New to this year's Bluffton Arts and Crafts Festival is a music tent, according to Paula Scott, CEO of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.
The tent, located on the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn, offers free live music from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here's the music schedule:
• 9 a.m. - Ryan Strickler
• 10 a.m. - Brett Prothro
• 11 a.m. - Old Folkies
• Noon - Jeff and Marlyce Gundy
• 1 p.m. - Don Juan's Reckless Daughter
• 2 p.m. - Toraigh
"Just remember that you come from Bluffton, a small Northwest Ohio town that has watched you grow up over the years and they are still going to be here to support you along the way."
As this year's graduation fast approaches, the Icon looks to past valedictorians of Bluffton High School to inspire this year's graduates as they set sail on adventures unknown.
The Icon managed to catch Landon Cluts for a quick chat - he is a valedictorian of the class of 2014.
What activities were you involved in as a BHS student? Feel free to include all your extra-curricular activities, even if they're from church or other organizations, not just school.
Bluffton Presbyterian Church will hold at bake sale on Saturday, May 11, at 9 a.m. The sale takes place under the tent at the front of the church. Proceeds to go towards missions.
The Bluffton University baseball team wrapped up its 2019 season with a split at Transylvania University on Sunday, May 5. Transy took game one by a 10-4 count before the Beavers came back for 7-4 victory in game two. Bluffton finishes its season with an 18-21 mark overall and 7-11 in the Heartland Conference. The Pioneers punched their ticket to the HCAC Tournament with the split.
Backyard Habitats: Beth Theisen, a Naturalist from Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, will present on the main floor of the library on Tues., May 7 at 6:30 p.m. This presentation is open to the public and is hosted by The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area. No registration is required.
Helen W. Brooks, 90, of Bluffton, Ohio, died May 6, 2019, at Hilty Memorial Home in Pandora. She was born on April 18, 1929, in Putnam County to the late Harvey and Minnie (Balmer) Burkholder. On Aug. 14, 1953, she married Gerald “Jerry” Brooks who preceded her in death on Sept. 8, 2014.
Helen was an avid gardener and had a love for art, antiques, classical musical and playing the piano. She enjoyed collecting and was a master canner of produce. Helen enjoyed making and selling pies along with garden and orchard produce at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market.
By Cort Reynolds
LIMA - The visiting Bluffton boys tennis team defeated Lima Senior 3-2 Monday evening.
The Pirates improved to 4-9 with their second consecutive road victory.
Pirate junior Drew Wilson won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles over Phillip Korikian. Teammate Mack Burner won a third-set tiebreaker over Jeremiah Dew 5-7, 7-5 (10-7).
Pirates Eden Nygaard and Grant Klinger teamed up to win at first doubles over Christopher Bishop and Connor Brayton by a 6-2, 6-3 score.
On Tuesday, Bluffton school district voters will decided on two Bluffton Exempted Village school district renewal levies.
The Icon supports both levies.
• One renewal of 4.244 mills for operating expenses was first passed in 1999
• The other renewal, a 0.5% income tax for permanent improvements, was first passed in 2007.
The following details what the levies cover with information provided by Greg Denecker, Bluffton superintendent:
A county-wide levy is on the Tuesday, May 7, Ohio primary.
It is a small sales tax increase renewal for the Allen County Regional Transit Authority. The tax is one-tenth of one percent, which equals 2 cents on a $20 purchase.
And, yes, Bluffton benefits from the tax. The Icon provides the following Q & A about the levy:
What is the May 7th Levy for Allen County RTA and how much will it cost me?
