Author: Newspaper Staff

The Life Changing Realities Fellowship youth group will head to Anderson, Indiana soon for an event dubbed “Christ in Youth (CIY) Move Youth Conference”. CIY Move is a five day high school event held all over the country designed to amplify the Call of Christ on student’s lives to become “Kingdom Workers.” The LCRF youth have gone to the event for many years and have seen lives changed directly as a result of the five day experience. Pictured are: Front row, left to right (sitting): Nate Drown, Aaron Nihart, Emily Hulbert, Ezra Miller, Jordan Shufelt, Derek Apt, Christian Crone. Back…

Steve and Debbie Haskin are the founders of Whitehorse Ministries, along with their son “Little John”. They comprise the leadership of this anointed, powerful ministry which reaches people right where they are in the “Highways and Hedges of Life”. “Slowride” believes in ministering to people right where they are, in their “situation of life”. Regardless of where he finds them, he receives them as they are, loves them unconditionally, and “sows seeds” of the love, grace and mercy of God, which produces life changing radical transformation. This ministry is especially successful among the “biker community” reaching not only social bikers…

On Saturday, July 16 @ 6:30 and Sunday, July 17 @ 9:30 “Nick the Greek” will be the guest speaker @ River of Life Worship Center in Montpelier, Ohio. Nick has a dynamic prison ministry and also the author of the book, “Too Mean to Die”. Nick says, “Being there”…having lived the life of a convict makes Nick the Greek’s ministry, both unique and powerfully effective. Nick Pirovolos, better known as Nick the Greek was the judge, jury, and executioner to anyone who crossed him. Leader of two gangs, he was one of Cleveland’s most wanted and feared men. Come…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER In a surprise move, the Swanton Village Council voted unanimously to table the second reading of Ordinance 2016-23, authorizing the Village Attorney to Petition the Board of County Commissioner of Fulton County to change township lines. The need for further discussion before taking the next step was the reason given for the decision and ran counter to the decisions arrived at in the villages of Archbold and Delta which have identical ordinances pending in a collaborated effort with Swanton. With the legalization of medical marijuana signed into law by Governor John Kasich set to…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER Contract renewals and two key resignations were the main focus of the Delta School Board in their session held on June 29, 2016. There were over 80 contract renewals including three certified contracts, one non-certified contract, 39 non-athletic supplemental contracts and 40 athletic contracts. All were approved unanimously by the board. Additionally, two new certified contracts, one for Jeff Mazurowski as an Elementary School Intervention Specialist and the other for Sam Carrisalez as a fourth grade teacher, were approved as well. Two significant resignations were submitted to the board for approval. Jennifer Gill, school…

PIONEER, Ohio — The community is invited to give blood in memory of Kaleb McLaughlin as part of the Kaleb McLaughlin Memorial Ride and Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation Awareness Day. The blood drive will be held Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at American Legion Post 307 in Pioneer. Kaleb passed away on June 24, 2013 after being involved in an automobile accident. Hardworking and loyal, Kaleb was always trying to help others, such as through registering as an eye, tissue, and organ donor. For the third year running, his family hopes to promote organ and…

By: Tammy Allison THE VILLAGE REPORTER Upon first glance, Brady Hohl of rural Wauseon is like any other eight year old boy. He loves to swim, loves to play games, and loves his Hot Wheels. A soon to be third grader at Wauseon Schools, he likes school. The son of Melissa and Jeremy Hohl, he enjoys running around the family’s large yard with his older sister Mia and older brother Nickolas. He is eager to show visitors his ducks, garden, and swimming pool. Brady’s zest for life is blurred only by one thing: his vision. Diagnosed in 2008 at the…

Rachel and Rebecca Schroeder (pictured) of Bryan were among 34 high school students from throughout Ohio who visited Washington, D.C. and other points of interest June 10-16, 2016 as part of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, Inc.’s Youth Tour to the nation’s capital. The week-long trip included a visit to the U.S. Capitol and other areas of historical significance. The students were awarded the tour in a scholastic competition sponsored by North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc., of Bryan, a Touchstone Energy® cooperative. The high school students joined approximately 1,600 other rural students representing 42 states. As part of their tour of the…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Fulton County Commissioners will wait until all three members are in attendance before deciding whether to all a local man to add taps to his property. Earlier in June, Dustin Setmire asked to split up his land to allow people to come in and build a house. When he bought the land it was advertised as being connected to city water. Current rules require land splits to be 5 acres and the property is outside the urban growth area, Public Utilities Director Ziad Musallam said. Waivers have been granted before for existing parcels, Planner…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Fulton County unemployment dropped to 3.9 percent for May, according to figures released by the state Department of Jobs and Family Services. The number of unemployed people in Fulton County was estimated at 900. The county’s rate for April was 4.4 percent. A year ago in May 2015 the rate was 4.8 percent. The numbers were not seasonally adjusted. Statewide, the rate was 4.6 percent. The national rate was 4.5 percent. Neighboring county rates included Williams, 4.0; Wood, 3.7; Paulding, 4.4; Henry, 4.9; Defiance, 4.7 and Lucas, 4.6. Mercer County had the lowest rate…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER A request by a local man for more than one tap on his 8-acre parcel at the corner of SR 6 and SR 120 is being reviewed by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. Dustin Setmire wants to split up his land to allow people to come in and build a house. When he bought the land it was advertised as being connected to city water. Current rules require land splits to be 5 acres and the property is outside the urban growth area, Sanitary Engineer Ziad Musallam said. Waivers have been granted before…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER Do you believe in magic? Kenneth Ladd of Wauseon certainly does. So much, in fact, he purchased the building at 113 S. Fulton approximately three years ago, refurbished the structure built in 1873 and opened it as a store called the Magic Corner. Behind the store, inside the building, you will find the Birch Theater, named after the late world renown magician MacDonald Birch of McConnelsville, Ohio. And further back is a magic museum filled with relics, artifacts and performance posters ranging from Harry Houdini to Siegfried and Roy. Magic by any name, stage…

