Regional news

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Bluffton students experienced outstanding scores in the Ohio Department of Education’s 2015 spring tests, according to figures released in November by the ODE.

Greg Denecker, Bluffton superintendent, told The Icon: "We are very pleased with our results and are continuing to work hard to prepare our students, not only on these assessments but to help prepare our students for success after graduation.

"These scores are a real tribute to our student, staff, parents, and community which all work together to have an excellent educational environment."

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The Bluffton/Pandora Swiss Community Historical Society Christmas open house, “Christmas at the Homestead,” will be on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Schumacher Homestead on Bixel Road. 

The public is invited to tour the decorated 1843 house while snacking on homemade treats and listening to songs of the season.

Guests can watch food being prepared in the fireplace, hand dip a candle, play a game of checkers, shop in the gift shop and chat with staff about the history of the house and typical life in the 1840s.

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Webb Insurance, North Main Street, is the second place winner in the downtown Christmas window decorating contest. This year's theme was "A Christmas from the Past." Downtown business owners voted on the top three windows.

The Icon provides two views of the window: one taken from outside and the other inside. Both are in attachments below.

First place was Curling Iron. Third place was Town and Country, which will be posted tomorrow.

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Santa Claus, aka St. Nicholas, aka Kris Kringle, aka Father Christmas has scheduled some quality time in Bluffton during December.

You've already met Mr. C and his wife at the Blaze of Lights. Here's his Bluffton schedule:
• Friday, Dec. 11, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast

• Saturday, Dec. 12, Bluffton Family Recreation, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30-noon downtown

• Saturday, Dec. 19, The Dough Hook, 10 a.m. to noon.

Santa's visits are sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce members will hear about the Bluffton Community Pre-School during its Friday, Dec. 11, breakfast meeting.

Shelly Matijevich, director of the pre-school, will present the program. The free breakfast is from 7 to 7:30 a.m. The program is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Following the program persons may meet Matijevich to learn more about the pre-school that is housed in First United Methodist Church.

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant will provide the breakfast.

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During the month of December, McDonald's restaurants in Lima, Bluffton, Ada, Delphos, Van Wert, and Beaverdam will raise money in support of the local Ronald McDonald House Charities in Dayton through the Cookies That Care program. Customers may purchase three soft baked cookies for one dollar ($1.00), and McDonald's will donate ten cents of each purchase to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Miami Valley Region. McDonald's will be offering a Sugar Cookie this year, in addition to the classic Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin.

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