(Former Librarian At Stryker Library) Lenna Esther (Hinesman) Bernath, age 95, went home to heaven Saturday, April 5, 2025, from Fairlawn Retirement Home in Archbold. She was the 4th child of Henry and Lena (Dishong) Hinesman deceased. Born at Weston, OH, December 7, 1929, the family moved to the Fayette area in March, 1936. She graduated from Fayette High School in 1947. Soon after graduation she married James Bernath on September 19, 1948, at First Baptist Church, Stryker and they lived 57 ½ years together in Stryker. He proceeded her in death in January 2006. During her lifetime she worked…
Author: Newspaper Staff
(Formerly In Williams County Saddle Club) Paul Allen Goble, 83, of Pioneer passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Evergreen Healthcare in Montpelier. He was born on January 9, 1942 in Bryan to Artie Cleo and Fanny Dale (Gilcher) Goble. Paul graduated from Montpelier High School in 1959. He drover truck for Gerken Paving for 11 years and Miller Brothers Construction for 19 years. Paul was a sheriff’s department sergeant from 1968-1982. He loved horse trail riding and was formerly in the Williams County Saddle Club. Paul is survived by his children Keith (Robin) Goble, Scott Goble, Misty (Dean) Douglass…
(Resident Of Wauseon) William James Oehus, age 84, of Wauseon, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Ayden Healthcare in Wauseon. He was born July 9, 1940 in Henry County to Henry and Berthelle (Flick) Oehus. Bill married Sherry Louise (Cramer) Oehus in 1963 and she preceded him in passing on July 4, 2012. Bill was an auto-mechanic all of his life, wrenching on cars was his true passion. He worked for Newcomb’s Marathon in Wauseon for over 40 years. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed NASCAR racing and home diy-projects. He is survived by his daughter, Kim (David)…
(1952 Graduate Of Chesterfield High School) Doris Louise Smith, age 90, of Morenci, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025. She was born on August 5, 1934 to H H Hite and Kathryn (Vermett) Hite in Wauseon, Ohio. Doris was a graduate of Chesterfield High School, Class of 1952 and after high school she attended Huntington College in Huntington, Indiana. Shortly after, she met Paul S. Smith and together they celebrated 70 years of marriage. They were married on November 15, 1954 in Wabash, Indiana. Doris was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma. In her younger…
(Lifelong Resident Of Delta) Pamela Sue Simon, age 75, lifelong resident of Delta, passed away under hospice care at Fulton Manor in Wauseon on Saturday morning April 5, 2025 after a 9 year long battle with ovarian cancer. She is now in Heaven celebrating in eternal glory with Jesus Christ her Savior. Pam was born December 3, 1949, to the late Clarence and Maxine Ann (Beaverson) Shelt Jr in Detroit, MI. She was a 1967 graduate of Delta High School, and after high school Pam attended Northwest State Community College obtaining an associate’s degree in health administration. Pam started her…
(Graduate Of Stryker High School) Roger D. Short, age 88, of Stryker, passed away on April 6, 2025, at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold. Roger worked as a farmer and livestock hauler. Roger was born on September 13, 1936 in Archbold, to the late Earl and Lucile Short. He was a Stryker High School graduate. He married Lyn (Hyatt) on June 14, 1958, and she preceded him in death in 2006. Roger and Lyn were members of Pine Grove Mennonite Church, where Roger served 20 years as an elder. Roger was also a member of the “Coffee Club” in Stryker. His…
VARSITY SOFTBALL Montpelier @ Ayersville 4:30pm Northwood @ Swanton 5pm Evergreen @ Emmanuel Christian 5pm Wauseon @ Edon 5pm (CANCELED) Hilltop @ Liberty Center 5pm Ottawa Hills @ Pettisville 5pm Eastside, IN @ Edgerton 5pm (CANCELED) VARSITY BASEBALL Swanton @ Otsego 5pm Stryker@ Archbold 5pm (CANCELED) Ayersville @ North Central 5pm (CANCELED; RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 17) Perrysburg @ Bryan 5pm (POSTPONED; RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 19) Antwerp @ Wauseon 5pm (CANCELED) Edon @ Edgerton 5pm (POSTPONED; RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 10) Emmanuel Christian @ Hilltop 5pm VARSITY TENNIS Bryan @ Rossford 4:30pm (POSTPONED; RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 15) Wauseon @ Ottawa-Glandorf 5pm
The photo above captures the Raymond Chemical fire and explosion that occurred on January 29, 1970. At the same time, a fire in Swanton, Vermont prompted evacuations, and the shared name caused confusion, leading some Ohio residents to leave town, mistakenly believing there was an evacuation locally. Special thanks to the Fulton County Historical Society for providing this photo. Do you have a historic photo from Fulton County you’d like to share? Email us at: publisher@thevillagereporter.com.
