Author: Newspaper Staff

(Member Of Archbold Evangelical Church) Larry D. Short, 87, of Archbold, OH and Winter Haven, FL went to be with his Lord on Friday, November 7, 2025. He was born May 18, 1938, to the late Sylvanus (Sox) and Viola (Eicher) Short. He married the love of his life, Janet Fisher, November 25, 1961, at Sherwood United Methodist Church. She survives in Archbold. Also surviving are children Cindy (Jeff) Hunker, Findlay and Jeff (Julie) Short, Avon; grandchildren Ashley (Ben) Richardson, Hilliard; Alyssa (Austin) Davis, Lake Orion Twp., MI and Jason Short, Avon; great grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jordan, Addison and Charlotte Richardson;…

LANDMARK… One of Bryan’s early landmarks was a large two-story wooden frame structure erected about 1842 by Dr. Thomas Kent at the northeast corner of High and Main Streets. Originally designed as a tavern, Dr. Kent started a drugstore in the south part of the building, which he sold to his brother-in-law Francis M. Carter in 1852. The building burned in May 1899 and was replaced by the Farmers National Bank (which, with extensive modifications, now houses the Williams County Public Library’s Local History Center). This historic photograph was taken looking at the intersection of High and Main streets from…

SAUDER … The barn where Sauder Woodworking began in 1934 is shown here. Do you have a Fulton County Historic photo you would like to share? Email: publisher@thevillagereporter.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER OPERATIONS … Deputy Steve Schlosser during his deployment to the Middle East, serving with the United States Marine Corps in support of combat operations. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com There are those who serve, and then there are those who dedicate their entire lives to the idea of service itself. Deputy Steve Schlosser is one of the latter. Born on August 7, 1970, he has spent his life standing on the front lines, whether in defense of his country or in protection of his community. Married to his wife Linda, with six…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SERVICE … Tim Sikula serving in the United States Army. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com Stryker resident Timothy Sikula built a distinguished 16-year career in the United States Army, a journey defined by leadership, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to serving both his country and fellow veterans. Sikula enlisted in 2006 and began One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he trained as an 11B Infantryman until October of that year. His first duty station placed him with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 187th Infantry…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SERVICE … Joshua King directly before participating in Operation Anaconda. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com For Joshua King, military service is more than a personal achievement – it is a family legacy woven through six generations. Inspired by the stories passed down from veterans in his family, King enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 18 years old, several months after graduating high school. King moved to the Pioneer area during his middle school years, later graduating from there. Still rooted in Williams County, today, he lives just outside of Edon. His…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER MILITARY … This photo is of Raymond dressed in his military uniform. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The story of Raymond Reynolds begins far from Ohio, in Donna, Texas, where he was born while his family was away on vacation. Raised in Napoleon, Malinta, Delta, and Winameg, Reynolds grew up surrounded by the rural communities that define the area. “I’ve been around here all my life, mostly,” he said with a smile. That would remain true until he was drafted into military service at just 18 years old to serve in the…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER UNIFORM… Delta native Howard Reckner in his Army uniform while serving in Korea for the United States Army. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The story of Howard Charles Reckner of Delta is one of quiet strength, steadfast duty, and deep humility, the kind that defines an entire generation of Americans who served during the Korean War. Born in 1933, Howard grew up in Delta and spent his youth in a world still recovering from World War Two. At just seventeen years old, he joined the United States Army, celebrating his eighteenth birthday…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER FAMILY … Robert Lee (right) holds his oldest son, Mason (middle), and is pictured with his wife, Kelli Lee (left), a Bryan High School graduate, following a military ceremony during his 14-year career with the U.S. Army. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com Growing up on the west side of Cleveland, Robert Lee was in his first year of college when he made the important decision to serve his country in the United States Army. Lee, who is now 41 years old and currently resides in Bryan, had joined the U.S. Army and…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER AWARDS CEREMONY … Jenna Hooser (left) stands beside her father, Glen Hooser of Edon, during a U.S. Army awards ceremony. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com Jenna Hooser was a student at Edon High School on the day the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001. It also inspired her to join the United States Army. The 38-year-old Edon resident had served 18 years in the military, where she was a surgical technologist and nurse assistant for most of her career. “I don’t think at that age, I understood what was going…

PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER COUNCILMAN AND COMMANDER … Swanton Village Councilman John Schmidt poses in front of the village seal in council chambers. Schmidt is a U.S. Army veteran, having retired with the rank of sergeant first class after 20 years of service. In addition to his council duties, Schmidt serves as commander of the Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post #479. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com He may have been born and raised in Mansfield, but John Schmidt loves Swanton. The 70-year-old Swanton Village Council member and commander of the Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert…

PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER BARBER CUT … Friends, family, and Chamber of Commerce representatives gather as owner Anthony Aviña cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Aviña’s Barbershop in Wauseon. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Wauseon Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, November 8th, to celebrate Aviña’s Barbershop, located at 210 Depot Street in Wauseon. Owner Anthony Aviña, a Wauseon native and Pettisville High School graduate, officially opened the shop earlier this year in March. After eight years in the industry, Aviña decided the time was right to…

VETERAN … Guest speaker Harold Stickley of Wauseon addresses attendees during the Fulton County Senior Center’s annual Veterans Breakfast. Stickley, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served as a B-52 mechanic while stationed in South Dakota. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER COMPANY … Nearly 200 veterans, spouses, and local seniors filled the Fulton County Senior Center for Friday’s Veterans Breakfast, a long-standing tradition honoring those who served. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Fulton County Senior Center hosted its annual Veterans Breakfast on Friday morning, welcoming nearly 200 veterans, their spouses, and other area seniors to…

PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SALON … Ashlee Scalf, owner of The Brush Haus Salon, cuts the ribbon during a ceremony held with the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce, surrounded by family, friends, and local supporters. By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, November 8th, with the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce to celebrate The Brush Haus Salon, located at 212 Depot Street in Wauseon. Owner Ashlee Scalf explained that the salon provides nail and hair services, with plans to soon include skin care. Their nail services feature a builder gel…

TICKETS … Previous Fire Chief Matthew Smithmyer helped sell tickets for the raffle during the event. PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER RAFFLE … Fire Chief Zachary Miramontes announced ticket winner numbers after the wheel stopped spinning. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Lyons-Royalton Fire Department held its annual Feather Party event on Saturday, November 8, 2025, welcoming community members for an evening of fun, fellowship, and fundraising. Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. with raffles starting at 7:00 p.m. The long-running event has become a cherished tradition for the department and the surrounding community, marking the…

CONNECTION … Adaleia Moore, portraying Cherry, shares a quiet moment with Ponyboy as the two characters connect. FALL PLAY … Arend Schuurman as Ponyboy and Lynley Day-Hemenway portraying Johnny reflect after an intense scene. POWERFUL SCENE … Grace Schuurman, Arend Schuurman and Gyllyan Proper share a heartfelt scene as the Curtis brothers. SHINING ONSTAGE … Lynley-Day Hemenway as Johnny delivers the final monologue reciting the famous words “Stay gold, Ponyboy.” By: Rebekah Dell THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com Hilltop High School students took the stage last weekend to tell a story that has been touching hearts for generations. With performances on…

TOUCHDOWN … Aranjer Krieger breaks away from a Seneca East tackler on a 21-yard pass from Maddox Pinter for a score. PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER SPLITTING THE UPRIGHTS … Archbold’s Quinn Sauder drives home a 33-yard field goal in the first quarter to push the Bluestreaks’ lead to 10-0. By: Joe Blystone THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com ARCHBOLD (November 7, 2025) – So, you want to win football games in November, huh? You want to win when it’s cold, and windy, and the grass is slick? You darn well better be able to run the football. On…

FIRST QUARTER SCORE … Edon receiver Lincoln Kiess hauls catches a 12-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter at Lima Stadium. PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER PLAYOFF FOOTBALL … Edon’s Kadin Stantz runs the football in the Bombers’ regional quarterfinal game versus Lima Central Catholic. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com LIMA (November 7, 2025) – Edon knew they were going up against one of the top teams in the Division VII state football playoffs in Lima Central Catholic. The Thunderbirds showed it and easily dismantled the Bombers, 49-7, in a Region 26 playoff quarterfinal matchup…

“Thank You’ to our local heroes who faithfully served our country!  Just a few are featured inside this week’s 12-page tribute which appears inside our current edition.

By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Wauseon Exempted Village Board of Education met for its regular session on Friday, November 7th, 2025. The meeting began with a presentation from Wauseon Middle School Principal Ryan O’Dell, who shared his focus areas and goals as he leads the middle school through his first year as principal. Following the presentation, the board discussed updates regarding two major district projects, the new bus garage and the upcoming softball complex. Both are in planning phases, with additional details expected in future meetings. Minutes from the September 26th and October 13th meetings were then…

Williams County Sheriff Tom Kochert has issued a Level 1 for Williams County as of 7:00 am on November 9, 2025. Reminder of Snow Level definitions Pursuant to Attorney General Opinion 86-023 and Attorney General Opinion 97-015, the Sheriff may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close Municipal, Township, County and State roads within his jurisdiction for the preservation of the public peace. 1.) Consult with your City Engineer, Township Trustees, County Engineer, ODOT and local EMA Director. 2.) Weather advisories should be classified in one of the following: LEVEL 1 – Roadways are hazardous, drive very cautiously. LEVEL 2…

