Author: Newspaper Staff

Sunday, September 25th marks a new beginning for Kim Helmke and her kids as they celebrate the groundbreaking of their new home. The Helmke home is being built in Wauseon through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Fulton County. Kim, Meagan and Tyson Helmke have been working hard to fulfill the partnership requirements necessary to purchase a Habitat home, including financial/budgeting courses, homeownership mentoring and numerous hours of sweat equity working on Habitat projects. Sweat equity is the physical labor required to purchase a Habitat home and replaces the interest payment that comes with a typical mortgage. By not…

For the 17th consecutive year, NAMI Four County will kick-off Mental Health Awareness Week (October 2-8) with a candlelight vigil starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 2 at St. John United Church of Christ, 950 Webster St., Defiance. Ron Hofacker, the event coordinator, explained that when the program was first planned in 1999 having a candlelight walk was an important way to conclude the program. Symbolically, NAMI was shining a light on mental illness — bringing it out of the darkness of stigma and misunderstanding that frequently prevent people from seeking medical treatment. “Every year since, we’ve done the…

Three new medallions have been installed at the flagpole at Floral Grove Cemetery, southeast of West Unity. Placed by the Junior Wyse Post #669 of the American Legion in West Unity, the flag-holding medallions will recognize those who have served in America’s most recent armed conflicts. According to Post Commander, Phil Stotz, the new medallions commemorate those who have served in the Persian Gulf War, the Afghanistan War, and the Iraq War.

After a summer break the Three Arts Club met on September 19 at Bobbie Clark’s to start a new year. Three new members joined the club: Mel Mercer, Melinda Horton, and Connie Brandeberry. Guest speakers were Colleen Bell and Sydni Rivera, seniors at Hilltop High School. Last June as Juniors they attended Buckeye Girl’s State held at Mt. Union University. They were delegates sponsored by the club and the West Unity American Auxiliary. They spoke of the great experiences they had. Colleen was appointed city engineer and Sydni was elected as county coroner. They learned a lot about government and…

TIFFIN, OH — The 2016-17 academic year got off to a great start when Heidelberg University welcomed nearly 400 first-year and 40 transfer students — one of the largest classes of new students in the university’s history. Among the entering class of students are the following local residents: Graeden Rupp of Edon, Ohio (43518), who plans to major in English Justin Salkowski of Fayette, Ohio (43521), who plans to major in Education The Class of 2020 is one of the largest groups of incoming students in Heidelberg’s history. As a class, the new and transfer students, numbering 411, arrived with…

FINDLAY, OH — The University of Findlay recently welcomed new undergraduate and graduate students to campus for fall 2016. UF’s total enrollment is over 4000 students. Local students include: Cole Calvin of Wauseon is pursuing a degree in animal science. Calvin is a graduate of Wauseon High School. Alexis Fruchey of Fayette is pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Fruchey is a graduate of Fayette High School. Joseph Spieles of Wauseon is pursuing a master’s degree in rhetoric and writing. Haley Suffel of Montpelier is pursuing a degree in health science. Suffel is a graduate of Montpelier High School.…

ASHLAND, OH — West Unity resident Justin Ashenfelter, who is a sophomore finance major at Ashland University, completed a summer internship with Farmers & Merchant State Bank in Archbold, Ohio. Ashenfelter is the son of Lisa and Glenn Ashenfelter. He is a 2015 graduate of Hilltop High School. “I worked for Farmers & Merchants as a float teller,” said Ashenfelter. “My daily duties involved me identifying customers properly with either social security number or driver’s license, taking in and distributing money to customers, handling a good relationship with customers, communicating effectively with coworkers, and handling problems with customers such as…

The Fulton County Senior Center offers Fulton county seniors multiple activities and services at its sites in Wauseon, Delta, Archbold, Swanton, and Fayette for the fall months. Thanks to the care, concern and attention to detail of Peggy Rupp, hundreds of seniors from Fulton County have received reliable transportation to medical appointments all around northwest Ohio for almost two decades. Peggy began working with the Medical Transportation program at Fulton County Senior Center in November 1998. She has watched the fleet of vehicles increase from one to seven. She has watched the need for medical transportation for seniors grow steadily.…

