Author: Newspaper Staff

On Thursday, July 14th at 11:00 AM, the 2016 Entrada Scholars Program Commencement Ceremony was held at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shi’Anna Whitman, daughter of Michelle Semer and Scott Whitman of Bryan, received a graduate certificate and accreditation in “History of the West and World War II”. The Entrada Scholars Program is a scholarship opportunity in which 90+ chosen students from various countries come together for a four week program to learn to celebrate and appreciate the diversities of many cultural backgrounds, ethnic beliefs, and religious backgrounds and heritages from all over the world. Shi’Anna will be attending…

Boy Scout Troop 8 sponsored by Christ United Methodist Church spent the weekend of July 9 – 12 camping and hiking the trails in Hocking Hills State Park learning and exploring the history, geology and environment of the area. Various park areas were visited and hiked, including Cantwell Cliffs, Conkles Hollow, Rock House, Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. Pictured below are members who attended (L to R): Curt Fauver, Justin Freestone, Carter Nofziger, Kane Panico, Traven Yarbro, Tristan O’Neill, Dana Schmidt, Jordan Schmidt, Shawn Hanson and Ken Panico.

ARCHBOLD, OHIO – Northwest State Community College hosted 26 5th and 6th grade students for a Science, Engineering, Technology, Math and Manufacturing Camp. As part of the week the students visited Sauder Woodworking where they toured the Brush Creek facility and participated in hands-on STEM activities. “Students do not realize all the exciting jobs that are available and waiting for them right here in northwest Ohio,” stated, Mari Yoder, camp coordinator. “Sauder shared a three page list of jobs at their company that are supported by STEM related certificates and degrees.” Northwest State faculty members offered a variety of fun…

Kaitlyn Markwood and Caleb Haines were selected to represent Williams County at the Ohio 4-H State Leadership Camp at 4-H Camp Ohio, July 5-9, 2016. Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid-America sponsors the program and provides substantial camp scholarships to 4-H members nominated from each of the Ohio’s 88 counties. The camp is designed to build leadership skills among participants by encouraging them to try new things without fear of failure, providing opportunities to allow them to experience personal growth, and offering the chance to learn new ideas and methods to help strengthen local 4-H programs. The Ohio 4-H State Leadership…

Are you constantly Pinning but have rarely ever tackled a project? Well here’s your chance to get creative, at the Bryan Main Library West Annex, with the upcoming “Saw it, Pin it, Let’s Do it!” Pinterest Parties. Were “In it to Pin it!” As part of the Pinterest Party series, the Bryan Main Library will be holding Adult Coloring sessions. It’s not just for kids anymore, Adult Coloring is the new trend! Sessions will begin on August 02, National Coloring Book Day, and will be held every first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The library…

Attend an Adult Coloring Class while celebrating National Coloring Book Day at the Stryker Branch Library on Tuesday, August 02 at 5:00 pm. Pictures and coloring utensils will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. Refreshments will be served. Come and relax at the library while coloring! The Stryker Branch Library is located at 304 South Defiance Street. For more information, please contact Connie Aeschliman at 419-682-5081. INFORMATION PROVIDED

The Stryker Branch Library recently held a painting class for kids in grades 2nd through 5th. The class had a theme of “Do You Want to Paint a Snowman” to go along with the Christmas in July festivities being celebrated at the library. Pictured in the front row from left to right is: Kellie Creighton (instructor,) Aubrey Clemens, McKenzie Clemens, Brenna Creighton, and Anna Donovan. Back row from left to right: Daniel Donovan, William Donovan, Allie Ruffer, Reiss Creighton, Kennedy Morr, Raegan Myers, and Michael Donovan.

Last week for the Summer Reading Program, with the theme ‘On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!’, the kids went to the Fayette School to learn about archery. Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat, It has now developed into a competitive sport. Archery is included in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Fayette Local Schools has become involved in this fast growing sport. Todd Mitchell and Leo Wixom partnered with the Norma Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program to introduce the kids to this sport. They learned safety procedures, about the equipment, shooting technique and form. The students from the Fayette…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER The Swanton Village Council will be taking a four-week hiatus after their meeting on July 11, 2016 and here are some of the highlights from that meeting and from several press releases since. In an effort to streamline Village duties and responsibilities, Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle put forth Emergency Ordinance 2016-35 which will create the appointed position of Fiscal Officer and effectively abolish the elected position of Finance Director. Additionally, the elected position of Clerk/Treasurer will also be abolished and the tasks assumed by the Fiscal Officer’s position. The Ohio Revised Code allows the…

