Homer Thomas Reichenbach (Tom) died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 3, 2023, his 87th birthday. Tom died in his home at Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda, MD. He survived a stroke in 2019, and bravely fought prostate, lung and kidney cancer.
Allen County Public Health is currently investigating both a probable case of Lyme Disease and a probable West Nile Virus case. The health department would like to remind the public of the risks associated with tick and mosquito season and urge them to take precautions associated with Lyme Disease and with West Nile Virus.
To avoid contact with ticks and potential risk of Lyme Disease it is recommended that you avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter when outdoors. Consider using EPA-registered tick repellents, and wear light-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent tick bites. Tucking pants into socks is a great line of defense to keep ticks from making skin contact. Ticks can also ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats and day packs.
Bluffton University welcomed its 124th class of students as official members of the campus community during Opening Convocation on Aug. 29, 2023. A Bluffton tradition, Convocation signifies the formal beginning of the academic year.
During Convocation, 1972 Bluffton graduate Thomas E. “Tucker” Lott provided the address “On Becoming You.”
A businessman, storyteller and mentor from Kansas City, Mo., Lott shared stories from his time in college, encouraged students to make positive choices, and reminded them they can always get back up if they fall “because falling happens.”
The Bluffton Cattle 4-H Club wrapped up their 2023 season exhibiting a wide-variety of projects at the Allen County Fair. The club members worked hard throughout the summer and their efforts were recognized as they won many banners and ribbons throughout the week. Congratulations to all of the participants on a job well done.
