MEDIA RELEASE__A free program focusing on the upcoming release of a new history book by the Swiss Community Historical Society of Bluffton and Pandora will be presented at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the society’s Heritage Center, 8350 Bixel Road.
The 264-page book Our Swiss Story contains details of the Swiss immigrants who settled in Allen County’s Richland Township and Putnam County’s Riley Township beginning in the 1830s and 1840s.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University has announced that its Master of Social Work (MSW) program, conducted in partnership with Goshen College, has been granted initial accreditation for eight years from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation.
Accreditation affirms that Bluffton’s MSW program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support and field education. The designation also ensures that graduates are academically prepared to pursue professional licensure and practice in a variety of social work settings.
The Village of Bluffton council unanimously approved establishing a contract with utility rate management provider Waterworth at the Monday, March 9 regular meeting.
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn said that the service will "insure [water and wastewater] services remain affordable. They haven’t been studied for over 10 years." Another goal is making sure there is equity for residential, commercial and industrial rates.
In minutes from the Utility Committee, it was noted that the service can provide
Paul C. Kloeppel, 79, passed away March 7, 2026, at Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center.
Paul was born August 30, 1946, in Delphos to Howard and Rita (Geise) Kloeppel, who preceded him in death. On April 30, 1967, he married Roxie (Dunlap) Kloeppel, who survives.
MEDIA RELEASE__The March meeting of the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at The Depot in Buckeye Park.
In addition to committee updates, there will be a vote on some minor changes to BOHS bylaws and the organization will continue to plan for History Day on August 8.
At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, the society will hold a Show 'N Tell event at the depot.
MEDIA RELEASE__Community members are invited to St. John Bible Church, 15988 Road 4, Pandora, on Good Friday, April 3. A Good Friday service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
