I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bill Herr at the Bluffton Senior Center, which he visits weekly. I hope you enjoy your 15 minutes with Bill as much as I did.
Where did you grow up?
I was born at Bluffton Community Hospital on July 5th, 1939 and grew up on a farm three miles south of Bluffton on Bentley Road. My father, Edgar, was a farmer and I helped him farm. When World War II ended, dad was asked by the state of Ohio, among others, who had a master's degree in agriculture to teach veterans who came back from the war who wanted to farm.
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.
MEDIA RELEASE__Dr. Amanda Wagner of Wapakoneta has assumed the role of President of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). She formally accepted the gavel of the OVMA President from outgoing president Dr. Michelle Harchaduring the Association's annual business meeting on Feb. 28.
Does taking up painting at age 80 sound like a daunting prospect? George Fischer of Bluffton has done just that. You could say that painting is Fischer’s third or fourth career. He worked in advertising until age 50, when he earned his law degree. In retirement, George and his wife Lois traveled the country in an RV, often volunteering at national parks.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton High School Orchestra received an Excellent rating at the Ohio Music Educators Association State Orchestra Adjudicated Event held at Perrysburg High School on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The orchestra is under the direction of Rachael E. Lewis and performed in class B. The performance included "An English Folksong" arranged by Terry McQuilkin, "Lullaby" by William Hofeldt, and "M to the Third Power" by Carold Nunez.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton High School a cappella ensemble One Voice was named the winner of the 2026 Ohio Has Talent finals Saturday evening, February 28, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.
The ensemble members are Ellie Hartzler, Claire Phillips, Liliana Liberato, Makenna Mohr, Eli Lehman and Ty Huffman.
The six students performed in classic concert black and competed against talented acts from across the region. The competition winner was determined by audience vote.
