December 2022

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PANDORA–Kevin F. Snavely, 78, passed away December 21, 2022, at his residence.

Kevin was born August 24, 1944 in McComb, to Floyd and Joyce (Sharninghouse) Snavely who preceded him in death. On July 24, 1970 he married Lynda (Norbeck) Snavely who survives.

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Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn passed along to the Icon that Rumpke will maintain the normal collection schedule during the holiday weeks for Christmas and New Year's.

Both holidays fall on a Sunday, which does not delay trash and recycling pick up collection.

He notes, "Thank you for spreading this news! December 26th is a trash pick-up most families can’t miss...."

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Events are free and open to the public.

Jan. 12-Feb. 19 Art Event: “Voices Together” art exhibit opens, Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Art Center

Jan. 17 Forum: “Why Me?” Martin Luther King Jr. Forum presentation by Clayton Moore, retired sergeant, Fostoria Police Department, award-winning author, 11 a.m., Yoder Recital Hall

Jan. 20 Colloquium: “Tina Howe's Unproduced Plays,” by Dr. Melissa Friesen, Mary Nord and Joseph Ignat endowed chair in theatre, 4 p.m., Centennial Hall Stutzman Lecture Hall

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On December 12 Bluffton Council member Joe Sehlhorst provided the following highlights for Village of Bluffton activities in 2022. He notes that these are highlights rather than a comprehensive list. His goal was to keep it to two printed pages.

November

Ottawa water rate for 2023: $3.02 per CCF; (2022: $2.62, 2021: $2.44, 2020: $2.06)

Year 2021 - Top 15 water users for 2021: SumiRiko (10x higher), GROB (2, 9 Caf.), Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton U. (4,8,11,13,14), Riley View Apt., Bluffton Hospital, Vance St. apts., Comfort Inn, A&B Car Wash, Alpine Village. (Jan. Council Report).

Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce-Jim Enneking thanks council, safety services, and cultural affairs for a successful Blaze of Lights. New entertainment zone on Vine St. (Beer and Bourbon, food, and tent) called Blaze after Lighting.

Village enters 3-year Allen County dispatch service for Police, Fire, and EMS. Cost is $55,600 Yr. 1, (1 ½% increase) Yr. 2 $56,442; Yr. 3 $57,289. 

Officer Rayle to participate in Police Unity Bicycle Ride from NJ to Washington DC and meet up with officers to honor fallen officers. Bluffton Police Force to represent Officer Dominic Francis. 

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A winter storm is looming, looking to disrupt travel for the Christmas holiday.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews in District 1 and District 2, which includes 16 counties throughout northwest Ohio, are preparing by checking trucks and all equipment; and organizing full-time, auxiliary, and seasonal employees to prepare them to begin 12-hour shifts when needed.

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

On December 25, 2002, Steven Spielberg released the movie Catch Me If You Can based on the autobiography of Frank Abagnale, Jr. The movie starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank and Tom Hanks as FBI agent Joseph Shea. The plot is how a con man serving a prison term starts to work with the FBI to catch cons. The movie inspired other shows including the television series White Collar, which ran from 2009 to 2014. The series featured Matt Bomer as Neal Caffrey, Tim DeKay as FBI agent Peter Burke, and Willie Garson as Mozzie. Neal and Mozzie were con artists and stole valuable artifacts. After being arrested, Neal starts to work for the FBI capturing other criminals. 

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The Putnam County District Library is offering free technology help to individuals who need assistance with a smartphone, tablet, iPad etc. Call and set up a 30-minute session with the technology trainers. They are available at these and other locations:

Columbus Grove Location

Mondays 1:30-5:30

Thursdays 2:00-5:00

419-659-2355

Pandora Location

Wednesdays 12:30-4:30

419-384-3232

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Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has announced that Eric Proctor will become its new chief people officer (CPO). In this role, Proctor will drive the talent strategy for more than 3,300 associates and oversee corporate public relations and marketing, and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation. 

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A special afternoon service by the students of Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Jenera, called "Illustrations of Immanuel" will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, in the church at 301 North Main Street, Jenera. 

Organizers note, “Students from Kindergarten through 8th grade will tell of God's promises to His people in the Old Testament times, the birth of Jesus and His death and resurrection. The illustrations will be in the form of Word and Christmas hymns and high school students will do narration. ‘Silent Night’ will be sung in German and English.”

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Bluffton schools superintendent Greg Denecker shared the news that former athletic director Jim Raabe has been inducted into the OIAAA-Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame.

“Jim did an outstanding job as our Athletic Director from 1995-2011. He was dedicated to our student-athletes, coaches and our community to help our athletic department grow successfully under his leadership. Jim is very deserving of this Hall of Fame Induction and we thank him for his service and dedication to Bluffton Schools,” Denecker commented.

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