Author: Newspaper Staff

The Williams County Genealogical Society held their 33rd annual banquet on June 13, 2016 at the Moose Lodge in Montpelier, Ohio. President Pat Goebel welcomed everyone, a prayer was said by V. Pres. Mary Alice Roth and then a buffet-style dinner was enjoyed. After dinner, the 2016 First Families of Williams Co. were inducted by First Families Chairman Kim Smith. Roena Bayes’ surnames were Brown, Fickle, Partee and Wasnich dating between 1833 and 1858. Barbara Engelhardt’s surname was Palmer dating between 1850 and 1852. Sara Schafer was unable to attend. Her surname was Palmer dating between 1850 and 1852. John…

The Wauseon Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm through October 8th. We feature local producers who grow fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. Also available for purchase is honey from Fulton County, non GMO animal feeds, fresh baked breads, cookies, muffins, pies and more, jams, hand crafted items. Some weeks we have food trucks, complimentary ice cream, and lemonade. All the produce is in season, several of the growers accept the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons. When you come out you get to talk with the grower him/herself, you can support your local producers who…

University of Akron David Hench, Wauseon Tessa Herring, Wauseon Kent State University Elizabeth Garlinger, Wauseon Nicole James, Wauseon

The following students have earned their degrees in 2016: Bluffton University Krystal Thornton, West Unity Michelle Jorkos, Stryker Misty Gigax, Montpelier Troy Lind, Wauseon Wesley Short, Stryker University of Vermont Gail Siebenaler, Edon University of Dayton Joseph Spieles, Wauseon Kent State University Nicole James, Wauseon Janelle Nafziger, Wauseon

Bluffton University Wesley Short, Stryker Clemson University Daniel Joseph Sauder, Wauseon Olivet Nazarene University Chandler Tuckerman, Wauseon Shawnee State University Sabrina Callaway, Edon University of Akron Sydney Stoll, Edon

The Pilot Dog Alumni Association Convention was held at Sauder Village on June 24-25. – 30 handlers and their companion dogs were in attendance. The convention consisted of a tour of the village, a cookout sponsored by the Williams County Lions Club, obstacle and obedience course held at Ruihley Park in Archbold, a second cookout sponsored by the Fulton County Lions Club, a business meeting and banquet and presentation. Members from as far away as Washington State, Arizona and Texas made the trip for the annual convention hosted by Lynda Herman and dog Marleigh of Bryan, Ohio. Marleigh is Lynda’s…

Step back in time with the “Black Swamp Medicine Girls” Susan Wiesehan and Jeanne Caryer at the Stryker Branch Library. Enjoy a show like you have never seen before on Tuesday, July 26 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…

The following adult programs are coming to the Swanton Public Library in the month of July: Soapmaking 101 Have you enjoyed the delightful world of handmade soaps and wished you knew how to make your own? Join Karin McGilvery, owner of Abundance Soaps, as she demonstrates soapmaking at the library on Thursday, July 21 from 6-8 pm. The cost of the class is just the $8 supply fee for each student, as the class is generously being sponsored by the Swanton Public Library Friends group! Class size is limited to 12, so register early! To register call 419-826-2760, register online…

Richard Perkins, owner and broker of Oak Valley Realtors, is about to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of their new location at 105 Airport Highway in Swanton as realtor agents Mary Truckor and RJ Kolodziejczyk look on. The Oak Valley offices, with Mr. Perkins and eight full-time agents, were previously on Airport Highway in Lucas County and are now in Fulton County. Doing the ribbon holding honors were Fulton County Commissioner Bill Rufenacht and Swanton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neil Toeppe.

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER A letter will be drafted by the village solicitor to the owners of eight homes that need to be cleaned up or demolished. The village will seek CDBG funding next year to pay for the demolition. The fire department is planning on using one vacant home for training purposes. The fire department will be hosting a fundraiser called “Jaws Jam,” Aug. 20, to raise money for new hydraulic tools. A local teen won permission to beautify the town hall as part of her Girl Scout project. Kimberly Stuckey will plant several bushes that will…

