Calling all hungry teenagers, grades 6-12! Stop by Bluffton Public Library after school to hone your chef skills and create a delicious snack, appetizer, or dessert.
We will meet at 3:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month: March 23 and April 27. No registration is required.
Larry Eugene Barrett, 75, passed away March 16, 2026, at 9:59 p.m. at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. Larry was born January 12, 1951, in Lima to the late Charles and Waneta (Crouse) Barrett. On September 7, 1975, he married Sheila Luginbuhl Barrett, who survives.
MEDIA RELEASE__Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) as one of its 2025 All-Star Training Centers, a distinction awarded to organizations that demonstrate exceptional performance in delivering CPR and emergency cardiovascular care education.
The recognition highlights training centers that consistently meet or exceed national standards for high-quality CPR training, adherence to Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) guidelines, and strong program performance metrics.
The March 17 Forum included a tribute to Loretta (Hilty ‘61) Baumgartner and was sponsored by members of the class of 1961.
MEDIA RELEASE__As a recent Bluffton University Forum speaker, alumn Malissa Takacs ’01 challenged students to consider how purpose, relationships and service shape both career paths and lifelong impact.
9:50 a.m. sirens test announced by Allen and Hancock counties
FROM FACEBOOK__Today, March 18, at 9:50 AM, Allen County will take part in Ohio’s statewide tornado drill. This is a great opportunity to practice your severe weather safety plan at home, work, or school.
When the sirens sound, take a moment to act it out—not just think it through. Head to your safe place and remember D.U.C.K.:
D – Go Down
Move to the lowest level of your building (basement if available).
Pack a lunch and meet up with other homeschool families at Bluffton Public LIbrary for informal social time and a fun story, activity, game, and/or craft.
Meet downstairs in the large activity room at noon on the following Fridays: March 20 and April 17. No registration required.
MEDIA RELEASE__Columbus Grove/Bluffton Rd. between Tom Fett Rd. and Bentley Rd. will be closed for tree removal on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. both days.
There will be no access during this closure. Please find an alternate route.
For more information, contact Allen County Engineer at 419-228-3196.
MEDIA RELEASE__Rev. Michael Danner, associate executive director for church vitality with Mennonite Church USA, will present a Forum titled “Sports as a Spiritual Discipline” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Drawing on his experience as a denominational leader and high school track coach, Danner will discuss how sports participation can serve as a practice of faith and discipleship.
Bargain Hunter columnist speaks on living in a conservative bubble
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University hosted Melissa Herrera, writer and author, as the featured speaker for the 2026 English Festival Forum. Herrera, who grew up in the Holmes County Mennonite community, shared her journey as a columnist, author, and storyteller, offering insights into writing beyond familiar perspectives.
Herrera, whose weekly column ran for 15 years in the Bargain Hunter, reflected on the challenges of engaging with an audience that often held differing views.
