As flu season approaches its peak, area hospitals and public health officials are reporting a significant rise in flu cases throughout Allen County and surrounding communities. In response, we are strongly urging residents to prioritize their health and the health of others by staying home if they are feeling unwell and by practicing good hygiene to limit the spread of disease.
To slow the spread of illness, Allen County Public Health recommends the following measures:
Applications are being accepted for the 2025-2026 Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) program. Affiliated with the Findlay•Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, HYL is an investment in the future of Findlay and Hancock County. Its purpose is to enhance knowledge and develop leadership skills in a select group of high school students, motivating them to become positive role models, active and committed to their civic responsibilities.
BATH – The visiting Bluffton High School girls basketball team beat non-conference foe Bath in a defensive struggle 36-26 Monday, February 10.
The game was postponed from Saturday due to icy road conditions.
The Pirates led 12-6 after the first period as Ayla Grandey and Macy Schaadt each scored five points. A 6-5 second stanza gave Bluffton an 18-11 lead at halftime.
Bluffton won the third period 10-7 to extend their margin to 28-18 heading to the final period of play. Both teams mustered eight points in the fourth quarter as Bath was unable to make a dent in the Pirate advantage.
Bluffton finished the regular season 13-9 after the victory. Bath ended up 9-13 with the defeat.
Pirate senior post Grandey led Bluffton with 17 points on eight baskets and 1-1 foul shooting. She scored at least four points in all four periods.
Schaadt netted 13 points and sank the lone Pirate trifecta.
Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education met on Monday, February 10. Action included financial and staffing decisions.
The Board approved additional funding for Teacher Professional Development in the amount of $5,000.
In Contracts, Assignments and Resignations:
Karna Marquart completed her training and is now approved for 7.5 hour days as an Educational Aide.
Gianna Mallaro is completing her teaching assignment in Guidance Counseling with Mr. Utendorf.
Substitute teachers were approved.
The Board approved a resolution for work with All Temp Refrigeration to replace the chiller in the Middle School. It is 26 years old and when it needs repairs, it is becoming more costly. It is time to replace it.
The Board approved the OHSAA membership for the 2025-2026 academic year for the Middle School and High School to participate in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Ten Thousand Villages welcomes Haitian artist Jean François Frisnel as the February 2025 Artist of the Month. His paintings will be on display in the Ten Thousand Villages store during the month of February. The public is invited to come to a reception to meet the artist at 2 pm, Saturday, February 22.
In 1979 Frisnel was born in Carrefour, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He now resides in Lima, Ohio. He says this of his art career:
