The following article is by naturalist Beth Theisen, who retired from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District in August after 13 years of service. Theisen provided Nature Pals, Go Outside & Play, Imaginature Playgroup, and Just For Kids Stream Stroll programs as well as numerous school programs and summer day camps.
The park district notes, "Beth’s dedication, compassion, creativity and love for environmental education will be greatly missed. Congratulations and best wishes on your next chapter! We’ll miss you!"
The Pandora-Gilboa Local Schools are celebrating Homecoming this week and have announced the following homecoming court members, pictured left-right, top-bottom:
The Bluffton Cattle 4-H Club wrapped up their 2023 season exhibiting a wide-variety of projects at the Allen County Fair. The club members worked hard throughout the summer and their efforts were recognized as they won many banners and ribbons throughout the week. Congratulations to all of the participants on a job well done.
Bluffton High School freshman Maddie Seeling has had a very successful summer in equestrian competitions. She went to the Ohio State fair with her horse PJ and came home the 13-15 year-old Ohio State Barrel Champion, as well as finishing 3rd in Keyhole, 8th in Stakes and 8th in Ground Roping.
Seeling also competed at the Allen County Fair where she won all six of the divisions that she entered: age 11-14 barrels, poles, stakes, keyhole, kegs and ground roping. She is possibly the only rider to make this sweep. Winning barrels and poles in her age division qualified her to run the Champion of Champions in these events, where she earned two championships and two belt buckles. Again, never done before.
Other prizes won at the fair? She twice won $100 riding the mechanical bull at the festival.