There are magicians who amaze and comedians who make you laugh but few combine the two art forms like magician/comedian Jim Barron who will bring his unique show to the Stryker Public Library on Monday, October 10th from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Barron became interested in magic at the age of 10 and, while in the 5th and 6th grades, often performed magic shows for classmates at Hamilton Elementary in Hamilton Indiana. “There weren’t as many outlets for learning magic back then as there are today so I read and re-read every book on magic in the school library. After I’d read…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER An unusually large number of Delta residents attended the Delta Village Council meeting on 9/19/16 to participate in a question and answer session with Palmer Energy of Toledo regarding electrical power rate options that would be available with the government aggregation the Village voters passed during last November’s election. Palmer Energy, an energy consulting firm, sent representative Amy Hoffman to the meeting to give a presentation then field questions from the audience as well as the Council. Ms. Hoffman explained that the service her company offers is to “shop” around on behalf of the…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Setbacks in residential areas could significantly shrink if the Edon village council has to override the planning commission. The council sent a notice to the planners of its desire to reduce the setbacks and asked the commission to reconsider its previous stance. If the planning commission holds to its decision, council would need five votes to override. The village now has 20-foot setback requirements for its three residential zones. Under the council’s plan, the largest lots would have a setback of 10 feet, while the limit for R-2 and R-3 would be 5 feet.…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Pioneer residents came out in force Sunday to celebrate the dedication of the new North Central High School. The event gives a communal start date to the school and helps bridge the generations, many which had attended the old high school the new structure replaced. Several dignitaries attended the event as well as school board members, staff members and the high school Marching Band. The 35-minute ceremony featured comments from Superintendent Ken Boyer, Board President Jim Fee, Pioneer Mayor Ed Kidston and State Sen. Cliff Hite. Senior Class President Jessica Cummins represented the student…

Fountain City Christian School is excited to welcome new staff for the 2016-2017 school year. From left to right are the following: Kelly Hopson, 3rd/4th grade teacher; Amanda Miller, PE teacher; Kim Warner, Jr/Sr High English and history; and Bryan Hopper, Jr/Sr High math. Missing from the photo is Linda Lockhart, Reading Specialist.

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER With one-third of seniors and a quarter of seventh-graders still not vaccinated for meningitis, the halls at Edgerton High and Middle schools could be sparsely populated. The district is setting a deadline for compliance or setting up an appointment to be vaccinated or students will be sent home starting Sept. 20. The deadline is coming after direction from the state which issued the mandate before the school year began. All students in seventh and 12th grades have to be vaccinated to remain in school. School board officials say the district has sent out numerous…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER There is a new member of the Stryker Police Department and he can be a fun-loving guy most of the time, but when’s he working, he’s all business. The new guy is Rocco, a 3-year-old German Shepherd who works with handler Sgt. Steve Mendez on tracking and narcotics. Rocco got his certification only a couple of weeks ago and is working with Mendez in the village. Rocco came to Stryker through an organization called Throw Away Dogs, which rescues and restores abandoned dogs. Mendez refers to Rocco as junkyard dog and likes to show…

LaRue R. Alexander, age 89, of rural Edon, Ohio, died Friday, September 23, 2016, in her home surrounded by her loving family after an extended illness. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Altar Rosary Society in Blakeslee, Ohio. In her younger years she was employed at Spangler Candy Company until her marriage. She was a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed volunteering with the reading program at St. Joseph School in Blakeslee. LaRue was born on May 25, 1927, in Blakeslee, Ohio, the daughter of Oscar and Julia (Ries) Herman. She married Duane…

Archbold, OH – If you are interested in fiber arts, model trains or antique tractors, the first weekend in October is the time to be at Sauder Village. With a Fiber Arts Fest, “All Aboard” Train Event and the Great Planting Northwest Ohio all taking place – there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy September 30 thru October 2 at Sauder Village! Again this year artisans from throughout the region will be gathering at Founder’s Hall for the annual Fiber Arts Fest on Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2. Guests will be able to watch spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting,…

Attend an Adult Coloring Class at the Edgerton Branch Library on Monday, September 26th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Pictures and coloring utensils will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. Come and relax at the library while coloring! The Edgerton Branch Library is located at 319 North Michigan Street. For more information, please contact Shanea Herman at 419-298-3230. INFORMATION PROVIDED

The Bryan Main Library Children’s Department will be starting a new program, Art Works @ the Library. The program encourages children, ages 7 and up, to be creative and will be held once a month from 6:30 to 7:15 pm. Kids are invited to make leaf art at the first Art Works session on Monday, October 10th. Children should dress accordingly, as the art project could get messy. The Bryan Main Library is located at 107 East High Street. For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 419-636-6734 ext. 223. INFORMATION PROVIDED

After the Oktoberfest events, on Saturday, October 08, teens are invited to continue the party at the Bryan Main Library! Starting at 7:00 pm, games and activities will be held on the library 2nd floor. Play Ghost in the Graveyard from 7:00 to 8:00 pm then continue the fun from 8:00 to 9:00 pm with Flashlight Capture the Flag! Compete in complete darkness…if you dare. The library will not be able to take phone calls during the program. All parental arrangements should be made prior to the event. Sign up at the Bryan Main Library, located at 107 East High…

Step back in time with the “Black Swamp Medicine Girls” Susan Wiesehan and Jeanne Caryer at the Edgerton Branch Library. Enjoy a show like you have never seen before on Monday, October 10 at 6:00 pm with the Medicine Girls. Explore the history of vintage medicine bottles and treatments for such ailments as consumption, quincy, lumbago, rheumatism, bad breath and gout. Learn about the old medicine show sales pitches and how one-half dollar could buy you a treatment that could cure everything from baldness to curvature of the spine. Medicine shows were popular between the 1850”s through the 1930”s and…

