Author: Newspaper Staff

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…

By: Mike Kelly Retired Pastor A friend of mine, Kent Hardy, wrote several Facebook posts in September that caused me to think and consider his viewpoints. I’d like to share portions of them this month and add additional perspectives. Kent, thank you for allowing me to use your thoughts. The Golden Rule, as taught by Jesus, is a call to actively seek the welfare of others: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you: (Matt. 7:12). But as commendable as the Golden Rule is, Jesus does not stop there. On a number of other…

By: Dr. Jerry Bergman Montpelier, Ohio I am the recipient, as is true of many of us, of mass emailing. As I recall, one gave 17 reasons why Christ’s return will be in 2026. About the same time, I was packing books from my library to donate to charity. I noted about a dozen books published in the mid-1800s were on prophecy. The dates advertised to be the return of Christ included 1820, 1872, 1944, and several others. One of the newer books, published in 1925, titled Twelve Great Signs of the Return of Jesus, did an excellent job showing…

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The female Athlete of the Week is Archbold cross country runner Hadley Hudson. The Bluestreak sophomore finished with a time of 18:56.68 to finish 23rd and earn first team All-Ohio honors last Saturday at the OHSAA State Championships.

The male Athlete of the Week is Fayette cross country runner Ethan Lee. Lee became just the second runner in program history to finish on the podium after placing 12th with a time of 16:04 at the OHSAA State Championships last Saturday.

(Archbold High School Graduate) Ron D. Grieser, age 74 years, of Archbold passed away Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025, at Fulton Manor in Wauseon. He was born January 6, 1951, in Bryan the son of Lloyd and Mary Elvesta (Christner) Grieser. A graduate of Archbold High School, he then went on to receive an associate degree from Northwest State Community College and then worked for Anderson Vreeland in Bryan before retiring in 2013. Ron enjoyed vacation at Little Eden, fishing, coffee with friends at various places, watching Ohio State and the Cleveland sports teams and most of all spending time…

(Retired Postmaster At Wauseon Post Office) Darrel W. Garmenn, of Archbold (originally Wauseon), passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born April 7, 1945 to the late Owen C. and Rosa (Bauer) Garmenn. Darrel attended Delta High School graduating in 1964. After serving in the Army in Korea 1965-67, returned home to marry Lucinda (Zaerr) Garmenn November 22, 1969. His main profession was in the US Postal service beginning as a letter carrier for the Delta Post Office 1967 – 80, becoming Postmaster of the Delta office December 1980 – 1983. He was the promoted to Postmaster of the…

(Lifelong Resident Of Delta) Janice “Jan” Sue Friess, age 83, a lifelong resident of Delta, peacefully passed away at her home on Monday morning, November 3, 2025, under the care of Heartland Hospice and surrounded by her loving family. Jan was born in Delta on June 5, 1942, to the late Marvin M. Morr and Helen (Moser) Morr. She graduated from Delta High School in 1960 and later attended Bowling Green State University. On June 6, 1964, she married her true love, Gary L. Friess, and together they shared 61 wonderful years. Throughout her working career, Jan held secretarial positions…

PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER MONEY MATTERS … Archbold Village Council reviews expenditures since its last regular meeting. By: Amy Wendt THE VILLAGE REPORTER amy@thevillagereporter.com The Archbold Village Council met on Monday, November 3, 2025, for its regular meeting with council members Karla Ball, Chad Kern, Aaron Babcock, Kevin Eicher, Vaughn Bentz, and Gary Dominique present. Mayor Brad Grime, Village Administrator Aaron Alt, and Clerk Cassie Storer were on hand as well. Mayor Grime also welcomed two members of the public who were in attendance, including Mike Evans, one of six candidates running for a seat on…

“Good Luck” Edon Bombers In The Second Round Of Playoff Action! Obtain your keepsake page inside this week’s edition …

“Good Luck” Archbold Bluestreaks In The Second Round Of Playoff Action! Obtain your keepsake page inside this week’s edition …

(Resident Of Fayette) FAYETTE—Helen Louise Scott, age 95, of Fayette, died Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, at Fulton Manor in Wauseon. She was born in Tazwell County, VA on May 2, 1930, the daughter of the late Robert and Clara (Neal) Asbury. On November 14, 1979, in Lebanon, VA, she married the love of her life, Charles C. Scott. They enjoyed over 40 years of memories prior to his passing on August 26, 2008. Helen enjoyed shopping and watching television in her later years. She also enjoyed crocheting and reading. Helen had a spunky personality and was never afraid to…

(1981 Graduate Of Wauseon High School) Jay Joseph Shaffer, age 61, of Archbold, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The world truly lost one of the great ones. Jay graduated from Wauseon High School in 1981 and was a plant manager at Hill Manufacturing for over 30 years. He was known for his tireless work ethic and his mentorship to his employees, leaving everlasting impressions. Jay had a boisterous personality, infectious laugh, and was a master Donald Duck impersonator. He never met a stranger and always had a smile to share. He was endlessly generous and loved unconditionally.…

