March 2024

Katrina M. Riepenhoff, 27, of Bluffton, passed away at 10:13 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Blanchard Valley Medical Center, Findlay. She was born on May 11, 1996, in Bluffton to Joe and Becky (Cline) Riepenhoff, who survive in Ottawa.

In addition to her parents, she is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Marie Cline of Fostoria; and her beloved dogs: Baxter and Tilly.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: Gilbert and Dorothy Riepenhoff; and maternal grandfather, Harold Cline.

Katrina graduated from Ottawa-Glandorf High School and Bowling Green State University in Education. After graduation, she taught 5th grade science and math at Ridgemont Elementary School. The past two years, she taught 7th grade math at Bluffton Middle School.

Audience members will be transported to England's Regency era during Bluffton University’s spring play, “Pride and Prejudice.”

The podcast Local Voices Bluffton describes itself as “a platform dedicated to showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our beloved town.” Co-hosted by Sam Sprunger of Lounge Media Group and Jim Enneking, Executive Director of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs, the podcast “aims to become a valuable resource for Bluffton, Ohio, and its surrounding areas.”

Learn about the podcast below and access the episodes by searching for “Local Voices Bluffton” on your favorite podcast app or on the chamber website HERE.

Sarah Augustine, co-founder and executive director of the Coalition for Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, will present Bluffton University’s annual Keeney Peace Lecture Forum on March 26.

The Allen County Educational Service Center and Apollo Career Center are excited to announce the annual Allen County College Fair, which will be held on March 26, 2024 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Apollo Career Center.

The Gardeners of the Bluffton Pandora Area will host the program Canning and Preserving Summer's Bounty from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1 at Bluffton Public Library.

Dr. Charles Daws, professor of Chemistry at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, “Testing for Drugs in Gummies and Saliva. Forensic Chemistry at BGSU,” at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 22, in Centennial Hall’s Stutzman Lecture Hall. 

This event is free and open to the public.

During his Colloquium presentation, Daws will discuss projects he worked on during a sabbatical experience at Bowling Green State University to measure the quantity of drugs present instead of just whether they are present. The goal is to help law enforcement monitor drivers who are under the influence of drugs (DUID) and monitor the content of CBD and THC in gummies. 

Daws will also talk briefly about the Forensic Chemistry program at BGSU and the BCI State Crime Laboratory.

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Looking for something to do on the Saturday or Sunday before the upcoming solar eclipse? Step back in time on April 6 and 7 at the Schumacher Homestead at 8350 Bixel Road, Pandora, Ohio. 

The 1843 restored Swiss Homestead will be open for self guided tours including the farmhouse, garden, workshop and barn.  Activities for children will include games and toys, candle making, and corn husk dolls. 

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Activates Ohio National Guard

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation on March 17, declaring a state of emergency across 11 counties impacted by last week's severe weather. 

Tickets are now on sale for the April 11 Citizen of the Year banquet; see below for details.

The Bluffton Lions Club is pleased to announce that the 2023 Citizen of the year is Gary Wetherill. Wetherill’s commitment and personal sharing of his many skills, support and expertise have indeed impacted Bluffton in many ways.

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