Ronald Otis Ream, 89, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, in The Villages, Florida, where he had spent over two decades enjoying the sunshine, fairways and friendships that made retirement so sweet.
Born on December 18, 1935, Ron was a proud graduate of Cory-Rawson High School and the University of Findlay. He retired from Cooper Tire after many years of dedicated service—then happily spent more years retired than he did working, a fact he took great pride in sharing.
Two big Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce events are on the horizon: Discovery Days on July 25-26 are a chance to shop local and enter a drawing for great prizes. Fireworks will take place on August 5 following National Night Out at the Bluffton Community Pool, thanks to 17 chamber member sponsors.
On Monday July, 14 Bluffton Council held its annual budget public hearing. Fiscal Officer Kevin Nickel presented the 2026 appropriations summary which shows a total of $13.5M in expenses and $12.9M in revenue.
Nickel noted items with the highest budgeted increases are Payroll 4% and General Expenses 5%. Other spending lines are either flat or lower than those percentages.
In 2024, a 100th birthday was celebrated in Bluffton. Harmon Field turned 100, and at halftime of a football game, Spike Berry spoke of some events and some people that left memories on the field. I didn't say "old" field because unlike humans that turn 100, Harmon Field has never looked better or younger as changes in landscaping and the attention of volunteers has made it into one of the premier football fields in the area. I'm sure that anyone who ever played on it, or attended games there has lasting memories. Here are some of mine.
Saturday, August 9, 2025 is Bluffton History Day. The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will celebrate local railroad history at the1899 Depot at Buckeye Park from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Among many activities and displays will be several food vendors at both the 1899 Depot and the Main Street depot, home of Bluffton Board and Brush.
Danielle Cross is a 2025 Bluffton High-school Graduate who attended her last 4-H Ohio State Fair in Columbus, Ohio.
Danielle and her horse Riley qualified back in June and competed this week on July 15-16, when they were awarded Sr. 16-18 Ohio State Champion for Poles, Keyhole, Stakes, and 4th place for Barrels.
Danielle attends Allen County Fair with her group Equine Country Club. She loves to mentor other kids and plans to come back as an advisor in the Future.
