Reviewed by Robert McCool
Nomadland (W.W.North, ISBN978-0-393-24931-6) has all that a non-fiction book should have: the what, the who, the when, and most importantly, the why. It is a handbook on “Surviving America In The Twenty-First Century” as it states in its sub-title.
First off, it's a book about a growing subculture here in America, one that carries its home around on its back around the country and settles in no place for long. They refer to themselves as “rubber tramps” because they live on the open road with far-flung destinations.
Here's a recap of the beginning of a 95-year-old Bluffton tradition, today part of forgotten Bluffton.
In many cases this 95-year tradition is the only thing, except for a scrapbook or two, that most Bluffton High School alumni still have on their bookshelf.
We know it as the Bluffton High School yearbook, aka “Buccaneer.”
Michael "Mike" "Big Ugly" W. Lanham, 45, died on Feb. 24, 2021, at 4:12 p.m., at his residence, after a long battle of a heart disease and diabetes.
Mike was born Dec. 22, 1975, in Okinawa, Japan, to Michael Lanham and Linda (Lenny) Kinn. On Oct. 5, 2020, he married Stacey (Allemeier) Lanham who survives in Bluffton.
Mike attended Bluffton High School. He was a part of the Iron Workers Local 290.
Michael W. McDowell, 71, died at 2:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at his home with his wife by his side, after a long suffering battle with COPD.
Michael was born May 3, 1949, in Lima, to the late Byron Milton and Mary Jane (Roberts) McDowell. On Nov. 10, 2002, he married Robin (Miles) Klingler McDowell.
Note: Bluffton council will begin meeting in person in the town hall in March.
One of Bluffton council’s focus in 2021 is village signage.
A report of council’s street, lights, alley and sidewalk committee offered several ideas for this year during council’s Feb. 22 meeting.
The focus includes:
• Begin a parking regulations sign replacement program with the aim to complete all streets, with a concentration in the area of the schools by the end of summer 2021.
Two guys from Bluffton hold the local record for combined years of experience in being in business together, and they don’t even work in town.
Kevin Gratz and Mike Steiner, both Bluffton High School graduates and lifelong residents, have sold their interests in Lima Lumber Co., effective March 1.
Kevin, a 1970 BHS grad, and Mike, a 1972 BHS grad, have nearly a century of combined lumber yard experience going back to their days at Reichenbach Lumber and Basinger Furniture.
Icon viewers:
My mother, Gladys Eudora Basinger Bunn was one of 10 children born to Jerimiah and Anna (Diller) Basinger.
I would like the Icon to know how much the article in the Our Swiss Connections on "Suter cider press was started by John Bosiger," posted on the Icon on Dec. 10 touched my heart. I have no children, so I don't spend much time studying my family history, but yesterday a cousin from Texas contacted me and asked if I know any Basinger family history.
Riley Creek Pharmacy, 112 E. Main St., Pandora, is taking appointments for covid-19 vaccines, according to Amy Myers, director of pharmacy. Call the pharmacy at 419-384-3303.
Blanchard Valley Health System will host a virtual presentation on Breastfeeding.
The program is part of its Live and Learn series. The program is livestreamed from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 3. Viewers may tune in following directions on the above flyer.
My snow angels appeared the day after the big snow.
My snow thrower broke down and I needed parts. My truck was buried in snow on the street. I started to shovel it out when Ricky and his sister, Zoey, came out of nowhere and asked, “Do you need help, sir?” They made quick work of getting my truck out. When I told Ricky I was going to get my wallet, he said he didn’t want any money.
