UPDATE: An Icon reader inquired about needing to opt out if you are in a third-party agreement and not currently in the aggregation program. Palmer Energy Company, the energy consultant serving Allen County, replied that if the customer has a third-party agreement, then they should not need to opt out repeatedly. But if AEP is the supplier, then yes, they should follow the opt out procedure. Questions can be directed to Amy Hoffman, (419) 539-9180 ext 106, [email protected].
By Paula Pyzik Scott
An Allen County community electric aggregation notification was mailed to residents and small businesses on October 20, announcing a new rate of 9.78 cents ($0.0978) per kWh.
This increase is a little over 3 cents per kWh from the old Dynegy government aggregation rate of $0.0657.
Wilma Joyce Laeufer, 92, passed away on October 26, 2025, at Lima Memorial Health System. Wilma was born January 9, 1933, in Cairo, Ohio, to the late Donald and Helen (Harpster) Anderson. On September 19, 1956, she married Jackie "Jack" Laeufer, who preceded her in death on June 19, 2020.
UPDATE 4:22 P.M. FROM AEP: The wind was causing some issues with overhead lines and crews have been assessing the area since yesterday. Today, they found the issue that caused the flickering lights for customers and made the necessary repairs to get the power back on. We understand that there is never a convenient time to experience power quality issues but know that our field personnel worked as quickly as they safely could to make repairs.
Bluffton ballots for the November 4 General Election include the opportunity to vote for three Village of Bluffton council candidates. Four seats on council will be open in January 2026, with Jerry Cupples, Mitch Kingsley and David Steiner not running for reelection.
The three candidates are Thomas Downey (write-in), Liz Gordon-Hancock and Phill Talavinia (incumbent).
OCT 28 MEDIA RELEASE__In an effort to reduce serious and deadly crashes, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will join several other state transportation departments to mark Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Wednesday, October 29. This national effort aims to bring attention to two of the most common factors in deadly crashes each year.
OCT 28 MEDIA RELEASE__Allen County WIC, the supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children, will continue to operate as normal into November, despite pauses to other federal government programs.
Current WIC clients can continue to receive services as normal, and WIC is accepting new qualifying clients.
WIC provides wholesome foods, nutrition education, and community support to income-eligible people who are pregnant or postpartum, infants and children up to five years old.
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in partnership with the Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action Program (HAPCAP), today announced a major expansion of Ohio's GoBus intercity transit network—significantly increasing mobility options for rural communities and strengthening statewide connectivity.
OCT 28 MEDIA RELEASE__The St. John Bible Church Youth are hosting an interactive Seder Meal presented by David Brickner, a Messianic Jew and Executive Chairman of Jews for Jesus, on Sunday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30).
This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are limited to 150 people.
To learn more about this event and to reserve your seat at the table, please visit: https://bit.ly/SJBCSederMeal. St. John Bible Church 15988 Road 4, Pandora, Ohio.
Ada’s volleyball team held our annual Dig for a Cure event earlier this month on Monday, October 6 with Pandora Gilboa. Together, both teams raised a grand total of $2,602.
Wilma J. Laeufer, 92, passed away on October 26, 2025, at Lima Memorial Health System. Wilma's service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
