September 2023

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On September 15, the Ohio Department of Education released detailed 2022-2023 school report cards for individual schools and for school districts, which can be accessed HERE. New in 2023, Ohio schools will receive overall ratings of 1-5 stars in half-star increments. The report cards include five rated components as well as other data.

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Dr. Amy Mullins, associate professor of education and director of graduate programs in education, and Katrina Stone ’25, Bluffton University information technology major, will present the Colloquium, “Phonics Innovations: Technology and Education Departments Collaborating to Provide Literacy Tools” at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 in Centennial Hall’s Stutzman Lecture Hall.

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The Bluffton Schools will hold a district-wide open house on Monday evening, September 25 with the following staggered schedule;

  • Elementary school - 5:00-6:00 p.m.
  • Middle school - 5:30-6:30 p.m.
  • High school - 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Several community organizations will have booths set up in the elementary gymnasium and information will be available on ways to provide support to the schools and community.

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Bluffton University has again been named to the top tier of Midwest Regional Colleges in the “U.S. News & World Report” rankings. Results were recently released for the 2024 “Best Colleges” guidebook.

The publication ranks Bluffton 22 among comparable institutions in the Midwest region improving 14 spots from 2023. Now featured in the “U.S. News” rankings for 26 consecutive years, Bluffton has consistently ranked in the top tier of Midwest colleges.

The report overview reads, "Bluffton University is a private institution that was founded in 1899. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 664 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 235 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.... Its tuition and fees are $36,298." The university's acceptance rate is listed as 96%.

Bluffton is also recognized with a ranking of nine in Best Value Schools for Midwest Regional Colleges and seven for Top Performers for Social Mobility in Midwest Regional Colleges.

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In Loving Memory of Kay Clauss Gebhardt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Kay Clauss Gebhardt, who departed this world on Tuesday, September 5th at the age of 84. She passed away peacefully at Lake Granbury Hospital Emergency Room, surrounded by her children, Ted and Heidi.

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FOOTBALL: Adrian holds off Bluffton 23-15
ADRIAN, Mich.–The Bluffton University football team struggled to put points on the board in a 23-15 loss at Adrian College on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Bluffton fell to 1-2 on the season after its second straight loss to an MIAA squad, while Adrian picked up its first win of the season. FULL STORY at BlufftonBeavers.com

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A Findlay man led law enforcement on a high speed chase and avoided capture in a cornfield on September 18, according to a report from Your Hometown Stations of Lima.

Findlay police attemped to pull over Jaden Thomas, 29, who was driving a stolen car. Thomas was recognized as having a warrant out for his arrest.

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Rehearsals for Bluffton University’s 129th performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays each week starting Oct. 3.

There are a total of nine rehearsals, as well as the dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 9 and concert on Sunday, Dec. 10. Rehearsals will take place in the Gilliom Room of Mosiman Hall.

All singers, from high school students to adults, are invited to join the chorus, which includes Bluffton students, faculty, staff and community members. There is no cost to participate. 

Rehearsals will lead to the traditional Advent-season performance in Yoder Recital Hall at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Dr. Bo Young Kang, director of choral activities, will conduct the performance, also featuring regional soloists and an orchestra. 

For more information, contact Dr. Kang at [email protected] or the music department office at 419-358-3347. 

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By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School girls tennis team defeated host St. Marys decisively 4-1 Monday evening, September 18.

The Pirate netters improved to 4-6 with the road win.

Senior Brooke Camper won at first singles with a 6-0, 6-0 double bagel over senior Sophie James.

Pirate junior Brooklyn Moser also triumphed easily at third singles 6-2, 6-1 over senior Kadence MacLean. 

The Bluffton tandem of senior Leah Klinger and sophomore Hannah Nieman gutted out a 6-2, 7-6 (11-9) victory at first doubles.

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The Bluffton Police Department will be holding a dedication ceremony for a new Fallen Officers Memorial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23. 

The memorial will be located in front of the Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St. The public is invited to attend this dedication and unveiling of the memorial display. 

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