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New technology will be used to destroy PFAS "forever" chemicals

On March 18, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to destroy hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam. Bluffton Fire Department chief Jon Kinn confirms that foam of this kind will be turned in to the program.

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Allen County will be participating in the Statewide Tornado Warning Drill on Wednesday, March 20 at 9:50 a.m.

The agendy suggests, "This is a great time to check your emergency supply kit and practice your tornado and fire drills."

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In unofficial primary election results for March 19, 2024, the Allen County Board of elections reports that the Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal) for the Bluffton Exempted Village School District passed with 929 votes for the tax levy (75.10%) and 308 votes against the tax levy (24.9%).

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Dr. Luke Myers, Bluffton University associate professor of physics, will share “From Light into Darkness… and Back into Light,” at 11:00 a.m. on April 2 in Bluffton Yoder Recital Hall.

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Reagen O’Brien, an incoming student at Bluffton University, has been awarded the Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship, valued at more than $16,000 over four years.

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

The March 18 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board Of Education included action items on teaching and staff retirements, and new hires, as well as a presentation by a well-prepared first grader turned teacher.

A big round of applause followed a lesson on lions by Elisha Birkey, a student in Amber Huffman’s first grade class. Elisha busted the myth that lions live in caves and used materials to illustrate his main points. Answering questions from board members, he explained that he had previously given the presentation to his class in January. 

Superintendent Greg Denecker told the board of the death of 7th grade math teacher Katrina M. Riepenhoff, who was a heart transplant recipient at age 16 (her obituary is HERE). He praised the quick response of grief support volunteers who arrive at the school within an hour of the news on Friday.

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This weekend, Bluffton University presents a stage adaptation of the classic novel---and basis for many film and television productions--Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on March 21-23 and 2:30 p.m. on March 24 in College Hall’s Ramseyer Auditorium. Pictured here, Mrs. Bennet pushes Lizzy to introduce herself to the rich Mr. Darcy at Bingley’s ball. More about the play is HERE. For tickets, visit www.bluffton.edu/tickets/ 

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Katrina M. Riepenhoff, 27, of Bluffton, passed away at 10:13 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Blanchard Valley Medical Center, Findlay. She was born on May 11, 1996, in Bluffton to Joe and Becky (Cline) Riepenhoff, who survive in Ottawa.

In addition to her parents, she is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Marie Cline of Fostoria; and her beloved dogs: Baxter and Tilly.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: Gilbert and Dorothy Riepenhoff; and maternal grandfather, Harold Cline.

Katrina graduated from Ottawa-Glandorf High School and Bowling Green State University in Education. After graduation, she taught 5th grade science and math at Ridgemont Elementary School. The past two years, she taught 7th grade math at Bluffton Middle School.

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Audience members will be transported to England's Regency era during Bluffton University’s spring play, “Pride and Prejudice.”

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The podcast Local Voices Bluffton describes itself as “a platform dedicated to showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our beloved town.” Co-hosted by Sam Sprunger of Lounge Media Group and Jim Enneking, Executive Director of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs, the podcast “aims to become a valuable resource for Bluffton, Ohio, and its surrounding areas.”

Learn about the podcast below and access the episodes by searching for “Local Voices Bluffton” on your favorite podcast app or on the chamber website HERE.

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