Local writers and stories
Rachel Bontrager was almost 18 and considered by many the prettiest girl in Lagrange County. She enjoyed being Amish and was engaged to a handsome Amish boy Amos Hostetler. Her only problem was that they were not allowed to read novels, so she had to hide her Gene Stratton Porter books. On the evening of…
By: Mark Holtsberry Mathias Coplin was born in Antwerp, Ohio, January 15, 1891. The son of James L. Jr. born January 20, 1868 in Ohio, and Anna M. (Yenser) Coplin, born August 22, 1875 in Sandusky, Ohio. This couple was married July 13, 1890 in Paulding, Ohio. Three children were born into this marriage. Mathias…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a list of 14 common fraud schemes on its “Scams and Safety” web page, including credit card theft. The thief makes small purchases with your stolen credit card number and sees if they go through, if they do, then they hit your account for bigger purchases. You should…
“Serving overseas as a small-town boy from America is intense, stressful and humorous! Enjoy a light-hearted story with me from our last 20 years overseas!” — Matt Celebrate the Fourth with Americans I have many memories of growing up and watching the fireworks for the Fourth of July while straining my neck upwards while sitting…
By: Ron Burt It was a busy 4-day Memorial weekend of racing in the tri-state. I have a complete rundown on my Facebook page, Ohio Sports Blitz. I will run through key races here that took place over the holiday. In Ohio on Friday, May 26th, Travis Philo pulled his wing back and blasted away…
I Played ln The Band I Sowed A Seed I played in the band, I sang in the choir I wrote a few songs that gave a few people hope Every once in awhile I started a fire. I know -0 about music. I’m just an ordinary man and I don’t particularly excel in anything.…
By: Mark Holtsberry Bert Admiral Zeigler Sr. Was born May 14, 1876 in Fulton, Morrow County, Ohio. The son of William born 1848 in Ohio and Mary (Perkins) Zeigler, born 1853 in England. This couple was married February 22, 1874 in Huron, Ohio. In 1880, the Zeigler couple and two children, Bert five and sister…
Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker I have always been a big fan of wrestling. Years ago my old aunt and I used to stay up late on Friday nights and watch wrestling on TV. We would holler for the good guys and loudly BOO the so called “bad guys.” I was so scared…
“Serving overseas as a small-town boy from America is intense, stressful and humorous! Enjoy a light-hearted story with me from our last 20 years overseas!” —Matt Go with Plan D, which is Plan A Whenever I shop in my small Indiana town or nearby towns, I am thankful for their hours of service and also…
By: Ron Burt The 10-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion got the monkey off his back Friday, May 19th at Attica Raceway Park, Donnie Schatz took the lead on the white flag lap, grabbing the victory and earning his first series’ win of 2023. It’s hard to believe it’s May, and Schatz picked…
An estate plan is not just for high-net-worth individuals, it’s for everyone who is single, has a spouse, has a partner, has dependents, owns a business, has investments, has retirement funds, owns property, or has material possessions of value such as a car. An estate plan may reduce estate taxes and shield your beneficiaries from…
By: Mark Holtsberry The story of the Ralph Owen Brattain family is a sad but strange one and ends up being an unsolved mystery. Now that I have caught your attention, this fella was born in Antwerp February 28, 1897. The son of Dr. Giles M. born October of 1863 in Ohio and Bertie Alba…
Come for a couple hours or a day. Plan to have lunch at the Country Store or a snack at the coffee shop. An old town with some very unique stores that has had many improvements in the last few years. I grew up on a farm 2 miles south of Grabill and remember the…
