Regional news

Removing Grob's $10 million project, this year is $407,296 behind 2017

The 2018 building permits are attached
to the bottom of this story.

Construction projects in the Village of Bluffton reached over $12 million during the first half of 2018, according to building permits cost estimated filed with the village.

That compared to $2.4 million on construction project during the same period in 2017.

A $10 million Grob Systems new building construction this spring was the significant difference between the two periods. Without it, the 2018 permits total fell behind 2017 by $407,296.

"Built American - the official ball of the NFL"

Wilson is promoting Ada, Ohio, as part of its “the official ball of the NFL” promotion.

The promo, titled “Built American,” states: Since 1941 Wilson has been the only bal to grace the NFL field during regular season and postseason play.

Each ball is handmade in Ada, Ohio, by our veteran team of skilled craftsmen and women. Experience tradition this 4th of July and bring home a true American classic.

The promotion includes several graphics, including a video about Ada. Click here to view the video.

Inside a Wilson Football Factory | The New York Times

Lives in the National Quarry, but likes to roam

The Icon receives reports from time to time from hikers who frequent the path around the National Quarry.

The reports go like this: "We saw a very large snapping turtle along the path."

Those reports are true. At 7:30 a.m. on July 5 Bluffton police report a snapping turtle incident at Jefferson and Huber streets. According to Ryan Burkholder, Bluffton police chief, police respond to a turtle crossing the very busy roadway.

The turtle was identified as Ohio’s largest turtle, snapping turtle (chelydra serpentia) and this turtle weighed approximately 8 pounds.

Experience northwest Ohio on two wheels on July 14

Some 250 bike riders from far and near, first time event riders and riders with thousands of miles to their name, some on the fastest bikes and others who don’t even pedal, are coming to the 4th annual Bluffton Ride to Remember on Saturday, July 14.
 
Riders can choose routes from 2 miles to 112 miles on roads with scenic and historical interest. The Ride to Remember also provides rest areas, mobile rider support, an $8 meal coupon, showers and swimming.
 

47 degrees was the month's difference between the high and low temperature

If the first weekend of July is an indication of temperatures this month, we are in for a hot ride.

June 2018 was warmer than normal, according to Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer. It was also had more rain than normal. Here are some of June’s weather stats:

June 2018 average temperature: 72 degrees
June normal average temperature: 69.4 degrees

June 2018 precipitation: 5.14 inches
June normal average precipitation: 4.15 inches

Hancock Historical Society also on July calendar

Several program of interest to the public are on the July Bluffton Senior Citizens calendar.

Dan Orzano of the Ohio Department of Commerce will present a discussion on investment and securities fraud. The program is at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 25.

The Hancock Historical Society will present a program at 3 p.m., Monday, July 9. The program topic is “ice cream.”

July’s dinner meeting is at 6 p.m., Monday, July 9. It is a summer picnic. The cost is $8 and tickets must be purchased by July 5. Pat and Harlan Basinger will show photos from the trip to Iceland.

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