Mary L. Koontz, 95, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at 9:10a.m. at Willow Ridge in Bluffton. She was born October 21, 1922 in St. Marys, Ohio to Theodore and Edna (Schmehl) Schultz who preceded her in death. On June 6, 1948 she married Jasper "Joe" Koontz and they celebrated 53 1/2 years of marriage before he died on Nov. 23, 2001.
She graduated from Bluffton High School in 1940. She attended Fredericks Beauty School, Lima, graduating in December of 1940.
Wilson is promoting Ada, Ohio, as part of its “the official ball of the NFL” promotion.
The promo, titled “Built American,” states: Since 1941 Wilson has been the only bal to grace the NFL field during regular season and postseason play.
Each ball is handmade in Ada, Ohio, by our veteran team of skilled craftsmen and women. Experience tradition this 4th of July and bring home a true American classic.
Bluffton Family Recreation is accepting registrations for Adventure Camp, which takes place on three Thursdays starting July 26, according to Daniel Tinch, BFR executive director.
Adventure Camp Thursdays, July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Ages 3 ½ to 6
Adventure camp has activities, arts and crafts and educational takeaways.
• July 26 theme – Disney adventure
• Aug. 2 theme – Star Wars in training
• Aug. 9 – Fairy tales
$8 for BFR member per day; $16 for non-members per day.
The Icon receives reports from time to time from hikers who frequent the path around the National Quarry.
The reports go like this: "We saw a very large snapping turtle along the path."
Those reports are true. At 7:30 a.m. on July 5 Bluffton police report a snapping turtle incident at Jefferson and Huber streets. According to Ryan Burkholder, Bluffton police chief, police respond to a turtle crossing the very busy roadway.
The turtle was identified as Ohio’s largest turtle, snapping turtle (chelydra serpentia) and this turtle weighed approximately 8 pounds.
Bluffton Sardines proved they can swim with the big fish as the swim team keeps winning. On July 2 in a home meet, Bluffton defeated Kenton Stingrays 884 to 372. The girls' team outscored the visitors 437 to 189. The boys outscored Kenton 447 to 183.
Note: Kathleen Stauffer Mikkelsen, a resident of Mennonite Memorial Home, celebrates her 101th birthday on July 3. The following account by Kathleen is reprinted from the book "Bluffton A Good Place To Miss."
Click here for an interview the Icon conducted with her prior to birthday 100.
Bluffton Family Recreation invites area youth to a "play the day away," later in July, according to Daniel Tinch, BFR executive director.
Here's the details:
Play the Day Away
Tuesday-Wednesday, July 17-18
1 to 3:30 p.m.
Ages 7 to 12
Campers will play games such as hopscotch, 4 square and tag. Campers will learn the importance of teamwork, develop their own game and play that game.
$15 for BFR member; $30 for non-members.
Note: The Icon previously posted this photo, but, hey, it's summer, and this one generates some interesting comments.
Beth Carr provided this photo of the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool in its "Buckeye days." Beth was on the swimming pool staff and now lives in Texas.
This view shows the old pool from the east bank of Marsh Run looking toward the Buckeye. This pool went from about three feet to five or six feet. Beyond that, the Buckeye was roped off for swimming in the east side.
Some 250 bike riders from far and near, first time event riders and riders with thousands of miles to their name, some on the fastest bikes and others who don’t even pedal, are coming to the 4th annual Bluffton Ride to Remember on Saturday, July 14.
Riders can choose routes from 2 miles to 112 miles on roads with scenic and historical interest. The Ride to Remember also provides rest areas, mobile rider support, an $8 meal coupon, showers and swimming.
