December 2017

Elementary students' collection total for Adopt-A-Family at Christmas

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Ask elementary students to collect loose change for a good cause and watch what happens.

The challenge was put to Bluffton Kindergarten through fifth graders during the past three weeks.

On Friday, Dec. 15, students took the coins collected to Citizens National Bank. They watched as the coins dropped into the coin counter.

The result: $2,495.78 collected!

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The American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter responded to a fire on Hardin County Road 205 in Forest on Wednesday evening.

The Red Cross provided assistance to the family of five for their immediate needs, such as food, clothing and personal hygiene items.

“We’re deeply saddened for those who were impacted by this fire,” said Todd James, Executive Director, North Central Ohio Chapter. “As we continue to help them, we urge everyone to take steps to minimize the risk of a fire occurring in their home.”

To provide assistance contact the Red Cross at 419-422-9322.

Bluffton Hospital ER sees 6,000 people in a typical 12-month period

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While most of Bluffton shuts down after midnight, one important community service never closes.

It’s Bluffton Hospital’s Emergency Room.

Its traditional busy times are from 3 to 11 p.m., but the door is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

While many reading this story may have used the ER – even at some odd hours – here’s some details most persons in the hospital service area may not realize.

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Craig A. "Chip" Brown, Jr., of Houcktown, died in a house fire in Houcktown on Dec. 10, 2017 along with his partner Katherine Anne "Katie" Bernot.

He was born on Dec. 26, 1992, in Findlay to Craig A. Brown, Sr. and Elizabeth Wilkins. He is survived by his father, Craig A. Brown, Sr., mother Elizabeth Wilkins both of Houcktown, two brothers: Eric (Jenna) Wilkins of Rawson, Elijah (Kassandra Girdler) Wilkins of Mt. Blanchard, two sisters: Emily (Devin) Lucius and Nicole Brown both of Findlay.

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James “Jim” A. Garmatter, 46, of Perrysburg, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at Toledo Hospital. Jim was born Oct. 11, 1971 in Bluffton, Ohio, to Marvin D. and Karen S. (Anderson) Garmatter.

He graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1990 where he played football, basketball and ran track. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University.

Jim married Antoinette “Anne” Sherman on Sept. 30, 1995, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fostoria. Their family was complete after the birth of their two children, Noah and Rachel.

Register by Dec. 29 at BFR

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Bluffton Family Recreation is taking team registrations for a winter adult volleyball league to begin in January.

Games are Thursday evenings from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8. Games begin at 6 p.m. The final week of play is a single-elimination tournament.

Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 29. Register online by clicking here or call BFR at 419-358-4150. A $50 team deposit is required. The cost for each team is $150.

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Nolan Rolf Younkman, 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida and formerly of Lafayette, Ohio,died Dec. 14, 2017, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, Florida. 

Nolan is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary; his son, Dale; his daughter-in-law, Peggy; his granddaughter, Ashley and her husband, Matthew.

He was born on July 1, 1929, near Lafayette, Ohio, to Dale and Alma (Carey) Younkman. His sister, Roberta Jean, four years his elder, died on June 7, 2000.  He was raised by his paternal grandparents, Francis Guy and Erdie May Younkman. 

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Lots of youth opportunities begin in January at Bluffton Family Recreation, 2015 Snider Road, Bluffton. Here's a list and membership details is at the bottom of the story.

Classes for youth

• Tennis
Lessons available for all skill levels. Call BFR to schedule your free assessment.

• Rookie Sports
Use up energy by learning a new sport each week.
Tuesdays, 4:15-5 p.m.
ages 4-6 ($25/$35)

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Earllier this year Ada had a roaming rooster. Today's animal at large was a calf. This is a screen shot from the Ada Police Department Facebook. Click here to watch the video.

Bluffton PD respond to Main Street business break in

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Bluffton police responded to 450 calls for service in November. Among these were a reported break-in to a South Main Street business, a student making threats at Bluffton High School, and a telephone scam.

November 2

  • Officers responded to an Eastland Drive residence in reference to a mentally ill person.

November 3

  • A McComb resident reported that while she was in Bluffton for an appointment, items were taken out of her unattended, unlocked vehicle.

November 4

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