MEDIA RELEASE__The year-long Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Photo Competition received 22 photo entries, which are currently on display at the Bluffton Public Library, 145 S. Main, through October 2026.
The chamber invites the public to a reception from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11 at the 1861 Wine Lounge, 115 N. Main.
Attendees can meet the photographers and discover the top three prize-winning photographs. Charcuterie boards and dips will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase.
We recently asked, "has Bluffton made a birder out of you?" Allen Beatty, the new accounting professor at Bluffton University, notes that it's a "Preexisting interest. Especially bluejays!"
Beatty sent us this photo of buzzards perched in a row on the peak of the Centennial Hall roof. He captured a "vivid blue sky with the buzzards sunning themselves.... Besides the majestic view of nature, I thought it was fitting for a fall/Halloween photo perspective."
FROM FACEBOOK__The Village of Beaverdam will be applying for the 2027 Cooperative Park Improvement Grant offered through Johnny Appleseed. The deadline for application is December 4, 2026.
The Village would like to receive suggestions from the public for improvements to its park.
Funding priorities are 1) Health & Safety Issues, 2) Major Repairs to Upgrade Existing Facilities, 3) New Outdoor Recreation Needs, 4) Special Opportunities (Grants, Emergencies, Joint Efforts, Etc.)
Charles “Chuck” Wendall Collins of Adrian, Michigan, passed away at the age of 63 on October 11, 2026, in the hills of West Virginia during his last hunt. He was born on July 1, 1963, at Sutton General in Sutton, West Virginia, to Charlie and Patty Collins. He married Debra Collins on May 17, 1986, in Dearborn, Michigan, and together they raised six children—one daughter and five sons—in Michigan.
Dwain L. Leiber, 87 passed away on October 19, 2026 at his residence. He was born on Jun 2, 1939 in Bluffton to the late Russell and Thula (Sanders) Leiber.
Duane graduated from Bluffton High School in 1957 and the following day he went to work for Bob Williams Chevrolet in Bluffton.
On September 27, 1958, he married Lou Ann Seever in Arcadia, Ohio. She was also from Arcadia. They were married for 63 years before her passing.
