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Families and customers create an oral history of memorable Bluffton businesses

Events

/ Aug 13, 2026

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The 4th annual Bluffton History Day featured three family businesses with oral histories that illuminated and entertained. The Fett, Gillett and Hankish families and their customers told of local shops that are fondly remembered many decades after they closed. Common threads in the stories about the hardware, bakery and confectionary businesses are the expertise, personalities and grit that were foundational to all three.

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Local students travel to France, Monaco and Italy

People

/ Aug 13, 2026

By Brigette Hoff / PHOTOS provided

Recently, I returned from leading a Bluffton High School student trip to France, Monaco and Italy. This is the fifth trip on which I have been the lead teacher, but my sixth trip traveling overseas with students. And, often, my group of travelers includes parents or other adults who want to travel to Europe as well. This year, I appreciated the extra help from Vickie Garmon (BHS art teacher) as well as the parents on the trip. This was the largest group that has traveled with me, and these other adults helped to make this trip a success.

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Back to School Days at Bluffton Public Library

Bluffton Public Library

/ Aug 13, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__Welcome back to another year of school, full of learning and fun (and homework, too)!

Starting August 31-September 4, visit the library and pick up a little something to help you celebrate, sign up for a library card, and take a tour through the library.

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Hilda E. Mumma worked at Triplett Electrical Instrument Company

Obituaries

/ August 14, 2026

Funeral service to be held on August 29

Hilda E. Mumma, age 104, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Vancrest of Ada.

Richard “Dick” Dukes was a farmer

Obituaries

/ August 14, 2026

Richard “Dick” Dukes, 70, went to be with Jesus on August 12, 2026, after a long and brave, nine-year battle with cancer. He was born on May 10, 1956, in Bluffton to the late Richard and Margaret “Peg” (Fox) Dukes.