Regional Roundup: Area youth attain Eagle Scout rank

BLUFFTON - Joel Groman and Josh Woodruff were awarded their Eagle Scout ranks, the highest attainable rank in the Boy Scouts of America, at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at Bluffton Town Hall.

Joel Groman, son of Scoutmaster Dan and Brenda Groman, is a member of Bluffton Boy Scout Troop 256. which is sponsored by the Bluffton American Legion Post 382. Joel's Eagle service project included renovations and remodeling at Rockport United Methodist Church.

Josh Woodruff, son of Dr. David and Margie Woodruff, is a member of Lima Troop 176, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. Josh's Eagle service project included landscaping at the Bluffton Public Library.

Local author publishes fifth book in series

LIMA - "Bahama Burnout" is the title of Don Bruns' fifth book in the series featuring Mick Sever, rock ‘n' roll journalist. It's also the name of a drink for which Bruns gives the ingredients and mixing directions before chapter one.

The book will be available March 1 for $24.95. Copies can be bought online at www.amazon.com and at www.oceanviewpub.com.

Lima resident discovers newspaper reviewing events of 1937

LIMA - Doug Cardwell was remodeling a closet recently when he discovered a copy of The Lima News from Jan. 2, 1938. The paper was spread out to cover, what Cardwell believed, were air cracks in the floor.

Cardwell has had a good time reading the well preserved events from 1937, including the Hindenburg explosion, the crowning of King George IV, floods in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, the birth of the "sit down strike" and a steel strike. He most enjoys reading the classified ads saying, "Did you know you could buy a new car for $400?" The advertising from the local industry appeals to him as well, such as the ads from Sohio Oil.

One local event that especially drew his interest is the artist's conception of the design and layout of the new Schoonover Park.

Cardwell has preserved the paper once again, putting it in a folder so he can review it from time to time.

St. Marys couple attending event at governor's residence

ST. MARYS - The Rev. James and Garnet Nuhfer have been invited to the Ohio Department of Aging's Joined Hearts in Giving recognition event. The event will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2009, at Gov. Ted Strickland's residence in Columbus. First lady Hope Strickland will be in attendance.

The event will recognize couples who have been married for more than 40 years and who volunteer. The Nuhfers were nominated to attend.

James Nuhfer has been a member of the Kiwanis Club for more than 30 years. He has volunteered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the hospital and the Auglaize  County Council on Aging. Garnet Nuhfer has been involved with the United Methodist Women for more than 40 years. She has volunteered at Otterbein and at the Auglaize County Council on Aging.