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How Dillinger robbed a Bluffton bank

Events

/ Sep 18, 2026

Free event hosted by Bluffton Ohio Historical Society

On Saturday, October 10, at 11:55 a.m., the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society (BOHS) will reenact the moment when John Dillinger walked into Citizens National Bank 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 Street, 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.

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Ramseyer shares grandmother’s fight for citizenship during Bluffton Constitution Day Forum

Bluffton University

/ Sep 18, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__A question posed nearly a century ago to Bluffton University alumni Rick Ramseyer’s grandmother continues to raise important questions about citizenship, conscience and what it means to serve one’s country.

Ramseyer ’83, a journalist and author, shared the story of his maternal grandmother, Martha Graber, a Mennonite registered nurse and conscientious objector who was twice denied U.S. citizenship after refusing to say she would take up arms to defend the United States.

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Bluffton Schools exceed state standards on 2025-2026 Ohio Report Card

Living in Bluffton

/ Sep 17, 2026

By Marlena Ballinger

The Bluffton Exempted Village School District received an overall rating of 4.5 (out of 5), exceeds state standards in the 2025-2026 Ohio School Report Card recently issued by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

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New Stories

Christian Nationalism poses problems for American democracy

Columnists

/ September 19, 2026

By Ron Lora

We hear so much about Christian Nationalism that it bears further examination. At its heart is the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation. And more: our laws and policies should reflect that. However, there are two terms in the phrase.

September 18 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming

Sports

/ September 18, 2026

Bluffton Schools athletic events for September 18.

7 p.m. Varsity Football at Stadium Park in Delphos vs Jefferson

Bluffton welcomes incoming class from nine states

Bluffton University

/ September 18, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University welcomes a new class of students to campus this fall, with incoming students bringing a range of academic interests, athletic talents and connections to Bluffton.

September 2026 Bluffton Lions Club update

Business

/ September 18, 2026

FROM BLUFFTON LIONS NEWSLETTER__The Bluffton Lions hosted two speakers in September 2026, Bluffton EMS Chief Noah Babcock and Dr. William Kose, vice-president of Special Projects at Blanchard Valley Health System.

Pirate volleyball sweeps Lima Central Catholic

Sports

/ September 18, 2026

By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__A hot Bluffton High School volleyball team swept visiting Northwest Conference rival Lima Central Catholic on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Pirate boys soccer win vs. Kenton

Sports

/ September 18, 2026

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School boys soccer team swamped visiting WBL foe Kenton 5-1 in a non-league match Thursday, Sept. 17 on a wet Steinmetz Field.

The Pirates improved to 5-3-2 with the home victory. The Wildcats fell to 2-6-1 after the defeat.