All Bluffton Icon News

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

A developer’s proposal for triplexes on N. Main St. and a request to combine two undeveloped lots in the Parkview subdivision were considered by the Bluffton Planning Commission in a public meeting on January 6.

The Planning Commission is currently made up of appointees Mitch Agner, Roger Edwards, Tim Essinger, Mayor Rich Johnson and council member Mitch Kingsley.

Also present were Zoning Board of Appeals members Tom Downey, Deron Geiser (not present, member Tony Pinks), as well as Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn and Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd.

Blackburn presented a preliminary site plan for a five triplex development around a pond (which has already been dug) at 721 N. Main St. Discussion focused on how the plan could be modified to fit R-III zoning requirements or PUD (Planned Unit Development) requirements, as well as what variances might be considered by the commission. The developer was not present.

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By Paula Pyzik Scott
Bluffton Icon owner-editor

Here’s a head-scratcher: do Icon readers know the difference between news and advertising? I’ve found myself explaining what’s news and what’s advertising–at least on the pages of the Bluffton Icon and the Ada Icon–several times recently.

While both are posted at the discretion of the publisher, news is provided for the benefit of readers with no financial considerations. The Icon also has a distinctly local focus. For example, you won’t find coverage of the Olympics unless the story has local ties.

Advertising is a service that is purchased by a business, organization or individual. Again, you won’t find ads for Disneyland or diamonds, unless they’re being purchased by a local business or organization.

ICON NEWS

Is focused on information of current interest to the Icon’s target audience, people who live in the Bluffton and Ada areas or who have a special interest in these places, including former residents.

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Pandora__First National Bank has announced the appointment of Heather McDonald as the new Branch Manager of the Pandora location, 102 E. Main.

McDonald will oversee daily branch operations and be responsible for establishing and  expanding customer relationships for First National Bank in Pandora and its surrounding  areas.  

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The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce presented the traveling trophy for best holiday decorations to the staff of Samuel W. Diller Co., (L-R) Jill Hovest, Brittany Klingler, Attorney Scott Basinger, Kathy Basinger and Alison Perkins. They received top honors for decorations inspired by the film A Christmas Story, earning the most votes among 32 competing businesses.

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Bluffton Soccer Club has announced opening of registration for Spring 2025 youth soccer. The registration deadline is January 31.

The club includes teams for players with birth years 2010-2018. Teams range from U8-U15.

Each age group has recreational as well as travel teams. Registration options include

RECREATIONAL

- Spring Rec Coach, for adults interested in volunteering

- Spring Rec Player

 

TRAVEL

- Spring Travel Coach, for adults interested in volunteering

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Three Bluffton shops owned by the non-profit organization Et Cetera Shop, Inc. have been in the news throughout 2024. The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of events that celebrated and highlighted work supported by six area churches and over 100 volunteers at Book Reviews, Et Cetera Shop and Ten Thousand Villages.

The Et Cetera Shop board has also provided the following details on “where the money goes” in and beyond Bluffton. The board is currently comprised of Lori Nester, Beverly Armstrong, Nancy Neff, Tim Byers, Carolyn McDaniel, Linda Nelson, George Lehman and Dick McGarrity.

A percentage is designated by the board to be “tithed” for local efforts to combat the effects of poverty. This year, $6,000 was donated to the Bluffton Community Assistance Program as well as the benevolent funds of the supporting churches, which include English Lutheran, Bluffton Presbyterian, First Mennonite, Grace Mennonite, Lima Mennonite and Salem Mennonite.

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