March 2026

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Saturday, August 29, 2026, Play Music on The Porch Day, a.k.a. Bluffton PorchFest

Application deadline is 11:59 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026***

FROM FACEBOOK__Bluffton PorchFest is a multi-genre event, open to all area musicians and bands. 

Bluffton PorchFest is a tips-only event.

We can supply the "Tip Jars" if needed and will aggressively promote tipping the performers.

Bands are welcome to sell CDs, T-Shirts, Hats, and other merchandise.

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MEDIA RELEASE__Chris Scott, head track and field coach at Bluffton University, will present the Civic Engagement Day Forum, “Competition with My Neighbor: The Good and the Bad,” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, in Yoder Recital Hall.

Scott will explore how competition shapes relationships before, during and after the game, and how love of neighbor can inform athletic engagement.

The Forum is free and open to the public.

 

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By Betsi Werling

The Village of Bluffton Council met on Monday, March 23 with Mayor Rich Johnson presiding. The meeting packet is attached HERE.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn announced that the Village has been awarded $500,000 towards Phase 3 of Legacy Park. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has provided the award through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

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MEDIA RELEAST__At approximately 5:32 a.m., the Hancock County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SR 12 and CR 16.

Preliminary investigation a 2018 White Chevy Malibu, driven by Stephen Benner, was traveling east bound on SR 12. A 2019 Black Chevy Cruz, driven by Jean Iniguez, was traveling northbound on CR 16. Iniguez failed to stop for the stop sign, striking Benner. Due to the impact, Benner's vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking a residence.

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FROM FACEBOOK__The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District has announced a June 6 Native Plant and Rain Barrel Sale at 1870 Slabtown Rd., Lima. Time: 9:00 a.m.-noon.

The event will include the sale of 50-gallon rain barrels for $120. The barrels may be used to collect water from your downspout, help reduce stormwater runoff and provide great water for gardens.

Ohio-sourced native plants will be for sale, such as milkweeds, blazing stars, conflowers, indigos and other pollinator-friendly species.

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MEDIA RELEASE__Families are invited to celebrate the Easter season at the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Mennonite Memorial Home of the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio. This beloved community tradition offers a fun and festive morning for children and their families.

The Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the backyard of Mennonite Memorial Home, located at 410 W. Elm Street, Bluffton. Children ages 8 and under, accompanied by an adult, are welcome to participate.

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Happy Monday, Blufftonites! Here are BlufftonIcon.com's top stories from the week that was, March 16-22. For a chronological look Icon content, visit blufftonicon.com/archive. 

MARCH 16

1800s Bluffton History Timeline

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Patrick R. Reis, 70, passed away on March 20, 2026, at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Toledo. Patrick was born November 28, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Linus and Frances (Parvis) Reis. He married Sharon Marquart Reis and she survives. 

Patrick had graduated from North High School in Columbus and retired from Walmart. He loved playing music, especially his bass guitar, golfing, trains, gardening and taking care of his flowers. Patrick's greatest joy was his Pomeranian dog, Sugar Cookie.

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MEDIA RELEASE__Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera, has announced a Palm Sunday service on March 25.

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UPDATE A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at 601 N Main Street, Bluffton.

Michael "Mike" W. Reichenbach, 79, passed away February 28, 2026, at the Mennonite Memorial Home.

Mike was born September 18, 1946, in Bluffton, to Amos and Clara Louise (Burkholder) Reichenbach, who preceded him in death. On April 17, 1966, he married Phyllis "Sudy" (Barrere) Reichenbach, who survives. 

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