All Bluffton Icon News

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

A developer’s proposal for triplexes on N. Main St. and a request to combine two undeveloped lots in the Parkview subdivision were considered by the Bluffton Planning Commission in a public meeting on January 6.

The Planning Commission is currently made up of appointees Mitch Agner, Roger Edwards, Tim Essinger, Mayor Rich Johnson and council member Mitch Kingsley.

Also present were Zoning Board of Appeals members Tom Downey, Deron Geiser (not present, member Tony Pinks), as well as Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn and Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd.

Blackburn presented a preliminary site plan for a five triplex development around a pond (which has already been dug) at 721 N. Main St. Discussion focused on how the plan could be modified to fit R-III zoning requirements or PUD (Planned Unit Development) requirements, as well as what variances might be considered by the commission. The developer was not present.

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The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce presented the traveling trophy for best holiday decorations to the staff of Samuel W. Diller Co., (L-R) Jill Hovest, Brittany Klingler, Attorney Scott Basinger, Kathy Basinger and Alison Perkins. They received top honors for decorations inspired by the film A Christmas Story, earning the most votes among 32 competing businesses.

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Bluffton Soccer Club has announced opening of registration for Spring 2025 youth soccer. The registration deadline is January 31.

The club includes teams for players with birth years 2010-2018. Teams range from U8-U15.

Each age group has recreational as well as travel teams. Registration options include

RECREATIONAL

- Spring Rec Coach, for adults interested in volunteering

- Spring Rec Player

 

TRAVEL

- Spring Travel Coach, for adults interested in volunteering

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Three Bluffton shops owned by the non-profit organization Et Cetera Shop, Inc. have been in the news throughout 2024. The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of events that celebrated and highlighted work supported by six area churches and over 100 volunteers at Book Reviews, Et Cetera Shop and Ten Thousand Villages.

The Et Cetera Shop board has also provided the following details on “where the money goes” in and beyond Bluffton. The board is currently comprised of Lori Nester, Beverly Armstrong, Nancy Neff, Tim Byers, Carolyn McDaniel, Linda Nelson, George Lehman and Dick McGarrity.

A percentage is designated by the board to be “tithed” for local efforts to combat the effects of poverty. This year, $6,000 was donated to the Bluffton Community Assistance Program as well as the benevolent funds of the supporting churches, which include English Lutheran, Bluffton Presbyterian, First Mennonite, Grace Mennonite, Lima Mennonite and Salem Mennonite.

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By Paula Pyzik Scott
Editor of the Bluffton Icon

Can you name the company that is your electric energy supplier?

This past summer I discovered that my participation in the local government aggregation program offered in Bluffton was inadvertently dropped. I wrote about this HERE.

The result of this error was like paying more than a thirteenth electricity bill, as shown by my recent refund.

While all electricity customers in Bluffton have distribution service by American Electric Power (AEP), you can choose a generation company from among a long list found on the Energy Choice Ohio website, you can choose to participate in the Bluffton/Allen County aggregation program or AEP can supply your electric energy at a variable rate.

You could say the aggregation program is an opportunity to have someone else do homework on current rates for you.

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The Village of Bluffton has announced the following public meeting to be held at Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St.

- Parks & Recreation Committee on Thursday, January 9 at 5:30 p.m.   

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