All Bluffton Icon News

MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University has announced the launch of a Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT) major, expanding its offerings in the health sciences to prepare students for careers dedicated to helping individuals live independently and meaningfully. 

Elaine K. Marquart, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 18, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. Elaine was born February 2, 1942 in Benton Ridge to the late Kurt and Ruth (Oman) Radabaugh. On June 16, 1990 she married Jay Marquart.

Elaine was a 1960 graduate of Liberty-Benton High School and worked as a computer programmer, a preschool teacher at Bluffton Community Preschool and as a medical records clerk at Dr. Hotmire's office in Bluffton.

A memorial service for John Templin will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2025 at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. 

UPDATE Interruptions to the Icon websites ended at about 9:00 a.m. 

By Paula Pyzik Scott
Ada Icon and Bluffton Icon editor

Both Icons have experience intermittent server problems beginning on the morning of Tuesday, November 18, due to a widespread outage impacting many online services.

Thank you for your patience.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Twenty-five to thirty Bluffton early birds strike while the peanut brittle is hot on Monday mornings in November. Volunteers fill the Bluffton Senior Center kitchen to make some 150 pounds per week as a fundraiser.

There are five stations: 1) the molten brittle boilers, 2) the hot brittle spreaders, 3) brittle breakers, 4) the brittle coolers and 5) brittle weighers and baggers. The video below shows the extremely hot sugar and peanut mixture being poured, turned and spread on trays.

Rolling and brushing of the new artificial turf practice field at the Bluffton Schools were underway on Monday, November 17. The field has a 40-yard midfield line and a big Bluffton Pirate at the center. While the field looks temptingly close to being ready, there are still some elements to be installed. Superintendent Greg Denecker confirmed that yes, elementary students will be using the field for recess. Aerial view provided by Bluffton Schools.

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