BRYAN, OHIO – Spangler Candy Company has been named the 2016 Outstanding Member by the Employers Association (EA). The award is given annually to an EA member who has demonstrated excellence in effort and result in three key areas: active interest in providing an excellent work environment, support and service of the community and involvement with the programs and services of the EA. Niki Mosier, Director-Human Capital and Joni Lashaway, Human Resources Coordinator, accepted the award on the company’s behalf during the EA’s Leadership Conference in Toledo. “It is so great to see the passion, perseverance, and leadership efforts of…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER The Williams Board of County Commissioners met briefly June 30 before its long Fourth of July weekend to take care of some housekeeping measures. The board approved the following resolutions: -Appointing Attorney General Mike DeWine and his assistant attorneys general as special prosecutors to avoid a conflict of interests. The request came from Prosecutor Katharine J. Zartman. – Approved an IV-E contract with Kid’s Count Too for child placement and related services for $66,500. The contract is through Jobs and Family Services and runs through the end of the year. – Amended a contract…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER It was a mixed bag of actions and meetings Monday, June 27, 2016, for the Williams County Board of Commissioners. The three-member panel took care of some housekeeping resolutions, address the need or lack thereof for assessments on a couple of ditches with Defiance County and heard from its Jobs and Family Services Director. JFS Director Fred Lord talked about reinstating the monthly meeting and service awards for employees. Several people have reached 30 years of service in the past 12 months with little to no fanfare, he said. “It’s been awhile since that…

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Over 40 County Township Association (CTA) officers from over 30 counties gathered at the Ohio Farm Bureau & 4-H Center in Columbus, Ohio Friday to gather insights on township government. “Our CTA’s and it’s officers are the backbone of the Ohio Township Association (OTA),” said Matt DeTemple, OTA executive director. “The many meetings and events put on by CTA’s and the OTA are one way that township officials gather new information and connections that help keep the already low tax burden on township residents even lower.” A report by international researcher Wendell Cox has well documented that…

Need an air conditioner or help with an electric bill? Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission will accept applications for the HEAP Summer Crisis program starting July 1, 2016 and will continue thru August 31, 2016. The program will offer a one-time payment of an electric bill and/or air conditioner and/or central air unit repair up to the max benefit amount set by the guidelines. To be eligible, the household must be within 175% of the federal poverty guidelines ($42,525 annual income for a family of four) and meet one of the qualifications below. •Individuals with a Documented Medical Condition- A…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Fulton County employers need workers and once local agency is working hard to draw alumni back to the area to fill those opening. Known as Operation Boomerang, the effort has an intern go through high school yearbooks from 2010-15 and track down graduates and see what their situation is. The program came up during a presentation by Executive Director Matt Gilroy at the June 28 County Board of Commissioners meeting. The work of wading through the yearbooks of all the county’s high schools is being accomplished by 18-year-old Wauseon High School graduate Mia Wegner.…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Revenues are expected to come in a little higher next year than what was budgeted in 2016 for Fulton County. The Board of County Commissioners convened a public hearing on the tax budget June 28. The tax budget for 2017 has to be adopted by code by July 15. County Administrator Vond T. Hall informed the board about the projections, which are based on current year experiences. The administrator reviewed the time line for the budget process and the important dates that will come into play. “It’s a long process,” Hall said of the…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Water rates are going down for Fulton County residents who are part of the Northeast Water System. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution that reduces the rates charged to Direct customers. The rate reduction could save county water customers nearly $27,000 compared to last year. The Water Advisory Board met June 22 to discuss the rates following the approval of a new contract with the city of Toledo. The discussions led to lower water rates. Effective immediately, the metered water rates will be $9.32 per 1,000 gallons. That’s a drop of…

