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Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group issues recommendations

Group finds districts have "unique needs," does not mandate seat belts

COLUMBUS__On January 31, more than two dozen recommendations were issued by the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group to enhance the safety of school bus travel in Ohio.

Governor DeWine created the working group in August, following the death of a Northwestern Local School District student who was killed in Clark County after another vehicle collided with his school bus. 

The report lists a total of 17 recommendations related to bus driver recruitment and retention; training and education; school bus safety features; road and traffic safety; emergency response; and commercial bus services. 

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Icon coloring pages archive

Need a moment to chill out? Try coloring our May mandala by Sabina Clingerman. This intricate design is well suited to colored pencils. See past months' coloring pages below.

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"You know me!"

Columnist Bill Herr taught high school mathematics and science for 32 years before serving as a volunteer and then as a staff chaplain at two nursing homes.

By Bill Herr

I always said there are four things that determine who we are and who we are becoming. They are the people we’ve known and loved, the experiences we have had, the suffering we have known, and the spiritual growth that is taking place in us. As chaplain I was always responsible for the last one, helping with worship services, leading Bible studies and visiting with residents and praying for them. 

When a resident died, we would conduct a special memorial service for that person, inviting staff, family members, and residents to attend. I would share about the resident’s life and invite anyone attending the service to share. These services were special and brought closure to those that attended. Our residents became a second family to us and we grieved their loss.

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Solo and Ensemble adjudicated event results for BHS students

Bluffton High School students participated this past weekend in Solo and Ensemble adjudicated events at St. Mary’s High School. The following ratings were earned:

Class A

Superior ratings

  • 4 Guys (vocal ensemble - Ben Hartzler, Cole Bowers, Riley Greer, Ian Rieman)
  • Rebecca Estell (vocal solo)
  • Ben Hartzler (vocal solo)
  • Elizabeth Honse (flute solo)
  • Brooke Camper (flute solo)
  • Bluffton Sax Trio (Ben Hartzler, Alyssa Hoffman, Adanna Johnstone)

Excellent ratings

  • Ellie Hartzler (vocal solo)
  • Ty Huffman (vocal solo)
  • Senior Women’s Quartet (vocal ensemble - Caitlyn Couch, Adanna Johnstone, Carly Hannum, Alissa Beck)
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Cory-Rawson Preschool and Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025

Registration and screening information for preschool, begindergarten (2-year kindergarten program) and kindergarten at Cory-Rawson Local Schools is open. 

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Feb. 4 Four Chaplains service at St. Mary's Catholic Church

Bluffton American Legion Post 382 chaplain Gary Dipnarine has announced the post will observe the Sacrifice of Four Armed Forces Chaplains during World War II, during the Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 worship service at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 160 N. Spring St. Bluffton, Ohio.

The public is welcome to attend the service, which begins at 10:30 am.

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