By Paula Scott
 

What’s big news in Bluffton? Let’s take a look at the stories that attracted the most viewers in 2022. Two tragedies shocked Bluffton, while other stories reflected life and traditions in the village.

Death of Officer Dominic Francis
Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis was killed on March 31, 2021 during efforts to stop a high speed chase on I-75. Articles ranged from preliminary reports of the incident to the December approval of a memorial highway designation by the State of Ohio.

Photo-story: Community praises fallen Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis

Obituary: Dominic Francis was an officer in the Bluffton Police Department

Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway approved

Home explosion kills young couple
On June 8, a massive explosion occurred at the State Route 103 home of Charles and Rachel Collins.

Explosion on SR 103 destroys home; two bodies reported

Restaurant rebranding drew 3K viewers
In July, the Icon reported that the Bluffton restaurant formerly known as Luke’s was rebranded--and apparently Icon readers flipped, too, to the tune of 3,000 clicks.

Downtown restaurant rebrands as Kira's Flipside Grill

Christmas and Halloween are always big news
Bluffton loves its holidays. Announcements for the Blaze of Lights and Trick or Treating each had close to 1K clicks.

Blaze of Lights schedule of events

Bluffton Trick or Treat night, October 27

Perennially popular explanation of co-exist bumpersticker
Counting clicks alone, a 2012 Icon story could the top the list every year. With 8,327 views in the past year, the Co-exist bumpersticker article by Fred Steiner remained the Icon’s top click-getter in 2022.

Co-exist bumpersticker--and its meaning