Mosquito spraying in the village began this Wednesday evening, July 7, and will continue through the summer and early fall months.

Spraying will begin each Wednesday evening at dark. In the case of inclement weather, spraying will be Thursday at dark.

Residents wishing to not have their property sprayed may call the village offices at 419-358-2066.

For the fourth consecutive year, Stratton's Greenhouse, of Bluffton, donated 24 potted petunia plants to downtown Bluffton.

"America in Bloom is what inspired it. It's a program that promotes adding flowers to downtown areas," said Steve Stratton. "There are different classifications for small towns like ours and bigger areas also."

Stratton said the first year they added the potted containers to downtown was the year of the flood in Bluffton and that the flowers seemed to improve the mood of those in and around town." 

"It was a depressing time around town," said Stratton. "The flowers seemed to help."

Stratton employees and volunteers maintain the flowers along Main Street. They water the plants when needed in the early morning and replace broken or vandalized containers.

"We have a few extras on hand," said Stratton. "People sit on them or put garbage in them and we do our best to keep them clean."

"The village is very grateful to Stratton's," said village administrator Jamie Mehaffie. "The flowers add a lot to the overall look of Main Street."

The Bluffton Hometown Amerifest, an annual event, was held Saturday and Sunday morning, June 26 and 27.

The event merged three separate functions, the Festival of Wheels, Relay for Life, and Freedom Fest.

"It went well, not perfect, but overall it was a nice day and a great event," said Dick McGarrity, of the Bluffton Lions Club. "For a small community to raise $50,000 in a single event is really remarkable."

Approximately $25,000 was raised via the sales of Corvette raffle tickets. Joan Swank, of Van Wert, won the raffle and was handed the keys to the 1990 Corvette on Monday, June 28 at Bud's Chevrolet-Buick, Inc. in St. Mary's, Ohio.

The Bluffton Relay for Life event raised over $22,000 and counting. Donations will continue to be accepted until August 20. Please contact Relay for Life organizer, Tracey Steele, for more information.

"I'd like to thank everyone who gave their time and especially those who donated cakes for the cake walk activity," said Steele. "It was great for all three organizations involved and will continue to improve year after year.

Next year's Hometown Amerifest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26. In its beginning stages of planning, Amerifest 2011 may be blended with the sesquicentennial celebration planned for next summer.