Regional news

Greatest risk remains for people who have recently traveled to China

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To date there have been 15 confirmed cases in the United States, and no confirmed cases in Ohio. 

The novel virus causing the expanding outbreak of respiratory illness centered in China has been officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.  

While there are 15 confirmed cases in the US, the virus is not spreading in the community and the vast majority of people in the United States have a low risk of exposure to the virus.

Mother Nature reminds us of the season

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"The wonder of a single snowflake outweighs the wisdom of a million meterologists."

Or, so says an unknown philosopher.

Bluffton awoke to one of the rare true snowfalls of the season this morning. It first delayed and then closed area schools.

It brought out the shovels, the snow plows, the window scrapers and the boots. It made a pot of coffee seem heavenly.

Fred Steiner, Icon photographer, offers these glimpses of the snow effects in early morning.

Watch the Icon for additional snow scene photos throughout the day.

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Bluffton schools join a host of area schools closing its doors today (Thursday, Feb. 13) due to wintery weather conditions.

Greg Denecker, superintendent, made the closing announcement on Ohio Alerts at 7:45 a.m. 

Organizations with additional cancellations may contact the Icon at [email protected]. Those announcements will be added to this story and on Icon's Facebook, which has over 3,500 followers.

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Bluffton schools are on a 2-hour delay, Thursday, Feb. 13. An Ohio Alerts message was sent at 4:53 a.m. Watch the Icon for further updates.

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At 8:59 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Allen County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 roadway advisory: Roadways are snow or ice covered with possible drifting.

Memory books on sale until Thursday

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February is a short month, but lots of activities take place in the Bluffton elementary school. Here is a summary of those activities from the February elementary newsletter.

• Bluffton Elementary PTO will sponsor “Family Science Night” Friday, Feb. 21, from 6-8 p.m. in the elementary gym and middle school cafetorium. 

• Elementary Memory Books for 2019-2020 school are on sale until Feb. 13. You can directly order online at ybpay.lifetouch.com.   

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