June 2023

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By Andy Chappell-Dick

For the last Council meeting of spring, casual polo shirts were de rigueur around the table, with Solicitor Elliott Werth making a statement in bright pink.  Mayor Rich Johnson spurned the trend in his signature sport coat, and Councilor Joe Sehlhorst was understated in a button-down work shirt.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Beginning with Committee reports, Councilor Jerry Cupples described some minor changes to insurance coverage, and asked that Council approve the renewals. Councilor Ben Stahl had a long list of activities by the Tree Commission, including a neighborhood-wide overhaul of Riley Creek Village and new designs for the layout of soccer fields next to SRK. (The meeting packet is attached HERE.)

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Register by June 30

The Blanchard River Demonstration Farm Project will host a Field Day on July 11 at Kellogg Farms near Forest. The activity starts at 10:00 a.m. and features presentations on the benefits of subsurface placement of fertilizers and how strip tillage systems can complement and meet agronomic, conservation and economic objectives. 

An experienced farmer panel will then talk about the technical issues of implementing strip till, costs, operational changes and lessons learned. Strip till equipment options will also be addressed. Field demonstrations of strip till units and subsurface applicators will be showcased after lunch. Optional afternoon sessions will look at the nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers cycles and their movement in agricultural systems.

Area farmers interested in learning more about the benefits of subsurface fertilizer placement and strip tillage systems are welcome to attend. Smokehouse 101 will caterer the event and lunch is complimentary but registration is required by June 30 and can be done with a phone call to Doug Deardorff at 740-396-2449 or Jordan Hoewischer at 614-565-3261 (please leave a message).

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Elder Victim Ministry (EVM), a program of Crime Victim Services, is asking the community to “Build Strong Support for Elders” as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Thursday, June 15. Staff will gather at 11am at the CASA Park, 234 N. Main St., Lima, to raise awareness about elder abuse. Partner agencies and community members are encouraged to wear purple and if available, join the group for a photo to be shared on CVS media pages.

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Field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers 

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two 

During the 2023 walleye run, State Wildlife Officer Reid Van Cleve, assigned to Ottawa County, patrolled the Maumee River. He observed four individuals fishing from two boats. Officer Van Cleve observed all four individuals keeping snagged walleye. Officer Van Cleve and State Wildlife Officer Mike Ohlrich, assigned to Fulton County, contacted the group and seized nine walleyes as evidence. The four individuals were served citations for their violations. They were found guilty and paid $950 in fines and court costs.  

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The Findlay Courier has reported that a Columbus man was sentenced in Hancock County Court to 33 months in state prison, having pled guilty to charges related to the March 31, 2023 death of Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis.

In March 2023, Zachary Love pleaded guilty to three felony charges: tampering with evidence, posession of guns after a prior offense and improper handling of firearms.

Judge Reginald Routson sentenced Love on June 12. Love is the third of three defendants to be sentenced in relation to the death of Francis.

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Are you a friend of Bluffton history? This is your invitation to join the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society for its June meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 at Town Hall.

This group does not yet have "members" while the organization bylaws are being created. Therefore, friends are gathering on the third floor for brief committee reorts and an update the proposed bylaws. 

In anticipation of Friday’s Festival of Wheels on Main Street, the Groman brothers Dan and Darrell will display their antique automobiles for the evening’s program. 

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For the Icon's reference and for yours, the June meeting of the Bluffton Schools Board of Education departs from the usual third Monday:

Tuesday, June 27, 2023. 7:30 P.M.
Monday, July 17, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
Monday. August 21, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
Monday, September 18, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
Monday, October 23, 2023, 5:30 P.M.
Monday, November 20, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
Monday, December 18, 2023 5:30 P.M.

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UPDATE: The Bluffton Sardines vs. Ada Gators swim meet orginally scheduled for Monday June 12 has been delayed because of cold temperatures. The June 13 forecast is for a low of 47 degrees and high of 67 degrees.

The Bluffton Community Pool also closed on June 12-13.

 

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The following meetings have been announced by the Village of Bluffton. They will be held at Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main.

Insurance Committee on Wednesday, June 14 at noon.

Utilities Committee on Wednesday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m.

Natural Gas Aggregation Public Hearings on Monday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Village Council on Monday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Finance Committee on Thursday, June 29 at noon.

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The following Putnam County Public Library programs are available at the Pandora location, 118 E Main St.

All Together Now Games & Water Fun! 

July 25 at 11:00 a.m. Come and join us for some water fun and games. Bring a towel. Event generously sponsored by Blanchard Valley Health System.

New-to-You Puzzle Swap and Coloring Hour for Ages 18+
July 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Technology Programs
Wednesday 7/12 & 7/26 at 12:30-4:30  

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