Van Wert County Bluegrass Festival has special visitors

Local author publishes new book

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert resident Joe Ginter has completed a new book, “1981’s I Wanted to Be Famous: A Zany Quest of Faith Rereleased and Revamped,” a delightful journey back to those carefree days when anything seemed possible.

Originally conceived in 1979 and first published in 1981, this whimsical collection captures the author’s youthful fantasies about fame and fortune through cleverly illustrated photographs paired with amusing narratives. The book invites readers to revisit those goofy childhood aspirations we all harbored: the wild ambitions that once felt so certain and achievable.

Joe Ginter’s path to publication was anything but conventional. Beginning his project with dreams of joining National Lampoon magazine’s legendary comedy roster, Ginter faced unexpected obstacles that redirected his creative journey. After the tragic loss of the publication’s co-founder Doug Kenney in 1980, followed by his own five-year health struggle and two major surgeries, Ginter eventually channeled his comedic talents into a 34 year career as an elementary teacher. During those decades in the classroom, he collaborated with students to create the beloved Ditchmen series, and after retirement, he continued his literary pursuits with additional works. Now, with this revamped edition, Ginter has enhanced his original vision for contemporary audiences.

“1981’s I Wanted to Be Famous” resonates with both nostalgia and spiritual depth, blending lighthearted humor with profound encouragement. The book tackles the American obsession with success and recognition while gently challenging readers to reconsider what truly matters in life. Through entertaining anecdotes and remarkable photographs, Ginter invites adults and younger readers alike to laugh at their former ambitions while discovering renewed perspective through faith-based wisdom. Readers will find themselves smiling at memories of childhood dreams while gaining fresh insight into the values that endure beyond the fleeting pursuit of fame.

“I wanted to share the joy and laughter of youthful dreams with readers of all ages,” Ginter said. “This revamped edition brings back the humor and nostalgia while adding encouragement and biblical perspective that I’ve developed over my years of teaching and reflection.”

Teachers union plans scholarship dinner

Submitted information

The Van Wert Federation of Teachers are hosting its annual fundraiser before Van Wert’s homecoming football game against St. Marys Memorial on Friday, October 2. The scholarship dinner will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Goedde Building gymnasium.

If you did not purchase a ticket, walk-ins will be welcome. Meals are $8 for adults and $5 for children and include a grilled burger, hot dog, or bratwurst, sides, desert, and drink. All proceeds benefit the Anita Zuber Future Teacher Scholarship, which is a fund that awards scholarships to Van Wert High School seniors entering the field of education.

Car vs. tractor…

Just after 7 p.m. Thursday a car on Dustman Rd. went off the road and struck a small John Deere tractor that was sitting off the roadway. The tractor was not in use at the time. The driver was westbound on Dustman Rd. and was blinded by the very low angle of the sun and went off the road, striking the tractor. The driver of the car was not injured. The car received extensive damage and the tractor sustained moderate damage. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol were at the scene. Bob Barnes photos

Dillinger reenactment planned in Bluffton

Submitted information

BLUFFTON — At exactly 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will reenact the moment when John Dillinger walked into Citizens National Bank in the village on August 14, 1933 and stole $2,100.

The historically accurate script is written by Fred Steiner, narrated by Kevin Gratz, and involves a dozen volunteers playing the parts of eyewitnesses to the daylight robbery. The reenactment will take place at the intersection of Main and Cherry St., closing part of Main, Church and Cherry streets for the event.

Loud noise alert: Small Black Cat fireworks will be used during the reenactment to simulate gunfire used by Dillinger’s gang as they exited the bank.

The annual Wake the Dead ride, hosted by Joe Bayliff’s Route 30 Harley-Davidson dealership in Upper Sandusky, will bring a crowd of Harleys into town for the reenactment.

Additionally, the historical society has invited local motorcycle groups to take part in a motorcycle show along Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The society has also invited a number of classic cars, especially 1930s models, into town to park on Church Street to provide a period-appropriate backdrop to the reenactment. If the weather is particularly fair, the society expects upwards of one hundred and fifty bikes.

Local youth will be judging the motorcycles and awarding three prizes: Public Enemy Number 1, the Accomplice, and the Outlaw to selected bikers.

If the weather proves inclement, the reenactment will move indoors to the Bluffton Middle School Cafetorium, 116 S. Jackson St.

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society thanked Chief Ryan Burkholder and Springfield Fireworks for donating Black Cat fireworks for this event.

For more information on the event, visit blufftonforever.com.

Report card, personnel covered at meeting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The results of the latest school report card was the focus of Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education. Superintendent Mark Bagley and Director of Curriculum Chris Covey delivered it as a “State of the District” presentation.

Van Wert City Schools received an overall rating of 3.5 stars, the same as last year. Van Wert received a 3 in achievement and progress, 4 in gap closing, a 5 in graduation, 2 in early literacy and 4 in college, career, workforce and military readiness.

