March 2023

The Bluffton Music Boosters are encouraging everyone to get their meal tickets now for the 2023 Chicken BBQ event on Friday, March 24.

You can purchase meal tickets online and/or sign up to volunteer at the event HERE. Meal tickets can also be purchased at the Middle and High School offices.

Governor DeWine announced on March 1 that he has spoken with the CEOs of both Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads about the need for increased train derailment response training for first responders. 

Because most rail miles in Ohio are in rural areas, volunteer firefighters are most likely to be the first on scene to a train derailment. However, there is currently very little training for volunteers on responding to trail derailments.

Governor DeWine reported that the CEOs of both railroads were in favor of working with the State of Ohio to increase railroad-specific training for Ohio's first responders.

Governor DeWine also announced that the Ohio Public Utilities Commission currently has up to $800,000 in grant funding available to help Ohio's smaller fire departments pay for critically important training.

Through May 31, PUCO will be taking applications for their annual hazardous materials training grant program. Among the opportunities funded through this program are “rail hazardous materials response training” and hazardous material incident response.

Funding for these grants is from fines paid by hazardous material carriers and shippers. More information is available at www.puco.ohio.gov.

During Bluffton University’s spring Cross-Cultural Forum, students shared about their semester-long experiences in Washington, D.C., Guatemala and Greece. The Feb. 14, 2023, event was held in Yoder Recital Hall.

At Bluffton, the goal of cross-cultural experiences is to offer a journey of personal discovery into the richness and challenges of other cultures and communities. Immersed in new environments, participants experience diverse lifestyles, make new friendships and learn respect for other heritages all while meeting personal challenges which build character.

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1972, Johnny Nash released his number one hit in the United States, Canada and South Africa titled I Can See Clearly Now. Johnny was a rhythm and blues singer who was influenced by the reggae sound. He collaborated with Bob Marley, one of the pioneers of reggae, to sing and produce records. Johnny was a very prolific song writer throughout his career. Interestingly, he sang the theme song for the animated cartoon series The Mighty Hercules that ran from 1963 to 1965,

So why the message to see clearly now?

Researchers have made some significant advances in eye health specifically with macular degeneration in the last few years. Several of these discoveries have completed clinical trials and have been forwarded to the FDA for approval in the United States.

The March 2023 Community Calendar has been updated with school, library, senior center, chamber of commerce, public meetings, Bluffton Family Recreation and university events.

Have local events of general public interest to share? Send them to [email protected] OR tag @blufftonicon on Facebook.

Check out the printable calendar HERE, by the day, week, month and agenda (list).

WOSN & WTLW will combine to air live games during OHSAA Basketball district week. Games can be viewed on WOSN (Ch 44.2, Spectrum Ch. 997) and WTLW TV44 (Ch. 44.1, Spectrum Ch. 4).

Wednesday, March 1: Division 3 at Lima Senior

  • Bluffton vs. Ottawa-Glandorf 6:00 p.m. LIVE on WTLW

Saturday, March 4 LIVE Schedule:

  • D3 District Final at Lima Senior - 2 p.m. LIVE, Network TBD

OTTAWA--First National Bank has announcee that Kristen Mullins has been promoted to Mortgage Originator. Mullins is responsible for originating and closing residential real estate loans within our local communities.  Kristen can assist with purchases, refinances, and construction loans.

Rae Carson, an author of books for teens, will share, “Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Publication,” during Bluffton’s English Festival Forum at 11:00 a.m. on March 14 in Yoder Recital Hall. The award-winning, New York Times bestselling author will get detailed and personal about the challenge she faced while pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist.

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2023 Bluffton Arts & Crafts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The festival will be located at 125 E. College Ave. (the same location as 2022).

The festival will feature arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, decor, pet items, food, family fun and entertainment.

For more information about becoming a vendor or for general information, contact Katelyn Gainok at [email protected].

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