Letters

By Monica Harnish

Last week’s Village Council meeting noted that on Wednesday, the 28th, the weekly mosquito fogging program would start. But did you know that the first line of defense against mosquito-borne diseases isn’t spraying pesticides throughout the community? (Xerces Society: Start Now To Prevent Mosquito-Borne Disease and Keep Our Pollinators Safe). Not only are such aerial spray efforts not the most effective strategies for protecting people; they also put pollinators at risk. In fact, some communities (Sierra Club Municipal Mosquito Fogging is Ineffective and Harmful) have moved away from fogging programs. 

There are better ways to protect ourselves from mosquitoes without harming our families or the environment. These include:

By Butch Amstutz

Bluffton High School Class of 1964 waiting outside the main entrance of the high school to start their senior class trip.

Top from left: Butch Amstutz, Loren Core, Gene Balmer, Jim Amstutz. Front: Roy Schmutz.

We were the last class to get to go to Washington D.C. and New York City due to the cost of the trip.

The World's Fair was also in NY that year. We were the last class before Bluffton and Beaverdam Schools consolidated in 1965.

The Class of 1964 was and still is a fun class!

Current 1 mill levy provides 26.5% of Bluffton Public Library annual revenue

The Bluffton Public Library has been a part of the Bluffton community since 1935. As Bluffton has grown, the library has grown with it - moving from the high school to Main St. in 1986 and expanding the building and services in 2004. While most know the history of the library, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain how the library exists today, in 2026. 

By Liz Gordon-Hancock
Bluffton Council member

As an elected representative of Bluffton, I'd like to pass on this press release from the Ohioans to Protect Public Services coalition, which gives an overview of the uses and purpose of property taxes in local government. 

I strongly recommend that Ohioans educate themselves on how property taxes fund their local government services and the consequences of losing that revenue.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo ID accomplished. Thank you!

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonIcon.com and www.BlufftonForever.com founder

This historic Bluffton family photo needs its subjects identified.

Dear Icon readers,

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, WE THE PEOPLE of Bluffton and the surrounding area are planning to show our love and peaceful support for the Constitution of the United States by signing a large-scale version of this document at the Bluffton Town Hall from 1–4 pm on the third floor. (Elevator available) 

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