May 2023

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CARMEL, Ind.–The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) has announced the Spring honorees for Tom Bohlsen Academic All-HCAC. Academic All-Conference selections have at least a cumulative 3.5 GPA and are varsity athletes. 

Bluffton University placed 48 athletes on the Academic All-HCAC squad for Spring 2023.

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From the S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club of Bluffton

As you have seen, the American Flags are again flying in the breeze on the Main Street of Bluffton. For the past 16 years, the S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club of Bluffton has solicited sponsorship of those flags, and the Bluffton American Legion has installed and maintained them. 

This year 2023 the American Legion has again installed those flags.  The S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club thanks Jerry Cupples and the American Legion for all their wonderful help throughout the years. 

The S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club (Sharing Hopes And Nourishing Needs Of Neighbors) also wishes to gratefully thank all the many, many wonderful sponsors of the flags throughout these 16 years. Your donations have been received each summer by the SHANNON CLUB and also by the community of Bluffton with great gratitude. 

To show our sincere thankfulness to all of you, the S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club wishes to give back to the community by donating the flags this summer and will NOT be soliciting sponsorship of the flags.  We have truly valued your wonderful support.

Duane Bollenbacher

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Schedule a visit or stop in on June 3, July 1 and August 5

The Swiss Community Historical Society has announced that tours may be scheduled now through the fall of 2023. The Schumacher Homestead, also known as the Swiss House, offers a glimpse into the lives of Swiss immigrants in an area of Allen and Putnam counties known as the Settlement during the mid 19th century. 

Visitors may tour the house, summer kitchen, workshop, and barn—which are filled with original and period items—as well as the garden. 

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Heaven's gates opened up for Rosa Lee Greenway, 93 on May 25, 2023 after a short illness. She was born on July 31, 1929 in Allen County at the Garner House to the late Emil and Lula Mae (Garner) Altstaetter. Rosa Lee married George Richard Greenway on October 7, 1951 after meeting him square dancing, where parents played for many years and they had 71 years of marriage.  

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By Alexis Nicoson and Katie Prater, Student Pharmacists with Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Eat It was a 1984 parody written by “Weird Al” Yankovic of Michael Jackson’s 1983 hit titled Beat It.  Weird Al was first introduced to the public in 1976 at the age of 16 on The Dr Demento Radio Show. He has won five Grammy awards, written 150 parodies and sold over 12 million albums. Besides his comic parodies, he writes and plays polka medleys of several popular songs with his accordion. His parody of Eat It was about an exasperated parent attempting to get their child to eat. This is not far from reality for many parents and grandparents. 

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The Bluffton Community Pool will be offering three swimming lession sessions in 2023:

  • Cost: $50 for Non-Members, $40 for Members
  • 8 Lessons Per Session
  • Lessons run Monday - Thursday (Friday is a make-up day)
  • Time: 11:15-11:45 a.m.

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NAMI Hancock County is offering a Youth Mental Health First Aid class on June 2nd.

Often people feel helpless when they see someone is struggling and just don't know what to say to them or how to help. This is a full day training for anyone who works with, or lives with, or hangs around with youth so they can better recognize signs of a mental health issue, know what to say, and connect them to the appropriate care.

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The Bluffton University Board of Trustees met in May for their annual spring meeting. The board completed normal board business such as budget approvals, setting tuition and approving restricted donations. Trustees also took several actions including changing the board bylaws, promoting faculty and recognizing returning and retiring board members.

Mitch Kingsley, who is retiring from his role on the board, was recognized for 12 years of service as a trustee. Kingsley served on the Enrollment Management/Student Life Committee for two years, the Fiscal Affairs Committee for five years and the Board Development Committee for four years. Most recently, he served on the Resource Strategy Committee. A 1971 Bluffton graduate, Kingsley has practiced law in Bluffton since 1993 and is a past and current member of Bluffton Village Council. Kingsley and his wife, Ann, have three adult children.

“As a local trustee, Mitch has enriched discussion with his knowledge of history and context. He has also asked deep and thoughtful questions,” said President Jane Wood. “In his various roles, Mitch has provided sound counsel to the university’s decision making.”

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By Andy Chappell-Dick

The Monday, May 22 meeting of the Bluffton council proceeded with dispatch, as councilors and administrators covered a lot of ground in only forty minutes.

COMMITTEES

Several Committees presented reports of their meetings from the last two weeks. Joe Sehlhorst said that Streets and Alleys had met for five minutes to discuss vacating an alley.  

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The Bluffton and Ada Icons will have an extended weekend publishing schedule for Memorial Day weekend 2023. New content will appear on Friday morning and, except for breaking news, pause until Tuesday morning.

The Icon office will be closed from Friday, May 26-Monday May 29.

Our newsgathering schedule will continue through the weekend, including Bluffton and Ada High School graduations and Memorial Day events.

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