All Bluffton Icon News

  • /

Joyce E. Pugsley, 74, passed away March 18, 2025 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio.  Joyce was born March 28, 1950 in Lima to the late Leonard and Janice (Smith) Klausing. On January 29, 1972 she married David Pugsley who preceded her in death on December 30, 2017. 

  • /

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The March 2025 breakfast meeting for Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce meetings began with a lively meal and networking session that left director Jim Enneking looking for someone who could whistle really loudly.

A drawing by breakfast sponsor Lisa Wenger of CCR Realtors for a gift basket from 1861 Wine Lounge helped get guests’ attention. Wenger also shared that she is celebrating 11 years of doing business in Bluffton.

CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Enneking introduced Rene Gabriel, the chamber’s new assistant director. She is originally from Arlington and graduated from Bluffton University. 

The last indoor Bluffton Farmers Market has taken place. Market manager Greg Probst will hold a vendors meeting at 7:00 p.m. on April 3 and will have updated agreements to distribute. The outdoor market next to Citizens National Bank on Main St. will begin on May 3.  MORE ▶︎

  • /

On Saturday, March 22, the Maple Crest Patio Room will showcase the multiple musical talents. At 2:00 p.m. The MapleAires will perform a mix of barbershop, gospel and more. At 2:30 p.m. Ann Marie Spelman will provide piano melodies. At 3:15 p.m. Elaine Wehri and friends will play folk music including accordion. At intermission refreshments will be provided.

  • /

James "Jim" L. Kinn Jr., 69, passed away March 18, 2025 at his residence. Jim was born June 11, 1955 in Fostoria, Ohio to the late James and Mary (Holman) Kinn.  He married Della "Sue" Welch who survives.   

Jim graduated from Bluffton High School.  He worked in sales for Sohio/BP for twenty-six years and later Kirtland's Auto Sales, Bluffton for eighteen years. Jim was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he was a lector. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and wood working and was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns.  

Survivors include his wife, Della "Sue" Kinn of Bluffton; two brothers, Larry (Barb) Kinn of Bluffton, Lenny (Linda) Kinn of Bluffton; a sister, Kathy (Randy) Housh of Bluffton; a brother-in-law, Brent Bell of Findlay and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jane Bell and an infant twin brother, Joseph Kinn.   MORE ▶︎

  • /

Pictured: Heart Healthy Kids Challenge participants Emery Basinger and Lillian Wehrly

By Betsi Werling

The March 17 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included a special presentation by elementary school students, supplemental contract approvals and staff reports.

Resolution
The Board approved the 2025 tax year amounts and rates determined by the Budget committee, as attached.

Public Comments
Elementary teacher Ryan Dunlap presented on the Heart Healthy Kids Challenge. The Elementary school raised $8,664.00 and had over 100 participants. Emery Basinger, who is in Mrs Fritsch’s class, was the top fundraiser. Also shown was a video of Lillian Wehrly, who was born with heart challenges. She has applied to be a National Ambassador. Lillian is in First Grade with Mr. Staley. 

Contracts, Assignments and Resignations
New teachers who were hired and will begin in Fall of 2025 are: Amy Gratz, Middle School Art; Kristen White, Middle School Intervention Specialist; and Kathryn Slaughterbeck, third grade.  MORE ▶︎

  • /

From the Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers
State Wildlife Officer Nolan Johnson, assigned to Van Wert County, donated 147 pounds of venison that had been seized as evidence to the Van Wert Cooperative Ministries. This was the first time the organization received a donation from the Ohio Division of Wildlife and they were very grateful. When possible, venison seized as evidence in white-tailed deer violation cases is donated to food pantries.

Pages