MEDIA RELEASE__John Jantzen and Wendy Chappell-Dick gave themselves a challenge: learn 50 songs in celebration of America 250! Popular in America from colonial times to the Civil War, these are the songs of immigrants, Native Americans, and enslaved African Americans about life, faith, work, and play, all accompanied by dulcimer, guitar, spoons, and harmonica.
Many will recognize songs from the beloved Little House on the Prairie books. The duo has a calendar of seven performances beginning on July 4:
By Paula Pyzik Scott
Ada Icon and Bluffton Icon owner-editor
Every now and then, I like to remind Icon readers why I moderate comments on our Facebook pages. My goal is to ensure that the information we share on Facebook is accurate and aligned with our news website focus.
As the moderator, I can hide or delete comments.
I consider these Facebook pages my "parlor," where I don't allow guests to get out of hand. If you want to vent your spleen, you may share Icon posts on your own Facebook page.
The following 11 land transfers took place in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District during the month of June 2026 as reported on the websites of Allen County Auditor Rachael S. Gilroy and Hancock County Auditor Charity A. Rauschenberg.
Address - Sale Date - Sale Price - Land Use - Owner - From/To
Agricultural
2.5 acres on Columbus Grove Bluffton Rd - 6/17/2026 - $80,000 - Agricultural vacant land qualified CAUV - From David & Kathleen Steiner to Lawrence & Amarae Myers
MEDIA RELEASE__Check out July 2026 events and opportunities at Bluffton Public Library:
2026 Summer Reading Program: “Unearth A Story” continues through July!
Summer Read is open to all ages. By joining in on the summer fun, you’ll earn tickets for prize drawings and have opportunities to connect with others in the community! Reading logs will be available for children and teens when they register, and adults can enter to win prizes with every 3 books read. So come on in and get the whole family registered and involved!
Lois C. Fischer, 97, passed away July 1, 2026, at the Frieda House at Willow Ridge in Bluffton. Lois was born May 7, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Walter and Gladys (Hunt) Wissing.
Local survivors include her husband, George Fischer of Bluffton; a daughter, Julia (Jeremy) Szabo of Bluffton; and a grandson, Jacob (Anna) Szabo of Bluffton.
Per Lois's wishes, there will be no service or visitation.
