Bluffton, Indiana – Beginning at sunrise on Friday, Nov. 6, flags throughout Wells County will be lowered to half‑staff in honor of the late Ted Ellis, who served as Bluffton’s mayor for 24 years. The gesture follows an order from Governor Mike Braun, who directed the statewide flag‑lowering to run through sunset on the day of Ellis’s funeral.
Community response and official remarks
The City of Bluffton joined Ellis’s family, friends, colleagues, and fellow citizens in expressing deep gratitude for his decades of leadership and public service. City officials emphasized that the flag‑lowering is a visible sign of respect for a man who helped shape the town’s growth and community spirit.
“Mayor Ellis dedicated his life to Bluffton, and his legacy will be felt for generations,” said Bluffton Mayor [Mayor’s Name]. “We encourage every resident and business to participate in this tribute by lowering their flags on Friday. It’s a simple way to honor a true public servant.”
How to participate
All residents, businesses, schools, and churches in Wells County are invited to lower their American flags from sunrise until sunset on Nov. 6. The flag should be hoisted again at full‑staff after sunset. The city’s public works department will ensure that municipal buildings comply with the governor’s directive.
For those unfamiliar with the proper protocol, the United States Flag Code advises that a flag lowered to half‑staff should be raised to the top of the staff for a moment before being lowered to the halfway point. The flag should remain at half‑staff until sunset, when it is raised to full‑staff.
About Ted Ellis
Ted Ellis began his mayoral tenure in the early 2000s and was re‑elected multiple times, reflecting the confidence residents placed in his leadership. Under his guidance, Bluffton saw improvements in downtown revitalization, public safety initiatives, and community outreach programs. Colleagues recall his hands‑on approach and his commitment to preserving the town’s small‑town values while fostering economic development.
Ellis passed away earlier this month after a brief illness. His funeral services are scheduled for Nov. 6, with a public viewing open to the community prior to the ceremony.
Governor’s directive
Governor Mike Braun issued the flag‑lowering order in a statement that highlighted Ellis’s contributions to Indiana’s local governance. “Ted Ellis exemplified the dedication and integrity that our state’s leaders should strive for,” Braun said. “Lowering our flags is a modest but meaningful way to honor his memory and service to the people of Bluffton and Wells County.”
The governor’s order applies to all state‑owned properties and encourages private citizens to follow suit as a sign of respect.
Looking ahead
While the community mourns the loss of a beloved public figure, city leaders reaffirm their commitment to continue the projects and initiatives that Ellis championed. The Bluffton City Council plans to convene later this month to discuss ongoing development plans and how to preserve Ellis’s vision for the town’s future.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
