"Wake the Dead" Harley riders visit for Dillinger reenactment
By Paula Pyzik Scott / Photos by Mark Yoder
Fortunately, the August 1933 robbery of Bluffton’s Citizens National Bank isn’t the most notorious chapter in gangster John Dillinger’s career. The four men involved in the heist warned local shopkeepers to stay out of sight. Bullets struck several downtown buildings, but no one was injured. Other details of that day, including the involvement of 14 witnesses, have become part of Bluffton history and legend.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton High School is proud to recognize senior Nora Matthews as the September 2026 Student of the Month. The daughter of Brendon and Renee Matthews of Bluffton, Nora has distinguished herself through academics, athletics, leadership, the arts, and service to her school and community.
Nora has excelled academically throughout her high school career, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking college-level courses in mathematics at Rhodes State and English and sociology courses through the University of Findlay. Her scholarly achievements have been recognized throughout high school. Matthews obtained academic honors in ninth-grade science and history, tenth-grade English, and eleventh-grade design, chemistry, and government. She is a member of the National Honor Society, BHS Student Senate, and serves as senior class president.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP) has released a new explainer examining the role, benefits, and procedural steps of chartered municipalities in Ohio. Authored by Curtis Ware, Evan Kimmel, and Laureen Childs, the publication, titled "ICAPP Examines: Chartered Cities/Municipalities in Ohio," details how local communities can exercise Home Rule authority to tailor local government structure to community-specific needs.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Women in Business meeting will be held on the third floor of the Town Hall on Wednesday, October 15 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Brie Sprunger, MBA Program Director at Bluffton University, will present the program, and marketing students from Bluffton University will also participate.
Women in Business Meetings are an opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas, and support one another while building relationships with other women in our community.
FROM FACEBOOK__ The Bluffton High School Leo Club is collecting used eyeglasses as part of the global mission of Lions Club International to combat blindness.
Collection dates are through Friday, October 16.
Send glasses to school with a Bluffton student or drop them off at any of the school offices.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Swiss Community Historical Society will present Night at the Museum on Saturday, October 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Meet historic characters from the Swiss Settlement as you tour Swiss Heritage Center exhibits.
Guests will encounter several makerspaces in the museum where they can create a take-home craft. Costumed docents will provide information as you tour the 1843 Schumacher Homestead by candlelight. At the 1854 barn, you will hear pioneer stories around the fire.
MEDIA RELEASE__Ron Bowerman will conduct a woodcarving workshop at the Swiss Heritage Center on October 19, 20 and 21 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Workshop participants will carve a Christmas tree ornament with the tools provided. The class is limited to five students. The cost is $35 for non-members and $25 for members of the Swiss Community Historical Society.
A $100 deposit is required for the use of the woodcarving tools. To register, call 567-387-9208.
The Swiss Heritage Center and Schumacher Homestead are located at 8350 Bixel Rd.
MEDIA RELEASE__It's that time of year when we have cooler temps and the ground is still warm enough for Barefoot Walks. Let's enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature by taking off our shoes!
Join Daisy Sutkay as she leads a barefoot nature walk in the Bluffton University Nature Preserve. Feel the ground as you walk to better connect with the natural world. All are welcome. Meet at the parking lot by the Moyer Nature Center. Tea and cookies will be provided after the walk.
The Bluffton High School volleyball team was seeded fourth in the Div. V Northwest 1 Seneca East district in their recent tournament draw.
The Pirates (14-7) play third seed Archbold (17-3) in their first-round match on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. The Bluestreaks are 5-1 in the Northwest Ohio Athletic League, behind only undefeated Patrick Henry (21-0, 6-0 NWOAL).
