Author: Newspaper Staff

(Served Several Terms On Stryker Village Council) Carole Dee (Wheeler) Fox, age 85, of Stryker, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 19, 1940, in Rollin Township, Michigan, Carole was the cherished daughter of the late Gilbert F. and Dorothy (Towne) Wheeler. A proud 1958 graduate of Archbold High School, Carole went on to attend the Toledo Beauty Academy, where fate intervened and she met the love of her life, David Fox, through his sister Arline. Their connection was instant and enduring. They married on February 13, 1960, at St. Peter…

(Graduate Of North Central High School) Bruce Wayne Kerr, 68, of Kunkle, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at this home. He was born on September 6, 1957, in Peru, Indiana to Jackie L. and Shirley D. (McIntosh) Kerr. Bruce is a graduate of North Central High School and worked at a mechanic the majority of his life. He enjoyed racing, classic cars, motorcycles and tinkering in the shop on cars. He is survived by his sons, Bruce (Beth) Kerr, Jr., of Waterloo, Indiana, Tyson (Abby) Kerr of Monroeville, Indiana and Wesley Kerr of Bryan; six grandchildren, Parker, Kamden,…

(Retired Teacher At Bryan City Schools) E. Colleen Posey, age 92, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in her home with her daughter by her side. Colleen was born on April 8, 1933, in Williams County, Ohio, daughter of the late Leon N. and Floye M. (Smith) Schad. She was a 1951 graduate of Ney High School and continued her education at Defiance College, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 1984. On June 27, 1964, she married Lauren R. Posey in Bryan, and together they shared over 56 years of marriage until his passing on…

(Graduate Of Montpelier High School) Richard L. Fetters, Jr., age 71, of Hamilton, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville, Indiana. Ric was a sales manager for Reelcraft and retired with nearly 20 years of service. He served as a Williams County Reserve Special Deputy for several years. Ric enjoyed time on the lake and with his family, helping his wife garden and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Richard L. Fetters, Jr. was born November 24, 1953, in Montpelier, Ohio, the son of Richard L. and Mary (Ansley) Fetters, Sr. He…

PRESS RELEASE – Evergreen Local Schools is hosting a Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 9:00 am in the high school gym. The event is free and open to the community. Students in grades 3-12 will be in attendance with performances by the 8th Grade Band, Young Vikings Choir, and EHS Chorale. Student artwork will also be on display. EHS Student Council and National Honor Society representatives will discuss the importance of the holiday and a special guest speaker will address the audience and expound upon his military service.

By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Fulton County Commissioners met for their regular session on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer and roll call, with all commissioners present. Commissioners first approved the minutes from the previous meeting before moving to accept the day’s agenda with minor amendments, including updates to contract numbers associated with upcoming financial agreements. They then approved the payment of bills and reviewed appropriation requests submitted by various county departments. A series of financial items followed. The board authorized a payment…

By: Jacob Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER jacob@thevillagereporter.com The Metamora Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Cathy Mossing opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance before the council moved to approve minutes from the October 20 meeting. During visitor comments, resident Nicki Clark noted that several streetlights on East Main Street were not working. Councilman John Pupos offered to check the area after the meeting to collect pole numbers for reporting to Toledo Edison. The mayor then reviewed the sheriff’s report for September and announced that representatives from TMACOG would…

PRESS RELEASE – Fulton County Clerk of Courts Tracy L. Zuver has provided his monthly report for October 2025 with October 2024 in parentheses, with the following: New cases filed in the legal department 288 (249); domestic 15 (20), civil 24 (22), criminal 14 (7), miscellaneous 3 (2), judgment liens 230 (196), and appeals 2 (2) with a total of fees collected being $46,221.51 ($48,678.56). The title department issued a total of 1,365 (1,339) titles; new cars 53 (73), used cars 701 (717), new trucks 42 (41), used trucks 333 (321), vans 27 (14), motorcycles 39 (28), manufactured homes 9…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER CELEBRATING MASS … Steve St. John (above) stands above the rest of the deacons prior to the Papal Mass held in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, October 12, in Vatican City, Italy. By: John Fryman THE VILLAGE REPORTER john@thevillagereporter.com It started out as a two-part overseas trip for Bryan resident Steve St. John, as he recently traveled to Italy to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife, Melinda, and to attend a wedding of his nephew, Logan Nofziger. Everything was all planned for his family trip to Italy until St. John, who currently…

PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER ELECTRIC RATES … Council discussed potential upcoming electric bill rates with increases likely to be almost doubled from what they are now. By: Renea Kessler THE VILLAGE REPORTER renea@thevillagereporter.com The Lyons Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m., beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members reviewed and approved minutes and financial reports before moving into updates and new business. Discussion opened with updates regarding the recent waterline work on North Adrian Street, where a leak had developed shortly after a county repair. The issue…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER NEW HOME … The Four County Career Center senior carpentry instructor Curtis Miller (left) told Archbold Rotarians that this year’s class is building a 2,500 square foot home on State Route 6, the 86th home that the carpentry program has built. Pictured from left: Miller, Jeff Slattery, Four County Career Center superintendent who arranged the program; and senior carpentry students Jesus Guillen, whose home school is Hilltop West Unity; C.J. Arroyo-Thompson from Archbold, Annaliese Keene, Liberty Center, and Jason Grime, Archbold. PRESS RELEASE – Twenty-one of the 40 students in the senior carpentry program…

PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, October 31, the last day of Red Ribbon Week, the 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students of St. Mary Catholic School in Edgerton, along with their teachers, visited the office of Never Let Go Ministries to hear the NLG presentation. They learned about choices in life, and how their choices affect others. 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…

PRESS RELEASE – To kick off the holiday season, a traditional Christmas Tea will be held on Saturday, November 29 in the beautifully decorated lobby of the Museum of Fulton County. Registered guests are invited to gather with friends at noon to enjoy tea, tasty treats, Christmas music, and exciting Civil War spy stories! A limited number of tickets are available for this traditional English Afternoon Tea featuring English scones, finger sandwiches, and fabulous desserts. Set in the Civil War era, guests are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in period clothing (not required). Musicians will fill the…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER OCTOBER WINNERS … Front Row: L-R: Leah Ruffer, Khloe Gerdeman, Brody Frey, Addison STukey, Isabella Dallas, Jackson Miller, Aubree Ferry. Back Row L-R: Kaiden Mohr, Graisen Martin, Weston Swank, Harper Woolace, Arianna Wallace, Riley Mitchell. Missing: Jack Froelich.

PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DONATION … The Stryker Area Heritage Council places Stryker High School yearbooks in the Local History & Genealogy Center in Bryan and in the Stryker Public Library each year. Pictured, from left, is Jared Schnee, Local History Manager, receiving the current yearbook from Mary Jo Andres, SAHC trustee.

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER TOP PERFORMERS … The Maximilian Kolbe Deanery-wide Jubilee of Hope celebration featured a student art show and contest. The following St. Mary School students were recognized as top winners, and their artwork was proudly displayed during the event. Each student also received a tiny saint. Pictured with Father Dan Borgelt are: First row: Addison Rowe, Ella Meyer, Lorelai Kirtley, Lily Bratsbert, Azlynn Fortney. Second row: Isabel Krill, Garon Cassidy, Cataleya Perez, Scarlett Stotler, and Evelyn Meyer.

(Montpelier Resident) Robin E. Phibbs, 64, of Montpelier, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at her home. She was born on May 28, 1961, in Hillsdale, Michigan to Robert “Bob” V. and Betty (Webb) Phibbs. For many years, Robin traveled the world working for several different companies as a quality engineer. Robin was known for being an earthly grounded soul that showed empathy to others, was intentional in her thinking and a good friend to many. She is survived by her partner, Keith Goble of Montpelier; two daughters, Tara (Rex) Leahy and Jackie (TJ) Calvin both of Napoleon; many…

PRESS RELEASE – Taine Club met at the home of Helene Moog with Karen Deemer as co-hostess. In keeping with the theme for the year “Dare to Dream,” President Vicki Rathbun opened the business meeting with a quote, “Stop dreaming about your bucket list and live it! “Secretary and Treasurer reports were shared. Vice president Sue Compo reviewed the All-read book; I Am Maria by Maria Shriver. Growing up in the Kennedy/Shriver family, expectations were always high for her to succeed in everything, and it was especially challenging for her since she was a girl. She saw how her mother…

PRESS RELEASE – You are invited to celebrate 78 years of conservation with the Williams Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at the Open House and Board of Supervisor Election. The Open House celebration will be held Tuesday, November 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Williams SWCD Office. During the Open House, the recipient of the Outstanding Cooperator Award will be announced. This year a special Lifetime Appreciation Award will also be given. Creamy chicken sandwiches, chili and refreshments will be served. Entertainment by John Reichle will take place from 3:30 – 5:30! If you ask John…

PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER DISPLAYING HONESTY … Above are Stryker High School students that were selected as October Students of the Month for showing the character trait of Honesty. Pictured Left to Right: Ellie Donovan, Bella Miller, Raegan Myers, Spencer Buehrer, Walker Atkinson and Abel Batterson.

