James and Frieda Basinger of Bisbee, Ariz., kept up with the happenings in the Village of Bluffton, Ohio, but didn't get back to their hometown often.
But that didn't matter. James and Frieda left their estate, estimated to be valued at $1 million, to Bluffton University, their alma mater, and Mennonite Home Communities.
At a joint press conference held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Mennonite Memorial Home, a property of Mennonite Home Communities, Bluffton University President Dr. James M. Harder made the formal announcement about the gift.
American Electric Power (AEP) issued a winter storm warning to impact northwestern Ohio on Feb. 9 and 10. It is anticipated that there will be an extended period of mixed wintry precipitation will impact the AEP East Utilities tomorrow and Wednesday.
Across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio snow will start around sunrise tomorrow and last through much of Wednesday.
Elvina E. Burkholder, 91, of Pandora died at 10:55 p.m. Feb. 7, 2010, at the Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Grace Mennonite Church, Pandora. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Monday at the church.
Elvina Ellen (Burry) Burkholder was the seventh of nine children, born to Albert and Sarah (Hilty) Burry. She was born on Oct. 7, 1918, in Putnam County.
Oiler High School Invitational Indoor Track Meet
Feb. 7, 2010, Findlay, Ohio
Divisions I, II, III
By Hannah Chappell-Dick
Bluffton was very well represented at an indoor track meet on Sunday, Feb. 7. Participating were many high schoolers who were members of the 2009 Bluffton track team, and a few who are new to the sport.
The S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club will hold its seventh annual community garage and craft sale from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26, and from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Centre, 601 N. Main St.
"This annual huge garage sale event with 35 to 40 vendors has become a festive occasion for the residents of Bluffton and surrounding communities," said Duane Bollenbacher of the club. "You will find items and gadgets of every sort from A to Z, in addition to a variety of yummy food items."
Here's a poor quality, but important photo of Bluffton in the late 1940s or early 1950s. The scene is from Cherry Street looking south toward Railroad Street.
The Bluffton depot, which is now located at the Buckeye park, was alive with activity, servicing as a stop on the Nickel Plate Railroad. The depot served passengers and freight stops. The freight train heading north toward Bellevue is pulled by Lima-built Berkshire 703.
