January 2026

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By Cort Reynolds

SPENCERVILLE__In a battle for second place in the Northwest Conference, the visiting Bluffton High School girls basketball team was overcome late by Spencerville 35-33 on Thursday, January 29.

The Pirates had rallied to seize a 27-23 lead heading to the fourth quarter. But the Bearcats responded with a 12-6 fourth-period comeback to win by two.

Spencerville led 13-10 after the first period of play. The Bearcats led 19-16 at halftime. Bluffton then surged ahead behind an 11-4 third stanza.

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FROM FACEBOOK__Cold and Flu season is in full swing. Staying informed is one of the best ways to keep yourself and others healthy. Check the Hancock Public Health dashboard to stay informed.

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Firsts, forgottens and floods

By Paula Pyzik Scott
Bluffton Icon and Ada Icon editor

At the last meeting of the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society, we were treated to a show of old photographs. Many revealed dramatic changes to downtown Bluffton architecture, quizzing each other, "do you know where that is?" The experience has me wondering, what is the oldest house within the village limits? The oldest commercial building?

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James Robert Shapter, age 80, went to Heaven at 12:40 p.m. on January 26, 2026, at home with his loved ones.  He was born April 22, 1945, in Cleveland, OH to Alan Richard “Jimmy” and Barbara Jane Hamilton-Shapter.  

He is survived by his mother, who lived with him, his wife Betty Moore-Cognion Shapter, his son John (LeAnn) Shapter, his grandson Ryan James Shapter, stepdaughter Susan Beth Cognion of Chesapeake, VA., brothers-in-law Roger A. Moore of Sun City, AZ., David J. (Angela) Moore of Beachgrove, TN., and sister-in-law Janet L. Spencer of Clarksville, TN.

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Parking on streets returns to normal

FROM BLUFFTON POLICE ON FACEBOOK__Thank you to everyone that followed the snow emergency procedures this week that allowed the Village Public Works Department to clear streets from the snowfall this past weekend. As of [Wednesday, January 28], all parking is able to return to normal throughout the village.

We also ask that if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please make sure the snow is cleared from around it so the fire department is able to locate and access it in the case of an emergency.

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MEDIA RELEASE__The West Central Association of REALTORS announced its annual award recipients during its recent Inauguration and Awards Banquet.

The Rookie of the Year Award was awarded to Zac Kohli with Superior Plus Realtors, honoring exceptional achievement and promise demonstrated early in their real estate career.

The REALTOR® of the Year Award was presented to Lauren Girardot with At Home Realty, recognizing outstanding professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the real estate industry and the community.

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MEDIA RELEASE__Dr. Jonathan Andreas, Howard Raid Professor of Economics, will present a faculty colloquium titled “Creating a Prosperous Culture” at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. 

The presentation will explore economic, social, and institutional conditions that contribute to long-term prosperity and community well-being. 

Faculty colloquiums at Bluffton University highlight scholarly and creative work by faculty members and provide opportunities for campus and community dialogue. 

This event is free and open to the public. 

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MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University students Emily Jones ‘26, Logan Daugherty ‘27, Jordyn Garmatter ‘26 and Cami Hazelton ‘26 will present a Cross-Cultural Experience Forum at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Yoder Recital Hall. 

The students will reflect on their semester-long cross-cultural experiences in Washington, D.C., London and Athens, discussing academic learning, cultural engagement and personal growth. 

The Forum is free and open to the public. 

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The Honor Roll for the 2nd nine weeks of 2025-26 at Bluffton Elementary has been released. The roll includes grades 4 and 5.

4th Grade

All A:

Kinze Burkholder, Scarlett DeLong-Clem, Alivia Dunlap, Callie Fry, Phoebe Hodges, Nora Kauffman, Juliana Liberato, Camilla McCreary, Lochlan Place, Bexley Riepenhoff, Beau Sutton, Craig Warner

A/B Honor Roll:

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Tickets on sale at four downtown businesses

MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of one of the community’s most delicious and eagerly anticipated events, the 2026 Chocolate Walk. This ticketed event is scheduled for Thursday, February 5 from 12:00-7:00  p.m.

The Chocolate Walk invites chocolate lovers and community enthusiasts to indulge their taste buds while exploring local shops and businesses. Participants will enjoy a leisurely stroll from stop to stop, collecting a variety of unique chocolate treats from classic candies to decadent cookies and brownies at each participating location. 

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