The Village of Bluffton is the new owner of property between Taco Bell and Comfort Inn. The land was presented to the village as a gift valued at $50,000 from its owner, George Kentris of Findlay.

Richard Ramseyer, president of the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway steering committee and a member of the Bluffton Lions Foundation, made the announcement during the June 13 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Ramseyer handed the deed of the property on behalf of Kentris to Mitch Kingsley, who represented the village at the breakfast.

Here's what Ramseyer told the chamber members attending the breakfast:

"Today the Bluffton Lions Foundation and Bluffton Pathway Board is jointly announcing that George Kentris, president of Napoleon Restaurant, Inc., Findlay, and owner of Bluffton Taco Bell franchise has donated a tract of land to the Village of Bluffton valued at $50,000.

"The land is situated between Taco Bell Restaurant and Comfort Inn along Commerce Lane and the north boundary of the property abuts the State Route 103 pathway route.

"A portion of the land, because of it proximity to the pathway route, is ideal for development into a recreational related site while the balance of the land could accommodate other uses the Village of Bluffton may identify.

"This gift of land from George Kentrist is greatly appreciated and will allow for new growth opportunities in Bluffton to evolve. On behalf of George Kentris, It is my pleasure to officially present the Village of Bluffton with the Deed to the property along Commerce Lane.