Nathan Keel, business teacher at the high school, provided a report on the $5,000 grant received from H&R Block. The 12-week program focused around learning to manage personal finances. The students used a computer program to log into a practice site that included a bank account. Students learned to pay bills, balance bank statements, and handle many other common financial transactions. The top 22 students in the nation had an opportunity to win a $25,000 scholarship. COMMUNICATIONS Four County Career Center School Board Report Mrs. Keeler reported: •Enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year currently stands at 939 with 473 juniors…

Archbold Area Schools Board of Education: Approved donations as follows: Stone, $157.50, Middle School, from Anonymous Cash, $80, District, from DeTray Chiropractic Center Play Clocks, $6,589, Football Stadium, from Creighton Electric Play Clocks, $715.50, Football Stadium, from Ridgeville Telephone Approved 2017 Appropriations. Approved high school and middle school athletic workers for the 2016-2017 school year. Authorized the following advance: 009 – Uniform Supplies to $7,000 001 – General Fund from $7,000 Approved Fund Transfer of $7,607.11 from GF to Turbine Maintenance, 003-9001. Approved Fund Transfer of $9,356.73 from GF to HB 264 Loan Fund, 002-9914. Approved a contract with Harbor…

The Stryker Board of Education approved a resolution for $1,215,000 in school facilities improvement refunding bonds. The board approved the following donations: Kirk Eichler – 12 cases of water for the football team valued at $120. Sue Miller – Bundy Flute to the band valued at $300. Anonymous – $250 toward academic purposes Anonymous – $5,000 toward football athletic field improvements Principal’s Report to Superintendent 1. All K-3 Reading Improvement Plans (RIMPS) have been identified. 2. Star (ELA/Math) progress monitoring – Fall pretest complete. 3. Teacher Evaluations – Student Growth measures (SLOS) initiated. 4. Reading Diagnostics Grades K-3 complete. 5.…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Finances appear to be in good shape at Wauseon Exempted Village School District. The Board of Education met Thursday at noon to handle a few items of business and heard from interim Treasurer Ted Penner about finances for this year and the future. The board also discussed some personnel moves and made decisions on overnight trips for students. The district will have a spending budget of $21.085 million for 2016-17, Penner said. He asked the board to approve it so it would be one less task for the new hire. The general fund accounts…

Harold G. Demaline, age 89, of Delta, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 23, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 3, 1927 in Wauseon to the late Vern and Lillian (Markley) Demaline. He was a 1945 graduate of Delta High School and served in the Navy during WWII. On August 3, 1947 he married Patricia Keesling and she preceded him in death in 2008. Harold worked as a supervisor for Boyers Construction in Wauseon and Commomwealth Construction in Holland, OH for many years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and a…

Nancy Joan Walz, 84 years, of Alvordton, passed away Thursday evening, September 22, 2016 at Hillside Country Living, Bryan with her family at her bedside. Nancy was born October 10, 1931 in North Baltimore, Ohio, the daughter of the late Harold LaVerne and Erma Belle (Northrup) Parsons. She was a 1950 graduate of Edgerton High School. She married Richard A. Walz on December 27, 1950 in Williams Center, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on February 7, 1991. Nancy worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Hillside Country Living for 10 years. She also provided care as a Private Nurse’s…

Thursday, September 22  Scoring Summaries VARSITY TENNIS Wauseon 4, MVCD 1 The Indians took the match with just one set back coming in First Singles where Maddy Wendt was defeated 6-0, 6-1. Serra Rupp evened the match with her win at Second Singles with scores of 6-4, 7-5. The Third Singles match was a forfeit.  In doubles action the Wauseon duo of Paige Moden and Liv Ladd won in First Doubles (no scoring reported) as did Second Doubles partners Samantha Martin and Kaitlyn Sager 6-2, 6-0. VARSITY VOLLEYBALL The Blackbirds remained perfect in the BBC with a record of 7-0…

Tuesday, September 20  Scoring Summaries GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER Wauseon 4, Archbold 0 Jadelyn Vasvery scored a hat trick and the Indians improved to 5-4-1 and 2-1 in the NWOAL.  Vasvery’s first of three goals came at the 19:59 mark of the first half on an assist from Avery Giguere. Wauseon carried the 1-0 lead into the half.  The Indians expanded their lead to 2-0 on the foot of Vasvery ten minutes into the second half with another assist from Giguere. Her third and final goal came with 29:29 remaining.  Amanda Hammontree added the fourth and final goal with 24:08 remaining…

Monday, September 19 Scoring Summaries VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Ayersville defeated Delta in three sets with scores of 15-16, 24-26, 25-22. Leading the Panthers were: Kinsey Finnen with 17 kills, one block, 17 digs and two aces.  Also contributing for Delta included: Abby Freeman, two kills, one block, 12 assists and six digs; Emily Clifton 16 digs, one ace and three kills and Mary Miller six kills and three digs. Antwerp defeated Fayette in three sets with scores of 25-14, 25-11, 25-13.  No game stats received. JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL North Central’s 7th grade team defeated Hicksville 25-12 and 25-10. They are currently…