FRESH FACE … New Delta Finance Director Joanne Clapp was in attendance at the latest meeting of the Delta Village Council. She will take over duties from Interim Finance Director Marlena Allwood. By: Jesse Davis THE VILLAGE REPORTER jesse@thevillagereporter.com The Delta Village Council passed on first reading at its last meeting a trio of new ordinances setting regulations on mobile food vendors, electric vehicle charging stations, and public and private fire hydrants. Under the proposed mobile food vendor law, operators would have to register with the zoning department and income tax division, be inspected by the fire department, and pay…

(Resident Of Delta) Jerrod Clinton Holly, of Delta, Ohio, a Beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother and Friend. On November 3, 2025, our family suffered an unimaginable loss when Jerrod Holly passed away in a vehicular accident near Salesville, Ohio in Guernsey County. Jerrod was 47-years-old at the time of passing, just a few weeks shy of his 48th birthday. He was a devoted husband to Lori and a loving father to Cole, Chase, Cora, and Casen. His passing leaves a tremendous void in their lives that can never be filled. From the moment Lori met Jerrod, it was love at…

(Owned & Operated Own Trucking Business) Samuel Wade Stembridge, age 75, of Kunkle, Ohio passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025 at his residence. Samuel was an owner and operator of his own trucking business for over 22 years. Samuel Wade Stembridge was born on August 12, 1950, in Woodbury, Tennessee, the son of Samuel Steven and Mary Susan (Harrell) Stembridge. He married Patricia Ann Gruber on June 28, 1969 in Woodbury, Tennessee and she survives. Along with his wife, Samuel is survived by his daughter, Tracie Lynn (Scott) Drewes of Liberty Center, Ohio; son, Shane Steven (Tiffiany) Stembridge of…

(Chaplain For Delta Fire Department) Randy Lee Trowbridge, age 68, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his Delta home, Monday, November 3, 2025. He was born on September 11, 1957, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin—one of seven children born to Ray and Adeline Trowbridge. From the very beginning, his life revolved around two things: Jesus and family. He attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. The two married in July 1982 and built their life around a shared belief that by following Jesus first, they could love people wherever God…

(Owned & Operated The Bread Bowl In Edgerton) Cecelia Ann (Dillon) Flegal, 87, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 2, 2025. She was born on March 28, 1938, in Manhattan, New York, to Richard John Dillon and Martha May (Wagner) Dillon. Cecelia graduated from Napoleon High School in 1957. That same year, she married Edwin Brown in Napoleon, Ohio, and together they raised six children: Tim Brown (Marie), James Brown, Mike Brown (Tracy), Jennifer Newcomer (Mitch), Tony Brown (Amanda), and Matt Brown (Peggy). She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings:…

PRESS RELEASE – The Williams County Health Department (WCHD) is reporting a confirmed human case of La Crosse Virus in a Williams County resident that was confirmed by the Ohio Department of Health. The case was in a pediatric patient residing in Edgerton, Ohio who was initially hospitalized and has recovered at home. La Cross virus is a mosquito-borne illness primarily transmitted by the Eastern treehole mosquito, which is commonly found in wooded areas. They prefer to lay eggs in pools of water found in tree holes, but will also lay eggs in man-made water-holding containers, especially discarded tires. Ohio…

FULTON COUNTY ISSUES Fulton County Health Department – Replacement property tax levy (0.5 mills, 10 years, commencing 2026, first due 2027) to fund health programs. For the Tax Levy – 4,671 (57.69%) | Against the Tax Levy – 3,426 (42.31%) Village of Delta – Additional property tax (0.25 mills, 5 years, commencing 2025, first due 2026) for garbage and refuse collection. For the Tax Levy – 338 (45.25%) | Against the Tax Levy – 409 (54.75%) Village of Lyons – Renewal (3 mills, 5 years, commencing 2026, first due 2027) for current operating expenses For the Tax Levy – 51…

By: Marlene Oxender What if? What if we had a book in our hands, and the author is life itself? The title of the book is Me. This imaginary book already exists in our head. But what if our story was typed onto the pages of a real book, and what if that book included only the things we’re okay with reliving? We’d read only the good things. Nothing negative allowed. I’d say sign me up, and I’d move the book to the top of my to-be-read pile of books. It’d be the most interesting book we’d ever read. The…

By: Steve Wilmot During the hippie movement in the 1960s, it was common for parents to give their children odd names. Time Warp. Spring Fever. Moonbeam. Earth. Love. Precious Promise. In those days, a kindergarten teacher met Fruit Stand. Along with the other children in his class, Fruit Stand was given a name tag to make it easier for the teacher and his classmates to learn his name. His teacher thought his name was odd but tried to make the best of it. “Would you like to play with the blocks, Fruit Stand?” she offered. And later, “Fruit Stand, how about…

By: Rex Stump Wauseon, Ohio Is it wrong for Christians to dress up like their favorite superhero and go around the neighborhood asking for candy? Is there a difference between participating in some things but not fully celebrating Halloween? Although the Bible is clear about witchcraft, sorcery, and spiritual warfare…this devotional thought is not going to bring an end to all the questions about Halloween. I simply want to introduce you to a daily question to ponder when interacting with everyone. Whether it’s a family member, close friend, co-worker, teammate, or even a stranger, consider asking this question: “Trick or…