On International Women's Day
You’d never know it, but once upon a time it was called the Bluffton Business Men’s Association.
The title changed over the years and today, it’s not your grandfather, dad, brother or uncle running the downtown store. It’s your grandmother, mother, sister or aunt.
The Icon recognizes International Women’s Day, today, March 8, and the leadership roles of women in Bluffton, on Main Street and in other communty leadership roles.
Thanks to Paula Scott, CEO of the Bluffton chamber, and Chrissy Lugibihl, manager of Et Cetera shop, we provide this list of Bluffton women store owners and managers, clergy and institutional leaders.
Book Reviews, Danielle Hodges
Ten Thousand Villages, Marcie Allen
Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., Kim Suter
Roots by Strattons, Susie Stratton
Food Store, Nancy Corle
Twisted Whisk, Samantha Erter
Town & Country Flowers, Connie Kruse
Bluffton Senior Citizens Center, Tonya Meyer
Spectrum Salon, Mandy Kinn
Board & Brush, Betsy Lee
Kibbee’s Carryout, Anita Klingler
Polished-Boutique 415, Joan Frederick
Et Cetera Shop, Chrissy Lugibihl
A to Z Portion Control Meats, Linda Strahm
Luke’s, Kira Kohli
Curling Iron, Deb Wentz
Bike Crazy LLC, Liz Harner
Fresh Modern Fabric, Alice Essinger
PromoHits!, Melinda Bowden
Dough Hook Meat Market, Marlena Ballinger
Black Lab Trading Company, Julie Stratton
Gallery 302, Karen Luginbuhl
Bluffton Pediatrics, Beth Bish
Tommy Tire, Sheena Dotson
Bluffton University, Jane Wood
Krysti's Music Studio, Krysti Groman Schey
Bluffton Public Library, Jessica Hermiller,
Bluffton Presbyterian Church, Rev. Karol Farris Shilling
First Mennonite Church, Wanda Stopher
St. John's United Church of Christ, Rev. Katherine Beckett
If we’ve overlooked you, please contact us and we’ll add you to this list.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Pirates Essinger and Gatchel finish cross country season at OHSAA Championships
- Nov. 7 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Pirate football hits Archbold roadblock in playoff loss
- Forum: Vaughn explores biblical and multicultural accounts of spirits and exorcism
- Bluffton University relaunches Leadership Development Program with NetVUE grant support
- Weekend Doctor: When distraction becomes the default
Friday, November 6, 2026
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Klausing graduates from Ohio Bankers League Bank Management School
- Joellen Kay Lehman, 46, owned and operated Folly Faces
- Dec. 4-5 Messiah performances continue holiday tradition at Bluffton and Findlay
- Future Beaver Saturdays invite students to experience Bluffton University
- Ellie Bogart named BHS Student of the Month for October 2026
- Walter "Steve" Suter, 73, worked at Kirtland’s Auto Repair
- Grab an afterschool snack at the Bluffton Public Library