All Bluffton Icon News

Christian Gomes, 2016 University of Northwestern Ohio graduate

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Christian Gomes bought his first car – a 1985 BMW 318i with 130,000 miles on it – eight months before he was old enough to get his driver’s license.

He’s been in love with cars ever since.

Earlier this month he joined Stratton Auto Group as shop manager of Bluffton Auto Repair Center, 302 N. Main St. He accepted the position upon the retirement of Jim Kinn.

Originally from New York state, Gomes is a December graduate of University of Northwest Ohio, Lima. He holds degrees in applied science plus automotive technology, high performance and commercial driving.

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Dora Deane “Dean” Faine, 87, died Jan. 14, 2017, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Arlington, Ohio. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services in Bluffton.   

 

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Donald E. Wright, 69, died on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at 2:58 p.m. at Hardin Memorial Hospital ER, Kenton.

He was born on July 27, 1947, in Burlington, Mich., to Herman and Irene (Holbrook) Wright, who preceded him in death.

On May 22, 1971, Donald married Mary T. Tighe and she preceded him in death on Jan. 21, 2011.

Donald served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966-1967.

He retired from Nash-Finch Company as a Receiving Supervisor after 15 years.

Started by 19-year-old Simon Herr who later became a bank president

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Simon Herr Harness Shop
1870 – 1903

At the age of 19, Simon Herr began the harness-making trade in Bluffton. The shop was first located where the Stager Grocery store stands. (In 2017 this is the site of the Bluffton Laundromat on Main and Jefferson).

A photo of Mr. Herr is at the bottom of this story.

He later moved his business to the Western Auto Supply building. (In 2017 this is the location of Diller Flooring and Interior, 119 N. Main St.)

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The year was 1986. Our community celebrated its 125th year as "Bluffton." There were lots of celebration events. One was a parade.

Here's a photo of what we believe is a queen candidate float. We think we see several familiar faces among the candidates and the young children in the front.

We encourage Icon viewers to help ID these girls.

Does this help -  this photo is 31 years old. That means the queen candidates are approaching 50. The young girls are in their mid-30s.

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You'll see this plate on a white Ford. It stands for a former Bluffton business, Dunifon Oil.

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