By Katie Fultz, PA-C
Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony projections that form along the surfaces of bones. They are most commonly associated with joints, where two bones meet, and can also develop on the spine. Although the name may suggest something sharp or jagged, bone spurs are usually smooth. They form when the body attempts to repair itself in response to ongoing stress, friction, or pressure on a bone or joint. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage breaks down over time, often trigger this process. As cartilage thins and the joint becomes unstable, the body lays down new bone to provide reinforcement.
Unfortunately, this extra bone growth can lead to pain and impaired mobility rather than relief.
Sara Jane McCune, 94, passed away December 24, 2025, at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay.
Sara was born May 6, 1931, in Bluffton to Homer and Gladys (Kimmel) Bracy, who preceded her in death. On June 23, 1950, she married George McCune, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2021.
KENTON __The Bluffton High School boys bowling team made program history by winning the 15-team Kenton Holiday Baker tournament on Tuesday, December 23 at Hillcrest Lanes.
“This is the first championship in the program’s four-year history, and we can’t wait for more,” said Pirate head coach Ben Nye. “What a day for Bluffton Pirate bowling.”
On December 15, a family home in the 4000 block of Township Rd. 30 was destroyed by fire. The Ada-Liberty Fire Department took the call at 3:36 p.m. and worked until about 8:00 p.m. to put out the fire.
The family was home and evacuated the ranch structure without injury, according to Fire Chief Jay Epley.
Recap of final regular Bluffton Council meeting for 2025
By Betsi Werling
Bluffton Council met on Monday, December 22 with Mayor Richard Johnson presiding over the meeting. There were no public comments or committee reports.
LEGISLATION
Ordinance No. 13-2025 was approved after the third reading. This allows the Village to assign zoning district classifications to certain annexed properties (near SR 103 east of I-75) located in the Village of Bluffton.
DEFIANCE__The visiting Bluffton High School girls basketball team rallied in the second half but came up short 46-43 to Defiance in a non-conference contest on Monday, December 22.
The Pirate girls trailed 16-6 after the first quarter. After playing to a 13-13 second stanza, Bluffton remained 10 points behind the Bulldogs at intermission.
Bluffton outscored the hosts 13-8 in the third period to slice the deficit in half and inch within 37-32 heading to the final stanza.
Here come Christmas and 2026! The Bluffton and Ada Icons will take a little break–and I hope you can, too. The Icons are updated daily–almost every day. But as the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Paula a dull editor.” Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, the Icons will be in holiday mode, with new content limited to breaking news, including sports.
February 11 at 1145 a.m. at Lima Noon Optimist Club Meeting, 711 S Shore Dr. , Lima
MEDIA RELEASE__Since its start in 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. This contest is aimed at helping participants develop essential skills for personal and professional growth. It is an excellent opportunity for students to:
MEDIA RELEASE__This contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people room to develop their own views around a central idea. In addition to the opportunity for written expression, participants have the chance to win a college scholarship.
By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team
The term dilly-dally is often used to indicate someone is wasting time or moving too slow. Some may use the term as a gentle way to tell a friend to hurry up! You could hear them say “quit dilly-dallying and get a move on it.” This is not a new term, with records indicating its use in the 16th century.
Dilly-dally may be a term to describe this year’s flu season. It took its time coming, but it is now spreading rapidly in the United States due to a new variant of the flu.
