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Shoemaker sentenced to 27 years on child pornography charges

Police/Fire/EMS

/ Jul 08, 2026

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Kris Shoemaker of Bluffton has been sentenced to 27 years in prison on child pornography charges, according to a July 7 report by The Lima News.

Shoemaker was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He was convicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.

Shoemaker was arrested in Bluffton in May 2025 by the FBI and pled guilty in January 2026.

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Allen County Auditor explanation of Ohio House Bill 186 Inflation Cap Credit

Regional news

/ Jul 08, 2026

Bill impacts 2025 second-half property tax bills

MEDIA RELEASE__ Allen County Auditor Rachael Gilroy is providing information to help property owners understand the Inflation Cap Credit created in House Bill 186 that is reflected on the 2025 second-half real estate tax bill, due August 12, 2026.

House Bill 186, enacted by the Ohio General Assembly, made changes to Ohio's property tax laws that affect the calculation of certain property taxes and tax credits. As a result, many taxpayers will notice an Inflation Cap Credit on their second-half 2025 tax bill.

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St. John's UCC to host Bluffton bike swap

Living in Bluffton

/ Jul 08, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE_St. John's United Church of Christ in Bluffton is sponsoring a bike swap event on Saturday, July 25. The event will take place in the parking lot behind the Bluffton Farmers Market.

The Pedal and Pass it on Community Bike Swap is an effort to keep bikes rolling through the community. Participants who have a bike they no longer use can help someone else ride by donating their bike. You can donate, trade or pick up a bike. Everyone is welcome to participate and all bikes will be free of charge.