All Bluffton Icon News

Linda Dianne (Crouse) Welch passed peacefully Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at age 76. Linda was born at Blanchard Valley Hospital on March 29, 1948 and lived in the North Baltimore and Findlay areas her whole life. Linda graduated from North Baltimore High School in 1966 where she was the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Gary Wetherill, President of the Swiss Community Historical Society, will speak at the Bluffton Lions Club meeting on Tuesday, March 18. The public is invited to attend the presentation, which will take place at noon at Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St.

Wetherill will provide an update on construction of the society's Heritage Center and events for the upcoming season at the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Rd, Bluffton.

The Heritage Center is repurposing the Bixel-Basinger Swiss Settlement barn previously located on the Dan and Cindy Basinger Farm. The repurposed barn will be heated and air-conditioned and include a large event space, classroom, artifact storage space and public restrooms. The facility will allow for longer visits during tours and events, and eliminate weather restrictions for visits.  READ MORE

Lisa Robeson, Professor Emerita of English at ONU, will lead an April 23 discussion on Will in the World: How Shakespeare became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt. Copies of the book and books on CD are available for checkout at the Bluffton Public Library front desk. To participate, please register in advance.

A public hearing is scheduled for March 26 at 7:00 p.m. by the Richland Township zoning appeals board to be held at 8435 N. Dixie Hwy. Bluffton.

Contiguous property owners bordering the intersection of Lincoln Highway & Reppert Rd. and interested general public are invited to attend. An informational meeting will be held prior to the hearing; this hearing will be held at the office of Richland Township at the address stated above on March 26, 2025 AT 7:00 p.m.

Jazzercise Bluffton has announced a 10-year anniversary celebration. The team of Jazzercise Bluffton, 122 Thurman Street, will host a Free Community Workout and Open House on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 

5:30 p.m. Strength Class (free for all attendees)
6:30 p.m. Open House, Refreshments, Class Specials & Sales

The event marks a significant milestone for the Jazzercise Bluffton franchise as it "continues to grow and innovate, bringing fun, efficient and effective workouts to its members across the community."

Jazzercise’s Chase Eikenbary, owner and instructor, said, “We’re excited to continue to bring the Jazzercise experience to our community! Our core philosophy relies in transforming our bodies and lives through the power of movement, and we want everyone to feel welcomed in our classes. We are eager to keep advocating for fitness and encouraging people to create a stronger, happier, and healthier life!  READ MORE

MT. CORY __ Dave Reese of Kaleidoscope Farms in Hancock County has been inducted into the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) Hall of Fame.

The honor was announced at the OCTA Winter Meeting in early March and Reese will be recognized at the OCTA Summer Meeting held at Kaleidoscope Farms June 13-14, 2025.

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