December 2022

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The last day of business for Blended Roots, an arts and crafts consignment store at 246 Cherry St., is Saturday, December 24.

Shop manager Katelyn Gainok also told the Icon that she will proceed with plans for the spring arts and crafts show and has contacted the village and Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce about continuing this local tradition.

A date has not yet been set for the event.

For information on the craft show [email protected]

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Bluffton High School Senior Erik Nygaard signed a letter of intent to run track and field, as well as cross country at the University of Charleston, West Virginia. Erik is the son of Jamie and Christian Nygaard.

Erik is a three-time state qualifier in Cross Country, and finished 4th this past season at the Division III State Cross Country meet. Erik was a member of the 2021 4x800 relay team that finished 8th at the State Track meet. Erik was also a member of the 2022 4x800 relay team that finished 3rd at the State Track Meet. Erik is also Bluffton’s school record holder in the 3200m run with a time of 9:48.23.

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The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the residents and businesses selected as best holiday lights and decorations competition winners for the 2022 holiday season.

The new “Chamber Choice” award for residences not entered in the competition resulted in a 3-way tie.

The committee of judges was coordinated by Derek Dukes of Southgate Lanes.

A map of the residential lights entries is available HERE.

» NAMES, LOCATIONS, PRIZES »

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At the Monday, December 12 meeting of the Bluffton Board of Education, all items on the agenda were approved and the following reports were made by the elementary, middle, and high school principals.

Bluffton Elementary report by Elementary Principal Ben Thiel (a.k.a. Mr. T):

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The Village of Bluffton has announced the following public meetings. Note that the council meeting has been moved to Tuesday following the holiday weekend.

Finance Committee - Tuesday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Council Meeting - Tuesday, December 27 at 7:00 p.m.

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By Paula Scott

On Wednesday, December 14, a local contingent witnessed the legislative steps creating the Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway between mile markers 139 and 143 on Interstate 75 in Bluffton. The group met with House Speaker Robert Cupp (R-Lima) and Jon Cross (R-Kenton), toured the state house and, according to Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder, “were given the red carpet treatment.”

Those present were JAMPD Park Ranger Chad Cupples, who initiated the request to create a memorial highway; Ricki Francis, widow of Officer Francis; Taylor Born, daughter of Officer Francis; Bluffton Police Chief Ryan M. Burkholder, Sgt. Tyler Hochstetler, and Lt. Matt Oglesbee. The group was introduced to legislators from the balcony.

Chad Cupples began his inquiries about a memorial highway in April 2022 and began working with the area representatives to form an official request. On Wednesday, the last day of the legislative session, the Ohio House and Senate voted on bills including memorial highway designations. 

» CONTINUES »

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The Bluffton Icon and Ada Icon will take an extended holiday break for Christmas and New Year’s. Except for breaking news, which may include sports, the Icon staff will be taking a holiday from December 23-26 and from December 30-January 2.

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The Bluffton Lions Club has shared its December newsletter, attached.

The club reports that approximately 80 persons enjoyed the Lion’s meal on December 1 at the Bluffton Senior Center with $192 collected for the Food Bank.

Homemade bread was baked by Lion John Rich. Lions participating: John Rich, chairman; Tracy Steele; Gene Long; Corwin Croy; Bill Watkins; Jesse Blackburn; Gary Graham; Jan Emmert; Clair Winebar.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

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By Cort Reynolds

The host Bluffton High School girls basketball team spurted in the fourth period to pull away from upset-minded Ada and post a 55-43 Northwest Conference win Thursday night, December 15.

The Lady Pirates led just 36-35 heading into the fourth period. But the Pirate girls hit eight free throws and outscored Ada 19-8 in the fourth quarter to win by 12.

The Pirate girls improved to 5-2 and 1-1 in the NWC with the hard-fought win that snapped a two-game losing skid.

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Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N Main St, has announced the following services for Saturday and Sunday, December 24-25.

Christmas Eve

6:30 Prelude Music - Brass & Woodwind Ensembles, Vocal Soloists

7:00 Candlelight Service - Dave Good, Supply Pastor

        Cantata "Rise Up! A New Light A-Comin'"

Christmas Day

10:15 Online Service BPC Facebook 

          Pre-recorded service with area Presbyterian Churches

          No in-person service

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