helping on the family farm and was active in 4-H. Kayla was a skilled pianist, and her love of music carried throughout her life. Kayla had been a resident at Sunshine Home in Wauseon for over 25 years, where she was an active member in the daily vocational…

Shirley J. Kahle, age 96, of Wauseon, passed away Tuesday morning, November 29, 2016 at Fulton Manor in Wauseon. Shirley was born in Lyons, Ohio on May 9, 1920, the daughter of Guy and Harriet (Raymond) Johnston. On June 8, 1941, she married Donald L. Kahle, and he preceded her in death in 2003. Shirley was a member of the Lytton Zion United Church of Christ, rural Delta where she had been active with Helping Hands. She was also involved with the Lyons Historical Society and enjoyed collecting dolls and quilting. Surviving are three daughters, Peggy (Paul) Meeker of Wauseon,…

Doris E. Dilworth, 93, of Montpelier passed away Monday evening at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan. She was born on November 4, 1923 in Bridgewater Township to E. Leslie and Ethel May (Lanum) Brown. Doris graduated from Montpelier High School in 1942. She married R. Keith Dilworth and he preceded her in death on March 12, 1992. Doris was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Montpelier. She was a homemaker until they moved to Walled Lake, Michigan in 1966. In 1988 she retired from Walled Lake Schools after 20 years. In 1989 they moved back…

Scoring Summaries  Tuesday, November 29 GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Liberty Center 43, Hilltop 27 The Cadets were outscored 19-10 in the second half as they fell to the Tigers. Felicity Jackson hit on two three-pointers in the first quarter as she led Hilltop with 10 points. Abby Schraper added six points, Sydni Rivera and Kara Brown connected for five points apiece and Becca Miller chipped in with a foul shot for one point. Pettisville 52, Delta 48 The Blackbirds escape from the Jungle for a four-point non-conference win. Morgan Leppelmeier sparked the Pettisvile win connecting for 21 points. Her sister, Alexa…

Donald Wayne Shaffer, 71, of rural Alvordton, OH, died Monday, November 28, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 4, 1945, in Hillsdale, MI to the late Nelson L. and Marguerite E. (Bringman) Shaffer. He married Mary Ruskey in 1968, in Wauseon, OH, and later married Geraldine Justice in 1998 in Alvordton. Don lived the majority of his life in the Fayette area, and graduated from Gorham-Fayette High School in 1963. He proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army from 1965-1967, and belonged to the VFW throughout his life.…

Charles J. Strasbaugh, 92, of  Forest Ohio, died on Monday November 28, 2016 at 2:19am in Bride Hospice Center, Findlay.  He was born on September 13, 1924 in West Unity, Ohio to Charles H. and Laura E. Strasbaugh.  He was married to Eileen A. Heinrich on September 12, 1950. Charles is survived by his wife Eileen, daughters: Norla of Kenton, Sharon of Phoenix, AZ, Cindy (Dana) Breidenbach of Forest, Nancy (Bruce) Brandewie of Fort Walton Beach, FL and Karen of  Forest,  Son: Robert (Patti) Strasbaugh of Findlay, one sister (Catherine Emmons, age 96), brother in-law (Feroen Betts, age 96),…

Betty J. Repp, 86 years, of Montpelier, passed away Monday afternoon, November 28, 2016, in her residence, with her family at her side.  Betty was born September 20, 1930 in Cecil, Ohio, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Barker) Ensman.  She married Paul Repp on June 26, 1948 in Bryan, and he preceded her in death on October 27, 1972. Betty was a machine operator for Strydel Inc., in Stryker for 21 1/2 years, retiring in June of 1991.  She was a member of the Montpelier Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation…

Scoring Summary, Monday, November 28, 2016: GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Tinora 50, Wauseon 46 The Indians fell to 0-2 in the early season with the four point loss. Wauseon was 15 of 49 from the field and 12 of 14 from the foul line. Karli Penrod was the leading scorer for the Indians connecting on five two-point shots and a perfect seven for seven from the foul line for 17 points. Brianna Castellano also finished in double figures with 12 points including six points from three-point range. Archbold 86, Continental 24 The Bluestreaks erupted for 50 first half points as they…

A special “Lighting the Way to Christmas” Memorial Program sponsored by CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary is set for 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4th at First Presbyterian Church, 114 West Washington St., Montpelier. The public is invited to attend this annual program during the Christmas season for family and friends to honor the memory of deceased loved ones. Serving as master of ceremonies will be Bill Priest with a welcome by Phil Ennen, President/CEO of Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers. Rev. David Tilly from First Presbyterian Church will deliver the memorial message. Rev. Dee Custar is scheduled to give the invocation and…

Stryker – Overwhelmingly satisfied, that is the feedback received from Satisfaction Surveys completed by individuals served at Quadco Rehabilitation Center (QRC). QRC Executive Director, Bruce Abell, shared the surveys with the Center’s Board Members at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Annually, individuals receiving services are asked to complete a survey and provide feeback pertaining to their programmatic choices. Abell told the Board Members, “This year, we are doing more with community clubs and community integration, and the positive response to that focus is reflected in the Satisfaction Surveys.” Abell added that, “We strive to provide services in…

