Follow the flags

The Village of Bluffton has added American flags to the new light poles and pathway on State Route 103 between I-75 and County Line Rd., creating a colorful welcome to our community. 

Ten Thousand Villages remodel begins July 15

In the June 26 episode of the Local Voices Bluffton podcast, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell-Dick, manager of Ten Thousand Villages in Bluffton, Ohio.

Chappell-Dick shares the history of the store, tracing back to Edna Ruth Byler, who started a fair-trade movement 75 years ago by selling needlework made by women in Puerto Rico. Wendy explains how the movement grew, leading to the establishment of the first storefront in Bluffton in 1974, originally called Self Help Crafts.

She highlights the store’s impact on artisans worldwide and its ongoing mission to provide a stable market for their products.

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Ohio Sales Tax Holiday expanded in 2024

Starting in 2024, the State of Ohio has expanded its sales tax holiday from a long weekend to ten full days: 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.

Also, more purchases are eligible. In the past, the focus was on items families need for the start of school. Now, the sales tax holiday applies to “all tangible personal property that is $500 or less except watercraft or outboard motor required to be titled pursuant to Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code, a motor vehicle, an alcoholic beverage, tobacco, a vapor product, or an item that contains marijuana.”

As a result, businesses as well as families benefit from the holiday. The new guidelines should also benefit restaurants, which will not charge sales tax on dine-in meals during the 10-day period (except for alcohol).

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New Stories

The Bluffton Exempted Village Schools board of education will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 29.

See our Classifieds page for ads and ad rates

Our newest classifieds 

NOTICE Beaverdam Planning Commission hearing, July 25

EVENTS Free Pool Party at Bluffton Community Pool, July 19-20

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
During Ohio’s white-tailed deer gun hunting season in 2023, State Wildlife Officer Nathan Robinson, assigned to Van Wert County, and State Wildlife Officer Supervisor Troy Reimund observed a hunter carrying a shotgun who avoided the patrol vehicle.

The Iconic Photo Gallery

Lions clean-up crew
Eye on you
A big bite
So many colors...
The line forms here
Christmas is over
Parade forms at the rear

History lesson

C. 1950-1960 Swiss Day photograph from the Bluffton Public Library at
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Previous historical photos

Yesterday's Top Story

Sardines sweep 2024 WOAL swim meet crowns 

Bowlus wins 4 races, Roby captures 3

By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON __ Celebrating their 50th season in style, the host Bluffton Sardines summer swim team captured all three team titles at the two-day West Ohio Aquatic League championship meet Friday and Saturday, July 12-13, at the Bluffton Community Pool.

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