7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, Bluffton Town Hall
By Paula Pyzik Scott
With the goal of helping ease local housing shortages, the Village of Bluffton Ordinance Committee has drafted an ordinance to provide regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units. On Tuesday, November 19, the Village council will hold a public information meeting to provide details of the current draft of the ordinance (documents attached). Changes to the ordinance are expected as part of this process.
On November 4, there was a joint meeting of the Ordinance Committee with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning and Building Appeals to solicit input and prepare members who would be involved in permitting and appeals.
There are existing ADUs in Bluffton but no specific guidelines or regulations on construction or leasing are currently part of Bluffton zoning regulations. Chapter 150 - Building Regulations of the Village Code of Ordinances can be found at https://bit.ly/4fxndo0 Chapter 153 - Zoning can be found at https://bit.ly/3URu1EG. ▶︎
The Bluffton/Pandora Swiss Community Historical Society will host Christmas at the Homestead on December 7 and 8 at the Schumacher Homestead.
The public is invited to tour the decorated 1843 farmhouse while snacking on homemade treats and listening to songs of the season. Guests can watch food being prepared in the fireplace, hand dip a candle, play a game of checkers, shop in the gift shop and chat with staff about the history of the house and typical life in the 1840s. ▶︎
The following Village of Bluffton meetings will be held at Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St.
- Ordinance Committee on Monday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m.
- Joint Personnel & Safety Services Committee on Friday, November 22 at noon.
- Insurance Committee on Friday, November 22 at 3:00 p.m.
- Ordinance Committee Informational Meeting on Proposed Legislation for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.
- Council Meeting on Monday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m.
ABOVE) Rick Shaner in 2000 with Varsity basketball page spread from the Buccaneer yearbook. The yearbook is online at BHS Wall of Fame
By Bill Herr
Bluffton Icon columnist
Who was the greatest coach of any sport at Bluffton High School? I don't claim to be the best qualified to make that choice, but I am one of the oldest, having seen most sports teams at the high school since 1946 when my brother Don played football and basketball. I attended Bluffton Exempted Village Schools for 21 years and after college came back and taught at Bluffton for 19 years. I love Bluffton Schools and I have a shirt I wear proudly that has the words, "Pirate Pride is Forever."
Who was the greatest coach? Was it Darlie Stuckey? She coached the 1927-1928 girls basketball team, which was undefeated at 18-0 and Allen County champions. Was it Dwain Murray? He coached the 1928-1929 boys basketball team. The team won their first 23 games–the longest winning streak in BHS history–before losing by one point to Akron St. Mary's in the Class B state championship game. ▶︎
A scarecrow scene at Samuel W. Diller LPA featuring grannies Janet and Rita from the animated series Bluey was voted the best of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 competition. Pictured here is the staff with the traveling trophy and coordinator Liz Gordon-Hancock. ▶︎
