Have you made a new friend on your walks through downtown Bluffton? The 2024 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce scarecrow decorating contest needs your vote. Visit https://www.explorebluffton.com/scarecrows/ to see all the entries and cast your preference for first, second and third choices.
BLUFFTON __ The third time was a charm. For the third season in a row, the Bluffton girls soccer team hosted rival Riverdale in district play at Steinmetz Field.
Robert Edward Renner, 80, of Brookhaven, MS, and formerly of Columbus Grove and Bluffton, OH, passed away on September 26, 2024. He was born on September 28, 1943 in Lima, OH to Wilbur and Eleanor Renner, who preceded him in death. ▶︎
5:30 p.m. on November 7 at Pandora United Methodist Church
Veterans living in the Pandora-Gilboa School District are invited to the Annual Veterans Day Banquet at the Pandora United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 108 E. Washington St. on Rt 12. ▶︎
The Bluffton Lions Club newsletter provides a month-to-month look at the who, what, when and where of this local service club.
On September 28, Bluffton Lions helping with roadside clean-up were president Jackie Bourassa, Mark Bourassa, Cindy Lee, Dwain Hall, Mark Minnig, Clair Winebar and committee chair Andrew Rager. ▶︎
By Casey Heilman
Allen Soil and Water Conservation District
The cooler weather has arrived and many homeowners around the county are raking up leaves, cutting back perennials, and just generally prepping yards, and gardens for the long winter ahead. But what few people realize is that caring for the soil should be a part of the autumn yard routine.
Soil testing is especially essential if fertilizer is used. Over-fertilizing is so easy to do that many don’t give it much thought when applying it. Excess fertilizer is washed into our rivers and streams every time it rains. From there it causes algae problems, robs oxygen from the water, and is a leading contributor of poor water quality. One way to combat over fertilizing to only apply what is needed and testing the soil helps to establish that proper amount. ▶︎
COLUMBUS GROVE __ Two Bluffton High School cross country runners have qualified for regional competition. Senior Levi Fenzl and Senior June Essinger both advance to postseason competition.
Boys Cross Country
Senior Levi Fenzl finished sixth in a field of 144 runners at the Div. III district boys cross country meet at Columbus Grove Saturday.
Fenzl’s sixth-place finish in a time of 16:23.13 qualified him for the regional meet next weekend. The top 24 finishers made it to regionals.
BLUFFTON __ The Bluffton High School boys soccer team defeated visiting Huron 4-1 Saturday evening, October 19, in the Div. V district quarterfinals at Steinmetz Field.
Pirate Levi Antrim scored two goals and Calvine Derstine assisted on both scores to help pace the victorious offense.
#1 seed Bluffton improved to 10-8 with the decisive victory.
Sixth-seeded Huron finished its season 7-11-2 after the loss. The Tigers had beaten fifth seed Ashland Crestview in the Div. V sectional first round 2-0 on Oct. 16 to advance and face Bluffton.
The Pirates led Huron 2-0 at the half, and extended the lead to 3-0 before surrendering a goal. ▶︎
EMS Chief Jan Basinger provided the following September 2024 call totals for Bluffton Emergency Medical Services: 70 Total Calls, 44 Medical Calls, 2 Hospital to Hospital Transports, 3 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 13 Fire Calls, 2 Mutual Aid Calls, 6 Special Events, 33 Patients Transported. For 2024 to date, 638 Calls.
