OCT 21 MEDIA RELEASE__Alexis Rippel '27, an honors student majoring in biology and chemistry, will share her research findings during a Forum titled "Exploring Diabetes Research: My Project within Ohio University's DISIRE Program" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Musselman Library's Reading Room.
Happy Monday, Blufftonites! Here are BlufftonIcon.com's top stories from the week that was, October 20-26. For a chronological look Icon content, visit blufftonicon.com/archive.
The Bluffton High School football team has finished the 2025 season tied for sixth with Attica Seneca East (7-3) in the final Div. VI, Region 22 rankings after suffering their second defeat in their season finale. Bluffton is the seventh seed.
The top four teams in each region receive a first-round bye, while teams ranked five through 12 play in the first round.
Castalia Margaretta finished first (9-1) in region 22, followed by Hopewell-Loudon (9-1) and Archbold (8-2).
COLUMBUS GROVE__The visiting Bluffton High School football team lost a 48-38 seesaw battle to Columbus Grove in their rivalry battle to decide the Northwest Conference title on Friday, October 24 at Clymer Stadium.
The Pirates came back time and time again but were unable to overcome two kickoff returns for touchdowns, some missed two-point conversions and the potent Bulldog offense.
TIFFIN – The Bluffton High School cross country teams sent six runners to the Div. III Northwest Regional Meet on Saturday, October 25 at Tiffin’s Hedges-Boyer Park. None of the six Pirate harriers qualified for the state meet next Saturday at Fortress Obetz in Columbus.
James "Mike" Picklesimer "Pickle," 66, passed away October 25, 2025, at the Meadows of Ottawa.
Mike was born May 9, 1959 in Findlay, to James Leo and Betty (Grant) Picklesimer who preceded him in death. On August 23, 2002 he married Jennifer (Strahm) Picklesimer who survives.
OCT 23 MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University recently welcomed second- and seventh-grade students from Bluffton elementary and middle school for two days of hands-on outdoor education experiences at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve and Little Riley Creek.
Led by Jacob Buchanan, assistant professor of environmental science and M'della Moon Endowed Chair in Botany and Environmental Science, the program introduced younger learners to the wonders of the natural world through direct exploration and discovery.
Yes, the temperature is in the 30s but the sun is shining and Saturday morning is simply the best time to be out and about in Bluffton.
Today the Icon enjoyed photo ops at Pancakes for Peace at First Mennonite Church, the last Bluffton Farmers Market of the 2025 season and Crossroads Crisis Center's donation drive at Community Markets.
You'lll find these photos on the Icon's Facebook page, too.
On October 23, WBGU-PBS premiered an episode of Scenic Stops & Stories featuring the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Rd. The production took place during a Second Saturday event and includes interviews with board member Jason Althaus and docent Van Risser. The next event at the homestead will be the Christmas Open House on December 6-7.
