The Village of Bluffton is adopting software for future income tax returns and past cemetery data. Details were provided at the September 8 meeting of Bluffton Council.
CityTax software is expected to be adopted in October 2025. The new system will streamline the process and save time for Income Tax Administrator Rhonda Hohenbrink.
CemSites software will be used to keep track of some 5,200 cemetery plot records in Maple Grove Cemetery. Sexton Greg Probst has begun inputting records, which can be accessed at https://bluffton.cemsites.com/ Fire Chief Jon Kinn noted that he has used the system several times already and that some records are 100 years old.
The web page provides information on scheduled burials and recent interments.
FROM FACEBOOK__Music at the Gazebo coordinator Erik Reneker has announced: "We have decided to cancel the remainder of the Gazebo Concerts for 2025. The cooler evenings have greatly reduced the number of spectators.
"We will begin looking for bands to play the Gazebo Concert series for 2026 in January. The series will be from June - August."
Two dates were remaining on the schedule, September 11 and 25.
The gazebo is located on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main St.
The official opening of the Bluffton Community Dog Park on Lake St. was held on Sunday, August 24. The event honored Bluffton teacher, heart transplant recipient and dog lover Katrina Riepenhoff, who passed away in 2024. Donations in her honor accelerated the creation of the dog park.
A ribbon cutting ceremony with volunteer organizers as well as Riepenhoff’s parents Joe and Becky celebrated the development of fenced areas for both large and small dogs with water stations. The dog park is located on Lake St. next to the Village Arboretum on the north side of Cobb Lake.
Bluffton Senior Center volunteers will be offering free Bridge classes starting Thursday, September 4 at 9:30. Organizers note:
"The game of Bridge can seem scary but it doesn’t have to be. If you ever thought about learning the game of Bridge, now is the time. We need at least four people to learn so registration is required.
"No card playing experience needed. We will teach you what you need to know. Stop by the office or call 419-358-8971 to register."
CLICK gallery to enlarge and view at your own pace
AUG 22 MEDIA RELEASE__Thanks to the Bike Ministry at St. John’s United Church of Christ, it is easier than ever for cyclists to keep their bikes in top shape with the installation of two new public bike repair stations in Bluffton.
The stations provide free, convenient access to tools and equipment for basic bike maintenance and repairs. The stations are located at
In response to reports of "some solicitors spreading inaccurate information about the current Allen County Electric Aggregation program," Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn has provided the following reminder about the offer available for Bluffton residents from 2023 through December of 2025.
"The current supplier of energy through the aggregation program is Dynegy and the rate is $0.06574 per kWh." A letter with this information was mailed to residents on October 13, 2023.
