MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Lions Club is pleased to announce the 2025 Citizens of the Year Award to Steve and Susie Stratton. The Strattons have been operating Stratton Greenhouses for 47 years. Their commitment, investment and passion for many local projects have greatly benefited the Bluffton community.
Bluffton High School artists submitted 27 pieces for the 56th annual Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition and had seven pieces advance to the second round of judging. Work by Calvin Derstine, Nick Lovett and Lizzy Suter was selected to advance and Suter is a finalist with work in the Columbus exhibition.
The three artists are students of Bluffton High School teacher Vicky Garmon.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bill Herr at the Bluffton Senior Center, which he visits weekly. I hope you enjoy your 15 minutes with Bill as much as I did.
Where did you grow up?
I was born at Bluffton Community Hospital on July 5th, 1939 and grew up on a farm three miles south of Bluffton on Bentley Road. My father, Edgar, was a farmer and I helped him farm. When World War II ended, dad was asked by the state of Ohio, among others, who had a master's degree in agriculture to teach veterans who came back from the war who wanted to farm.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton High School proudly recognizes Elizabeth (Ellie) Hartzler as the February 2026 Student of the Month. Ellie is a senior with a 4.00 GPA. She is the daughter of Greg and Laura Hartzler of Bluffton.
An accomplished student, Ellie has been deeply involved in the performing arts throughout her high school career. She is a four-year member of the BHS flag corps and has served as team captain for the past two years. Ellie also participates in band, choir, strings and show choir, demonstrating her passion for music across multiple ensembles.
MEDIA RELEASE__Dr. Amanda Wagner of Wapakoneta has assumed the role of President of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). She formally accepted the gavel of the OVMA President from outgoing president Dr. Michelle Harchaduring the Association's annual business meeting on Feb. 28.