Covey noted the 4-star rating in college, career, workforce and military readiness was an improvement from a 2-star rating last year. He attributed the improvement to the district’s Career Education Opportunity (CEO) program, which is offered to seniors as an elective course where students are released during the school day and partnered with either a teacher to provide educational experiences or local businesses which will provide internships, apprenticeships, or other business opportunities.

“Folks are coming to us from all across the state asking about that program because it’s successful, it’s really good, people in our community love this and I thoroughly believe it’s led to graduates staying in or coming back to Van Wert,” Covey said.

He also addressed the 2-star rating in early literacy and said changes by the state had a negative impact on the score. He noted 82.1 percent of Ohio districts received a 1 or 2-star rating in that category.

“I do believe that we are continuing to improve,” he said. “I do appreciate the work we do and I believe in the work we’re doing and I think we have the right people doing the work.”

Van Wert man facing lengthy prison term

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A Van Wert man named in a major drug indictment this past summer agreed to a plea deal.

During a recent hearing in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Devin Couch, 21, of Van Wert changed his plea to guilty four charges: possession of cocaine, a first degree felony; possession of drugs, a second degree felony; possession of hashish, a second degree felony, and possession of marijuana, a third degree felony. 

Judge Martin D. Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 2 p.m. October 20. According to Van Wert County Prosecutor Dillon Staas, IV, Couch could receive a prison sentence of between 12-20 years.  

Couch was indicted on eight charges in July — trafficking in cocaine, a first degree felony with a major drug offender specification; possession of cocaine, a first degree felony with a major drug offender specification; aggravated trafficking in drugs, a second degree felony; aggravated possession of drugs, a second degree felony; trafficking in hashish, a second degree felony; possession of hashish, a second degree felony; trafficking in marijuana, a third degree felony, and possession of marijuana, a third degree felony. Each of the eight charges carried a one-year firearm specification, along with eight specifications for forfeiture of guns.

All of the charges were tied to a police call on December 21, 2025. The Van Wert Police Department and Van Wert EMS were dispatched the possible overdose situation in the 700 block of N. Washington St. Police and paramedics arrived to find a younger male on the floor, unresponsive. He was treated by EMS and was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.

Wednesday afternoon fire…

A fire broke out at home on Van Wert-Willshire Road at approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday. Ohio City Fire Department was paged to the active fire and mutual aid was immediately called for from Van Wert, Wren, Rockford, and Convoy for tankers and equipment. The blaze was quickly put down but caused heavy damage to the home with it being reported as unlivable. One person was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital and a cat was lost in the fire. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and later Van Wert County CERT assisted with traffic control. CERT also helped keep first responders hydrated and assisted the victims of the fire with their immediate needs. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Four defendants appear in local court

VW independent staff

Two people were arraigned and two others changed their respective pleas during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Monday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 23. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Ernie Teman, 51, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. He was released on surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8:30 a.m. October 7. 

Benjamin Seibert, 35, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. He was released on surety bond, and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. October 14.

Theresa Bakle, 40, of Van Wert, changed her guilty to two counts of aggravated possession of drugs, fifth degree felonies. She then requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and her case was stayed pending completion of the treatment program. She was also ordered to pay court costs. 

Tyler Pessefall, 28, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty of assault, a misdemeanor. Judge Burchfield ordered a misdemeanor report and set sentencing for 9 a.m. October 28.

Local Democrats gather…

The Van Wert County Democratic Party held its fall banquet Tuesday night and former Governor Ted Strikland was the keynote speaker at the event. Shown above from left to right are Van Wert County Democratic Party Chair Kirsten Barnhart., Ted Strickland, Maddux McCray (running for Ohio House District 82 seat) and Joshua Kolasinski (running for Ohio’s Fourth District Congressional seat). Photo submitted

Man who set fire to mail sentenced

VW independent staff

TOLEDO — A former mail carrier from Van Wert was sentenced in federal court this week for setting fire to undelivered mail last fall.

Kyle Carver was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Toledo to three years of probation and fined $100 on a felony charge of delay or destruction of mail. He pleaded guilty to the charge in June.

During the early morning hours of October 22, 2025, the Van Wert Police Department received a call from a concerned citizen in reference to a fire that was unattended in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of George St.

When an officer went to investigate, there was evidence of USPS mail being burned. It was confirmed that Carver lived at the residence and was allegedly burning undelivered mail there. The Van Wert Fire Department was called to extinguish the fire. The investigation was turned over to postmaster Greg McKeddie, who arrived on scene less than 45 minutes after the initial call.

In an interview with WANE 15 TV the day of the incident, Carver said “he’d forgotten to send out the mail to Central Ave, and said he noticed the pile in his truck this and, for fear of getting in trouble, put the 6-inch stack of envelopes in his fire pit and lit it on fire.” He also said he regretted his actions.