All Bluffton Icon News

By Joy Johnson, CNMT
Nuclear Medicine - Lead Technologist, Blanchard Valley Health System

Nuclear medicine testing is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals, to provide information about the physiological function of tissues and organs, such as blood flow, metabolism, and biochemical processes. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing certain diseases, monitoring treatment responses, and assessing disease progression. Other imaging modalities like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI primarily provide structural images of the body.

Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs containing radioactive isotopes. These isotopes emit gamma rays that are detected by specialized cameras. In contrast, other imaging modalities use external sources of energy (X-rays, magnetic fields, etc.) to create images. The amount of radiation used in nuclear medicine tests is considered safe for patients. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women are typically advised to avoid these tests unless absolutely necessary. ▶︎

Updated November 19 with new graphic

By Paula Pyzik Scott
Iconoclast View

The Ada Icon and other regional news outlets have recently had a flurry of reports on fatal and injury traffic crashes. Ran red light/stop sign has been cited as a variable in several crashes. These incidents make me sad, scared and angry–feelings that are shared by many who are commenting on social media about the crashes and seeking ways to prevent injuries and fatalities.

The Village of Bluffton will hold an Emergency Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18 on the third floor of the Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St., to consider awarding a contract to repair critical infrastructure to the public water distribution system.

The previously scheduled Ordinance Committee meeting for Monday, Nov. 18 will begin immediately following the Emergency Council Meeting.

7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, Bluffton Town Hall

By Paula Pyzik Scott

With the goal of helping ease local housing shortages, the Village of Bluffton Ordinance Committee has drafted an ordinance to provide regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units. On Tuesday, November 19, the Village council will hold a public information meeting to provide details of the current draft of the ordinance (documents attached). Changes to the ordinance are expected as part of this process.

On November 4, there was a joint meeting of the Ordinance Committee with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning and Building Appeals to solicit input and prepare members who would be involved in permitting and appeals.

There are existing ADUs in Bluffton but no specific guidelines or regulations on construction or leasing are currently part of Bluffton zoning regulations. Chapter 150 - Building Regulations of the Village Code of Ordinances can be found at https://bit.ly/4fxndo0 Chapter 153 - Zoning can be found at https://bit.ly/3URu1EG. ▶︎

2:00-6:00 p.m. on December 7-8, 8350 Bixel Road

The Bluffton/Pandora Swiss Community Historical Society will host Christmas at the Homestead on December 7 and 8 at the Schumacher Homestead.

The public is invited to tour the decorated 1843 farmhouse while snacking on homemade treats and listening to songs of the season. Guests can watch food being prepared in the fireplace, hand dip a candle, play a game of checkers, shop in the gift shop and chat with staff about the history of the house and typical life in the 1840s. ▶︎

The public is invited to hear Eric Kurtz, Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes share stories about the work being done through MCC projects around the world. Kurtz will speak at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17 at First Mennonite fellowship hall, 101 S. Jackson St.

Et Cetera, Inc. of Bluffton includes Ten Thousand Villages, Book Reviews and the Et Cetera Shop, which raise money for MCC. Et Cetera Inc. is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.

Pages