The Icon's editor found this message on Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District's Facebook page:
"It's the hectic week before Christmas. Are you feeling overwhelmed? One of the BEST stress relievers is taking a walk! With the mild temperatures and sunny skies predicted this week, take a walk at any of the Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks.
Bluffton University junior Morgan Smith has been named the HCAC Player of the Week for her work in a rout of Mount St. Joseph on Saturday, December 18, in the Sommer Center.
Smith led the Beavers with her first collegiate double-double of 18 points and 11 boards, both career highs, in a convincing 64-43 win over MSJ on Saturday! She was 8-of-13 from the field and chipped in with a pair of assists.
The women travel to Adrian College for a 6 p.m. meeting with the Bulldogs on Wednesday, Dec. 22, before heading home for Christmas.
The Bluffton Exempted Village School District (Ohio) issued the following alert at 3:45 p.m. on December 20, 2021:
"This weekend, the district was notified of a threatening social media post which circulated briefly. After review by the local authorities, the post was deemed not a credible threat. Out of an abundance of caution, the middle school staff was briefed this morning, and police officers were present in the buildings today and will be tomorrow.
The Bluffton Lions Club December 2021 newsletter recognized the following members for continuing service: Dan Diller 10 years; Stephanie Larcom 10 years; Bill Croft 15 years; Elaine Harris 15 years; Jim Bemiller 30 years; Jerry Lewis 30 years; Alan Yoder 55 years; Dick Boehr 60 years.
Also in Lions news: Committees will be meeting in January for the Dare to Dream project, Citizen of the Year and the Awards committee.
Former Bluffton resident Mike Reichenbach is running against Jay Jordan in the Special Republican Primary for South Carolina State Senate District 31 on January 25. The special election will fill the unexpired term of Sen. Hugh Leatherman, who died in November of a non-COVID illness.
The general election is March 29, 2022. Suzanne La Rochelle is Democratic Party candidate for the seat.
Reichenbach operates two car dealerships in Florence, SC and one in Bluffton, SC.
The Bluffton High School wrestling team finished third and won two individual weight class titles at the 11-team Allen County Tournament hosted by Delphos St. John's Saturday, December 18.
Pirate junior Thayne Kleman won his third straight Allen County tourney championship in the 113 lbs. weight class. Kleman won all three of his matches by pin.
Pirate senior Micah Minnig won the 138 lbs. bracket crown by default. Minnig also won one match at 132 lbs. by pin to finish fourth.
The Bluffton University women's basketball team used a 39-16 advantage in the middle two quarters to post a dominating 64-43 win over Mount St. Joseph on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Bluffton improved to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Heartland Conference, while MSJ slipped to 3-5 and 1-3 in the HCAC.
The Bluffton girls basketball team rode a strong first half to easily handle youthful Arcadia 47-11 in non-conference girls basketball action Saturday afternoon, December 18.
Bluffton led 24-6 after a first period onslaught and was never threatened. The hosts held the Lady Redskins scoreless in the second quarter as they extended the margin to 35-6.
The Lady Pirates improved to 6-3 with the lopsided win. The Arcadia girls fell to 0-8 with the defeat.
Pirate senior guard Sami Scoles led the way with 17 points and three triples.
The Bluffton University men's basketball team dropped a 75-63 decision at Mount St. Joseph on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Bluffton fell to 2-6 overall and 0-3 in the Heartland Conference, while MSJ moved to 4-4 and 1-2 in the HCAC.