WARM WELCOME … Edgerton third graders lined the sidewalks to welcome veterans as they entered the 2025 Veterans’ Day Celebration. HIGH ENERGY … Elementary students of Edgerton were energetic with their spirited performance of classic American tunes and theme songs. GUEST SPEAKER … Williams County Sheriff and Army Veteran Thomas Kochert gave an exemplary speech on his history of service. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com The Edgerton High School gymnasium was filled with pride, gratitude, and reflection on Friday morning, November 7, 2025, as students and community members gathered for the annual Veterans Day Celebration. The event opened…

EDGERTON SENIOR CENTER … Birthdays – Betty Stark, Maurene Zollinger, Angie Kennerk, Marilyn Murphy and Sonja Ulrich. EDON SENIOR CENTER … Bonnie Chapin and Greg Lyon celebrate a November Birthday. Carol and Larry Buck celebrating 55th wedding Anniversary. MONTPELIER SENIOR CENTER … Celebrating birthdays at the Montpelier Senior Center: Lyle Traxler, Jeri Taylor, Dorothy Parks, Site Manager Lisa Seiler, and Albert Sleesman.

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER FALL PERFORMANCE … Archbold High School’s drama department presents the romantic comedy “It Happened on Route 66” in the school auditorium at 7 p.m. Saturday, November 15 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 16. Eight members of the 33 students who are part of the AHS production explained the plot and their role in the play to Archbold Rotarians recently. Front row from left: Lily Cox, Rosemary Dennis, Molly Rutledge and Janae Murillo. Back row: AHS principal Royal Short, director and middle school teacher MacKenna Whitacre, Kira Murillo, Joel Ward, Jade Whiteacre and…

PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER VETERANS BREAKFAST … Dan Gallagher (above) stands beside a table display of military memorabilia at the first annual Veterans Breakfast held at the Edgerton Church of Christ on Saturday, November 8. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com Honoring those who have served our country, the Edgerton Church of Christ hosted area military veterans for breakfast and a time of fellowship with their fellow comrades on Saturday, November 8. The idea of hosting a Veterans Day breakfast came from Dan Gallagher who is a U.S. Army veteran and had served two years…

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS … Edgerton captured the Williams County Academic Quiz League tournament championship held at Northwest State Community College on Friday, November 7. Team members are from left front row, Chloe Blakely, Mikayela Burkhart, Megan Gerschutz and coach Olivia Schaffner. Back row from left: Ben Thompson, Henry Gerschutz, Aaliyah Spangler and Jon Cronin. PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER TOURNAMENT RUNNER UP … Bryan finished as runner-up in the Williams County Academic Quiz League tournament. Team members are from left front row: Leyna Englehart, Irelyn Fryman, and Emory Ehrhart. Back row from left: Skyler Crooks, Jeet Patel, Owen…

PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER RACE TIME … Over 30 participants lined up for the 4K throughout the camp’s grounds. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com Runners and walkers alike laced up their shoes and embraced the crisp autumn air during the 3rd Annual 4k at 4-H Camp Palmer, held Saturday, November 8, 2025. Hosted by the Friends of Camp Palmer in collaboration with several Ohio State University Extension Offices, it was located throughout the camp’s wooded trails and sports centers. The event began with a check-in at 8:00 a.m., followed by the race beginning at…

PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER COOKIES FOR EVERYBODY … Elliot Livensparger, Reed Livensparger, and Heather Singer handed out cookies to participants at the Brady Township Fire Department. TRADITION CONTINUES … Eager kids crowded in the Millcreek Coffee & Cones Shop as they received their cookies for the Annual West Unity Cookie Walk. By: Brenna White THE VILLAGE REPORTER publisher@thevillagereporter.com Sweet treats and small-town charm filled the streets of West Unity on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as the West Unity Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Cookie Walk. From 10:00 a.m., to 12:00 p.m., participants strolled through downtown…

TREES … This fully decorated tree was one of many that were auctioned off during Friday night’s Gala. VENDORS … Thirty vendors were showcased at the Holiday Market with lots of beautiful Christmas items to purchase. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Fulton County Festival of Trees returned for its third year, spreading holiday cheer while raising vital funds for individuals with special needs. The annual event, organized by Triangular Processing, took place over three days from Thursday, November 6, through Saturday, November 8, and featured a full lineup of festive activities. Triangular Processing uses proceeds from the…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER NEW LOOK … Pictured from left to right: Mayor Brad Grime, Aaron Alt, Keagen Romine, Kenny Williams, Anthony Williams, Mike Overmier, Wendy Gericke, and Carrie Betchel. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com A new business has opened its doors in Archbold, bringing modern style and a youthful energy to the local barbering scene. A.K. Cuts Barbershop officially opened on November 1, 2025, and is already drawing attention for its atmosphere and services. Co-owned by Kenny and Anthony Williams, A.K. Cuts was created with the goal of offering something new and exciting to the…