The Icon's most-read stories of 2022
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.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Community Pool closed June 28
- Weekend Doctor: About Rotator Cuff Repair
- WOAL Swim Champs in Wapakoneta July 11-12
- '60s Survivors Band plays fifth annual free concert
- Bluffton Lions to bring all-abilities playground to new Legacy Park
- July 2025 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
- Save the date: July 17 Garden Club is all about herbs
- Bluffton Vacation Bible School, July 13-17 at Bluffton Y
Friday, June 27, 2025
- Foundation launches Rooted to Rise initiative
- Eight vehicle injury crash IR 75 in Hancock County
- Bluffton Mayor commends Safety Services on June 26 injury accident response
- What's in your weekend?, June 27-28-29
- Go wolfhound to Bluffton
- Letter: Ask for veto of HB 96 library provision
- ODNR Offering Hunter Education Instructor Classes
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Bluffton safety services respond to multi-vehicle accidents on I-75
- Travel opportunities update from Bluffton Senior Center
- Send July 2025 Community Calendar items to the Icon
- National Night Out is August 5, planning is in final stages
- Bluffton Senior Center activities schedule for July 2025
- Does your business have summer hours? Post them on the Icon
- Bluffton, Ohio ranks 4th in Ohio for bike network quality