May 2023

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FINDLAY–Northwest Ohio’s public lakes and reservoirs teem with fish such as yellow perch, largemouth bass, and more. Now is the perfect time to grab a fishing pole and try to catch them, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

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State of Ohio video interview with David Voth

With nearly 1,000 attendees on hand, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost  presented three statewide awards during the second day of the 2023 Two Days in May Conference on Victim Assistance, held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on May 9.

During his opening remarks, AG Yost talked about the underlying message of this year’s conference theme, “Empowering Survivors to Rebuild Lives.”

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By Paula Scott

While the Bluffton Schools are busy wrapping up the 2022-2023 school year, the Board of Education has been busy interviewing candidates for a new middle school principal to start August 1, 2023.

On Wednesday, May 10, the board approved a 3-year contract with Doug Westrick, who is currently the superintendent of Delphos City Schools. 

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UPDATED with additional graduates, May 15.

The following students graduated from Bluffton University in Spring 2023:

Hachemy Gabriel of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Bluffton University.

Brianna Keeler of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in communication and recreation management from Bluffton University.

Martha Kroske of Arlington, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Bluffton University. She was named a Distinguished Scholar in Studio Art.

Riley Larcom of Pandora, Ohio, earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration from Bluffton University. He was named a Distinguished Scholar in Accounting, C. Henry Smith Scholar and Pi Delta Society Member.

Caleb Mikesell of Bluffton, Ohio, earned bachelor’s degrees in intervention specialist and primary P-5 education from Bluffton University. He was named a Distinguished Scholar in Primary (P-5) Education and Pi Delta Society member.

Evan O’Rear of Arlington, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education from Bluffton University.

Caitlyn Renner of Cairo, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology from Bluffton University. She was named a Distinguished Scholar in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Pi Delta Society member.

Morgan Smith of Arlington, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bluffton University.

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By Crystal McGrain, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology

Physical activity is important in all stages of life, pregnancy included! Many women desire to adopt a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy or maintain their current fitness level. In most cases, this is achievable and desirable for the overall health of mom and baby. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind to have a fit pregnancy. 

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By Cort Reynolds

DELPHOS – The Bluffton High School track and field teams competed well at the annual nine-team Northwest Conference championship meet Thursday and Saturday, May 11 and 13, in Delphos.

Bluffton took home six individual first-place finishes, and also won three relay events.

Columbus Grove captured the boys and girls league crowns, while Bluffton took second in both team standings.

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By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Imagine being required to turn off your water line each time the fire department answered a fire alarm.

Don’t even think about hitching your horse to a fire hydrant.

Those were the rules when Bluffton’s municipal water plant opened in the late 1890s.

And, this may come as a surprise. The reason the village of Bluffton created a municipal water plant was for fire protection. It had very little to do with providing individuals with running water in their houses.

In a case you wonder, here are additional rules governing water usage in the village when the water plant first opened:

• Patrons had to immediately discontinue using water for any purpose, when the fire alarm sounded.

• It was prohibited to hitch horses to fire hydrants.

• Lawn, garden or yard sprinkling was restricted  to the hours of 5:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

CONTINUES

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By Paula Scott

The Saturday, June 3 Bluffton Arts and Crafts Festival will be the 50th by that name. It takes some doing to create that kind of continuity. Hiccups come along, like the COVID pandemic, which created a brief gap in the timeline. What has given the festival such longevity? The Icon talked to several individuals who have been instrumental in coordinating and promoting the festival, including long-time manager Jerry Burkholder.

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Loverta White, 91, passed away May 12, 2023 at her residence. Loverta was born July 4, 1931 in Sharp Chapel, Tennessee to the late Dewey and Louadis (Pierce) Wilson. On June 12, 1972 she married Leroy White who preceded her in death on October 30, 1983. 

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BEREA--The Bluffton University men's track and field team sent seven Beavers to Berea for the Harrison Dillard Twilight Meet on Friday, May 12, 2023. Several superb performances, including a school record, were on the menu at Baldwin Wallace University.

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