Author: Newspaper Staff

The female Athlete of the Week is Pettisville volleyball player Naomi Richer. According to MaxPreps the senior tallied 366 kills, including the 1,000th of her career, and 274 digs as she was named BBC Player of the Year.

The male Athlete of the Week is North Central football player Tyler Meyers. Last Thursday in a season ending win over Hilltop, Meyers accounted for 259 yards of the Eagles’ 343 yards of total offense after passing for 111 and running for 148 with three touchdowns.

GIRLS SOCCER DIVISION V REGIONAL SEMIFINAL Woodmore (18-1-1) vs. Archbold (16-3-1) 7pm (@ Norwalk)

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Stryker, Ohio — The heart of Stryker will come alive with autumn excitement as the community prepares for its annual Stryker Fall Fest, taking place Saturday, November 1st from 1 to 5 p.m. The event promises an afternoon filled with family-friendly activities, local flavor, and community spirit. The festivities kick off with a parade at 12:30 p.m., followed by the official start of Fall Fest at 1 p.m. Visitors of all ages can look forward to a variety of complimentary attractions, including bounce houses, putt-putt, face painting, a petting zoo, and hayrides. For those seeking a bit more adventure, monster…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER BUSY BURGLARS … In a photo shared on the Facebook page of Ballas Chevrolet, a burglarized vehicle can be seen up on blocks and missing its wheels after thieves struck it and at least three other dealerships in the area. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com A string of dealerships across Fulton County were recently burglarized, with vehicles left on blocks and their wheels missing. Ballas Chevrolet in Swanton, Don’s Chevrolet in Wauseon, Snyder Buick GMC in Napoleon, and Terry Henricks Ford in Archbold were all hit overnight between Saturday, Oct. 25 and…

(Co-Founder Of Swanton Welding & Machining) Shirley Jeanne Kern, age 97, of Liberty Center, Ohio, peacefully passed away Friday evening, October 24, 2025, at the Henry County Hospital under the compassionate care of Elara Hospice. She was born on December 30, 1927, in Napoleon, Ohio, to Ivan “Gunny” Burgoon and Vera (Weakley) Burgoon. Shirley was a graduate of Liberty Center High School. On April 6, 1946, she married the love of her life, Emery George Kern, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Connie. Shirley worked as a bank teller with F&M Bank in Swanton alongside serving…

(Volunteered With Williams County Farm Bureau) E. Marcelle Hagelberger, 96, of Bryan and formerly of rural Pioneer passed to her heavenly family on Saturday, October 25, 2025. She was born on October 21, 1929 to Reginald and Lydia L. (Morhart) Moore. Marcelle graduated from Bryan High School in 1947. After graduation she worked at Aro, Schlegel and Northwestern Electric. Marcelle met Forrest Hagelberger through friends in 5-H and they married on September 30, 1956. She worked beside Forrest on the rural Jefferson Township farm for 50 years. Marcelle was a member of the Silver Creek Church of the Brethren, in…

(First Woman To Work At Bryan Post Office) Marjorie L. Hazlett, age 99 of Bryan, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Majestic Care- Bryan with her family at her side. Marjorie worked at the Pittsburgh Steel Company in her early years, then worked at Fort Belvoir for the War Department during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Point Pleasant, WV, Gallipolis, OH, Youngstown, OH and finally to Bryan in 1955. In Bryan she was the first woman to work at the Bryan Post Office and retired with 23 years of…

(Practiced Law In Archbold For Over 50 Years) David P. Rupp, Jr., age 84, of Archbold, OH, passed away Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold. He was born July 23, 1941, in Archbold, the son of David and Henrietta (Austermiller) Rupp, Sr. He married Carol Speiser on February 14, 1982, and she preceded him in death on July 28, 2021. A 1959 graduate of Archbold High School, he received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1962. He then completed a Juris Doctor from the Ohio State Law School in 1965. After college, he…

(Wauseon Resident) Rose Ann Simpson, age 69, of Wauseon, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at her residence. She was born on December 30, 1955 to Vincent J. and Goldie I (Bechstein) Turi in Wauseon, Ohio. Rose was a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandma, and friend to all who knew her. She devoted her life to taking care of her elderly parents. She loved spending time with her family every chance she could. She was also known as RoRo by her grandchildren who were the light of her life. She loved cooking and baking with her mom and sons…

(1976 Graduate Of Stryker High School) Kevin Scott Bell, age 67, of Stryker, passed away peacefully while working on Friday morning, October 24, 2025. He was born on May 3, 1958, to Kenneth and Helen (Zulch) Bell in Bryan, Ohio. Kevin was a graduate of Stryker High School – Class of 1976. He later married the love of his life, JoAnne L. (Sauber) Bell on August 3, 1992 in Stryker, Ohio at the Train Depot. For their 30th Anniversary they renewed their wedding vows at the Church of Christ at West Unity where they are members. Kevin and Joanie were…

