Regional news

  • /

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) will be celebrated April 23-29, 2023. This annual week of recognition serves to promote victims' rights and to honor crime  victims and those who advocate on their behalf. The theme this year is “Survivor  Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”  

  • /

The Village of Bluffton has provided the following guidance on 2022 village income tax returns, including instructions for part-year residents, college students and those who moved in 2022.

It’s income tax filing time again. Below you will find important information in  regards to filing your 2022 Village of Bluffton Income Tax return.

Filing Deadline Date for 2022 Income Tax Returns: TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023

  • /

The Village of Bluffton is now accepting lifeguard applications for Summer
2023 at the Bluffton Community Pool, 205 Snider Rd.

Here's the pitch:

"In need of a tan? This is the perfect summer job for High School! We work around your schedule! Fun environment!

"Questions? Message the Bluffton Community Pool or Jennie Wilson! I will be posting Lifeguard Certification class information soon, as classes around the area are beginning."

The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on April 22, 2023.

If you have questions, please message the Bluffton Pool or Jennie Wilson via Facebook.

END

  • /

By Liz Gordon-Hancock

Over a dozen community members gathered this past Wednesday, March 8, on the third floor of Town Hall for a Bluffton historical group meeting.

Newly-elected president Ron Epp led attendees through a business discussion covering the creation of by laws and an official name of the group. The general consensus of the group was the word "society" doesn't carry the same relevance that it used to, so the group is exploring alternative names. Sub-committees have been created to work on drafting by laws and to come up with potential names for the group.

The group/society/club hopes to visit various museums in the area once a month to gather data on how others have established museums. All are welcome to tag along. This month, a few people visited the Delphos Canal Museum and reported their observations on the exhibits.

The evening finished with a short presentation by Ron Epp of his collection of antique measuring tools, including sliding or folding rulers used by carpenters and engineers before the invention of the tape measure.

This group meets every second Wednesday of the month on the third floor of Town Hall, at 7 p.m. and is open to anyone interested. Next month's meeting with include a presentation by Keith Sommer of telephones and locks, including pieces from his extensive collection.

The next meeting is April 12.

END

  • /

COLUMBUS—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on March 8 that Norfolk Southern Corporation has agreed to his idea to improve and expand firefighter training by creating a new first responders training center and expanding its Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, which travels the company’s 22-state network and trains first responders on how to respond safely to rail incidents.

“The derailment in East Palestine made clear that ensuring first responders are prepared for disasters involving hazardous materials is vitally important to the safety of communities,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Often first responders are volunteers, and their need to have the most up-to-date training and equipment is essential. Today’s commitment by Norfolk Southern is an important next step in the company’s commitment to make the citizens of Ohio and of East Palestine whole after the recent derailment, a commitment Ohio will continue to monitor closely.”

The new safety training center’s mission will be focused on providing additional, free training for first responder across the region, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This effort will also strengthen coordination between railroads and first responders in the event of an emergency response.

  • /

FINDLAY—The Lima News has reported that Dante Tate, 19, has been sentenced following his pleading guilty on charges related to the March 31, 2022 death of Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis.

Hancock County Common Please Judge Reginald Routson sentenced Tate to prison terms of 15 months on two counts, to be served consecutively. The counts are complicity to receiving stolen property and receiving stolen property.

Pages