Public Information Statement from the National Weather Service, Wilmington OH 622 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023

EF1 TORNADO CONFIRMED IN KENTON...HARDIN COUNTY OHIO.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio has confirmed an EF1 tornado occurred in Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio during the early afternoon hours of today, August 12, 2023.

This conclusion stems from a damage survey that is being conducted. Maximum winds have been estimated at 90 mph.

Additional information, including tornado track data, will be made available later this evening. A final assessment, including results of the survey, are expected to be completed and transmitted via a Public Information Statement.

The storm survey information will also be available at http://weather.gov/iln.

By Emilee Shoemaker, MOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA 
Occupational Therapist, Julie A. Cole Rehab and Sports Medicine Clinic

After a patient has been through the rigorous diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, sometimes they are looking forward to returning to their typical physical activity or workout routine. Their medical support team has usually educated them on the signs and symptoms of lymphedema, but the patients are still not sure how to return to their daily activities and workout routine safely. 

It is important for individuals recovering from breast cancer, with or without lymphedema, to return to their physical fitness level, as well as return to their desired quality of life. The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) has guidelines to follow when starting and maintaining an exercise regimen. 

General guidelines to follow include increasing your workouts gradually, progressing them slowly, and monitoring the size of your “at risk” limb during and following your exercises. If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema and have been prescribed a compression garment for the affected limb, please wear it while you are exercising. Stay well hydrated and avoid becoming overheated. 

Deborah "Debb" A. Herr, 68, passed away August 10, 2023 at her residence. Debb was born September 24, 1954 in Bluffton to the late Millard and Julia (Burns) Herr. 

Debb was a 1972 graduate of Bluffton High School and attended Bluffton College. She worked for ODOT for over 36 years where she had been a union steward. Debb was a talented cellist for the Lima Symphony Orchestra for many years and also taught private lessons for cello. She was passionate about music and assisted with the Bluffton Schools music programs. Debb was a poll worker for the Allen County Board of Elections and enjoyed watching NFL football, especially the Baltimore Ravens. 

Bluffton will host Tiffin Calvert on Monday, August 14 at 4:30 p.m.

By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School girls tennis team defeated Kenton 4-1 to earn its first win of the season Thursday afternoon, August 10.

The Pirate netters improved to 1-2 on the season with the convincing win.

Chief Jan Basinger reports that the Bluffton EMS had 45 calls for service in July with the following details:

• 29 Medical
• 5 Transports
• 1 MVA
• 9 Fire
• 1 Mutual Aid
• 30 patients transported

2023 Totals

• 446 calls
• 321 patients transported

From the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools: Due to a new state law passed this summer, "reduced price" meals for qualifying students will be free this year.

To apply for Free and Reduced Meals, please go to www.blufftonschools.org/ and click on payschools central. Once you log into your account, the application should pop up on your screen. Please call the office with any questions 419-358-4871.

The Bluffton Public Library will host a session on Kindergarten Readiness on Wednesday, August  16 at 11:00 a.m. Registration is required.

This program will focus on the alphabet letters and sounds, sight words, numbers and their amount, and handwriting. Children will rotate through stations of each section and get a chance to become familiar with the routine of classes.