Regional news

Heard it through the grapevine (Facebook) that the Suter Produce little red barn on State Route 103 near I-75 will have sweet corn beginning July 10.

Expect traffic impacts as the strawberry traffic jam is replaced by sweet corn relishers. 

COLUMBUS--On July 7, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, joined by Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss, and Ohio 988 Administrator Doug Jackson, recognized the positive impact of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Ohioans following one year of state-and-nationwide implementation. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides residents with one, easy to remember number to call–988–when they or someone they know is in crisis.

The American Red Cross continues to report a blood supply shortage and encourage donors to make an appointment at upcoming blood drive events.

July blood drives in the Icon readership areas include:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
116 Church Street, Bluffton, OH 45817

Monday, July 31, 2023, 11:30 a..m.-5:30 p.m.
Visiting Nurses & Hospice
1200 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810

To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.

July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark/

July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark/

COLUMBUS–The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 11 people lost their lives in nine traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began Monday, July 3 and ended Monday, July 4. Impairment was determined to be a factor in two of those crashes and a safety belt was not used in three of those crashes. 

Troopers made 133 arrests for impaired driving and 96 for drug-related charges. The Patrol responded to 249 crashes and rendered assistance to 1,067 motorists. In total, troopers made 13,634 contacts with the motoring public.

Ohio EPA has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to adversely impact air quality.  The advisory is in effect through June 28-29. Ohio EPA expects the Air Quality Index to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “very unhealthy” ranges.

When air quality is in the very unhealthy range, all people may experience health effects and should limit outside exposure when possible. To see real-time air quality in your area, visit the AirNow website HERE.

By Lydia Gratz, 4-H news reporter

The Bluffton Cattle 4-H Club will be hosting their annual chicken BBQ fundraiser at the Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club (405 N. Spring St., Bluffton) on Sunday, July 16 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The money raised benefits the Bluffton-Pandora-Beaverdam buyers group, who support the Bluffton area livestock exhibitors at the Allen County Fair. 

Tickets are $10.00 each which includes a 1/2 chicken, mac & cheese, green beans, and a roll, catered by Bubba C’s.

There will also be a bake sale by donation. Pre-sale tickets are available from any Bluffton Cattle Club member.

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