MEDIA RELEASE__Christine Denecker, Ph.D., a Bluffton resident, has been appointed as the University of Findlay’s vice president of academic affairs, effective January 1.
Denecker has served as interim vice president since August 1. She succeeds Darin Fields, Ph.D., who served for 12 years in the role. He remains at UF as an English professor and assists in the institutional research office on University-wide initiatives, including academic program review.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton High School is proud to recognize senior Aubrey Burkholder as the December 2025 Student of the Month. Aubrey is the daughter of Chad and Anna Burkholder of Bluffton.
Aubrey has excelled academically in her time at Bluffton, earning a 3.970 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been a standout athlete throughout her high school career.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Lions Club is pleased to learn that the winner of the local 2025 Peace Poster Contest has been selected as the winner of the Lions district-level contest for northwestern Ohio.
The winner, Lydia Gratz, is a 7th-grade art student in Bluffton Middle School. She is the daughter of Dan and Joanna Gratz. She had previously been awarded as the local winner in the November 18 Lions Club meeting.
Columbus Grove took home top honors at the 2025 Northwest Conference Scholastic Bowl Tournament held Friday, December 19, at The Ohio State University at Lima. Crestview was runner-up in the varsity competition. Fort Loramie won the junior varsity division in its first appearance at the tournament, and Bluffton was runner-up.
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By Paula Pyzik Scott
Bluffton High School senior Kain Wright has signed a National Letter of Intent with Ashland University Track and Field. Wright plans to major in actuarial science.
Kain is the son of Kerris and Krista Wright and is an active member of Emmanuel Church in Columbus Grove.
The ceremonial signing took place on Friday, December 19 at the BHS gym with family, friends and teammates on hand.
Bluffton Food Pantry distributes "comforters" to families at Christmas
MEDIA RELEASE__For the past six to seven years, 100-year-old Jeanette Kidd has spent her free time stitching together something far more meaningful than fabric. With steady hands and a generous heart, the longtime community member has created and donated an estimated 100 handmade lap quilts to the Bluffton Food Pantry, ensuring that families in need receive not only a meal, but a touch of comfort and warmth at Christmas.
