MEDIA RELEASE_Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is proud to announce that the computed tomography (CT) department at Bluffton Hospital has successfully achieved reaccreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR).
American Legion Post 382 will host Bluffton's 2026 Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies at Maple Grove Cemetery on Monday, May 25. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Bluffton Town Hall and proceed down Main and Grove streets. The ceremony at Maple Grove will begin at 10:00 a.m.
By Brittany Araki, MD
Pediatric Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Hospital
Did you know, there’s more than one kind of NICU? NICUs, or neonatal intensive care units, are specialized hospital units that provide around-the-clock, advanced medical treatment for newborns. They integrate state-of-the-art technology with skilled professionals to assist infants facing issues at the start of their lives. There are four categories of NICUs, which are defined by the types of babies they care for and the treatments they offer.
MEDIA RELEASE_The Bluffton Public Library will be hosting a short presentation on the indigenous Three Sisters Garden method on Tuesday, June 2, at 6:00 p.m.
Participants will go home with a collection of seeds featured in the presentation, which will include three of the oldest corn, beans, and squash seed varieties found in America. The seeds will be donated by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. The program is open to adults, teens, and children with an accompanying adult and will be held at the library in the lower level.
MEDIA RELEASE__On May 4, 2026, Crystal Cisco of Lima, Ohio was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for extortion. The FBI investigated Cisco for her role in defrauding and orchestrating a scheme targeting elderly and vulnerable victims.
Cisco potentially faces charges of wire fraud, extortion, receiving proceeds of extortion, and interstate communications with intent to extort.
The 2026 Spring newsletter has been mailed to all Bluffton local school residents. It includes messages from all three school principals and the following "Superintendent News" from Superintendent Greg Denecker. OPEN THE PDF NEWSLETTER
SUPERINTENDENT NEWS
The school year is quickly coming to a close with an early dismissal at 1:00 P.M. on the last day, Wednesday, May 27. We hope all our students had a positive experience in our district.
MEDIA RELEASE_ The BVHS Auxiliary awarded a $1,000 scholarship in memory of dedicated local volunteer Marty Lemley to Isabella Ellerbrock, a 2026 graduate of Bluffton High School. Ellerbrock will attend Ohio University to pursue a degree in nursing.
The Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) Auxiliary also awarded 10 $1,000 scholarships to students from Hancock County and surrounding areas pursuing careers in healthcare.
FROM FACEBOOK_Those wishing to have a pool party may do so at the Bluffton Community Pool. According to a Facebook post, patrons may rent the pool before or after regular pool hours for $375. This is for a 2-hour rental, and a $75 deposit must be made at the time of booking.
MEDIA RELEASE__ NAMI Hancock County, the local affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, presents new Family-to-Family and Peer-to-Peer mental health education programs.
FAMILY TO FAMILY
NAMI Family-to-Family is an 8-session educational program for family members, partners and friends of adults living with mental health conditions. The course is designed to help all loved ones understand and support someone living with a mental health condition, while maintaining their own well-being.
MEDIA RELEASE__Dr. Mary Robinson has been named vice president and dean of academic affairs at Bluffton University, effective July 1, 2026.
Robinson holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in history from Florida State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from University of Nebraska at Omaha. She brings more than 20 years of higher education experience in the small, liberal arts landscape.