Crane Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 6:30 P.M. Saturday evening on County Road 176 just west of Township Road 105, in Paulding County. A 1995 Peterbilt semi, driven by Matthew Mulligan, age 36, of Montpelier, Ohio, was westbound on County Road 176. A 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Abby Shumaker, age 33, of Defiance, Ohio, was eastbound on County Road 176 and drifted left of center striking the semi head on. Shumaker received fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Several properties in need of repair in the village of Stryker could be upgraded through the Williams County Land Bank. Mayor Joey Beck said he received a letter from the Williams County Treasurer Vicki Grimm regarding a County Land Bank and that money is available through the Neighborhood Initiative Program). Beck said he gave the information to Rick Wityk so he could review the properties in question. Deadline to enter the program is Feb. 2, 2017. Village Solicitor Katie Lloyd is writing a letter to the property owners in question to make sure the…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER With the financial responsibility for fire and emergency squad runs between the Village of Delta and York Township still a burning issue, Village Administrator Brad Peebles reported the numbers for the first six months of 2016 at the July 18, Council meeting. The percentage of runs within the Village was less than 19% of the overall total. With the Villages share of the overall costs for these runs set at 42%, Mr. Peebles used this data to drive home the point that the Village is overpaying for these services. The main point of contention…

Highlights from the July 11 meeting of the Bryan City School Board of Education: Donations: $250 from the Williams County Retired Teachers Association to the HS MD Unit The board approved a contract for school nurse services with the Williams County Board of Health for the 2016-2017 school year. The board accepted the resignation of middle school guidance counslor Lori Polter, effective June 28 The board approved an administrative retire-rehire limited contract with Ned Ruffer – maintenance director/supervisor. The board will meet next at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15 in the Field House Conference Room. INFORMATION PROVIDED

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER A plan to replace the grass turf at the Evergreen High School football field to a synthetic turf has the local boosters interested. Board member Kenneth Kornmanyos presented information from the July 13 meeting hosted by the Evergreen Athletic Boosters. Brad Morrision, representative from Maumee Bay Turf Center, presented to the group the option of changing the football field to a synthetic turf multi-sports surface. A synthetic turf surface would allow football, girls soccer, and the marching band to practice and compete on the same field, with minimal annual maintenance costs. The boosters were…

Highlights from the Millcreek-West Unity Local Schools Board of Education of July 18: The board made the following actions: Approved the purchase of Chromebooks/Carts for students. $33,382.25 Accepted the following resignations: •Shari Robison – full-time bus driver •Stacy Wheeler – on board instructor for bus driving Accepted the following donation: •Charlie Rummel – $240 to the girls basketball program. Approved the following employments: •Kayla Settlemire – Seventh-grade volleyball Coach – one year experience, $1,870 •Cierra Grant – volunteer volleyball coach •Dunne Masters – volunteer cheerleading coach •Nancy Myers – bus driver INFORMATION PROVIDED

Hellen Jane Belcher, 87 years, formerly of Bryan passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Evergreen Manor Nursing Home, Montpelier. Hellen was born May 17, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Olaf and Olive (Crawford) Thompson. She worked at GTE Corporation as an operator, retiring in 1991. Hellen was a member of Eastland Baptist Church in Bryan. In her free time, Hellen enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She loved spending time helping others and cherished her time spent with family. Surviving is her son, William R. Belcher of Bryan, Ohio and her sister, Sheryl Adeline of Detroit, Michigan.…

Presenting a check to the humane society board member Kelly Rummel is Scott Sullivan Co – owner of town and country and Town and country team member Joe Delile. Customers and employees helped raise $1000 to donate to the Williams County humane society.

When Jay Trisel of AJ Door started his business with his brother in 1996, he had no idea where he would be 20 years later. As with any new business the beginning was a struggle to get his footing. The flooding in Bryan and big breaks with Mike Hurst Construction, Mock and Buehrer in Napoleon and Chase Brass Company helped turn things around though and has turned the company into the business it is today and for that, Jay will be forever grateful. This gratitude is being spread to his loyal customers and friends on July 29 and 30 as…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER The Williams County Board of Commissioners approved the following resolutions July 14: -Hired Jeremy A. Suffel as Manager Information Technology, a salaried position with a starting rate of pay of $65,000 annually. Suffel’s start date and healthcare coverage will begin Aug. 1. Commissioners approved Resolution 16-0226 May 23 entering into a Memorandum of Understanding between the Williams County Board of Commissioners and Williams County Data Board in regard to the hiring of a Manager Information Technology to be employed full time by the County for IT services. Interviews were held July 11 with the…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER At the July 12 Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board took the following actions: The board approved a resolution to support the Maumee Valley Planning Office’s efforts to update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy as well as form an Economic Development District for Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding and Williams counties. Heard the quarterly investment review from Meeder Investments. The county has $21,768,000 invested in various accounts ranging in duration from 0-1 year (35 percent) to 4-5 years (10 percent). The county earns about $265,302 in annual interest. Its portfolio is 37 percent…

