July 2023

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COLUMBUS--On July 7, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, joined by Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss, and Ohio 988 Administrator Doug Jackson, recognized the positive impact of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Ohioans following one year of state-and-nationwide implementation. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides residents with one, easy to remember number to call–988–when they or someone they know is in crisis.

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The American Red Cross continues to report a blood supply shortage and encourage donors to make an appointment at upcoming blood drive events.

July blood drives in the Icon readership areas include:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
116 Church Street, Bluffton, OH 45817

Monday, July 31, 2023, 11:30 a..m.-5:30 p.m.
Visiting Nurses & Hospice
1200 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810

To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.

July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark/

July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark/

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FINDLAY–A program of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, the Hancock County Safety Council is accepting new members for the upcoming program year through July 31, 2023.

Hancock County Safety Council members can earn a 3% rebate on their Ohio workers’ compensation premium by participating throughout the year. In addition, members can:

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Bluffton's Cemetery Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 10 at Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main.

Additional public meetings are listed on the Bluffton Icon Classifieds page.

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By Cort Reynolds

KENTON–The Bluffton Sardines summer swim squad dominated the eight-team West Ohio Aquatic League championship meet with a clean sweep of the three team titles at Kenton Friday and Saturday, July 7-8.

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Unusual snapshot reveals a forgotten Bluffton of 100 to 125 years ago

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Yes, this is a Bluffton street intersection. But, where? Only one clue reveals the location. A street sign on the right side of the intersection reads “GROVE ST.” A second street sign on the pole next to the Grove Street sign, not readable however, identifies what is today’s Kibler Street

A handwritten sentence on the photo’s back side confirms the location. It reads: Bentley Road and Grove Street Bluffton, Ohio – looking into Kibler Street.

Below the handwriting it is a stamped “Neu-Art Studio, photographers, Bluffton, Ohio.”

This photograph came from Paul Klassen, one of Bluffton’s oldest residents, today in his ninth decade.

CONTINUES

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The July 10 meeting of the Village of Bluffton Council will take place at 7:00 p.m. on the third floor of Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main.

The attached agenda has been provided to the Icon by Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn.

Legislation includes:

  • An refuse and recyclables collection ordinance including rates; 2nd reading
  • Three resolutions regarding participation in State Capital Improvement and/or local transportation improvement programs; 1st reading
  • A resolution adopting the Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan; 1st reading by emergency

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Arrests include alleged robbery in progress, domestic violence and 2 warrants

The following June 2023 docket was provided by Sergeant Tyler Hochstetler of the Bluffton Police Department.

June 1

  • Officers issued citations to a Lima, Ohio resident for speeding and driving under suspension following a traffic stop in the area of North Main Street near Lake Street. The case is pending in Lima Municipal Court.

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By Cort Reynolds

KENTON–The Bluffton Sardines summer swim team sits atop the eight-team West Ohio Aquatic League championship meet after a sunny day one of competition at the Kenton Municipal Pool.

Dominating Bluffton leads the overall standings, as well as the boys and girls team results, over Wapakoneta in each category. 

Overall, Bluffton leads second-place Wapak 1,317 to 1,060 points heading into the second and final day of swimming. Bluffton also leads the second-place Wapak Wave girls after the first day of competition, 578.5-530. The Sardine boys lead the Wapak males, 738.5 to 530. 

The Bluffton boys won three relay races Friday, while the Sardine girls won one relay event. 

Jackson Bowlus also touched first in the 15 and over age group 50 freestyle.

More than 500 swimmers competed on day one of the 41st annual Elks Invitational meet championships. The meet is for swimmers aged 5-18 who are members of a league team. 

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By Claire Witschger, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacy Resident, Blanchard Valley Health System

With the summer months in full swing, school is out and vacations have started to take place. As we enjoy the warmer weather, it is important to remember the importance of sun safety. While the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be beneficial for vitamin D synthesis and can increase mood, it is also responsible for numerous damaging effects on the human skin. Some of the effects of unprotected sun exposure include sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer. With these risks, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen and sun safety practices to reduce the harmful effects of UV exposure.

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