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.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton High School proudly recognizes Elizabeth (Ellie) Hartzler as the February 2026 Student of the Month. Ellie is a senior with a 4.00 GPA. She is the daughter of Greg and Laura Hartzler of Bluffton.
An accomplished student, Ellie has been deeply involved in the performing arts throughout her high school career. She is a four-year member of the BHS flag corps and has served as team captain for the past two years. Ellie also participates in band, choir, strings and show choir, demonstrating her passion for music across multiple ensembles.
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026. Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, will provide the program.
Mihalik is the Director of the Ohio Department of Development, a state agency committed to empowering communities to succeed by investing in the people, places, and businesses of Ohio. Prior to her appointment by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, Director Mihalik served as the 55th Mayor of the City of Findlay. Director Mihalik will speak about why collaboration matters for Ohio’s future and offer a look at the department’s priorities for the coming year.
