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Forgotten Bluffton: What was the Commercial Bank?

And, what became of it?
Posted by Fred Steiner on September 7, 2020 - 8:34pm

Why are the words “Commercial Bank’ in capital letters above the John Wagner Nationwide Agency at 105 N. Main St.?

Here’s the answer: The Commercial Bank was Bluffton’s first bank. It was founded in 1887 as a private bank by Frank Scott, N.W. Cunningham purchased one-half interest in it in 1893.

 Scott and Cunningham were the sole owners until June 3, 1902, when it was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio  and became a state bank. 

Section: 
Columnists
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Don't mess with rush water

Posted by Fred Steiner on September 6, 2020 - 3:44pm

Rushing water is a force not to be messed with, as you will see in the accoumpanying four photographs. The spring "flash" flood made a serious dent in the levy between the Buckeye and Riley Creek. Repair to the stone wall area of the levy is underway. This photo shows the fix up. Check the next photos for the water damage.

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Fortman Insurance Services moving to 138 N. Main

Serving customers in Bluffton since 2011
Posted by Fred Steiner on September 6, 2020 - 2:25pm

Fortman Insurances Services, 115 N. Main St., Bluffton is relocating to 138 N. Main St.

With a home office in Ottawa, the agency opened a Bluffton office in July of 2011, which now has four licensed agents. 

Its Bluffton phone number will remain 419-358-4600, as will its hours: Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 5. p.m. and evenings and weekends by appointment.

Section: 
Business
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Take a Bluffton summer art walk - final installment

Posted by Fred Steiner on September 6, 2020 - 2:19pm

This is the final installment in this series.
Summer is a great time to explore the art spread across the Bluffton community – especially for viewers unable to visit art galleries elsewhere in Ohio.

As a weekly series, The Icon has featured the art created by John Peter Klassen, a long-time Bluffton College art professor.

For some viewers, this series is familiar. For others, it may be a first-time experience.

Section: 
Regional news
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University student found cross-cultural experience "eye opening"

"I would like to have a career that takes me in a direction where I am spreading a reflection of love and empathy to others.”
Posted by Fred Steiner on September 6, 2020 - 2:15pm

Natilee Grover ’21, a Bible and theology major from Dayton, describes the search for her perfect major as a “rollercoaster ride.”

And while she can imagine herself in 50 different vocations, she is prepared for whatever the future holds.

“I feel very at peace with where I could possibly go on my career path,” explained Grover. “Mostly, I would like to have a career that takes me in a direction where I am spreading a reflection of love and empathy to others.”

Section: 
Bluffton University
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Jerry Kiracofe was retired from B.P. Chemical

Was a 4-H advisor for 16 years
Posted by Fred Steiner on September 5, 2020 - 9:57am

Jerry L. Kiracofe, 77, died Sept. 2, 2020, at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.  Jerry was born April 25, 1943, in Lima to the late Francis and June (Mowery) Kiracofe. On Jan. 7, 1967 he married Judy Cheney Kiracofe who survives.

Jerry graduated from Bath High School and then served in the U. S. Navy for four years.  He was a member of the Pleasant View United Church of the Brethren in Lima.  Jerry owned and operated many businesses in the area and retired from B.P. Chemical where he was an electrician after 34 years.  

Section: 
Obituaries
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