July 2023

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The 2023 planting season in Ohio began slowly due to  cold, wet conditions in early April, but dryer conditions  later in the month allowed producers to proceed with  plantings. May followed a similar story, with bleak  conditions early in the month giving way to more favorable  ones. By late May, crop emergence was ahead of the 5-year average, although abnormally dry conditions presented  potential difficulties for growers in much of the state. 

Ohio field crop producers planted more acres of corn in 2023 than they did in 2022. Highlights of the 2023 June  Acreage report follow: 

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By Lisa Stewart, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Julie A. Cole Rehab and Sports Medicine Clinic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently eliminated a total of 216 milestones from their guidelines, including crawling. While the CDC has stated that there is no evidence that supports the idea that 75 percent of children will crawl, many therapists (including myself) still strive to encourage and teach our pediatric patients to crawl. 

As a child learns to crawl, the entire body is affected and progresses toward success with mobility. Initial reflexes are integrated during crawling. If these reflexes do not merge into a child’s development, it could cause many pieces of dysfunction. Maintaining weight bearing on all four limbs helps encourage visual tracking, their limbs moving forward in space, crossing the midline in tracking and scanning their environment.

Crawling is the first and only time a young child will be putting their weight through their upper extremities. Therefore, they are strengthening their arms for other skills as they age, such as writing, using scissors and dressing themselves. Crawling promotes and develops the vestibular and balance system, which allows for improved mobility when the child is ready. It also helps to develop the sensory system, cognition/problem-solving and coordination. 

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Starting July 18, Bluffton Family Recreation will have Weightlifting 101 from 5:30-6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

According the the BFR, these weightlifting classes are a great way to "build your confidence in the weight room by learning proper form, different exercises, and how to use weight machines."

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Calling all K-2nd graders!

All Together Now: Learn and Create at the Bluffton Public Library is "a fun program for families with children going into grades K-2. Learn about ways we can all work together, enjoy crafts & stories, and spend some quality time together."

Registration is required for each session individually. Sessions are at 3:00 p.m. on July 18 and July 25.

 

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A Bluffton history day, recalling the 90th anniversary of the Dillinger bank robbery will take place in Bluffton on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Sponsored by Bluffton Forever and the Bluffton Icon, several events will take place downtown, with the complete activity schedule released later this month.

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I-75 at SR 696 Pilot Travel Center awarded $676,809 in NEVI funds

COLUMBUS--On July 13, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the future locations of 27 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that will be installed along Ohio interstates, making Ohio the first state in the nation to announce charging station sites that will be developed as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.  

“This is an exciting time for Ohio as we continue to lead the charge in electric mobility,” said Governor DeWine. “As more Ohioans purchase EVs, this statewide network of chargers will ensure that our transportation infrastructure is prepared to accommodate these drivers, as well as visitors who travel to Ohio to see all that our great state has to offer.” 

During a news conference with Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks, DriveOhio Executive Director Preeti Choudhary, and Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Andrew Rogers, Governor DeWine announced that the state will award more than $18 million in NEVI funds for 27 electric vehicle fast charging stations along seven of Ohio’s interstate corridors, including I-70, I-71, I-74, I-75, I-76, I-77, and I-90. 

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On July 20, the Bluffton Public Library will be hosting their monthly watercolor workshop led by artist Jeanne Beautler. This month, participants will make their own 8" x 10" koi fish watercolor art, complete with a mat board.

The program runs from 5:30-7:15 p.m. and is located in the Bluffton Public Library lower level. There is a $10 fee per person at the door, cash only. This program is open to adults and teens/children with a participating adult. 

Register in advance--space is limited.

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Marian G. Kissling, 93, passed away July 12, 2023 at Lima Memorial Health System.  Marian was born November 21, 1929 in Dola to the late Andrew and Bernice (Harris) Dirmeyer. On February 12, 1950 she married Charles Kissling who preceded her in death on December 20, 2015.

Marian graduated from Dola High School. She retired from Bath Schools where she worked in the food service. Marian was a member of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, Lima where she was the church organist for many years. She had been a 4-H Advisor for many years.  

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By Paula Scott

When a Bluffton Icon reader was troubled by accidents at the intersection of State Route103/Jefferson Ave. and County Line Rd., the Icon proceeded to do some digging. The results are data on crash density in Bluffton from 2018-2023 and Allen County data on the variables that are tracked for vehicle accidents.

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The Village of Bluffton has scheduled the following public meetings to be at the Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main.

Parks & Recreation Committee on Wednesday, July 12 at noon.

Ordinance Committee on Wednesday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m.

Village Council on Monday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

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