Regional news

Ohio is changing how it evaluates and communicates the academic performance of its schools and districts.

Schools and districts will no longer receive labels like “Excellent” or “Continuous Improvement.” In its place, they will receive letter grades on several measures in the same way a student receives grades for his or her classes.

No, it's not too early.

Have you decided on a float idea or parade entry for the Saturday, Nov. 30, Blaze of Lights parade? This year's theme is "Deck the Halls."

This year's parade forms at 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 on Snider Road near the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool. The parade starts at 5 p.m. The route is from Snider Road, south on Main Street to East College Avenue. There it turns and proceeds to Triplett Drive where is concludes.

The parade is just one of several events planned for this year's Blaze. More details on other Blaze events are on the way.

BFR Sports and Fitness now offers a "new hire" introductory membership, according to Carole Enneking, director.

The offer includes a free one month membership to anyone newly hired by a Bluffton-area business.

"The hope is to encourage new workers to try out our facility and fitness programs, and to be encouraged to be more active," she said. 

Complete details of this program are avialable on the attachment at the bottom of this story, or by contacting BFR at 419-358-4150.

Southgate Lanes and Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to sponsor a Business Bowling Scramble on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the bowling alley, 9700 N. Dixie Highway, Bluffton.

“The event is a fundraiser for the chamber’s Main Street banner project,” said Derek Dukes of the bowling alley. “Ten four-person teams will compete in the evening scramble. Bowling begins at 5 p.m.”

Friday afternoon a Bluffton Icon viewer notified The Icon that a fox was shot by Bluffton police between Tom Fett Road and the Maple Grove Cemetery earlier today.

CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUSLY-POSTED STORIES.

Upon contacting Rick Skilliter, Bluffton police chief, Skilliter told The Icon: “I can confirm one animal determined to be an ill fox was destroyed and buried by village crews earlier today.”

MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM

More photos of the mystery beast are coming to The Icon's attention. (Click here to read previous posts.)

These were taken on Sept. 12, 2012, a couple miles south of Jenera, on Township Road 29.

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