The 34th annual Blaze of Lights will put a new spin on Bluffton traditions.
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and village Cultural Affairs Committee have updated celebrations to include a video Town Crier presentation, caravan tour of holiday lights, and a free drive-in movie.
"You can't stop Christmas from coming" is the 2020 Blaze of Lights theme, notes Paula Scott, the chamber CEO: "We are very excited about our modified events, which are designed to help keep families and friends safe."
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes signed a revised health order to limit mass gatherings in Ohio. This order takes effect at midnight tonight (Monday, Nov. 16).
“Despite the health order that limited mass gatherings to 10 people that was signed in April remaining in effect, we have seen rampant spread of the virus as a result of banquets, wedding receptions, and social gatherings following funerals,” said Governor DeWine.
The Allen County Commissioners approved a petition on Nov. 12 by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to close access from Cool Road on both the north and south sides of U.S. 30, and Mayberry Road on the south side only at U.S. 30.
The closures are just one part of a safety project, which includes the construction of a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) at U.S. 30 and Thayer Road.
Here are meetings on the Bluffton council calendar:
• Bluffton in Bloom – Tuesday, 11/17 at 7 p.m.
• Parks & Recreation Committee – Wednesday, 11/18 at noon, via Zoom.
• Streets, Alleys, Lights & Sidewalk Committee – Wednesday, 11/18 at 7 p.m.
• Ordinance Committee – Thursday, 11/19 at noon, via Zoom.
• Utilities Committee – Thursday, 11/19 at 7 p.m.
• Council Meeting – Monday, 11/23 at 7 p.m.
According to the Ohio Department of Health the number of new COVID-19 cases per capita for Allen County is 679. This number represents the number of new cases per 100,000 people in Allen County over the past 14 days.
Local public health officials are noting a drastic increase in the number of new daily reported cases:
• There have been 871 newly reported cases to date in November, and 25 hospitalizations