By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com Sheriff Tom Kochert has been appointed to serve on the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, a position that gives him a direct voice in shaping law enforcement training across the state. His appointment fills the seat previously held by retired Sheriff Mike Heldman of Hancock County, who was widely respected for his decades of service and multiple terms on the commission. Kochert explained that the process began during the February 2024 Sheriff’s Conference in Columbus, where Heldman announced he would not seek reelection. With the upcoming vacancy, multiple sheriffs from across Ohio submitted…

PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DITCH DISCUSSION … Engineer Todd Roth reports his recommendations for courses of action regarding the Ebersole Ditch #744 Petition. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Williams County Commissioners convened for a regular session on October 23, 2025, addressing several key matters, including a land transfer benefiting the Wabash Cannonball Trail, an increase in a community corrections grant, and the dismissal of a ditch petition. The meeting was called to order, with Vice President Scott Lirot and Bart Westfall in attendance. Terry Rummel joined via Zoom call; however, he refrained from…

PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DISCUSSION … Lori Bolton, Prosecutor Zartman, and Martin Schmidt listen as the Board discusses programs offered throughout the departments. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Local Corrections Planning Board met on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Don North Building. With 16 members in attendance, the Board provided updates ranging from SNAP drawbacks, current incarceration statistics, and a variety of programs underway to help the residents of Williams County. Kylee Uran, Chief Probation Officer, started off the meeting by giving an update on the Bryan Municipal Court…

PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DESSERT DONATIONS … Ashley Reed and Kennedy Stuut offer a wide variety of donated desserts, from cookies to cake pops. By: Brianna Balogh THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Edon community came together on Friday, October 24, to support one of their own through a very difficult time. The benefit for Jamie Duvall Hoffman was hosted in the field parking lot prior to the football game, with activities kicking off at 4:30 p.m. The parking lot was soon bustling, and the crowd continued to grow as the game drew closer. Hoffman, a graduate…

PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER CHECKING IN … Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kelly Herzog and 2025 Miss Montpelier, Caddisy Chamberlain help check in ticket holders for the Harvest of Sweets Walk held on Saturday, October 25. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com It was a perfect fall afternoon for people who were shopping to support local businesses but also an opportunity to participate in the first annual Harvest of Sweets Walk held in downtown Montpelier on Saturday, October 24. The event, sponsored by the Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce, featured food, music and…

EQUALIZER … Aryah Dunning celebrates after scoring the game tying goal in the second half for Delta. PHOTOS BY RACHEL NAGEL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DOUBLE OT DISTRICT FINAL … Delta’s Abbey Todd kicks the ball during the Panthers district final against state ranked Mansfield Christian. By: Joe Blystone THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com METAMORA (October 23, 2025) – On a brisk, windy night, Delta battled the tenth-ranked Division V team in the state, Mansfield Christian, dead even for nearly 100 minutes. However, in the second overtime, a hesitation in the back line led to the Flames’ Marlea Rader getting an…

TOURNAMENT SOCCER … Delta’s Nick Circle heads the ball at midfield in Saturday’s district final against Milan Edison. PHOTOS BY RACHEL NAGEL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DISTRICT RUNNER-UP … Noah Etter gets possession for Delta at Sylvania Southview High School in a Division IV district final. By: Joe Blystone THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com SYLVANIA (October 25, 2025) – Some days when a team is undefeated for the season, tournament time is the hex that puts that first loss down. This wasn’t one of those days. Unbeaten Milan Edison scored two goals in the span of 14 seconds in the back…

DEEP BALL … Archbold receiver Morgan Harris goes between two LC defenders and pulls down a 34-yard reception in the first quarter. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER NWOAL SHOWDOWN … Aranjer Krieger makes a move after the catch for the Bluestreaks in last Friday’s NWOAL showdown with Liberty Center. By: Nate Calvin THE VILLAGE REPORTER sports@thevillagereporter.com ARCHBOLD (October 24, 2025) – For the first twenty minutes of the first half, the underdog Archbold Bluestreaks went toe-to-toe with powerhouse Liberty Center in building a 14-0 lead. From that point on, the Tigers put to bed any thoughts of…

MULTIPLE TOUCHDOWN NIGHT … Delta’s Vincent Martinez (above) scored four touchdowns on the night to lead Delta over Bryan 49-7. PHOTOS BY RACHEL NAGEL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SEASON FINALE … Bryan receiver Aaden Wallace makes the catch at Golden Bear Stadium in the season finale versus Delta. Delta 49, Bryan 7 BRYAN – With their playoff hopes at stake, the Delta Panthers took care of business with a 49-7 rout of Bryan in the Northwest Ohio Athletic League regular season finale at Golden Bear Stadium. The victory also guaranteed the Panthers (6-4, 4-3 NWOAL) a berth in the Division…