Local unemployment rates dropped in October, following similar declines in the state. Williams County’s October rate (not seasonally adjusted) rate was 4.1 percent, down from 4.4 in September. Fulton County was at 4.0 down from 4.2 the previous month. The state’s not seasonally adjusted rate was 4.6 percent for October, while the national rate stood at 4.7 percent. Ohio’s seasonally adjusted rate for October was 4.9 percent, up from 4.8 in September. The national rate was 4.9 percent, down from 5.0 percent in September. The state’s rate last year was 4.7 percent. The U.S. rate was 5.0 percent. Area counties…

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the perfect gift this holiday season – a lifesaving blood or platelet donation. By rolling up a sleeve, donors can help ensure patients continue to receive treatment throughout the holiday season. Busy holiday schedules and travel plans make it more challenging for regular donors to give, and many businesses and organizations postpone hosting blood drives during the holiday season for these same reasons. This can lead to a decline in blood donations, but the need is constant. “While many of us gather with friends and family this…

The Williams County Genealogical Society met Monday, November 14, 2016 in the Harmon Room of the West Annex, Bryan Public Library. Roena Bayers, a WWII veteran, gave a talk about her Honor Flight to Washington D.C. At 98, she was not the oldest woman on the flight. Honor Flight is a national nonprofit organization; the flies veterans for free to see the nation’s memorials. Each costs about $60,000, the guardians and volunteers pay their own way — this flight was under-written by the city of Westerville’s Honor Flight Committee. From first airport check-in until it was wheels-down again in Columbus…

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is proud to announce that Katelyn Fletcher has joined the Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network (OYLPN). Katie, a four-year member of YAC, is currently a Senior at Evergreen High School. She is an active participant in the YAC Leadership Board and has volunteered at a number of events in the local community. Katie also participated in the We Are the Majority rally this year in Columbus, Ohio and attended the Youth to Youth International conference for the past two years. During the Youth to Youth conference this year OYLPN presented information about their organization, and…

Delta, OH – At this time of the year in the Midwest, fewer hours of sunlight generally means an end to fresh locally grown vegetables. However this season, such is not the case in Ohio. NatureFresh™ Farms new Delta, OH greenhouse facility has started picking their speciality tomatoes in addition to their popular tomatoes on the vine to ship through the winter. With an emphasis on quality & flavor, retailers will see a renewed interest in the produce aisle this winter. “Every flavor provides a sensory experience that distinguishes itself”, stated Chris Veillon, Director of Marketing. “A tomato’s flavor is…

A massive mock explosion left many people severely injured or worse in a northwest Ohio plastic lab on Nov. 22. Several local nursing and paramedic students were pressed into service, proving to themselves and others how much they had learned and what they could do under pressure. The teams of three moved around the smoke-filled room to check on the status of several young people from the Four County Career Center who were injured in the blast. The chatter of emergency radios and vehicles added to the disorientating environment. Some of the wounded didn’t make it. Fortunately for all involved…

For the first time since 2011 the cost to Delta residents for refuse and garbage will increase beginning in 2017. The Village Council voted to award the contract for collection and disposal of garbage to Archbold Refuse Service (RFS) and along with the contract came a $.20 per bag price increase to the Village, going from $1.80 per bag to $2.00. This increase will be passed on to Village residents who, currently, pay $20 for 10 tags and will, starting next year, pay $25 for the same 10 tags. Several options to replace the tag purchase method was discussed such…

At the November 21 regular meeting of the Bryan City Council, Bruce Siders, the Chief of the Bryan Fire Department, used a historical narrative and a fact-filled PowerPoint presentation to request of Council the addition of two new firefighters to his staff. “Since 1857, the City of Bryan Fire Department has relied on a combination of career and volunteer firefighters in keeping the residents and visitors safe from the ravages of fire,” Chief Siders said in his presentation. “Throughout the 159 years of the Department’s existence, we have seen a rise and fall of volunteer firefighters. However, today like never…

The Stryker Rotary Club heard from the new “Working Administrator” from the village. Al Riegsecker may be new to this position but he has been working for Stryker Village for fourteen years. He holds an EPA license for both water and waste water. He works with his crew to provide and maintain roads as well as water and sewer lines within the village. The position is a good fit for AL because when he is out working on projects he is provided opportunities to talk and work with village residents as well as business owners. The village has begun to…

Edgerton wants to terminate the fiscal emergency it has been under for several years and fast. The Village Council approved a plan where the village administrator will take reserves from several different funds and pay off the sewer loan debt. This will allow the village to apply for an end to fiscal emergency and avoid paying 100 percent of the state workers’ salaries who now oversee village operations. The village will owe $292,000 by year’s end, but tapping into the other funds will not jeopardize its financial future, Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles said. Termination of the fiscal emergency will be sought…