All Bluffton Icon News

MEDIA RELEASE__Christine Denecker, Ph.D., a Bluffton resident, has been appointed as the University of Findlay’s vice president of academic affairs, effective January 1. 

Denecker has served as interim vice president since August 1. She succeeds Darin Fields, Ph.D., who served for 12 years in the role. He remains at UF as an English professor and assists in the institutional research office on University-wide initiatives, including academic program review.  

MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton Diamond Sports has opened registration for youth baseball and softball this spring. Register online at www.bdsonline.org by February 22. 

The registration fee is $65, which includes a jersey and hat.

BASEBALL DIVISIONS

Ages 7-8 Coach Pitch Instructional League

Ages 9-10 Minor League

Ages 11-12 Jr. Pony League

SOFTBALL DIVISIONS

U8 Coach Pitch League

U10 Player Pitch League

U12 Fast Pitch League

 

MEDIA RELEASE__Jonathon Blake Turner, director of choral activities at Bluffton University, will present the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Forum, “Justice in the Key of Faith: The Sound of the Sanctuary and the Streets,” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Yoder Recital Hall. 

In this lecture-demonstration, Turner will explore how the Black Church shaped the sound and soul of the Civil Rights Movement. Weaving together history, theology and live music, he will demonstrate how spirituals, gospel music and freedom songs transformed faith into collective action. 

By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton Board of Education monthly meeting took place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the elementary school media center.

Paula Parish administered the Oath of Office to the three board members beginning new terms: Roni Kaufman, Wes Klinger and Brad Dailey. 

BOARD MEMBER ASSIGNMENTS
The board elected officers for the 2026 calendar year: Roni Kaufman, President and Alice Basinger, Vice President.

Winter Read is for all ages and runs from January through March. Pick up a Winter Read Challenge Bookmark, complete it, and stop by the front desk to pick up a small prize!

On Monday, January 12, three Bluffton Council members were sworn in by Mayor Richard Johnson (L-R), Phill Talavinia (returning), Liz Gordon-Hancock (new) and Thomas Downey (new). One additional council member will need to be appointed. Interviews have been scheduled for a Tuesday, January 20, executive session.

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