January 2025

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Vixen Hurt ‘25, a social work major from Kenton, Ohio, will present the First Tuesday in the Library Forum, “How Can You Fight Land Injustice,” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Musselman Library Reading Room.

During the presentation, Hurt will recount their work with the “Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery” to promote healing between the Christian church and indigenous people. 

This event is free and open to the public.

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Bluffton University will host Radical Reformation Film Festival 2, “Zwingli,” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, in Stutzman Lecture Hall.

This event is part of Anabaptism at 500, a series commemorating the beginning of the Anabaptist faith denomination. A full list of Anabaptism at 500 events can be found at www.bluffton.edu/anabaptism500 

All Anabaptism at 500 events are free and open to public. These events made possible with the generous support of Lowell and Marty Hostetler.

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The Kiwanis Club of Findlay is now accepting applications for the annual scholarship program.  Established in 1974, the Fred Brucklacher Memorial Scholarship supports Hancock County students in  their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception, over $216,000 has been awarded. 

In 2025 scholarships will be available in three categories: 

1. $2,500 for graduating seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree 

2. $2,500 for graduating seniors pursuing a two-year degree or technical certificate 3. $2,500 for current college students 

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By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON – The Bluffton High School girls basketball team used a big second quarter to upset visiting Northwest Conference rival Allen East 49-44 on Tuesday, January 28.

The Pirates outscored the Mustang girls 31-17 over the middle quarters to pave the way to the victory. Bluffton won the second stanza 16-5 to seize control.

Bluffton improved to 11-8 overall and 3-2 in the NWC after the victory.  

Meanwhile, AE fell to 15-4 overall and 2-3 in the NWC with the defeat. 

The Mustangs led the Pirates 9-8 after the first quarter. But the big second period boosted the hosts to a 24-14 halftime lead. 

Bluffton consolidated the lead with a 15-12 third quarter that extended the margin to 39-26 heading to the final period.  

AE made a desperation comeback bid by scoring 18 fourth quarter points, but came up five points short. 

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Bluffton Middle School has announced the following Honor Roll for the second quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year. There are designations for All A and A/B status.

All “A” Honor Roll

6th Grade: 

Morgan Basinger, Natalie Basinger, Kyra Bingley, Julia Brauen, Charles Brodman, Rose Burkholder, Emily Byers, Brooke Cherry, Aryn Clinger, Quinn Cupples, Lydia Davis, Malia Fought, Elijah Fry, Jonathan Gallant, Grant Gesler, Lydia Gratz, Gabriella Gremling, Eden Hagen, Lyla Heinze, Kaidree Hohenbrink, Gabriella Holmes, Henrietta Kaiser, Kinley Kill, Milena King, Julianna Lewis, Quinn Longworth, Samuel Lovett, Averie Marquart, Savannah Meyer, Mikah Miller, Kayla Mueller, Sage Music, Simon Phillips, Samuel Rinaldi, Bryce Sehlhorst, Peyton Simon, Mckenna Stoner, Caroline Stratton, Bowen Sturgeon, Cooper Tuttle, Lillian Utendorf, Natalie Veit, Ellia Zink

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The following meetings have been announced by the Village of Bluffton and will be held at Town Hall, 154 N. Main St. The meetings are also listed on the Icon's calendar.

Streets, Alleys, Lights & Sidewalks Committee on Wednesday, January 29 at 5:00 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee on Thursday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m. (Park Playground)

Parks & Recreation Committee on Thursday, January 30 at 11:30 a.m. (2025 Pool Rates & Staffing)

Utilities Committee on Thursday, January 30 at 3:00 p.m.

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On January 23, 15 spellers from grades 6-8 competed in the Bluffton Middle School spelling bee. An 8th grade student, Marissa Dennis, survived round after round, winning with the word “salvageable.” She qualified to represent Bluffton in the Allen County Spelling Bee. The second runner up, Elijah Lewis, will represent Bluffton if Dennis is unavailable.

Three teachers teamed up to run the bee: pronouncer Hailey Coliigan and judges Natalie Armstrong and Becky Boblitt.

Students who participated in the spelling bee were

6th Grade                

Simon Phillips
Brielle Picker
Zach Lehmkuhle
Haddy Glick

 

 

7th Grade

Colton Kelly
Alenah Gordon-Hancock
Lila Brown
Cameron Cox
Anna Schedler
 

 

8th Grade                   

Aubrey Maag
Elijah Lewis
Gabe Foster
Ciara Keysor
Marissa Dennis
Amelia Haley

   

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Nine new Bluffton Senior Center members are welcomed in the February 2025 newsletter, including some from Ada and Leipsic as well as from Bluffton.

Dues may be paid in person at the center, 132 N. Main St., by mailing a check or over the phone with a credit card. The member newsletter is available by standard mail or by email.

The Bluffton Senior Center has over 700 members.

Email [email protected]
Phone 419-358-8971
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Bluffton-Ohio-Senior-Center-100063569291271/

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Storytime at Bluffton Public Library is right around the corner. The Spring Storytime session runs from February 5 - April 23, 2025 on Wednesdays.

Baby Storytime at 10 a.m.

Pre-K Storytime at 10:30 a.m.

To register, stop in, call 419-358-5016, or click https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxF1D5GTJp4NatHJvH_GC96KVpTDCm...

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Allen County Agronomy Day is Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at the Allen Co. Fairgrounds Youth Activities Building. An RSVP is required at 419-879-9108 or mcdorman15.osu.edu. $20/person includes all sessions, a light breakfast, and full lunch. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Presenters Include:

Barry Ward, OSU Extension - Crop Budgets and Tax Update

Bailey Elchinger, Stone X - Grain Market Outlook

Brandon Kern, Ohio Soybean Council - Farm Policy Update

Jocelyn Ruble, OSU Extension - Water Quality

Stephanie Karhoff, OSU Extension - Tar Spot Management

 

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