Archbold, OH – Families from throughout the region will be gathering at Sauder Village on Saturday, July 9 to experience life on an Ohio farm more than 100 years ago. With festive fiddle music and great hands-on activities like old-fashioned games, making homemade ice cream, bee keeping and more – Summer on the Farm/Fiddle Contest continues to be a favorite summer event at Sauder Village! “Summer on the Farm is a perfect day for families to create special memories together,” shared Kim Krieger, PR/Media Relations specialist. “As guests get involved with traditional summer activities on the farm they will gain…

Archbold, OH – On Saturday, July 9 all residents of Williams County will receive free admission to Historic Sauder Village for Williams County Community Appreciation Day. Have fun in the past with your family and Williams County neighbors while visiting Ohio’s largest living-history destination! “We look forward to having many Williams County residents join us on July 9 for this special opportunity to visit Sauder Village for free,” shared Kim Krieger, PR/Media Relations. “Saturday, July 9th is also our Summer on the Farm and Fiddle Contest event – making this an extra special day to visit Sauder Village! Williams County…

The Pettisville Ever Ready 4-H club held its 7th meeting on June 13 at 7:30pm. We discussed what we wanted to do with our fundraising money. Livestock entries are due August 1st. Late entries are accepted until August 5th along with a $20 late fee. Make sure that you have your Mandatory Club Community Service project approved and completed as soon as possible. Anyone who had not gotten their Pam’s Pantry orders were to get them at the last meeting. The Club Ice Cream Party will be held at the next meeting, Tuesday, July 19th. @ 7:30pm. Submitted By Mackenzie…

The 4th heartland 4-Hers meeting was held on April 17,2016 at The Village Hall at 6:00 P.M. We went over the cake decorating class that was held on April 23 at 9-12. We also talked about tagging your animals. Camperships were due on May 2. The booth theme poster was due on May 10. The demos were Audrey, Rachel, Rebecca, Nick, Courtney, and Bailey. The 5th meeting for the Heartland 4-Hers was held on May 1, 2016. It was held at the Village Town Hall at 6:00 P.M. All dues were due at this meeting along with payment for any…

The Kidding Around 4-H Club will host two fundraisers this week to help build a new goat barn at the Williams County Fairgrounds. The events are scheduled for July 8. The fair needs to raise $50,000 to match a grant from the state to build the new barn. One fundraiser will be a car wash from 5-8 p.m. at Best One Tire and Service on SR 15 and U.S. 127 north of Bryan. The other is at the Subway in the Bryan Walmart. Ten percent of sales July 8 will be donated for the barn effort. INFORMATION PROVIDED

“They have been gracious in many ways in helping us,” said Event Planning President and Co-Chair of the 2016 Bean Days festival, Ms. Jeanette Hull, as the high level presenting sponsors of the upcoming event were recognized at Wynn’s Restaurant on June 29. Being recognized were Quality Inns and Suites, Wynn’s and Touchstone Northwestern Electric. Ms. Hull continued, “Quality Inn hosts all of our meetings, and they take care of all of our pilots. They are also giving us a New Year’s Eve room to raffle off, with proceeds going towards a scholarship. Touchstone is bringing in their balloon, and…

The following actions were taken by the Montpelier Exempted Local Schools Board of Education on June 28, 2016: Donations Montpelier Civic League $400 (General Fund); $300 (Archery Club); $300 (Robotics); $600 (Science Olympiad); $300 (Spanish Club); $1,500 (Cross Country): $150 (Geography Bee); $100 (Spelling Bee); $300 (Accelerated Reader); $300(Cheerleading); $300 (Mentor Program) Athena Club $300 (Accelerated Reader) Target $25 (High School-018); Amie Dick $100 (Memorial Brick –Class of 1951) Target $14.86 (Elementary-018); Parkview Hospital $175 (Athletic Fund); International Literacy Reading Study 2 016 $300 (Elementary Principal 018 Account); Winzeler Stamping Company $2,000 (John Dwyer Scholarship); Montpelier Rotary Club $500 (Archery…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER The board approved a master lease and sublease agreement through Fifth Third Bank to refinance bonds for Community Health and Wellness Centers. The aggregate principal amount is not to exceed $10 million. The board approved a proposal from Robin Kemp, Williams County Family & Children First coordinator, a Help Me Grow central coordination agreement between the Board of the General Health District of Fulton County (Fulton County Family and Children First Council Administrative Agent) and Williams County Board of Commissioners (Williams County Family and Children First Council Administrative Agent). The Fulton County Health Department…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation gave a brief presentation June 20 on current and upcoming road projects in the county. The presentation before the Williams County Board of Commissioners offered updates of several projects as well as opportunity to share successes of new initiatives. Highway Management Administrator Layth Istefan led the presentation and was assisted by several associates. The project to widen I-75 to three lanes in each direction from Perrysburg to Findlay (or at least to just north of the Wood County line) should be complete by the end of this…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER It was a light agenda June 20 for the Williams County Board of Commissioners as they approved a couple of fund transfers. Notable requests included $49,393 for the Department of Jobs and Family Services to pay for foster care services through May 31. The board also approved transferring $58,378.36 to allow the Sheriff’s Office to purchase two new vehicles. James Pruitt may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com