All Bluffton Icon News

Seeks Swiss genealogical information

This week Fred Steiner's local history-focused website www.blufftonforever.com added links to 10 area history-related websites for viewer access. The addition was due to the interest in history from followers of the website. 

History-related links now include:

• Bluffton Public Library

• Swiss Community Historical Society

• Bluffton University Mennonite Historical Archives

• Allen County Historical Society

• Hancock County Historical Society

• Hardin County Historical Museum

By Andy Chappell-Dick

Local developer Bob Fett presented a revised set of drawings to the Village of Bluffton Planning Commission on February 21. The panel had called the public hearing to consider Fett's "Overall Development Plan" for a grouping of new residential duplexes he's calling Chestnut Lane. After a round of questions and answers, the Commission's three members approved the plan with conditions, which means Village Council will next evaluate the plan, probably in late March, in a meeting that will also be open to the public.

By Bill Herr

The Icon recently posted an article on the Pirate athlete with four Super Bowl rings, Neil Schmidt. Columnist Bill Herr has this first-hand account of Schmidt and his family.

During World War II, Neil Schmidt enlisted in the Navy before his senior year at Bluffton High School. After completing his service, he returned to Bluffton to complete his high school education. He starred on both the basketball and football teams in 1946. Those teams won the championship of the Western Buckeye League in each sport.

On February 20 two free throws by Bluffton University's Brianna Gillig (New Riegel) iced the 55-48 victory over Franklin College and landed her in a tie for the all-time scoring lead at Bluffton University. PHOTO blufftonbeavers.com

In preparation for National Reading Month in March, Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn Co., 117 S. Main, is hosting its first book drive, Feburary 15-28.

Donors will receive a free cone of Theatre Style popcorn when they donate new or gently used books at any Shirley's location.

The organizers note: "We are in great need of children's books, but books for any age are greatly appreciated. Happy reading!"

Carl R. Treen, 81, passed away February 21, 2022, at  St. Rita's Medical Center.

Carl was born May 30, 1940, in Kenton, Ohio to the late Fred and Ethel (Knott) Treen.

Carl served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 until 1962. He was a loyal marine, and he loved his country.

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