It's only March but preparations for this summer's swimming season are underway at the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool, according to Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator.
Mehaffie's report to council on Monday will provide information about summer preparations being made at the pool.
In addition, thanks to the warmer than normal temperatures, the water in on in the village parks and the rest rooms are open.
Council's March 26 meeting agenda is in an attachment at the bottom of this story.
The St. John's United Church of Christ peeks out behind the magnolia in full bloom across the Bluffton High School. Wish it could stay this way all year.
Long before the automobile, Bluffton was served by several businesses catering to persons who owned horses. One of those businesses was Bogart's Harness Shop. The shop eventually became an automobile agency.
Standing on the left is M.M. (Mel) Bogart (father of Harry Bogart, grandfather of Tom Bogart and Mary Suter). Beside him on the right is his father, D.C. Bogart.
Richland Manor, a Trilogy Health Services community, has been named 2012 Best Employer in Ohio. This marks the third year since 2009 that the campus and its employees have received this recognition.
"We are so proud of this accomplishment," said Jackie Short, Executive Director of Richland Manor, "Our employees made this happen through their unwavering commitment to be the best. Each member of our team plays a part in making us not only a Best Employer, but also in making us a provider of choice in our community. I thank our employees for making this recognition possible."
The rain held off and temperatures were mild as the men's and women's track and field team competed at the Dick Small Invitational on Saturday, March 24, hosted by Defiance College.
Qualifying marks for the HCAC Championship and the All-Ohio Championship, along with numerous personal records, highlighted the meet for the Beavers.
In a pitcher's duel, senior Kelly Barnes (Toledo/Toledo Christian) tossed a complete game and led the Bluffton baseball team to a 2-1 victory over Manchester on Sunday, March 25.
Betty Biery, 95, of Mt. Cory and Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora, died at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. March 25,2012 at Bluffton Community Hospital, Bluffton.
She was born March 24, 1917 to the late Marion R. and Hazel (Sherrard) Pierman.
Mrs. Biery graduated in 1935 from Pandora High School and in 1937 from Tiffin Business College. She worked at Ohio Power, Lima and Triplett Electrical, Bluffton.
On Feb. 25, 1939 she married Rollin Biery. He preceded her in death on Feb. 25,2005 after 66 years of marriage.
The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference recently announced the winter honorees of the HCAC All-Academic awards for the 2011-12 school year. Sixteen Bluffton University athletes were recognized for their efforts in the classroom. Women's indoor track and field and men's basketball led the way for the Beavers with five honorees.
Vocalist Kristin Beckman will perform her Bluffton University senior recital at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, in Yoder Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public; a reception will follow in the lobby.
The Ottawa native, a soprano, will sing numbers by Mozart, Richard Strauss and Francis Poulenc, among others. Pianist Allison Ringold will accompany Beckman, a voice student of Dr. Crystal Sellers, an assistant professor of music at the university.
