Carol J. Bell completed her earthly journey on May 13, 2026. She transitioned to her eternal heavenly home in the same way she approached everything, with dignity and grace.
Carol was loved by all who knew her. She made sure her family and friends always knew how deeply she cared for them. She lived each day guided by three clear priorities: family, faith, and fun.
Carol married Tom Bell on February 11, 1967, in Bluffton, Ohio. In 1969, they moved to Columbus, Ohio, and eventually settled in Westerville, where they built a beautiful life together.
The Ohio Northern University Department of Art & Design is officially seeking ceramic works by Bruce Chesser for an upcoming retrospective exhibition at the Elzay Gallery of Art. If you currently own pieces by Professor Chesser and would be willing to provide them on loan for the duration of the show, we would love to hear from you.
MEDIA RELEASE__The State of Ohio has announced $61 million in grants to help communities in 75 counties clean up contaminated properties and prepare them for new life. This includes a former gas station property in the Village of Beaverdam.
Allen County Land Reutilization Corporation (Allen County)
Project Name: Former Beaverdam Gas Station
$65,000 Assessment
MEDIA RELEASE__A new policy brief released this week by researchers Jessica Swanson, Ph.D., Curtis Ware, and Gabriel Mott provides a comprehensive analysis of Ohio’s ongoing “unofficial moratorium” on executions, highlighting the growing complexities and consequences of the state’s prolonged pause on capital punishment.
SWANTON__The visiting Bluffton High School softball team lost 12-1 at Swanton in a Div. V Northwest 2 sectional final matchup on Wednesday, May 13.
The second-seeded Bulldogs led just 1-0 after two innings, then plated five runs in the home half of the third to break the game open.
The Pirate girls scored their lone run in the top of the fourth frame when senior outfielder Macy Schaadt swatted a solo home run. The blast cut the deficit to 6-1.
MEDIA RELEASE__Check out programs coming to the Pandora branch of the Putnam County District Library, 304 Hilty Dr., in June 2026:
Addie presents a Tech Program: Passwords Made Easy
June 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Join Addie from the Putnam County District Library for an informative, free program on making passwords easy. RSVP required: Call 419-523-4121. This program is presented in conjunction with the Putnam County Council on Aging Inc. and is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
FROM FACEBOOK__A pancake breakfast and craft show on Saturday, May 16 will benefit the Bluffton Lions Club. The event promises "a day full of delicious food and amazing handmade treasures."
By Micah Stoner, Student Pharmacist and Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team
MEDIA RELEASE_On April 23, 1971, the Carpenters released their song Rainy Days and Mondays. The Carpenter siblings were Richard, an older brother, and Karen, a sister. Richard grew up learning the piano, while Karen played the drums. Both provided vocals for the group, but Karen’s voice was what made the group recognizable. Karen’s voice was described as a warm, rich, velvety contralto spanning 3 octaves. In 1971, the Carpenters won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
FROM BSC HAPPENINGS__First Mennonite Church will serve the Community Meal at the Bluffton Senior Center on May 21. All meals start at 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public. A free will offering is taken to help support the Bluffton food pantry.
