Among responses from Bluffton Icon readers to the poll "What's your top traffic safety priority?" is a request for improved pedestrian and bike safety on bridges over the creeks on Bentley/Riley St and Spring St. Days later, new striping and a sign reminding all to "Share the Bridge" was in place on Spring St. Stay tuned for poll results at the end of the month.
MEDIA RELEASE__Jeff Richards was hired as the new Bluffton Elementary Principal on Tuesday, July 7.
Richards has taught at Bluffton Elementary for the past 10 years. Prior to coming to Bluffton, he taught in Vanlue Local Schools, Bath Local Schools, and in Louisville, Kentucky.
Richards has taught PreK, Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 5th grade in his career as a teacher.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Richards has served Bluffton students as the head coach of both football and wrestling at Bluffton High School.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Allen County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau is continuing its investigation into the June 29 shooting at Meijer. While detectives have identified the individual believed to have discharged the firearm, investigators are still working to identify and locate the remaining individuals involved and are asking for the public's assistance.
Little Riley Creek Farm to host free music, storytelling and history event
NOTE: Edited to clarify that the Riley Creek Strummers play at 2:00 p.m.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton America 250 Committee is pleased to present Down on the Farm, an afternoon celebrating rural life and heritage on Sunday, July 19. The public is invited to Little Riley Creek Farm, 9255 Lugabill Road, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. for wagon rides, cotton candy, tours of the organic vegetable farm, and old-time music in the barn (schedule below). There is no charge for this event.
MEDIA RELEASE__ Allen County Auditor Rachael Gilroy is providing information to help property owners understand the Inflation Cap Credit created in House Bill 186 that is reflected on the 2025 second-half real estate tax bill, due August 12, 2026.
House Bill 186, enacted by the Ohio General Assembly, made changes to Ohio's property tax laws that affect the calculation of certain property taxes and tax credits. As a result, many taxpayers will notice an Inflation Cap Credit on their second-half 2025 tax bill.
Kris Shoemaker of Bluffton has been sentenced to 27 years in prison on child pornography charges, according to a July 7 report by The Lima News.
Shoemaker was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He was convicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
Shoemaker was arrested in Bluffton in May 2025 by the FBI and pled guilty in January 2026.
MEDIA RELEASE_St. John's United Church of Christ in Bluffton is sponsoring a bike swap event on Saturday, July 25. The event will take place in the parking lot behind the Bluffton Farmers Market.
The Pedal and Pass it on Community Bike Swap is an effort to keep bikes rolling through the community. Participants who have a bike they no longer use can help someone else ride by donating their bike. You can donate, trade or pick up a bike. Everyone is welcome to participate and all bikes will be free of charge.