The Delta Village Council, without discussion or hesitation, voted 6-0 to approve the second reading of Ordinance #16-20 which authorizes the Village attorney to petition the Board of County Commissioners of Fulton County to change township lines. This effectively would move the borders of Swancreek Township and York Township back to exclude any property within the municipality of Delta. The third and final reading is scheduled to be put forth for a vote at the next Council meeting on July 11, 2016. The Council also unanimously passed the first reading of legislation to renew a five mill tax levy to…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER The Archbold Village Council dealt with some legislative matters at its meeting June 20. The council approved the second reading of two ordinances one authorizing up to $20,000 a year to improve the local retail and commercial business development and promotion after the relocation of the SR 66 truck route. The other authorized the village attorney to petition the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to change township lines. The council amended an ordinance governing the parking and maintenance of recreational equipment. The new language is part of the exceptions to limitations on parking RVs…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER The council approved a plan to provide $20,000 a year for five years to the Archbold Community Improvement Corp. to improve local retail and commercial business development and promotion. The move comes as concerns rise that relocating the SR 66 truck route will negatively impact businesses in the area affected by the project. The financial commitment will be included in the annual appropriation up to $20,000 when the relocation of SR 66 goes out to bid. The CIC will establish guidelines to oversee the use and effectiveness of this effort in collaboration with the…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Archbold Area Schools had a great end to the year and work is underway on various projects to get ready for the next. In his report to the school board for June, Superintendent Aaron Rex highlighted the success stories for 2015-16. “There were lots of activities in all of the buildings and our sports teams had an excellent spring,” Rex stated in the report. “Softball and baseball finished off their seasons in the regional finals, and we had multiple individuals at the state track meet.” The custodial and maintenance staff made quick work of…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER News and notes from the June 20 Bryan City School District Board of Education meeting. Four County Career Center School Board Report • New teacher hiring taking place. • 60 young students are attending summer camp classes. • Four County’s adult education director announced that over 5,200 people have taken CPR or First Aide courses over the last 12 months. This equals over 900 classes which have helped many of them further their desire to take Four County’s paramedic course. Donations: $4091.20 from the Class of 1964 to cover the cost of two new…

Highlights from the June 13 Edgerton Board of Education meeting are as follows: Elementary School report: -All third-grade student passed either the fall or spring English Language Arts state test. -The district will offer to re-test in July for those students who needed an alternate assessment to pass, thus preventing a negative outcome on the District Report Card. -Summer Reading Program – Partnering with the Edgerton Village Free Lunch Program for all kids needing extra help in preparing for the third-grade reading guarantee. There are 32 students committed to taking part in the program. This program is for grades K-6.…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Edon School is an active place this summer as work on various projects continue. Superintendent John Granger updated the school board on the status of several buildings and grounds projects. The board also discussed the status of the weight room. Installation of concrete to the athletic field entrance will commence in July after a wet May backed up the work. Work on the parking lot will wait until next year as the district would rather spend the money all at once. District personnel have marked bad spots in the pavement that will have to…

By: Bill O’Connell THE VILLAGE REPORTER The Evergreen Local Board of Education met in regular session Monday, June 20, 2016. There were 6 visitors and guests present. Under correspondence, Superintendent Wyse shared that the League of Women Voters is providing each Board Member with a Lucas County Directory of Public Officials. Mr. Wyse also read a letter from Sheriff Roy Miller that commended Mr. Whitehead and Carrie Brown for providing a school bus and assisting the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department in bringing Safety City to area children. Brad Morrison, Representative from Maumee Bay Turf Center, presented on replacing the football…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER An institution of sorts will depart Fayette Schools this summer. After 43 years as high school secretary, Marge Crowell is retiring, leaving a legacy of service in her wake that will take a while to match. A lot has changed since she started in 1973. There’s the new school obviously, but when she began teachers did not have collective bargaining rights (that changed in 1992). She has seen between 1,500 and 1,800 kids come through the school during her tenure, Superintendent Erik Belcher said following the June 27 Board of Education meeting. Belcher has…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER Hilltop Elementary School is going to be a pilot program for a new reading series for its third- and fourth-graders, The school received $24,000 in free materials for the program recently which include manuals for each teacher and text and workbooks for the students, Principal Laurie Worline said. Each teacher will get 90 smaller books (30 for each reading level). The program invites students to compare two texts (fiction vs. nonfiction or two nonfiction). The series is connected to current standards, where the old series is not, Worline said. The comparison aspect is part…

By: James Pruitt THE VILLAGE REPORTER In an attempt to address hunger issues among its students, Hilltop School is creating a new food pantry. With 50 percent of its elementary school students already qualifying for free and reduced lunches during the academic year, hunger is a big problem. The hope is the new pantry will reveal the hidden hunger in the community. The need was noticeable to first-grade teacher Sarah Rupp. “This past school year I noticed a need for children to have food at home,” Rupp said at the June 27 school board meeting. “Unfortunately in my first-grade classroom…

