Regional news

...and thanks Bluffton school board

Note: On Dec. 20 Greg Denecker told The Icon that Andrew Spallinger was approved to assist powerlifting team members in the Ricky Matter Center. Click here for the school board story leading up to this.

The following article is submitted by Tanya Augsburger, with contributions from the Bluffton powerlifting team, their parents, and former Bluffton powerlifting team coach, Kelly Prichard.

Village sees first draft of its Code of Ordinances

If you've ever wanted to dig into the village files to find a certain ordinance, you'd be in for a long search. Ordinances are all over the place.

But, that will change sometime in 2019. The village has contracted with American Legal Publishing Corp., of Cincinnati to resolve the problem.

Jesse Blackburn, village administrator, shared the first draft of an estimated 750-page document titled "Village of Bluffton, Ohio, Code of Ordinances." We're guessing at the 750 pages, based on 500 sheets of paper pile. It could be 1,000 pages.

And, further Strengthen Ohio's insurance industry

Ohio Department of Insurance Director Jillian Froment announced passage of a number of changes to Ohio law that will benefit Ohio consumers while further strengthening Ohio’s robust insurance market. Among the changes made by Ohio’s legislature are sweeping cybersecurity reforms that will help to better protect Ohio consumers while providing a level playing field for Ohio insurers.

Goes to Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center

St. Rita’s Medical Center is the recipient of grant funds from OhioMeansJobs – Allen County to help current employees continue to grow and gain additional jobs skills. St. Rita’s has been a long-time participant in the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program.

Lincoln Hall removal will launch new growth at Bluffton University

• Watch a video and check out additional
photos at the bottom of this story

• Here's a webcam of the action

Wendell Miller watched the demolition of Lincoln Hall from Rosenberger Drive.

“There goes my room,” he said, watching the large demo machines grab pieces of the building like hungry monsters.

Bills address medical malpractice issues and probate, estate and trust matters

State Representative Bob Cupp (R-Lima) announces the final passage of two bills he sponsored.  House Bill 7 clarifies areas of medical malpractice litigation, and House Bill 595 updates provisions of Ohio’s probate and trust law.

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