OCT 13 MEDIA RELEASE__A free concert brings to life the contrasting joyful and perilous times of sixteenth century Dutch Anabaptists. At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, Wendy Chappell-Dick and the Anabaptist Singers will present a varied program of songs using historical words set to modern melodies. The concert will take place at Bluffton University's Yoder Recital Hall.
The musical commemorates the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, celebrated worldwide throughout 2025. Many of today's Mennonites trace their spiritual roots to this movement in Europe.
Basil Edward Meyer, 92, of Bluffton, Ohio, passed away on October 19, 2025 at The Meadows in Ottawa, Ohio. Basil was born on April 17, 1933 in Paulding County, Ohio, the fifth of eight children of Francis M. and Madonna (Trembley) Meyer. On June 25, 1960, he married Rosemary (Batt) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ney, Ohio and she preceded him in death on March 22, 2019.
FROM BHS TEXT ALERTS__The Bluffton High School girls soccer team will play the Ada Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20 in a District Semi-Final game.
There will be a 5 p.m. game between Continental and Columbus Grove. The Bluffton-Ada game will start approx. 30 minutes after the first game ends.
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs have announced that the October 25th Appreciation Dinner will be rescheduled for after January 1, 2026.
Tickets that have been purchased will be refunded.
Awards for Community Champion/Volunteer, Innovation & Creativity and Customer Experience Excellence will be made at upcoming breakfast meetings.
The announcement said, "Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation has caused but look forward to having you join us at a later date."
Happy Monday! Here are BlufftonIcon.com's top stories from the week that was, October 13-19 (A chronological list is at blufftonicon.com/archive). Below are the AdaIcon.com top stories for the same week.
OCT 16 MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathon Blake Turner as the university's new choral director in a part-time staff role.
Turner is a dedicated educator, choral conductor, musician and pastor with extensive experience in higher education, community engagement and faith-based initiatives. His expertise blends artistic excellence, pedagogical innovation and spiritual mentorship, with a focus on fostering vocal excellence, cultural exploration and personal development through music.
OCT 10 MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University and University of Findlay will once again join together for the treasured holiday tradition of Handel's Messiah. This year's performances will mark the 132nd and 133rd in Bluffton's history.
The oratorio will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, in Yoder Recital Hall, Bluffton University, and at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, in Winebrenner Auditorium at the University of Findlay.
FROM BSC NEWSLETTER__The Bluffton Senior Center will be visited by Deb's Dogs on Tuesday, October 21 at 2:30 p.m. Deb's Dogs is a non-profit group that provides vet care for rescued animals. Deb will be bringing some dogs along as she talks about their mission. The program is free and open to the public. No reservation is required, just come and enjoy some puppy time.
Jeffery Wayne Dye, 70, passed away on October 18, 2025, at his residence in Bluffton. Jeffery was born June 23, 1955, in Lima, Ohio to the late James and Peach (Wireman) Dye. On December 23, 1974, he married Cynthia Bucher Dye, who preceded him in death on November 28, 2018.
Jeff retired from Phillips Corporation in Ottawa. He was a jack of all trades. Jeff was an outdoorsman who especially loved fishing and camping. He was a licensed ham radio operator, but most of all Jeff loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Army.
COLUMBUS GROVE - The Bluffton High School cross country teams competed in the Div. III Northwest District meet on Saturday, October 18, at Columbus Grove.
The Pirates qualified three boy and three girl runners to the regional meet next weekend. Atticus Prothro, Levin Essinger, Toby Clevidence, Lydia Tarplee, Elizabeth Honse and Tessa Tarplee advanced with solid runs Saturday.
The top six teams and the top 12 individuals not on a qualifying team made it to the regional meet.
