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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
OTTAWA__The visiting Bluffton High School boys soccer team tied Western Buckeye League foe Ottawa-Glandorf 1-1 in a non-conference match Thursday, Oct. 1.
The Pirate boys ran their record to 6-4-3 overall with the result.
Ottawa-Glandorf is 5-9-1 overall after the tie.
Weston Johnstone scored the Pirate goal on an assist by Emekaboo Smith. Keeper Ryan Blount made six saves in goal for Bluffton.
James Niese tallied the Titan goal.
The Pirates put 12 shots on goal, compared to seven shots on frame by O-G.
