Public Meetings

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bluffton Exempted Village School District has submitted a petition for vacation of a section of Vine St. between N. Lawn Ave and N. Jackson St. for approximately 120 yards with the intention to create an artificial turf practice field.

A public hearing was held by the Village of Bluffton Streets and Alleys committee on Tuesday, March 25 to hear about the purpose of the request and to field questions and comments from area residents.

About ten people attended the meeting in addition to Mayor Richard Johnson, Superintendent Greg Denecker, committee members Joe Sehlhorst and Jerry Cupples, and Zoning Inspector (and Village Administrator) Jesse Blackburn.  MORE ▶︎

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The Village of Bluffton has issued notice of a public hearing to be held before the Streets, Alleys, Lights and Sidewalks Committee to consider the proposed vacation of a portion of Vine Street between N. Jackson Street and N. Lawn Avenue.

Hearing Date: March 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Bluffton Town Hall – 3rd floor Community Room
154 N. Main St., Bluffton, Oh 45817

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Pictured: Heart Healthy Kids Challenge participants Emery Basinger and Lillian Wehrly

By Betsi Werling

The March 17 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included a special presentation by elementary school students, supplemental contract approvals and staff reports.

Resolution
The Board approved the 2025 tax year amounts and rates determined by the Budget committee, as attached.

Public Comments
Elementary teacher Ryan Dunlap presented on the Heart Healthy Kids Challenge. The Elementary school raised $8,664.00 and had over 100 participants. Emery Basinger, who is in Mrs Fritsch’s class, was the top fundraiser. Also shown was a video of Lillian Wehrly, who was born with heart challenges. She has applied to be a National Ambassador. Lillian is in First Grade with Mr. Staley. 

Contracts, Assignments and Resignations
New teachers who were hired and will begin in Fall of 2025 are: Amy Gratz, Middle School Art; Kristen White, Middle School Intervention Specialist; and Kathryn Slaughterbeck, third grade.  ▶︎

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A public hearing is scheduled for March 26 at 7:00 p.m. by the Richland Township zoning appeals board to be held at 8435 N. Dixie Hwy. Bluffton.

Contiguous property owners bordering the intersection of Lincoln Highway & Reppert Rd. and interested general public are invited to attend. An informational meeting will be held prior to the hearing; this hearing will be held at the office of Richland Township at the address stated above on March 26, 2025 AT 7:00 p.m.

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

On March 10, Bluffton Council member Ben Stahl was among those reporting on planning and work taking place at a new park on Snider Rd. being developed by a partnership of the Bluffton Soccer Club, Bluffton Lions Club and the Village of Bluffton.

He presented the name “Legacy Park” as recommended by the Park and Recreation committee, which was approved by council. Stahl noted that some 50 park name suggestions were generated by a recent community survey. 

The timeline for league play at the park’s seven youth soccer fields has been pushed back to spring 2026. Assistant village administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that grass seed is ordered but the possibility of being established for play in fall 2025 has been scratched due to wet conditions.  READ MORE

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The following meeting has been scheduled by the Village of Bluffton:

  • Tree Commission on Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m., Bluffton Town Hall

The following meeting has been cancelled:

  • Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 5 at noon.

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