PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER PARK TALK … Director of Bryan Parks and Recreation, Ben Dominique spoke to the Bryan Rotary Club. Dominique, a BHS and BGSU graduate, has been director since 2006. He gave an overview of the park system, where it is now, what the future looks like and volunteer opportunities to get involved. Bryan has 196.37 acres of dedicated parkland in 14 parks that offer enjoyment to all ages. Some current and future projects include a picnic pavilion and shade gazebos at Lincoln Park, pedestrian pathways and bridge to a nature area at East End Park,…
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PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER … The guest speaker at the Kiwanis meeting on October 29, 2025, was Chrissie Batt, the owner and founder of Studio 34 Photography in Edgerton, Ohio. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to purchase a two story building in the heart of downtown Edgerton that had previously been a photography studio. She transformed the space into her own vision for a photography studio and office space. Mrs. Batt opened her business five years ago after completing a degree in Visual Communications at Indiana Purdue University. Initially she worked with area schools doing…
(Most Recently Of Swanton) Donna Marie Brankel, age 89, most recently of Swanton and formerly of New Mexico, California and Arizona, peacefully was called home to her Lord and Savior, Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025. She was born in Waynoka, OK on February 20, 1936, to Pastor Ennis Lee Surratt and Lela (Stockton) Surratt. After graduating high school and attending college she married Pastor James D. Brankel, her brother’s best friend growing up, on January 1, 1955, in Moorland, OK. Together, Donna and James were blessed by the Lord with three children, Stanley, Alexa and James Brankel. Donna, a pastor’s…
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—This afternoon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2025-06D: The Emergency Adoption of Rule 5101:1-23-40.1 of the Ohio Administrative Code for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Directing the Provision of Temporary Assistance to Ohioans Facing Food Insecurity. The executive order will provide up to $25 million for food assistance to help Ohio families that will be affected by the suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, should the ongoing federal government shutdown continue. The Governor’s order directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to give $7 million to various Ohio…
The West Unity fire department was created in 1892 and utilized a variety of firefighting apparatus during its first 50 years. Bill Maneval’s circa 1995 publication, “Pages of History—A Look Back at the Brady Township/West Unity Fire Department,” states that in 1942, “An International fire truck was added to the Department. This made a grand total of three trucks. This truck was retired in the 70s and was stored in a building east of the Legion Hall. Finally, after several years it was put up for bid. It was complete, with a big spotlight and hoses. However, it did not…
SYRUP… Ira and Sadie Fether with Sam and Vernie Lynn gather maple syrup on the Ida Fether farm south of Fayette around 1930.
(Attended St. Patrick Catholic Church In Bryan) Mary R. Chapman, age 63, of Ney, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Parkview Bryan Hospital, following an automobile accident. Mary was a registered nurse. She previously worked at First Call For Help and Harborside Nursing Home in Defiance. Mary was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Parish-Marysdale and also attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan. She enjoyed playing bingo and gardening. Mary loved animals and rescued all that she could. Her greatest love was her family. She supported her grandchildren in all their events. Mary was born January…
(Enjoyed Antique Shows & Camping) Iris F. Kreuz, of Berkey, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home at 11:10 pm on Sunday evening, October 26, 2025, surrounded by her beloved daughters, just shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born October 27, 1933 in Toledo, Ohio. Iris was a 1951 graduate of Bedford High School. Her life was dedicated to her family as a homemaker raising three wonderful daughters. As the children grew and pursued their education, she finally got her driver’s license at the age of 38, and began working in the cafeteria at Notre Dame Academy, where her…
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.
PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER RED RIBBON WEEK … Swanton Village Council President Derek Kania reads a proclamation from Mayor Neil Toeppe declaring October 23 to 31 as “Red Ribbon Week” as the village supports efforts to combat drug use. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com The call-out of Swanton’s police and fire services to incidents on the Lucas County side of the village are being artificially delayed by communication failures of the county, according to statements made at the most recent meeting of the Swanton Village Council. Police Chief John Trejo, in answer to a…
By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Fulton County Commissioners met for their regular session on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer and roll call, with all commissioners present. Commissioners first moved through routine business, approving minutes from the October 23 meeting and the day’s agenda, which included one added resolution. Payment of bills and appropriation requests across several departments was also approved unanimously. Next, the board authorized a county credit card for Randy Mahlman and entered into several agreements for the coming year. Among them were Contract…
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By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Williams County Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on October 28, 2025, inside the Commissioners’ Session Room. The meeting began with the call to order at 9:00 a.m., with Vice President Scott Lirot and Bart Westfall in attendance. The agenda was approved with no corrections. The payment of bills was passed with no discussion. The meeting then moved into a series of business items. Transfer appropriations were approved on behalf of the Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Commissioners’ Office, the Engineer’s Office, Hillside Country Living, Job and Family Services (JFS), and the…
PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER CELEBRATING EMPLOYMENT … Pictured are Adan Salinas, Rebekah Gracia (Rivello McDonalds) and Addy Gamber. PRESS RELEASE – In Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, The Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities recently hosted its annual Community Employment Recognition Banquet, celebrating individuals with developmental disabilities who are successfully employed in the community, along with the employers and support staff who make inclusive employment possible. The event brought together individuals, families, employers, and community partners for an evening of recognition and inspiration. Certificates were presented to individuals with disabilities working in the community, as well…
PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER FALL FEST … The Stryker Village Council discusses the upcoming Fall Festival scheduled for November 1, 2025. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Village of Stryker held a regular Council Meeting on October 27, 2025, following a Finance Committee session attended by members Vicki Cameron, Derrick Potter, and Dave Benner. The council meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with a prayer led by Tim Martin of the Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Navy Veteran Chris Fultz. In attendance: Council President Vicki Cameron, Dave Benner, Sean Ingram,…
PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER FINANCIAL MATTERS … Williams County Port Authority board members Tyler Sailer (left) and Dawn Fitzcharles (right) discuss the financial report at the regular meeting on Monday, October 27. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com The Williams County Port Authority met in regular session on Monday, October 27, and discussed updates on current projects and property purchases. Following the roll call of members, Bill Martin, Dawn Fitzcharles, Dave Newcomer, Rachel Walz, Sean Rupp, Tyson Stuckey, Joe Kimble, and Tyler Sailer, it was noted that Ashley Epling and Cheryl Andres were absent. The…
PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER HEALTH INSURANCE INCREASE … Montpelier Village Council members Heather Freese (left) and Don Schlosser (right) discuss the health insurance plan for village employees at the council meeting on Monday, October 27. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com The Village of Montpelier will be seeing an increase in health insurance costs for the upcoming year, as discussed at its council meeting on Monday, October 27. Council members in attendance were Don Schlosser, Melissa Ewers, Kevin Motter, Nathan Thompson, and Heather Freese, with Chris Kannel being absent. Also in attendance were Mayor Steve…
PRESS RELEASE/ THE VILLAGE REPORTER NONPROFIT MISSION … The guest speaker at the Kiwanis Meeting on October 22, 2025, was Aileen Meyer who has established the Center for Community Impact Alliance. Their purpose is to build a rural social impact that leads the national conversation on sustainability, dignity and innovation; where communities no longer survive on scarcity but thrive through measurable mission impact. Mrs. Meyer has spent her working career in the nonprofit sector in various roles over the years. This venture is an effort to change the perception about nonprofit organizations needing to exist primarily through the outdated, restrictive…
FULTON COUNTY — The spirit of giving is alive and well in Fulton County as local police and fire/EMS departments announce the return of the beloved “Christmas for Kids” program this holiday season. Designed to foster positive relationships between first responders and area youth, the initiative brings joy to children whose families are facing financial hardship. Christmas for Kids offers a unique opportunity for children to spend quality time with police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. The program not only provides holiday gifts, but also reinforces the importance of sharing, giving, and the value of community role models in the…
PRESS RELEASE – North Central Local Schools is proud to announce that John Shell, a dedicated educator at North Central, has been nominated for the 2025–2026 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. This national recognition honors teachers who go above and beyond in promoting citizenship, patriotism, and civic responsibility among their students. The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, presented annually by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), recognizes exceptional educators who inspire respect for American traditions, instill civic pride, and encourage students to actively engage in their communities. Mr. Shell’s nomination reflects his…
(1968 Graduate Of Delta High School) Douglas “Doug” Wayne Eicher, age 75, of Delta, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Northwest Ohio Ebeid Center in Sylvania, surrounded by his loving family on a beautiful fall morning, October 28, 2025. He was born in Wauseon, Ohio, on July 5, 1950, to the late Donald C. Eicher and Phyllis J. (Aumend) Eicher. Doug attended the Pike-Delta-York School System and graduated with the Class of 1968. He continued his education at Owens Community College, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in business. Doug began his career working at his family’s grocery store, Family…
(Hilltop High School Graduate) Ronald J. Hornung, age 78, of Mansfield, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of the late Theda F. “Tedi” (Markham) Hornung, to whom he was happily wed for nearly forty-nine years at the time of her death on February 19, 2018. Born in Wauseon, Ohio on February 28, 1947, he was a loving son of the late Wilford L. “Bill” and Mary M. (Neuhauser) Hornung. Ron grew up in West Unity, Ohio and was a graduate of Hilltop…
PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DISCUSSION … Members of the Wauseon Planning Commission discuss the proposed rezoning of land for the proposed Jacob’s Drive. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Wauseon Planning Commission met for its regular meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in council chambers. The meeting opened with approval of minutes from the previous session held on September 22. Discussion then resumed on a continued zoning amendment request submitted by developer Tim Dennis. The request involves property along the proposed Jacob’s Drive, where Dennis has proposed construction of a new…
EARLY SCORE … Delilah Chapa drives home a free kick to give the Bluestreaks a 1-0 lead over Woodmore. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK FREY / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DOUBLE OVERTIME THRILLER … Archbold sophomore Jade Frey (#7) looks to get by a Woodmore defender. Woodmore 3, Archbold 2 (2OT) NORWALK – Meeting for the second time in a month, Archbold and Woodmore needed extra time to decide their Division V regional semifinal. Delilah Chapa got the Bluestreaks on the board early by putting home a free kick to make 1-0 with 37:11 left in the first half. Woodmore would tie…
PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER FUTURE PROJECTS … Edgerton Park Board members and attendees discuss 2025 project updates and future plans during their October 27 meeting. (Right to left) Denise Knecht, Dawn Fitzcharles, Mayor Bob Day, Camie Hicks, and Leslie VanAusdale. By: India Kenner THE VILLAGE REPORTER india@thevillagereporter.com The Edgerton Park Board convened Monday, October 27, at 4:04 p.m., with committee member Camie Hicks in attendance. Board members Bill Swank, Chris Sanchez, and Abby Witsman were absent. Also present were Denise Knecht, Dawn Fitzcharles, Mayor Bob Day, Jeff Lyon of Mainstreet Edgerton, Eddie Bohn, Village Council member…
By: Cheryl Garza Bryan, Ohio Using Music is a vital tool to keep your mind and body refreshed. Music changes our sense of time and how we experience the world around us. It can expand our perceptions and bring clarity to the mind. The auditory structures of harmony, rhythm, and melody affect the rhythms of the body, and the nonverbal language of music can create a vast range of emotions connected to past experiences. A melody may instantly evoke events from earlier parts of our lives or take us back through the centuries to envision other societies in historical times.…