Author: Newspaper Staff

(Napoleon Resident) Francisco Molina, age 75, of Napoleon, passed away in his home on October 27, 2025. Francisco worked as a machinist before retirement. Francisco was born on January 31, 1950, in Winter Haven, TX, to the late Lucio and Maria (Jasso) Molina. Francisco loved music and was a great softball player. He also was a good pool player and enjoyed supporting Michigan football. Surviving Francisco is his son, Frankie (Angie) Molina of Wauseon; son, Anthony (Marissa) Molina of Wauseon; grandchildren, Jazmine, Taylor, Damon, Jalyssa, Jaylah, and Benicio; great-grandchildren, Ember, Marcel, Natalie, Beau, Zane, Jaxson, and Zoey; and special friend,…

PRESS RELEASE – Following the Ohio Redistricting Commission’s passage of new maps for Ohio Congressional District’s Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement: “Gerrymandering diminishes our state’s stature even as population stagnates. Ohio voters have consistently called for fair representation and transparency. “While Democrats on the Redistricting Commission proposed a fair map at the outset of this process, in one party rule Columbus, self-interested politicians cut side deals to pave their own future. “I remain committed to serving Northwest Ohio and will seek re-election with a renewed focus on accountability and protecting the voice of the people. “Our democracy…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER AWARDS … Zia Siegel – 1st year varsity letter; Bryce Peters – BBC Scholar Athlete, 1st year JV letter; Peyton Stocklin – Coach’s Award, 2nd year varsity letter; Brennan Dempsey – BBC Scholar Athlete, 1st year varsity letter; Lakota Siegel – BBC Scholar Athlete, 4th year varsity letter; Jordan Schaffner – BBC Scholar Athlete, BBC 2nd Team, 4th year varsity letter; Austin Gault – Medalist Award, BBC 2nd Team, 4th year varsity letter. Missing from picture: Micah Rossman – Most Improved Award, BBC Honorable Mention, 2nd year varsity letter.

PRESS RELEASE – The Williams County Sharks captured the silver medal at the Special Olympics Ohio Flag Football State Tournament held at the Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports Complex in Hilliard, Ohio on Saturday October 25, 2025. The Sharks opened the day with a hard-fought 19–18 victory over the Hilliard Bobcats in their first game. In the championship matchup, the team faced the Tuscarawas Rockets, ultimately falling 29–7 to earn the silver medal. Throughout the season, the Sharks demonstrated outstanding dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their commitment and effort were evident both on and off the field, culminating in a strong finish…

Pettisville seniors Creighton Aeschliman and Jack Leppelmeier have been named recipients of the Ohio High School Golf Coaches Association Phil Allen Academic All-Ohio Award. Selection for this honor is based upon cumulative GPA, senior letter status, and nomination by the student-athlete’s coach. “It is both a privilege and a source of great pride to recognize these two young men for their exemplary leadership at Pettisville High School,” said head coach Mike Zimmerman. “Their commitment to academic excellence, contributions to two state tournament appearances, and outstanding team leadership distinguish them as truly deserving members of the 2025 Academic All-Ohio Team.”

PRESS RELEASE – Defiance County Prosecuting Attorney Morris Murray has announced the release of the following information regarding certain pending Criminal matters: Prosecutor Murray has announced that Barret J.C. Ramsey, a 20-year-old Oakwood man, was sentenced to prison for Two Counts of Attempted Felonious Assault, each a Felony of the Third Degree. Barret J.C. Ramsey-age 20-Sentenced for Two Counts of Attempted Felonious Assault-F3’s to a total of 48 months at ODRC, 313 days jail credit, TPO dissolved, costs. THE FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE BROUGHT BEFORE THE DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT FOR ARRAIGNMENT ON FELONY MATTERS: Duane A. Larkin-age 51-Not Guilty…

The following actions were taken by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center Governing Board at their regular meeting held October 28, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kelly Hug. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. REPORTS: OSBA LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: Mr. Brian Baker reported on several legislative items. Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 57, into law, which requires any public or nonpublic school that elects to keep a supply of an overdose reversal drug for emergency use to adopt and implement a policy regarding the supply’s maintenance and the drug’s use. HB 57 also…

