BPL UPDATES__Live reptiles will be center stage at the Bluffton Public Library wrap up event for the 2026 Summer Reading program.
The event will be held at Buckeye Park at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, and will feature live reptiles presented by the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District.
Arrive at the park at 1:30 p.m. for a popsicle and prepare to meet the reptiles. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If the weather is bad, the event will move to the library.
To see real-time air quality in your area, visit the AirNow website.
JULY 15 MEDIA RELEASE__Ohio EPA is issuing a statewide Air Quality Advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to adversely impact air quality.
Patricia Althaus, 86, passed away July 14, 2026, at Willow Ridge - Frieda House.
Patricia was born in Port Huron, Michigan to Jason Lyle and Gladys Louise (Durck) Drury who preceded her in death. On December 13, 1958, she married Larry Ned Althaus who preceded her in death on July 20, 2011.
She was a graduate of Harrod High School. She was a homemaker, a member at First Mennonite Church of Bluffton, and a member of Farm Bureau Council 35. She enjoyed quilting, photography, coloring, flowers, and her family.
FROM FACEBOOK__See what it's like to be a Bluffton Sardine! If your child has passed level 3 swim lessons, you may sign them up for Sardines Preview Week, July 20-24, 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Bluffton Council has approved a public event permit for the August 29 Bluffton Porch Fest/Play Music on the Porch Day. This is the third annual event, which coordinates live music performances in neighborhood settings as part of an international celebration.
The first two Bluffton Porch Fest events did not apply for a permit, which officially provides Village permission to play amplified music. The permit also provides location and start and end time guidance for Bluffton Police officers responding to inquiries and complaints.
James "Jim" Lee Edinger, 91, passed away July 13, 2026, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay. Jim was born on January 29, 1935, in Ohio, to the late Robert and Kathleen (Steele) Edinger. On March 24, 1956, he married D. Marie (Wilson) Edinger, who preceded him in death on December 10, 2003.
Jim worked as a millwright at Phillips Display Components in Ottawa and enjoyed woodworking.
MEDIA RELEASE__First National Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Roseann Hoffman to Branch Manager of the Pandora branch. In her new role, Hoffman will oversee daily operations of the branch and continue serving the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses throughout the community.
With more than 20 years of banking experience, Hoffman brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her new position. She began her banking career in 2001 as a teller before advancing through several roles, including Asset Department Associate, Loan Processor, Agricultural Lending Assistant and Credit Administration Assistant.
Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder presented the June 2026 calls for service data to Bluffton council on July 13, noting that 71 traffic stops were notably higher than usual (29 in May 2026). Among 672 calls for service, there were 6 criminal complaints including 1 Animal Abuse, 1 Extortion, 1 Theft, 1 Warrant and 2 Miscellaneous.
