All Bluffton Icon News

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

 

Shirley Mae Hager, 88, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Shirley was born August 2, 1937, in Lima to the late Marcus and Cleo (Ebling) Bales. On June 8, 1958, she married George "Samuel" Hager, and he preceded her in death on September 28, 2025. 

The Quarry Farm Nature Preserve and Conservation Farm, located in Pandora, Ohio, has issued its Winter 2026 newletter (volume 16, issue 1).

Articles include a recap of Global Big Bird Weekend in October 2025, an update on the natural stream Cranberry Run and a spotlight on Guinea fowl, one of the QF residents.

coming up in February and June, The Quarry Farm will be hosting art workshops for student in grades K-12: Create a Bark Mask and Make a Leaf Stepper.

 

MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Exempted Village School District is currently accepting applications from students interested in attending the school district through open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Students from any school district in Ohio may apply and enroll in Bluffton Schools tuition-free. Students are admitted on a full-time basis only. 

Applications are approved annually on a first-come, first-served basis and approval is subject to grade-level enrollment and educational programs.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

A first-class letter sent by the Icon from Bluffton, Ohio to Bluffton, Ohio took four days this past week. Hand-postmarked about noon on Wednesday, January 7, the letter was received at the Icon PO Box on Saturday, January 10.

The letter served as a test subject for the Bluffton, Ohio postmark, as explained in How and when to get a Bluffton, Ohio USPS postmark.

Morning programs

Winter Storytimes (R) January 14 through February 25! Join Miss Beth for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Little Ones Storytime is open to ages birth-2 and Pre-K Storytime is open to ages 3-5. When registering, please specify if your child has any food allergies, as snacks are often provided. Register in person or online. 

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