DIVISION V REGION 18 – FIRST ROUND No. 12 Delta @ No. 5 Liberty-Benton 7pm DIVISION VI REGION 22 – FIRST ROUND No. 9 Carey @ No. 8 Patrick Henry 7pm No. 12 Tinora @ No. 5 Fairview 7pm DIVISION VII REGION 26 – FIRST ROUND No. 9 Edgerton @ No. 8 Edon 7pm No. 11 Montpelier @ No. 6 Mohawk 7pm

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

Click below to view a photo album of this event for free.

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SUPPORTING NONPROFITS … The Bryan Area Foundation observed Foundation Week, from Sunday, October 12, to Saturday, October 18, and as part of that week, awarded grants from designated and organizational funds, totaling $428,812, to various nonprofits. Each recipient will use the money to help them achieve their mission and goals and improve the quality of life within our community. To learn more about designated and organizational grants and how to establish one, please get in touch with the Bryan Area Foundation. Pictured left to right during the check presentation to the various nonprofits are…

PRESS RELEASE – As the holiday season approaches, Grace Cares is kicking off its 2025 Giving Season with renewed commitment to serving the needs of families throughout Northwest Ohio. Under the leadership of Director Stefanie Widney, the organization is expanding its reach through a series of vital initiatives aimed at fighting food insecurity and bringing holiday joy to local children. This year, Grace Cares has broadened its food distribution program, now offering support to families multiple times a year. “We know that families struggle to make ends meet, not just during the holidays, but all year long,” Widney explained. “Our…

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER COMMUNITY SERVICE … On Friday, October 24th, Stryker High School held their first annual Community Service Day. Junior High and High School students spent a couple hours out in the community helping with outside work. They spent time raking leaves, picking up sticks, pulling weeds, washing windows, cutting back plants, taking out screens and other projects. This is just one way the students can give back to the community that supports the schools so well!

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER BELIZE MISSION … Randy Box (right) told Archbold Rotarians about a trip he took with Rotary District 6600’s Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad (MESA) program earlier this year to deliver educational supplies, including computers and software to more than 30 schools in Belize as well as research medical needs in the nearby hospitals for a shipment that will arrive there in February 2026. The program was arranged by Archbold Rotarian and physician Keith Lehman (left). PRESS RELEASE – Earlier this year in March, Randy Box with the Waterville Rotary Club was part of a…

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER ADVANCING TO DISTRICTS … On October 23, 2025, Pettisville FFA members Katie Moore ((left) and Bailey Booth (right) competed in the Fulton County Job Interview Career Development Event. This competition showcases students’ abilities throughout the various aspects that correlate to seeking employment. Members participating in this event are judged based on their cover letter, resume, in-person general interview, written job application, and follow-up letter. The top two students in each division of this event then advance to the district competition held on November 6th, at Bowling Green High School. Both Katie and Bailey placed…

PRESS RELEASE – During the 2024 white-tailed deer gun hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Ethan Bingham, assigned to Williams County, received a report of individuals hunting without permission. Officer Bingham responded to the area and contacted the suspects. He found that the suspects had shot a deer on the property and drove their vehicles into the field to retrieve the deer. Four suspects were issued a total of seven summonses for hunting without permission, hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle, and taking deer with an unlawful firearm. The four suspects paid a total of $1,824 in fines and…

PRESS RELEASE – History: On Jan. 25, 2019, the Edgerton Fire Department was called to THE fire we never wanted to have but knew it was always possible. On that cold winter night a young mother lost her life in a tragic house fire. From this incident we learned that older smoke alarms while still testing ok lose their ability to quickly sound the alarm. Any smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years. During the investigation of this fire we were contacted by representatives of the State Fire Marshal’s office and The Red Cross about starting a FREE…

PRESS RELEASE – Hospice of Northwest Ohio invites the community to an open house marking the official opening of its new Wauseon office located inside the Fulton County Health Center, 725 South Shoop Avenue. The open house will be held Tuesday, November 18 from 12 – 2:00 p.m. in Suite G103 of the health center’s Medical Office Building, with a ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. Community members and referral partners are invited to see the new space, meet care team members and learn about the many services provided by Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Dessert and beverages will be served. To…

