January 2017

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The Ohio Department of Transportation Distrtict 1 has used 3,552 tons of salt on Allen County roads this winter, according to its initial 2016-17 winter expense report.

In addition, in Allen County, ODOT vehicles have registered 30,531 miles, used 30,735 gallons of deicing liquids, for total labor, equipment and material costs of $459,371.

The chart attached reveals information in each of the counties covered by District 1.

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Dora Deane “Deane” Faine, 87, died Jan. 14, 2017, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Arlington, Ohio. Deane was born Oct. 6, 1929 in Findlay to Clarence and Blanche (Abbott) Wells who preceded her in death.

Deane was a secretary at Cooper Tire for 42 years before her retirement. She enjoyed antiquing, attending garage sales, sports of every kind, boating, skiing and spending time with her grandchildren.

Main Street could be on national bike route

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This is the first in a two-part series on a proposed national and statewide bicycle route network that could pass through Bluffton’s Main Street. It needs Bluffton council’s support for it to take place.

If Bluffton council agrees, the village will be on “the map.”

THE PROPOSED OHIO BIKE ROUTE
MAP IS ATTACHED AT THE BOTTOM
OF THIS STORY -

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.

The Dow recorded its best performance since 2013

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Provided by Jason A. Granger
Steiner & Granger
141 N. Main St., Bluffton
419-358-0689 (Phone)
419-358-8507 (Fax)

The Markets

Equities: The year didn't start off well for equities, but by the end of 2016 each of the indexes listed here posted year-over-year gains, some reaching all-time highs. The Dow recorded its best performance since 2013, gaining almost 13.5% from its 2015 closing value. Stocks weathered several financial crises, including China's economic downturn and the Brexit vote.

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