October 2026

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FROM FACEBOOK—Please be advised that Hancock Public Health has confirmed one (1) measles case in Findlay, Ohio, with exposure in several locations. The individual was at multiple locations in Findlay while infectious during the days and times listed below.

Anyone who was at the following locations during these times may have been exposed to measles:

• NWO Urgent Care on September 29, 2026 between 2:30-5:30 p.m.

• Blanchard Valley Hospital Emergency Department on September 29, 2026 between 3:30-6:30 p.m.

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Thelma Page, 94, will share her eyewitness account of seeing the Dillinger getaway car

MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society has issued the following October 10 Timeline for its Dillinger Robbery Reenactment & Motorcycle Show event.

9:00 a.m. Portions of Main, Church, Vine and Cherry streets closed to traffic. Motorcyclists start arriving and parking on Main.

10:00 a.m. Motorcycle Show begins

11:30 a.m. Motorcyclists from the Wake the Dead ride arrive with a police escort

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FROM FACEBOOK__Bentley Road from Sunset to Elm Street in Bluffton will be closed on Saturday, October 3 for Bluffton University's Homecoming festivities.

For details, see https://www.bluffton.edu/blufftonalumni/connect/homecoming/index.aspx

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By Cort Reynolds / Photos by James Crawfis

BLUFFTON__A week seven Northwest Conference battle of unbeatens lived up to expectations in a classic nailbiter on Friday, Oct. 2 at Harmon Field. The Bluffton High School football team rallied late but fell just short on fourth and goal in the final minute, losing 26-21. Visiting rival Lima Central Catholic spoiled Homecoming for Pirate fans.

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Robin Brown, LISW-S
Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

As summer winds down, the days grow shorter, and we spend more time indoors. For some people, the changing seasons bring more than an adjustment to cooler weather. They bring noticeable changes in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, is a type of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern, most commonly during the fall and winter months. Seasonal changes can affect the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that helps regulate sleep, wakefulness, and other biological processes. They may also affect chemicals and hormones involved in mood and sleep.

Symptoms of seasonal depression may begin gradually and include: 

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John "Jack" Palte, age 88, of Sevierville, TN, formerly of Bluffton, OH, passed away on September 30, 2026.

Jack was a farmer for many years while living in Ohio. In addition to crop farming, he also raised hogs and milk cows. After moving to Tennessee, he worked at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center and retired from there in 2000. He enjoyed bowling and was on several bowling leagues as well as square dancing. He also enjoyed camping and all outdoor activities. Most importantly, he loved his family.

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Invasive plant removal continues with Friends of the Nature Preserve

On Saturday, October 3, Dr. Buchanan will be holding a one-hour nature walk as part of the Bluffton University Homecoming events. He will be talking about the various habitat restoration programs going on in the preserve. Meet at the Moyer Nature Center in the Preserve at 3:00 p.m..

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Here in electronic form and soon to be available in print are the September 2026 Bluffton Icon Highlights. This issue includes 20 articles from the 172 items posted on BlufftonIcon.com during the past month.

Highlights will be delivered for in-house reading at the Bluffton Public Library, Bluffton Family YMCA, Bluffton Senior Center, Musselman Library at Bluffton University and Twisted Whisk Cafe.

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By Marlena Ballinger

The Johnny Appleseed Park District hosted a group hike at Motter Park on Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road on Saturday, September 26. The hike was a commemorative event held for the park’s 20th Anniversary of the Walking Thru Autumn hiking series.

With nearly 100 participants each year, the district offers nine hikes throughout its 23 parks. Four group hikes in the series have already taken place; an additional five hikes are still ahead.

Oct. 3     McLean Teddy Bear Park  (MTB)

Oct. 10   Haver Ridge (HR)

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By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School volleyball team swept visiting Spencerville in a Northwest Conference match to celebrate Senior Night on Thursday, October 1.

The Pirate spikers improved to 12-6 overall and 4-2 in the NWC after the 25-15, 25-20, 25-21 win. 

The Bearcats fell to 9-8 overall and 2-4 in NWC play with the road loss.

Senior middle Karlie Lora knocked down 10 kills to pace the Pirate hitters. Taylin Goldman smacked down eight kills. 

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