Here's a recap of the beginning of a 95-year-old Bluffton tradition, today part of forgotten Bluffton.
In many cases this 95-year tradition is the only thing, except for a scrapbook or two, that most Bluffton High School alumni still have on their bookshelf.
We know it as the Bluffton High School yearbook, aka “Buccaneer.”
FROM ADA ICON - The Icon visited Ada schools Friday to take photos of staff and teachers being vaccinated. On the way home we couldn't help but notice this feline in an Ada house window. It was gazing out the window when we arrived at the school and still looking out when we left. The image of the branches in the window reflection make this an even more outstanding scene.
Michael "Mike" "Big Ugly" W. Lanham, 45, died on Feb. 24, 2021, at 4:12 p.m., at his residence, after a long battle of a heart disease and diabetes.
Mike was born Dec. 22, 1975, in Okinawa, Japan, to Michael Lanham and Linda (Lenny) Kinn. On Oct. 5, 2020, he married Stacey (Allemeier) Lanham who survives in Bluffton.
Mike attended Bluffton High School. He was a part of the Iron Workers Local 290.
Michael W. McDowell, 71, died at 2:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at his home with his wife by his side, after a long suffering battle with COPD.
Michael was born May 3, 1949, in Lima, to the late Byron Milton and Mary Jane (Roberts) McDowell. On Nov. 10, 2002, he married Robin (Miles) Klingler McDowell.
Note: Bluffton council will begin meeting in person in the town hall in March.
One of Bluffton council’s focus in 2021 is village signage.
A report of council’s street, lights, alley and sidewalk committee offered several ideas for this year during council’s Feb. 22 meeting.
The focus includes:
• Begin a parking regulations sign replacement program with the aim to complete all streets, with a concentration in the area of the schools by the end of summer 2021.
Two guys from Bluffton hold the local record for combined years of experience in being in business together, and they don’t even work in town.
Kevin Gratz and Mike Steiner, both Bluffton High School graduates and lifelong residents, have sold their interests in Lima Lumber Co., effective March 1.
Kevin, a 1970 BHS grad, and Mike, a 1972 BHS grad, have nearly a century of combined lumber yard experience going back to their days at Reichenbach Lumber and Basinger Furniture.
