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Weekend Doctor: Don't risk eclipse eye damage

By Stephen Orr, MD, Ophthalmology
Medical Staff Member - Blanchard Valley Health System 

The residents in this area will have a front-row seat for the total eclipse of the sun on Monday, April 8, 2024. For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With proper preparation and precautions, it is possible to safely observe the eclipse without damaging your eyes. 

“Eclipse blindness” is caused by the exposure of the retina (the back part of the eye) to high-intensity visible light. The rods and cones (the cells responsible for vision) can be permanently damaged by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during an event like an eclipse, even when there does not appear to be much light from the sun. This damage can cause permanent, irreversible visual loss by two different mechanisms. First, the light itself causes chemical reactions within the cells that cause them to stop functioning. Second, the actual heat from the sun burns and destroys certain layers of the retina. The end result is visual loss that can be permanent, and for which there is no current treatment.  

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Grants to support Bluffton University MSW students

Starting in fall 2024, Bluffton University will provide up to $10,000 in financial support to Bluffton University Master of Social Work students who are pursuing careers in high-need areas such as substance abuse counseling and mental-health treatment. Funding comes from the Great Minds Fellowship Grant awarded to Bluffton University by the Ohio Department of Higher Education,

Winfred Allen Grismore worked for Tower Automotive

Winfred Allen Grismore, 87, passed away on March 15, 2024 at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton, Ohio. He was born February 13, 1937 in Bluffton to Maurice and Lenola Nusbaum Grismore. Winfred was preceded in death by his parents.  

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Plan a sober driver this St. Patrick’s Day

From Lima Allen County Regional Planning Commission

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States extend as far back as the American colonial period and is one of our nation’s most popular holidays, celebrated with festivals, parades and parties. These celebrations frequently feature themed cocktails and green pints, and the amount of alcohol consumed is higher than average.

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CPR class in Bluffton on March 17

An adult heartsaver and AED CPR class will be offered from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Bluffton EMS building, 115 E. Washington St.

The cost is $23 for book, card and mask.

Please email Meri Skilliter to register at [email protected].

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Indian Lake area devastated by suspected tornado on March 14

Update March 16

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Among tornado and severe thunderstorm activity in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky on Thursday, March 14, three deaths and devastating damage are reported from the Indian Lake area.

A joint statement with the Logan County EMA and Logan County Sheriff’s Office (3/15/2024 1909)

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