PLAYOFF CLINCHER … Edon’s Kadin Stantz puts a stiff arm to the Montpelier tackler. With the win, the Bombers clinched a seventh straight playoff appearance. PHOTOS BY REBEKAH DELL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER YARDS AFTER CATCH … Montpelier receiver Braylon Hopper looks for extra yards after making a catch with Edon’s Eli Dickmann (#7) going for the tackle. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com EDON – (October 24, 2025) With a berth in the Division VII state football playoffs at stake between Edon and Montpelier in the regular season finale, the Bombers managed to hold off the Locos for…

REGULAR SEASON FINALE … Edgerton’s Karter Gibson wraps up the Tinora ball carrier. PHOTOS BY REBEKAH DELL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SECOND HALF QUARTERBACK … Mason Elden attempts a pass in the second half Friday night’s home game with Tinora. Tinora 34, Edgerton 30 EDGERTON – For the Tinora Rams, it was the comeback for the ages and in the regular season and Green Meadows Conference finale against Edgerton, the Rams rallied from a 30-6 halftime deficit to stun the Bulldogs, 34-30, at Stauffer Field. Both teams also advanced into the state football playoffs, which begins this Friday night. No.…

NWOAL FINALE … Evergreen’s Quinten Eisel catches a screen pass in the second half versus Patrick Henry. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SPECIAL TEAMS … Evergreen’s Will Ruetz looks to cut outside on a kick return. By: Joe Blystone THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com METAMORA (October 24, 2025) – Patrick Henry was in need of a win to reach the postseason in Division VI, Region 22, and win they did, running past Evergreen 51-3 in the regular season finale for both teams. The win gave the Patriots a 7-3 record and iced a berth as the No. 8…

PROTECTING THE BALL … Swanton’s Javi Hornyak-Ramsey protects the football while being tackled. PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER ROLL OUT … Wauseon sophomore quarterback Issac Heller keeps his eyes downfield while rolling out to throw a pass. Wauseon 56, Swanton 0 WAUSEON – Wauseon closed out its regular season in impressive fashion with a 56-0 whitewashing of winless Swanton, in the Northwest Ohio Athletic League finale for both teams. Eight different players scored at least one touchdown for the Indians (2-8, 2-5 NWOAL) including a blocked punt return by Clete Van Etten and an 85-yard interception return…

PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER CHURCH HISTORY … Lyons First Universalist Church Moderator Megan Bovee speaks about the history of the church to attendees at the Museum of Fulton County’s 14th annual Haunting History Tour in Lyons Friday night. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com History came alive in Lyons Friday night with the Museum of Fulton County’s 14th annual Haunting History Tour. Staged from the Lyons and Area Historical Society’s Toledo and Western Depot, the tour was led up and down Morenci Street to various locations where volunteers told stories of the area’s history, from…

(Member Of Williams County Fair Board) Leonard G. Ludwig, age 92, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at his residence. Leonard was a carpenter and a life-long farmer. He worked for Fitzenrider Brothers construction for over 25 years then was self employed for another 30 years. He also raised sheep, hogs and cattle. Leonard served as a Center Township Trustee for over 20 years, was a member of the Williams County Fair Board and Williams County Fair Foundation for many years and enjoyed square dancing with the Fountain City Squares. He was…

(Delta Resident; Accomplished Gymnast) Rodney J. Newland, age 69, of Delta Ohio, peacefully away at Ebeid Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Sylvania, surrounded by his loving family on October 22, 2025. He was born in Dayton on February 7, 1956, to the late Jeem E. Newland and Mila Jean (Gilkerson) Newland. Rodney graduated from Miamisburg High School; where he was an accomplished gymnast. He attended The Ohio State University, continuing to compete in gymnastics with the Buckeyes from 1975-1978. Rodney’s outstanding career led him to 3 Big Ten Championships, 3 time All American and holding the record in vault for…

PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER CHILI COOK-OFF PARTICIPANTS … Among the participants in the Bryan Rotary Club’s Pours 4 Polio chili cook-off event on Wednesday, October 22, at Stoney Ridge Winery were, from left: Georgetta Kuhman, Lesley Goebel, and Heather Johnson. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com The Bryan Rotary Club held its annual Pours 4 Polio benefit on Wednesday, October 22, at Stoney Ridge Winery. Since 2018, the Bryan Rotary Club has hosted the event, in which all the proceeds have gone towards the prevention of this infectious disease. It’s also Rotary International’s major project,…

By: Nate Calvin THE VILLAGE REPORTER sports@thevillagereporter.com The Ohio High School Athletic Association has removed Ironton High School from participation in the upcoming football playoffs due to numerous violations of the OHSAA’s recruiting bylaws over the last seven years according to a press release from the OHSAA on Saturday morning. During the last several weeks, the violations were discovered by the OHSAA and shared with administrators and the coaching staff at Ironton. Due to the extent of the violations, the penalties include a postseason ban this season, a postseason suspension of some members of the coaching staff next year (if…