James Michael Augsburger, 71, died at 2:40 a.m., May 19, 2025 at his home in Bluffton. He was born August 15, 1953 in Bluffton to Richard W. and Virginia (Roberts) Augsburger who preceded him in death. James married Deborah Driver.
James was a 1971 graduate of Bluffton High School. He retired in 2016 to spend time with family and friends, and to tinker on the farm. He worked most of his life as a machinist as a tool and die maker.
Attention Homeschoolers! A presentation all about the “Color Our World” Summer Read is available for all ages. Register for either Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. or Friday, May 23 at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.BlufftonPublicLibrary.org/
MAY 18 MEDIA RELEASE__Trinity Lutheran School’s graduation will be held on Sunday, May 25 in the 10:30 a.m. service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 301 North Main Street, Jenera.
Olivia Siefker is the class speaker. The class members are: Miranda Lynn Achey, Isabella Jade Norway and Olivia Nicole Siefker.
The class verse is Romans 10:17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Class colors are maroon, black and gold and the class flower is the white rose.
MAY 19 MEDIA RELEASE__A tradition which dates back more than 150 years continues to bring veterans and families together in Bluffton. The tradition: decorating the graves of America’s war veterans, known now as Memorial Day.
The members of Bluffton American Legion Post # 382 understand the bond and tradition: “We invite citizens of Bluffton and surrounding communities to join us in remembering those who died for our Freedom.”
By Ali Rees
Blanchard Valley Health System Physician Recruiter
Since “The Great Resignation” in 2021, workforce shortages have become increasingly common across industries. The healthcare sector, already strained by the pandemic, has faced significant challenges, particularly in maintaining adequate physician staffing. However, physician shortages are not new. They have been building for years due to population growth, aging demographics, rising healthcare costs, and a limited pipeline of new physician trainees.
