Bluffton University is a host site for researchers from the University of Wyoming. For the safety of the research team and our campus community, Bluffton University will be closed to the public on April 8, 2024. Research participants from the University of Wyoming will be permitted on campus per the agreed upon schedule with university officials.
No public viewing spaces for the Total Solar Eclipse will be available. All parking lots will be closed to visitors. No camping, parking RVs or utilizing outdoor university facilities will be permitted. No public restrooms will be available on Bluffton’s campus.
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is extending the deadline for supplemental financial information due to delays with the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processing.
A local dining gap has been filled with the opening of CrispyJo at 415 State Route 103, the western-most restaurant along Bluffton’s “Restaurant Row” near I-75. The building previously housed KFC and then Li CO restaurant and has been empty for some years. In January 2024 the installation of a new sign revealed that the wait for an additional dining option was almost over.
In October, State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, attended the 2023 Putnam County annual Pheasants Forever Black Swamp Chapter Youth Pheasant Hunt. The Black Swamp Chapter of Pheasants Forever partnered with Kalida Fish and Game Club to offer the hunt. Hunters aged 17 and under had the opportunity to hunt ring-necked pheasants with bird dogs and their handlers. More than 50 youth from Putnam County attended, and most were successful in harvesting a bird.
GROB Systems, Inc., which broke ground in December 2023 on a 135,000 sq. ft. expansion project, has announced the new building will add approximately 35% more space for production and shipping to the existing 400,000 sq. ft. U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Bluffton, Ohio.
The board of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) and the Village of Pandora made a joint announcement on January 23 that plans have been developed to continue operation of the Hilty Preschool and Childcare, 304 Hilty Dr, Pandora. Purchasers have been found for the preschool and the Village of Pandora is applying to purchase the facility.
