All Bluffton Icon News

The Bluffton University track and field teams culminated their efforts for the season with the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship meet on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27.

The Beaver men ended the outdoor season with a sixth place finish with 49 points, tying Transylvania. Rose-Hulman and Hanover took the top two spots in the HCAC in convincing fashion, as the Fightin' Engineers outdistanced the Panthers, 240-152.

By Cort Reynolds
Riding a 15-game win streak, the Bluffton softball team was seeded first at the drawing for the 12-team Div. IV sectional/districts at Elida Sunday.

The Lady Pirates (16-1) received a first round bye as the top seed. They will host the winner of ninth seed Leipsic vs. 10th- seeded Cory-Rawson (2-13) Thursday, May 9 at 5 p.m.

Bluffton shut out C-R 10-0 April 23, and their scheduled game vs. Leipsic April 26 was rained out.

Harold Frederick Helmlinger, 94, died April 25, 2019, at Birchaven Nursing Home in Findlay.  Harold was born March 7, 1925, in Auglaize County, Ohio, to the late Philip and Sophia (Pulfer) Helmlinger.  On Jan. 29, 1950, he married Doris Bunn Helmlinger who survives.

Harold graduated from Jackson Center High School.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II and was a lifelong farmer.  Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

This year's Bluffton High School prom dress code required an umbrella. Jamie Nygaard shares several rain soaked scenes of students entering the prom at Marbeck Center. Those photos follow:

Contact Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area for a plot in the community garden

Ever wanted to grow your own veggies, cutting flowers, and fresh herbs in a full sun location? 

If so, come out to Bluffton’s Community Garden and rent a plot for the growing season. Grow all those delicious herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley along with vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, peppers and squash in your very own garden plot; all the ingredients needed for great summer feasts, or to preserve for winter eating. 

Looking back at her high school years, and how track and field still has her heart

Bluffton High School's Graduation ceremonies will be on Saturday, May 25 at 7 p.m. in the high school gym. As we prepare to see  the BHS Class of 2019 set sail for adventures unknown, the Icon looks to past BHS valedictorians (students who were the top of their class) to inspire this year's graduates and show how experience has shaped those who have gone before them. 

The Icon interviewed Hannah Chappell-Dick, BHS valedictorian of the class of 2012.

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