July 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__First National Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Roseann Hoffman to Branch Manager of the Pandora branch. In her new role, Hoffman will oversee daily operations of the branch and continue serving the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses throughout the community.

With more than 20 years of banking experience, Hoffman brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her new position. She began her banking career in 2001 as a teller before advancing through several roles, including Asset Department Associate, Loan Processor, Agricultural Lending Assistant and Credit Administration Assistant.

Frederick Cecil Amstutz, 89, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

He was born on July 20, 1936, in Bluffton, Ohio, to the late Irvin and Leola (Suter) Amstutz.

FROM FACEBOOK__Luvu A Latte, 851 State Route 103, has reopened following a brief closure due to construction of the SR 103 roundabout at Navajo Dr.

The coffee shop and Fairway Inn, 855 State Rt 103, are now accessible from Navajo Dr.

Pocono Drive is no longer a through street to SR 103.

Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder presented the June 2026 calls for service data to Bluffton council on July 13, noting that 71 traffic stops were notably higher than usual (29 in May 2026). Among 672 calls for service, there were 6 criminal complaints including 1 Animal Abuse, 1 Extortion, 1 Theft, 1 Warrant and 2 Miscellaneous.

FROM FACEBOOK__Join the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 16 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. on Church Street during Music at the Gazebo for an evening of great food, live music and community fun!

Bring your family, meet up with friends, and enjoy dinner from some fantastic local food vendors while taking in the live entertainment.

Food Trucks & Vendors

FROM FACEBOOK__Two road closures near the same intersection will impact traffic in and near Pandora:

SR 65 between Road M and Road 10-K (6.22 MM) will close Monday, July 13, for approximately 5 days for a culvert replacement. County Road M will remain open.

Posted detour: SR 12 to CR 5, back to U.S. 224

Road M just west of SR 65 will close Monday, July 20, for approximately 5 days for a culvert replacement. No detour will be posted

Images from Facebook / By Marlena Ballinger

Local and regional performers are preparing for Bluffton's Play Music on the Porch Day (a.k.a. PorchFest) on August 29. This worldwide movement encourages people to spend the day outdoors, visiting with neighbors while playing or listening to music.

There will be 29 acts performing in Bluffton neighborhoods. For a complete lineup and a map of where the bands will be playing, visit the event Facebook page.

The State of Ohio's sales tax holiday will take place from 12:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026.

The following items qualify for the sales tax exemption during the three-day holiday:

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Bluffton Police Department and Allen County Sheriff's Department replied to the Icon's inquiry that they do not use LPR (Flock) cameras.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Last week, I hadn't heard of an LPR (automated license plate reader) or Flock camera. With the appearance of a solar-powered stationary LPR near the intersection of state routes 235 and 309--which has been noted on social media--I asked Hardin County and Ada law enforcement officials for some background.

Sardine boys just 2 points out of 2nd

By Cort Reynolds

KENTON – The defending champion Bluffton summer swim team finished a solid third overall at the annual two-day, eight-team West Ohio Aquatic League championship meet in Kenton on Friday and Saturday, July 10-11.

The Sardine boys and girls racked up 2,103.5 points to trail only overall league champion Findlay (2,674) and second-place Westside (2,593) in the combined team standings.

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