(WAUSEON,OH) — The Fulton County Historical Society is hosting a “Queen’s Tea” Friday, July 29th at the Fulton County Historical Museum at 229 Monroe St., Wauseon, OH. The Friday afternoon tea will feature current and former Fulton County Queens (Prom, Homecoming, 4H, etc.) The Queens will share photos and/or memorabilia as well as stories of their past local historical coronation. Complimentary scones, finger sandwiches and desserts will be provided. Reservations are available every 15 minutes between 11:00am – 2:00pm. Admission is $12.50 for an audience with the queens ($11 for members), Former queens pay ½ price with proof of royalty.…

(WAUSEON, OH) — Fulton County is pleased to announce that they have launched a new App that is now available for free download on smartphones and tablets. This App offers a quick and easy option for users to access a plethora of information that is also available on Fulton County’s website. “The App allows for subscribers to access information quickly and directly from their smartphone or tablet,” states Toni Schindler, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Fulton County Commissioners. “This is particularly useful if you aren’t near a computer to access the website.” For instance, Schindler states that if…

North Western Electric and Paulding Putnam Electric are warning the general public to never attempt to climb poles or go over a fence to enter into a substation. The warning comes after hearing the “Pokemon Go” game has players drive to different locations to catch Pokemon. Online threads suggest there is an electric type of Pokemon being caught near substations and transformers. “Electrical substations and transformers are extremely dangerous and should not be considered as gaming locations. We don’t want anyone to lose their life over a game,” stated North Western Electric President/CEO Darin Thorp. If someone sees activity where…

The Four County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, in collaboration with Doug Engle, the Multi Area Narcotics Task Force, and Williams, Defiance, Henry, and Fulton County Health Commissioners announced an alert regarding the sale of the drug fentanyl to individuals who mistakenly believed they were purchasing heroin. Fentanyl is lethal, causing frequent overdoses, trouble breathing, and immediate death. Recently, pure fentanyl has been sold as heroin. The Four County Board, MAN Unit, and county health departments urge individuals and family members of heroin users to be aware of this lethal development in our area. For more…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER A new mural for the village of Archbold is on hold after the intended artist has retired. The village has prepared a block wall at 201 N. Defiance St. for the mural. Next steps include cost estimates, timelines and formal approval by Council. All the village needs now is a muralist and not just any kind will do. The village had wanted to use the talents of Eric Grohe, but he has formally retired. Grohe was preferred because of his pre-design process that included extensive contact with the community so he could learn the…

Four County Career Center Interior Design student Tori Manz (Archbold) just returned from the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2016 National Leadership Conference in San Diego, California, where she won the National Gold Metal Award for her project in the Interpersonal Communications category. There were over 5,000 members from across the nation in attendance. Members competed at the district, and state levels before they advanced to the national level. Tori used the topic of bullying for her presentation which included a plan to implement, judges’ questions, and a case study to present before the panel of judges.…

Kathy A. Currier, age 56, of Stryker, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 20, 2016, at Evergreen Manor in Montpelier. Prior to her retirement she had worked at Sunnyside, the Enrichment Center and then Quadco Rehabilitation Center. Kathy was born in Toledo on February 23, 1960, the daughter of Jack and Ella Marie (Sutton) Currier. She was a member of the United Brethren Church in Stryker. She is survived by two sisters, Diane (Vic) Franklin of Stryker, Deb (Ed) Overmier of Bryan; one brother, Jim (Rev. Kathy) Currier of Westerville, Ohio; one aunt, Barb (Larry) Bernhard of Moncolva; and six…

Gaylan J. Thiel, age 73, of Edon, Ohio, died at 11:47 P.M. on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at the home of her daughter in Wauseon, Ohio, after an extended illness. Mrs. Thiel had worked for Wolff Tractor Sales in Edon, was a longtime bus driver for the Edon Northwest Schools and also worked at PTC in Edon. She also owned and operated the Country Store Carry-out in Edon for seven years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Blakeslee, Ohio. Gaylan J. Thiel was born on March 3, 1943, in Huntington, Indiana, the daughter of Bernard and…

Barbara A. Moats (nee Acus), passed away, suddenly, Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at the age of 78. The daughter of Oakley and Cordelia Acus, Barbara’s accomplishments began at a young age. She was loved and respected by her peers during her youth being named Salutatorian in High School. She would go on to be Prom Queen at Defiance College, where she met her husband of 57 years, Jim Moats. The impact Barb made on her friends never changed through the years with Barb forming irreplaceable bonds in every city the couple lived. Her memory will live on through those friendships.…

Jaxon J. Palmer, age 4, passed away Wednesday morning, July 20, 2016 at the Toledo Children’s Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Jaxon was born on July 15, 2012 in Utica, NY, the son of Jake and Brianna (Meadows) Palmer, who survive. He is also survived by a sister, Jaiden Palmer and a brother, Colten Palmer; grandparents, Jamie (James) Hildebrandt of Stryker; grandfather, Kevin Meadows of Stryker; grandmother, Nancy Palmer of Iowa; great-grandparents, Dean and Evelyn Clark of Stryker; and great-grandmother, Connie Meadows of Wauseon. A celebration of Jaxon’s life will be held at a later date. Online condolences…