Bluffton High School senior, Joel Groman, is the December BHS student of the month. He has served as a class officer as a freshman, sophomore and junior. He is a member of the Math Club, math team, Students Against Dangerous Decisions (SADD), concert band, marching band, pep band, Latin Club, Drama Club, Campus Life, St. John youth group, Renaissance Committee, Student Senate, National Honor Society, and is an Eagle Boy Scout.

As a service project, the Bluffton High School student senate decided to hold a money drive this winter. The money that was raised is going to benefit a few families in the surrounding area, according to Pam Riffle, student senate advisor.

A member of each of the families chosen is serving the the United States armed forces.

"This project was high school-wide and involved the grades competing against each other for the reward of a pizza party," she said.

If you spend any time near the middle school, sooner or later you'll come upon this plate. It is on a vehicle driven by Nancy Armour, middle school teacher. And, yes, she is a 1974 Ohio University graduate.

Question: What do you give a fourth grader for Christmas? Answer: Read on and you will find out. We gave fourth graders in Tami Hardy's class a Christmas writing assignment for Christmas. We asked them to construction some lists. And so they did. We offer you the answers to the questions of fourth graders Christmas wish lists (according to the fourth grader) of their mom and their dad. Then, we asked them for their own list.

As an alternative with wish list, some students compiled lists of five things they wish they'd hear and other wishes.

It all follows:

By Joanne Niswander

Take it from someone who is experiencing her 80th (oops, now everyone knows!) Christmas season: Christmas isn't what it used to be. You've probably thought the same thing. But, before you start nodding in agreement that Christmas has gone to the dogs, read on . . .

All Star
scores bowled on : Dec.10
high game
Al Simon 300
Robert Smith-Jr 279
Mike Kelly 278
Derek Dukes 258
John Nye 258
John Dunifon 257
Mike Kelly 252
Robert Smith-Jr 249

Jeremy Parkins, graduate of Bluffton High School, will lead a half-day soccer clinic on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at BFR. Parkins leads soccer clinics for the Columbus Crew professional soccer team throughout the year.

Parkins played collegiate soccer at University of Findlay and Capital before playing for the Columbus Crew.

BFR has hosted a winter camp for almost10 years, with the date moved from February to December.

BFR will be open for informal recreation over the holidays, according to Carole Eneking, director. Except for closing early (at noon) on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and being closed for Christmas Day and New Year's Day, BFR will have lots of time for guests.

Non-members may use the facility without charge when visiting with a current BFR member. Open gymnasium and arena times will be available from 9 a.m.. to 9 p.m. on most days; the daily fee for non-members is $5.

Bluffton Police Department
Public Docket
Dec. 1 to 15, 2009
1 - Police responded to the intersection of Church and Jackson Streets to assist the EMS.

4 -Police took a complaint from a N. Main St. business in regards to several individuals who had passed bad checks at the business.

5 - Police took a complaint of telephone harassment from a Snider Road resident.

7 - Officers responded to I-75 in regards to several traffic crashes near the County Line Road overpass.

7th grade Bluffton Middle School girls' basketball results:

Lost to Delphos Jefferson 28-13. Scorers for Bluffton: Lauren Parkins 5, Maddie Domer 1, Sidney Joseph 4, Kearstin Barry 1, Abbey Bryer 2
Lost to Allen East 26-14. Lauren Parkins 5, Maddie Domer 4, Olivia Sneary 1, Kearstin Barry 2, Mackayla Wilson 2
Beat USV 21-15. Lauren Parkins 10, Sidney Joseph 5, Kearstin Barry 2, Abbey Bryer 4