(Bryan Resident; Was A Marathon Runner) Bradus “Brad” P. Deel, age 86, of Bryan, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with his family at his side following an extended illness. Brad worked at General Motors in Defiance prior to his retirement. He was a US Army veteran who served for 3 years on active duty. Brad was a former member of the VFW, enjoyed golf and was a marathon runner. He raced in the Columbus marathon to qualify to run the Boston marathon, which he ran twice. Bradus Palmer Deel was born July 16, 1939, in Grundy, Virginia, the…

(Worked At Pilliod’s In Swanton) Donald Edward Gillen, better known as “Doc” passed away peacefully at the age of 82, on October 23, 2025 in his home with family by his side. Doc was born May 12, 1943 to Edward and Florence (Snyder) Gillen of Delta, Ohio. Doc loved playing basketball where he received all-county honors in 1960 and 1961. He received multiple offers from colleges to play, but declined all of the offers and enlisted in the Coast Guard. While in the Coast Guard he had the privilege of joining their marching band and played the tuba. He was…

(Retired From Spangler Candy Company) Edward C. “Charlie” Smith, age 74, of Bryan, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 31, 2025, at his home. Charlie worked at Spangler Candy Company for over 40 years as a candy maker prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Bryan Church of the Latter Day Saints. Charlie played on several softball leagues for many years, was an avid runner who competed in 5Ks, 10Ks and at least 1 marathon a year for several years. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Detroit Tigers fan. Edward C. Smith was born October…

(1948 Graduate Of Bryan High School) Barbara Joan Dennis passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at Fulton Manor Nursing Home in Wauseon, Ohio. Barbara was born September 22, 1930 to Newell J. and Florence R. (Kleckner) Newcomer. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1948 and furthered her education at Hillsdale College and Manchester College graduating in 1952 with a BS in elementary education. She began her teaching career at LaPorte, Indiana school system and earned her master’s degree at Indiana State University while teaching. She also taught one year at Ft. Wayne schools before meeting Howard (Mike) Dennis, Jr.…

(Avid Hunter Of Arrowheads And Indian Artifacts) George Joseph Pochay, Jr., age 79, of Lyons, Ohio, passed away on October 31, 2025, at his home. He was born to Vivian Inez (Ayers) and George Joseph Pochay, Sr. in Lyons, Ohio. George retired after many years as a machinist at Tecumseh Products. Outside of work, he was a man of simple tastes and genuine character—he lived life on his own terms. He made his home in a rustic cabin surrounded by the nature he loved—fields, woods, and wildlife. He had a deep appreciation for the natural world and preferred to let…

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NUNSENSE … The Sisters prepare to clean out the freezer. Pictured left to right is Bria Friend as the Reverend Mother, Kharleigh Kitchen as Sister Hubert, Harlee Salazar as Sister Robert Anne, Henna Beck as Sister Amnesia, and Lexa Wright as Sister Mary Leo. ON STAGE HUMOR … In a humorous moment, Reverend Mother (played by Bria Friend) struggles to collect herself. DREAMS … Sister Amnesia (played by Henna Beck) dreams of recalling her past identity. PHOTOS BY REBEKAH DELL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER CENTER STAGE … Harlee Salazar as Sister Robert Anne shines on stage. By: Rebekah Dell THE…

(1949 Graduate Of West Unity High School) Richard “Dick” Newcomb, 93 of Bryan, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025. He was born December 6, 1931, the son of the late Charles and Genevra (Gross) Newcomb. He was raised in West Unity and graduated from West Unity High School in 1949. He married Mary Ann Rickard in 1952. They were married for 59 years, and she preceded him in death. Dick served our country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1953. He had a long career in pharmaceutical…

(Owned & Operated Grisier Funeral Homes) It is with great sadness that the Grisier family announces the passing of its patriarch, Frederick “Fred” William Grisier, at the age of 88, on November 1, 2025, at the CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice. It is with great faith that we now rejoice in his eternal glory. Fred owned and operated the Grisier Funeral Homes in Stryker, Archbold, and Wauseon, being a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 68 years. He was very proud to be the fourth-generation funeral director of the family business, a legacy that has now reached six generations and 129…

(Member Of Masonic Fulton Lodge 248 In Delta) Thomas “Tom” A. Tuckerman, age 76, a proud Vietnam Veteran and classic car enthusiast, passed away peacefully in his home, Thursday evening, October 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 10, 1949, in Delta, Ohio to Lloyd and Wilma (Ferguson) Tuckerman, Tom lived a life dedicated to service and his family. A proud United States Army Vietnam Veteran, 63rd Signal Corp. Battalion, Tom honorably served his country with two tours. His dedication to his military service remained a point of pride throughout his life. As a member of the…