The Stryker Board of Education accepted the following donations: Stryker Athletic Boosters – $379.97 toward track equipment Stryker Athletic Boosters – $239.97 toward softball equipment Meijer – donation of $100 toward the Academic Booster golf outing Prospect Acres, Steve and Deb Keplar-donation of the senior composite picture valued at $520 Third-grade reading results: -91 percent proficient -All 22 students promoted to fourth grade Summer OGT administration is complete. June 28 – All State Test Results due from ODE Week of July 11 Gym Floors Refurbishing New curriculum purchases: -K-8 Math -Health 7 and 9 -College and Career Math -Senior Government…

Terry D. “Grizzly” Fielitz, 69, or Orange City, Florida, formerly of Alvordton, Ohio, passed away June 26, 2016 surrounded by family who loved him. Terry was born January 28, 1947 in Bryan Ohio, the son of James V. and Evelyn M. (Reed) Fielitz. Terry had worked at Fayette Tubular, Hayes Albion 50+5, and Funny Farm Campground. He had been a volunteer firefighter for Alvordton Fire Department. He loved going fishing all the time, camping, and working with his hands. He was a loving and caring person to all who knew him. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 44…

Leonard W. Wieland, 93, of West Unity, OH, went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, June 30, 2016. He was born December 19, 1922, in Defiance County, near Ney, OH, to the late Walter and Edith (Wiler) Wieland. He married the love of his life Ilo D. Ross in 1945, and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. They enjoyed family vacations and wintered several years in Florida. He was a long time member of the Kunkle United Brethren Church, where he taught Sunday school and served on the Board for many years. A retired Major of the U.S.…

Bernadine “Dee” L. Torrence, age 87, of Wauseon passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold. Bernadine, the daughter of Robert and Nellie (Scott) Quillman, was born on April 20, 1929 in Napoleon, Ohio. Bernadine married Don Raker, who preceded her in death in 1969. She later married Richard Torrence preceded her in death in 2003. Bernadine was a member of the First Christian Church in Wauseon, Ohio. Surviving Bernadine is a daughter, Linda Ellinwood of Wauseon, son Todd Raker of Wauseon, grandchildren Scott (Lisa) Ellinwood, Jason (Ariel) McQuillin, Amber (Eric) Rychener, and Andon Raker. Also surviving…

Thursday, July 14th is Paleontology Day at the children’s department of the Bryan Main Library. Kids of all ages are invited to join Paleontologist Jess from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for an evening of fossils and fun! Jess and her friends have planned prehistoric activities including Make Your Own Fossil, Fun with (life size) Fossil Footprints, and even a re-creation of a real Dino Dig! There will drawings for prizes, goodie bags with your own safari hat and shovel, and plenty of fun to be had, so bring your hiking boots for a prehistoric party! Jess discovered paleontology at 9…

Tuesdays, July 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 am – Storytime. Weekly classes offered at Swanton Library for children ages 6 months to 5 years. Children will explore movement through stories, music, and crafts. Free. No registration required. There will be no Wednesday storytime during summer. Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 10:15 am to 11:45 am – Intro to Yoga. Join us for a series of yoga classes taught by Aimee Strohbeck. Please bring a yoga mat and towel and wear comfortable clothing for easy movement. No experience necessary. Class fee is by donation with proceeds benefiting the…

By: Shar Dimick THE VILLAGE REPORTER Wauseon City Council unanimously passed the third and final readings of an ordinance to rezone a piece of land near Sara’s Garden. Ordinance 2016-6, which will be in effect in 30 days, grants Sara’s Garden’s application to rezone the eight-foot strip of property that lies north of lots 13 through 17 in Palmer’s Addition from B4 Community Mixed Use District to R3 Single Family Residential District. The bare piece of land will become part of lots 13 through 17, which were already zoned R3. Council also approved in a 6-0 vote the third readings…

The Stryker Rotary Club has a new president as of June 28, 2016. Members and spouses attended the meeting where Ruth Wieland, past president handed off the gavel to incoming president Terry Wieland. Terry is also currently the president of Stryker Village Council and The Stryker Heritage Council. Members were encouraged to seek out potential new member for the club as the membership has decreased by three during 2016. Pictured on the left is Terry Wieland receiving the gavel from Ruth Wieland.

The Stryker Rotary Club cleaned both sides of County Road F as a part of their meeting on Tuesday June 21st. The club has been cleaning this roadway extending both east and west of Stryker for a number of years. The Adopt A Road signs have recently been replaced as the original signs had been damaged. Pictured beneath the new sign from left to right are Stryker Rotary Members Eldred Buehrer, Fred Grisier, Ken Culler, President Ruth Wieland, Judy Keller, Ron Short, and Steve Planson. The club also voted to donate $100 to both the Stryker Fire Department and The…