LIMA__The Bluffton High School swim teams fared well in the Div. II sectionals at the Lima YMCA on Saturday, February 14.
Ten Pirates qualified to district competition in individual events, and three Bluffton relay teams also made it to the Bowling Green district in relay events.
BOYS RESULTS
Pirate senior ace Jackson Bowlus touched first in the 50-yard freestyle in 22.47, beating out 60 swimmers. He also out-swam the 32-swimmer field in the 100 backstroke (54.15) to touch first.
The theme of love finds its way into many songs over the years. In 1955, the popular hit "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" was first recorded by the group The Four Aces. Later, it became even more loved when recorded by Nat King Cole and Andy Williams. The first lyrics are as follows:
Love is a many splendored thing,
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring,
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living.
When Valentine's Day approaches, love comes to mind in many men's thoughts. They take a long time browsing over Valentine's cards in stores, looking to find the perfect expression of their love for the recipient.
COLUMBUS GROVE__The Bluffton High School wrestling team captured the championship at the eight-team Northwest Conference meet hosted by Columbus Grove on Saturday, February 14.
The Pirate matmen tallied 204 points to repeat as champs and out-distance second-place Crestview (189). Perennial power Allen East finished a solid third with 180.5 points. LCC came in fourth with 163.
Allen Soil and Water Conservation District recommendations
MEDIA RELEASE__Just because the weather is warming up and snow has melted doesn’t mean it’s safe to spread manure. When the ground is still frozen or saturated, nutrients can’t soak into the soil. Instead, melting snow and runoff can carry manure straight into ditches, streams and rivers.
BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School boys basketball team responded to a big halftime deficit with a second-half outburst to defeat visiting local rival Allen East 52-44 in the Northwest Conference finale on Friday, February 13.
AE led 24-13 at intermission, but the Pirates exploded for 39 points in the second half to win by eight.
By Franki Hatten
Volunteer Coordinator, Blanchard Valley Health System
Hancock County runs on people who show up. Our community thrives because neighbors step in, lend a hand, and give their time to causes that matter. Local organizations depend on this generosity every day—from supporting older adults through the Findlay Area Agency on Aging, to serving meals at the Findlay Community Kitchen, to helping the Hancock County Humane Society care for animals in need.
Volunteers also play a huge role at Blanchard Valley Health System, where they welcome visitors, assist staff, offer companionship to patients, run gift shops, help with administrative work and even deliver flowers and mail. These efforts don’t just fill gaps—they expand what’s possible. By saving resources and increasing reach, volunteers help essential services do more for more people.
HARROD__The visiting Bluffton High School girls basketball team raced to a big early lead and smothered backyard Northwest Conference rival Allen East 44-28 in their regular season finale showdown on Thursday, February 12.
Bluffton built a 13-3 lead after the first quarter as sophomore guard Maelee Miller poured in 10 early points, hitting two three-point goals.
Steady Pirate senior Blair Utendorf then buried two triples in the second stanza despite AE closing within 21-14 at halftime.
FROM YOUTUBE__Maumee Bay Turf Inc. recently shared this video celebrating and documenting the construction of the new turf practice field that expands space for recess, marching band practice and sports practices. The accompanying soundtrack even sings out P-I-R-A-T-E-S.
