Letters

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Donald L. Pannabecker, Bluffton University emeritus faculty member, whose university tenure extended from 1964 to 1997, died on Jan. 17. His obituary is HERE.

By Fred Steiner
Bluffton Icon founder

Legend has it that Don Pannabecker arrived as a freshman at Bluffton College in a new 1954 Oldsmobile 98, driven by his mother… all the way from Peoria, Illinois. He brought with him a cello and a remarkably dry sense of humor.

Don’s choice of college, no doubt selected at birth by his parents, became a benefit to all who live in Bluffton. His contribution confirms the long-standing perception that Bluffton is such an interesting place because of the variety of people who call it home.

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By Scott Little
Bluffton Ohio Historical Society Secretary

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society (BOHS) held it’s very first–and very informal–meeting on December 7, 2022. Now approaching the society’s third anniversary, there have been many accomplishments. A name was selected, bylaws were drafted, edited and accepted.  Officers have been elected and the society has received nonprofit status.  

In August of 2024, the second Bluffton History Day was held and a scene was recreated from 1898, when firefighters tested Bluffton’s first water system.

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By Jami Lovell
Bluffton Food Pantry director

We have had  a lot of community members reaching out to ask how they can help the Food Pantry.  Here are some ways.

  • Organize a food drive (non-persishable items)
  • Organize a paper product drive (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues)
  • Organize a drive for something specific such as:
    • Hygiene items - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, women's sanitary items, etc
    • Pet food drive
    • Laundry detergent and dish soap drive 
    • Canned meat drive (this is a more expensive item and we go through a lot)
    • Cereal drive 
    • Boxed meal drive (hamburger or tuna helper, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc.) 
  • Make a monetary donation to PO Box 52, Bluffton to help us purchase fresh meat, eggs and cheese each month
  • Donate a few canned goods or other items at our drop off location in the first floor stairwell at Bluffton's Town Hall anytime!
  • Adopt a family or individual for Christmas (email [email protected])

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FROM OCT 13 FACEBOOK__ A Letter to Our Allen County Community from your Allen County School Superintendents & Treasurers

Dear Allen County Residents,

As your local school superintendents and treasurers, we write to you not as politicians or advocates, but as fellow parents, community members, and stewards of the education system that defines the heart of Allen County. We share your frustration with rising property taxes. We, too, open those tax bills with concern. But today, we must share the complete picture of what's happening in our state – and what it means for the services we all depend on.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Ohio Has Shifted the Burden to You

Over the past two decades, our state lawmakers have made a choice. It wasn't a choice made in one dramatic moment, but through twenty years of gradual decisions that have fundamentally changed how Ohio funds education – and who pays the bill.

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CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace / PHOTOS provided

By Dan Groman
Bluffton Ohio Historical Society Vice President

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society achieved a milestone on September 15. 

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By Tracy Steele

The Alzheimer’s Association hosted  its annual forum in Washington, D.C. this summer, and I was honored to attend as an advocate for Ohio's congressional district, proudly representing my loved ones, including my stepmom and husband, who inspire me every day. 

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