Steve Stratton of Stratton Greenhouses, Bluffton, was recognized during the 2018 America in Bloom award ceremony on Sept. 29 in Lexington, Kentucky.

He was among 16 candidates nominated by candidate communities for the John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award.

This award goes to a person who goes above and beyond for their community to make their town more livable. Steve launched the downtown Bluffton petunia flower pots project and several additional flower beautification activities in the community over the years.

This year's winner was a resident of Clyde, Ohio. Stratton was recognized at the symposium as being one of the 16 nominees.

Also at the awards program, the community of Bluffton was a winner for the second year. Click here for that story.