By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Delta High School Musical Theater presented “Anastasia: The Musical” this past week with performances on Friday, April 4th, Saturday, April 5th, and Sunday, April 6th. “Anastasia: The Musical” is set in 1927. Gleb Vaganov, a Bolshevik general, announces that Saint Petersburg is renamed Leningrad and promises a bright future amidst rumors that Anastasia survived. Con men, Dmitry and Vlad plan to groom a girl named Anya, who has amnesia, into pretending to be Anastasia to con money from the Dowager Empress. As Anya learns to play Anastasia, Gleb orders her arrest but…
By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Pettisville Music Department presented DreamWorks “The Prince of Egypt The Musical” with performances on Thursday, April 3rd, Friday, April 4th, Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 6th at 2:30 p.m. “The Prince of Egypt The Musical” is set back in time over 3,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt when Hebrews labored under slavery while Egyptian soldiers sought to kill Hebrew firstborn boys. Yocheved placed her newborn son in a basket on the Nile, where Queen Tuya found him and adopted him, naming him Moses. As teenagers, Moses and Ramses…
By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com Students at the Evergreen High School delighted audiences with their production of “She Loves Me”, a classic musical that has charmed theatergoers for decades. The performances took place over the weekend, with showings on Friday, April 4th, at 7:00 PM, Saturday, April 5th, at 11:00 AM, and Sunday, April 6th, at 2:00 PM. “She Loves Me” is a romantic comedy with deep historical roots in musical theater. Set in a charming 1930s European perfume shop, “She Loves Me” tells the story of Amalia Balash and Georg Nowack, two shop employees who frequently clash…
By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com This past weekend, Wauseon High School students took to the stage to present the beloved and laugh-out-loud production of “Shrek the Musical”. The musical was held in the Wauseon High School Auditorium with showtimes on Friday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m., and a matinee performance on Sunday, April 6th at 2:00 p.m. Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek the Musical transforms the classic fairy tale into a fun-filled stage adventure. With an unlikely hero, a sharp-witted Donkey, and a fiercely independent princess, the story…
(PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS, THE VILLAGE REPORTER) FACING OFF … Protestors march along North Shoop Avenue in front of a group of counter-protestors. DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION … A protester who declined to share her name shows off her sign and costume, taken from the popular show “The Handmaid’s Tale.” OFFICIAL SUPPORT … Fulton County Democrat Party Chair Brian Von Wert addresses protesters during the “Hands Off!” protest. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com Rain, wind, and cold didn’t stop more than 170 protesters in Wauseon from joining with hundreds of thousands of others across more than 1,300 events…
By: Joe Blystone THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com WEST UNITY (April 4, 2025) – In years, Toby Hutchison’s Montpelier Locos may be still somewhat young. In experience they show an unwavering maturity. After a series of early defensive miscues that gave Hilltop a two-run lead, the Locos remained undaunted and rallied in the last three innings to score a 4-3 win on a rainy night in West Unity. “We have a lot of experienced kids, young, experienced kids,” Hutchison said. “These guys have been starting since they have been freshmen, so we don’t get too excited about it (regarding the early…
The Ohio News Media Association announced the winners of the 2025 Osman C. Hooper Awards last Thursday in Westerville, Ohio, celebrating the exceptional talents of non-daily newspapers across the state. This annual competition highlights the dedication and creativity of editors, writers, photographers, designers, and their teams. Participating newspapers were divided into two divisions based on circulation: Division A for newspapers with circulations of 2,001 and above, and Division B for those with circulations of 2,000 and below. The Village Reporter’s Award-Winning Achievements included: 1st Place – Best Feature Photo (Division A) Photographer: Jacob Kessler Photo Title: F-16 Jet Fighter in…
