FROM FACEBOOK__The Bluffton Police Department would like to inform motorists of a recent change to the speed limit on State Route 103. The posted speed limit has been reduced from 45 MPH to 40 MPH.
This reduction was made after careful consideration of the increased amount of non-vehicular traffic along this corridor, including pedestrians and cyclists. The goal of this change is to improve safety for everyone who uses State Route 103 while maintaining the efficient flow of traffic.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Allen County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the launch of its new mobile app, providing residents with a convenient way to stay informed, receive important alerts, and connect directly with the Sheriff’s Office.
Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder presented the June 2026 calls for service data to Bluffton council on July 13, noting that 71 traffic stops were notably higher than usual (29 in May 2026). Among 672 calls for service, there were 6 criminal complaints including 1 Animal Abuse, 1 Extortion, 1 Theft, 1 Warrant and 2 Miscellaneous.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Allen County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau is continuing its investigation into the June 29 shooting at Meijer. While detectives have identified the individual believed to have discharged the firearm, investigators are still working to identify and locate the remaining individuals involved and are asking for the public's assistance.
Kris Shoemaker of Bluffton has been sentenced to 27 years in prison on child pornography charges, according to a July 7 report by The Lima News.
Shoemaker was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He was convicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
Shoemaker was arrested in Bluffton in May 2025 by the FBI and pled guilty in January 2026.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 18 people lost their lives in 18 traffic crashes during the 2026 July Fourth reporting period, which began Thursday, July 2 at midnight and ended Sunday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m.
According to preliminary Patrol statistics, in the eight fatal crashes in which safety belts were available, three were unbelted (38%). Of the five fatal crashes involving a motorcycle, three riders were not wearing a helmet (60%).