PRESS RELEASE – The Williams County Grand Jury recently considered indictments charging individuals with Williams County crimes, according to the Williams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Those indicted were: -KADEN K. PORTER, age 20, of Defiance, OH, was indicted on one count of Theft, one count of Misdemeanor Theft, and one count of Attempted Theft. -JAMES A. L. BRIGMAN, age 39, listed as homeless, was indicted on one count of Criminal Trespass, two counts of Trespass in a Habitation when a Person is Present or Likely to be Present, two counts of Breaking and Entering, one count of Unauthorized Use of…

PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, October 22, Victor and Mary Juarez of Never Let Go Ministries, along with Stacy Sentle, went to St. Patrick Catholic School in Bryan to give their testimonies for Red Ribbon Week to the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Red Ribbon Week is a national drug awareness campaign in memory of Kiki Camarena, a special agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who was brutally tortured and murdered in 1985 because he was close to exposing the top leaders of a multibillion-dollar drug pipeline. Every year, from October 23~October 31, our nation remembers the work…

PRESS RELEASE – Never Let Go Ministries, Victor and Mary Juarez, traveled to Napoleon last Friday, October 24, to the Ohio Guidestone’s Renewal Center to speak to the men. They shared their story about how addiction had affected their family, and told the men going through rehabilitation that their story does not have to end like Mary’s son did. Her son, Marjoe, lost his life to an overdose after relapsing. The men all received a “Serenity” devotional, and many door prizes of NLG t-shirts and blankets were handed out. NLG provided much literature and encouraging information for them to take…

Doris Provost has lived in Wauseon for more than 77 years and has seen a lot of changes throughout her lifetime. One thing that hasn’t changed is her love of card games. “For over 50 years, my husband and I and five other couples belonged to a ‘Pepper Club.’ We all took turns hosting the group each month,” Doris said. “At the old senior center, a lot of us played Pepper each week. Now I play Pinochle at the senior center the fourth Tuesday of each month, and I am taking lessons to learn how to play Mahjong. “I’ve wanted…

The Hilltop Drama Club will bring the iconic coming-to-age story “The Outsiders” to the stage November 7 through November 9, 2025. Based on the acclaimed novel by S.E. Hinton and adapted as a full-length play by Christopher Sergel. Showtimes are scheduled for Friday 7:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will only be available for purchase at the door. Adult admission is $8 and student admission is $5. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. This production contains mature content. Students in fifth grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The Hilltop…

PRESS RELEASE – The Fulton County Genealogy Group is hosting a free genealogy workshop on Monday, November 10 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Museum of Fulton County in Wauseon. “Searching Veteran Records” is the third workshop in a free series open to registered participants. Presented by members of the FCGG, the upcoming genealogy workshop will offer a variety of information about using veterans’ records for research. This free workshop is open to the public and historical society members. “We are pleased to have Matthew Roesel, Director/CVSO of the Fulton County Veterans Service Office joining us for our November…

PRESS RELEASE – Eliot Nofziger, Area Director for YFC, spoke to the Stryker Rotary Club at their regular meeting on Tuesday evening. Eliot has been with YFC for more than ten years and it all began with an invitation from Gary & Sandy Stuckey to work full-time in the Stryker area using a facility that was in downtown Stryker. He informed the club that when he took his new position with YFC the activity and programs with Stryker did not end. Currently Amanda Wyse is leading the efforts in the Stryker area. He went on to say that the need…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER TRIP TO THE FARM … Recently Stryker Preschool classes visited Timber Family Farms. Shown above on the visit is Mrs Meade’s morning class. Front – Oaklynn Decker, Emmett Clemens, Jameson Johnson, Lorelai Appel, Jessa Irwin, Aydin Mitchell, Elena Whitlock, Malachi Wyse, Reid Rethmel, Kayden Thomas, Mylo Storrs, Zayden Torrez. Back – Mrs. Meade and Miss Jackie.