All Bluffton Icon News

FROM JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT FACEBOOK__Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts in our recent survey! After reviewing the results, the Park District will not be changing its name.

Compiled by Paula Pyzik Scott

The Allen County and Hancock County Board of Elections show the following candidates for November 2025 races for Bluffton area elected offices: Bluffton Exempted Village Schools board, Orange and Richland Township boards of trustees, and Village of Bluffton council. The deadline for filing candidate petitions was August 6. Some applications are currently shown as valid and some are shown as pending.

Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board
To elect: 3, nonpartisan

  • Bradley J Dailey, pending
  • Roni L. Kaufman, pending
  • Wesley Klinger, pending

BLUFFTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEDIA RELEASE__On Thursday, August 21, we are hosting our next Lunch & Learn on the 3rd floor of the Town Hall building from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.,  “Let’s Talk Tech (and AI!) with Courtnee R. Morris”

Curious about Artificial Intelligence? Confused by your computer? Just want to learn something new in a fun, judgment-free space? Join us for a relaxed and engaging Lunch & Learn with Courtnee R. Morris—a lifelong educator, tech trainer, and PhD candidate in Instructional Design with a focus on AI.

By Robin L. Brown, LISW-S
Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

For many, family is considered a sacred bond—unchangeable, unconditional and lifelong. But for a growing number of Americans, family relationships are not a source of support, but of deep pain and distance. Family estrangement, once a taboo topic kept behind closed doors, is now a rising and recognized social trend. Research shows that approximately 1 in 4 Americans are estranged from at least one family member. The reasons are complex and the impacts are profound.

By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School boys golf team hosted a three-team Northwest Conference golf match Thursday, August 7, at the Bluffton Golf Club.

The Pirates beat Crestview 185-191, but lost to Columbus Grove by a 176-185 count. 

With the results, the Pirates are 1-1 overall and 1-1 in NWC action on the young season in match play.

CG improved to 3-0 (2-0 NWC), while the Knights fell to 0-2.

Knight Matthew Dealey was match medalist with a low round of 34. Grove’s Gage Sautter finished second with a score of 39.

By Myron D. Lewis
FACHE, President & CEO, Blanchard Valley Health System

This week, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) had the honor of hosting Senator Jon Husted for a thoughtful discussion on the future of healthcare in rural Ohio. His visit was more than a courtesy call, it was a genuine demonstration of leadership and concern for the communities we serve every day.

In an era where rural hospitals face mounting challenges—financial, operational, and demographic—it matters when elected leaders take the time to listen and learn directly from those on the front lines. Senator Husted’s presence in Findlay and his willingness to sit down with our leadership team was not just appreciated, it was necessary.

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