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At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8: Q&A and display of Fett Hardware memorabilia with Ed Fett and family at Bluffton Senior Center, 132 N. Main St.

By Josiah Bergstrand

Fett Hardware, which opened in 1894 and was originally located at 127 N Main St, was one of the most prominent family-owned businesses on Bluffton's Main Street throughout its 92 years of operation. The store was opened by John Fett, a savvy businessman who also owned the Bluffton Slaw Cutter company and co-owned the Arras Cream Separator Company.

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By Paula Pyzik Scott
Icon owner-editor

The Icon email inbox is a pretty busy place. While we search for items of interest to those who live and work in Ada and Bluffton, Ohio, we also receive many media releases and advertising inquiries at [email protected] and [email protected]. For the record, they both come to the same place; you don't need to send duplicate messages to both.

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By James D. Stager, Student Pharmacist and Karen Kier, Pharmacist 
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1973, Jim Croce released his album titled You Don’t Mess Around with Jim. The album contained his second number one hit, “Time in a Bottle.” Unfortunately, this song hit the charts after his tragic death in a plane crash in 1973 in Louisiana after performing a concert. Jim Croce’s son A. J. would turn 2 years old eight days after his father’s death. As an adult, A. J. pays tribute to his dad with his 2026 tour, which is called Croce Plays Croce.

Bluffton Calendar

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Announcements

New Stories

Vaccination clinics in Lima, Aug 3, 5 and 6 by appointment

  • / July 30, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__As the new school year approaches, Allen County Public Health (ACPH) is committed to ensuring every student in our community starts the year healthy and protected. 

Backman’s My Friends is topic for BPL book discussions

  • / July 30, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__Noon & 2:00 Book Discussions (R) at Bluffton Public Library will meet Wed., Aug. 5 at Noon and at 2:00 p.m. to discuss My Friends by Fredrik Backman.

Wanted: Photos of bicycles in the Swiss Settlement

  • / July 30, 2026

FROM FACEBOOK__On August 26, 1880, The Bluffton News, reported that "A bicycle on our streets Sunday attracted some attention."* In 2026, the Swiss Community Historical Society is putting together a new exhibit on bicycles in the Bluffton-Pandora area Swiss settlement.

Monday evening Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle scheduled

  • / July 30, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle at Bluffton Public Library will be held Mondays, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 6:00 p.m.

This is a relaxed, song-circle style music session and anyone is welcome to join or listen in and come and go as you need.

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Historical

  • / July 18, 2017

Pandora's Commercial House in 1907

The Iconic Photo Gallery

Obituaries

  • / July 19, 2026

Larry "Eddie" E. Shepler Jr. was a farmer

Sports

  • / July 15, 2026

Sardines swim team preview week, July 20-24