PRESS RELEASE – Keller Logistics Group is proud to announce the expansion of Operation K.A.V.I.C. (Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis) to three additional counties in Ohio. Initially launched in Defiance County in 2015, Operation K.A.V.I.C. has provided over $350,000 in financial assistance to local veterans, their families, and surviving spouses. Now, this vital support will be available to veterans in Henry, Williams, and Paulding Counties through their respective Veterans Service Commissions. This expansion comes as a response to the increasing demand for assistance among veterans facing financial hardship. Operation K.A.V.I.C. was created to fill the gaps where veteran benefits fall…
(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) RESOLUTIONS … Clerk Anne Retcher goes over resolutions and other documents that need signatures from the commissioners. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Williams County commissioners are preparing for a couple of short trips in the near future to gather insights on potential improvements to county projects and operations. One planned visit includes a trip to the dispatch center at Parkview Hospital in Indiana. The goal is to better understand how the hospital’s priority dispatching system operates and assess whether a similar model could be beneficial for Williams County EMS.…
(PHOTOS BY JESSE DAVIS/THE VILLAGE REPORTER) ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES … Student actor LilyAnn Gasche, who portrayed the drunk driver in the mock crash, is given a field sobriety test by an officer with the Swanton Police Department. HEADED TO THE HOSPITAL … Fire department personnel move a victim in the vehicle driven by an inebriated person in the mock crash to a gurney before loading them into a waiting ambulance. NOT EVERYONE SURVIVES … Funeral home staff load the body of a deceased mock crash victim portrayed by student actor Kiera Floyd into the back of a hearse. By: Jesse…
(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) GRANT MONEY … Congratulations to the Montpelier Exempted Village Schools for receiving a $4,000 grant from the Montpelier Area Foundation to support the Skilled Trades program. Established in 2018, this course assists students entering the skilled trade profession with scholarships to secondary skilled trade schools, a small starter tool kit, recognition of outstanding scholars with year-end awards, and purchasing tools and equipment needed for the program’s classroom. This year’s $4,000 grant will provide three gold and two silver scholarships enabling students going into the workforce to receive an 8-piece or 6-piece drill set and…
(PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) CHANGE OF COMMAND … U.S. Air Force Col. Curtis Voltz, commander of the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, receives the 180FW flag from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Francisco Dominguez, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, signifying his assumption of command of the unit, during a change of command ceremony in Swanton, Ohio, April 5, 2025. During the ceremony, outgoing 180FW commander, Col. Chad Holesko, relinquished command to Col. Voltz. (PRESS RELEASE) – Col. Curtis W. Voltz assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from…
By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com Swanton High School students enjoyed a memorable evening at prom this past weekend. The event was held on Friday, April 4th at Birchwood Meadows. Guests began arriving at 6:45 p.m., with the festivities officially commencing at 7:00 p.m. This year’s theme, Masquerade Ball was perfectly executed with masks, décor, and the food. The students enjoyed a spacious area for socializing and dancing. Prom night continued until 10:00 p.m., after which students proceeded to after prom with the celebrations extended until 2:00 a.m. (PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) 175th … Commissioners met with Tim Schneider from Senator Bernie Moreno’s Office and received a proclamation for the county’s 175th birthday. Names provided from left to right. Wendy Hardy – Recorder; Char Lee – Treasurer; Jon Rupp – Commissioner; Jeff Rupp – Commissioner; Tim Schneider – NWO Regional Director for Senator Bernie Moreno’s office; T. Luke Jones – Prosecutor; Tracy Zuver – Clerk of Courts; Dennis Kennedy – Administrator. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com Meetings for the Fulton County Commissioners were held on Tuesday, April 1st and Thursday, April 3rd. The meetings…
(PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) HONOR FLIGHT … U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. HONOR FLIGHT … Mayor Toeppe with motorcycle police officer. HONOR FLIGHT … Arlington National Cemetery. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe was among a group of roughly 150 people to travel to Washington D.C. with the nonprofit Honor Flight at the beginning of the month. Toeppe said the group consisted of veterans and their designated guardians for the day, a partner required by the program. He initially said he had a couple in mind, hoping to bring two friends of his,…
(PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) BRIEF MEETING … Council members discuss the bad weather coming and mess from Sunday’s high winds. By: India Kenner THE VILLAGE REPORTER india@thevillagereporter.com On April 2nd, the Blakeslee Village Council held a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Present for this meeting was Mayor Eric Jenkins, council members Robert Mohre, Linda Muehlfeld, Rosemary Alexander, and Shelly Cox. Absent were Fiscal Officer Courtny Osborn and council members Virgil Green and Nick Reed. Mayor Eric Jenkins called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. With Osborn absent, Mayor Jenkins quickly went over a few receipts…
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) AMAZING SHAKE TOP 10 … Junior high students Jazlene Hernandez and Lucy Mendoza were chosen along with eight others to advance to the next Amazing Shake competition to be held at Worthington Steel on April 14. By: Amy Wendt THE VILLAGE REPORTER amy@thevillagereporter.com During its March 31 meeting, the Pettisville School Board heard the results of the junior high’s first-ever Amazing Shake Competition held at the school on March 25. Board members in attendance were Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates. High/Junior High Principal Adam Wagner, Elementary Principal Jason…
(PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) MAINTENANCE… Village Administrator Josh Fritsch speaks with the council about options for maintenance plans in the community. By: Breana Reliford THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The West Unity Village Council gathered for a special meeting held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM to address a few maintenance projects within the community. The meeting was kicked off with the call to order and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present included Mayor Don Leu, Village Administrator Josh Fritsch, Fiscal Officer Sarah Higdon, Kevin Gray, Stephen Marvin, Dave Short, Shawn Blaisdell, and…
(PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) ARBOR DAY … The Tree Commission speaks with village officials about upcoming activities for Arbor and Earth Day. By: Breana Reliford THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Edgerton Tree Commission met on April 2nd, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss upcoming plans throughout the spring. Mayor Bob Day began the meeting by welcoming the commission to the meeting. Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles then read off the agenda for the evening. The Village of Edgerton has once again been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2024 Tree City U.S.A recipient. This award…
(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) YEARS OF SERVICE … At their Monday, March 24th meeting, the Pioneer Area Lions Club welcomed ZC Jo Moats (center) and PDG John Moats (right). Lion Joan Trausch (left) was presented her 35th year membership pin. Thank you, Lion Joan, for your 35 years of service to Lionism.
(PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER) A NEW VENTURE … Hot Dogs 2 Go food truck owners Tara and Matt Shaver, flanked by their children, friends, and members of the local business community, cut a ribbon for their grand opening in front of Benfield Wines Friday evening. Their oldest son can be seen holding a graduation photo of another son, who was unable to attend the event due to being away at college in Chicago. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com The new-to-Swanton Hot Dogs 2 Go food truck was the celebrant in a ribbon cutting put…
VARSITY BASEBALL Bryan @ Van Wert 11am (CANCELED) Edgerton @ Montpelier (DH) 11am (CANCELED; MAKEUP TBD) Swanton @ Northwood 11am (CANCELED) North Central @ Hicksville (DH) 11am (CANCELED; MAKEUP TBD) Edon @ Eastside (IN) 11am (CANCELED; MAKEUP TBD) Tinora @ Hilltop 11am (CANCELED) Archbold @ Fairview (DH) 12pm (POSTPONED; RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 12) Genoa @ Delta 12pm (CANCELED; MAKEUP TBD) Pettisville @ Wauseon 12pm (CANCELED; MAKUP TBD) VARSITY SOFTBALL Van Buren @ Archbold 11am (CANCELED) Eastwood @ Delta (DH) 11am (CANCELED) North Central @ Evergreen (DH) 11am (CANCELED; MAKEUP TBD) Fairview @ Swanton (DH) 11am Van Wert @ Bryan 12pm…