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.
Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar: Do you know the difference? Seventh graders Wyatt Moser, left, and Jacob Dawson, right, were prepared to tell you all about them. The April 26 Night At the Museum event at Bluffton Middle School featured many historical figures, as shown in these Jamie Nygaard photos.
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.
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.
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.
