April 2023

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On the morning of April 26, the Bluffton Lions Club presented the Bluffton Police Department with its first women’s police patrol bike. The presentation was made with Lions and police department representatives at Bike Crazy LLC, 127 N. Main.

Police Chief Ryan Burkholder notes that “The history of the Bluffton Police Department patrol bikes goes back to the late mid 1990s, which consisted of three men’s bikes. Over the years, the needs of the department have changed with three full-time female police officers and no bikes to fit them properly.

“Corporal Eric Rayle, Stephanie Larcom and I had a discussion when Cpl. Rayle returned back from a Police Bike Instructor course early in Spring of 2022 about moving forward with the appropriate bike for our female officers. Stephanie Larcom suggested a partnership with the Lions Club and was willing to present the idea to the Lions Club at a meeting for us. Corporal Rayle, who is a bicycle enthusiast, spent many hours researching different brands and models which would benefit our female officers. Corporal Eric Rayle found several bikes and then went to our wonderful local business, Bike Crazy, and worked with Raymond and Liz Harner on purchasing the bike through them. At the last Lions Club meeting it was approved and the Lions Club graciously covered the cost of the bike for the department. 

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Gary Allen Brown, age 84, of Ada, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on April 25, 2023, at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his family. 

He was born on December 15, 1938, at home in Ada, Ohio to the late Russel Allen “Bud” and Ruth Marie (Klingler) Brown.  On May 27, 1961, Gary married Marsha Staley, his wife of 62 years and she survives in Ada.

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By Cort Reynolds

MIDDLE POINT—Lincolnview defeated the visiting Bluffton High School softball team 11-1 in Northwest Conference action on Monday evening, April 24.

Bluffton fell to 6-9 overall and 2-3 in NWC play with the loss. The Lancer girls improved to 9-4 overall and 4-1 in the NWC to stay third behind unbeaten Crestview (6-0 NWC) and Ada (5-0) in the conference standings.

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By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School baseball team shut out visiting non-league rival Cory-Rawson 10-0 Tuesday evening, April 25.

The Pirates improved to 7-7 overall with the six-inning victory. The Hornets fell to 1-8 with the defeat.

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Joan Basinger, 92, went home to be with her heavenly father on April 24, 2023, at her home.

Joan was born March 10, 1931 in Hancock County, to Wallace and Enid (Matteson) Keller who preceded her in death. On June 18, 1950 she married Alfred Basinger who preceded her in death on February 13, 2023. 

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By Cort Reynolds

ELIDA–The visiting Bluffton boys tennis team lost at Elida 5-0 Tuesday evening, April 25.

Bluffton fell to 6-9 after the loss. The Bulldogs won all 10 sets.

Pirate junior Wade Ginther lost at first singles 6-0, 6-0 to Jaden Newman. 

Freshman Grady Coonfare fell 6-0, 6-0 at second singles to Ben Osman.

Freshman Isaiah Kohli lost 6-0, 6-2 at third singles to Dylan Byers.

Sophomore Branson Hilty and senior Braeden Ackerman fell 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)  at first doubles to Bulldogs James Mitchell and Evan Jackson.

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By Cort Reynolds

The visiting Bluffton High School baseball team was blanked by league-leader Lincolnview 10-0 in a Northwest Conference baseball outing Monday evening, April 24.

The Pirates fell to 6-7 overall and 3-2 in the NWC with the six-inning defeat. The defending league champion Lancers improved to 11-2 overall and 5-0 in the NWC after the run-rule shortened victory.

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By Cort Reynolds

Playing athome, the Bluffton High School baseball team beat visiting Leipsic 7-0 in a Northwest Conference game Thursday evening, April 20.

The Pirates improved to 6-6 overall and 3-1 in the NWC with the victory. The Vikings dropped to 4-6 overall and 3-2 in the NWC after the defeat.

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By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School softball team run-ruled Leipsic 11-1 in a Northwest Conference contest Thursday evening, April 20.

Pirate hurler Hannah Davis hurled a five-inning no-hitter. She walked one batter and struck out nine Vikings. Davis allowed no earned runs. She also hit two doubles to aid her own cause at the plate.

The Pirate girls improved to 6-8 overall and 2-2 in the NWC with the victory. The Vikings fell to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the NWC with the defeat.  

Bluffton led 2-0 after one inning, and Leipsic tallied its lone run in the top of the second to halve the deficit.

The Pirates matched that run in the home half of the second.

Bluffton extended its lead to 6-3 with a three-run third frame.

The Pirates then invoked the 10-run rule by pushing across five more runs in the bottom of the fifth frame.

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By Fred. Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

A Bluffton News item from Oct. 29, 1896, states that J.S. Jennings of Armorsville received a letter from his cousin, William Jennings Bryan, Democratic candidate for president.

Point of interest: Armorsville no longer exists. At one time it was located on the County Line Road between Bluffton and Ada.

The interesting connection between this Bluffton area resident and a famous politician put us on a search of other residents with similar brushes with history.

Here’s what we found, each printed in the Bluffton News:

Oct. 31, 1907 - George Lewis returned Monday from Washington where he attended the postmaster’s convention. Of course, George shook hands with Teddy Roosevelt.

July 29, 1920 - Many local Republicans journeyed to Marion Thursday to see Senator Warren G. Harding accept the nomination for the presidency.

Making the trip were M.M. Murray, John Rogers, Roy Rogers, J.A. Thompson, Fred Tripplehorn, Edgar Jackson, Lloyd Murray, Hod Murray, George Lewis, A.C. LaPort, Dr. and Mrs. R.E. Hughson, Robert Hughson and Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Hauenstein.

March 4, 1937 - Captain Rene R. Studler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Studler of South Jackson Street, was recently presented to King George of England, at a reception held at St. James Palace in London.

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