All Bluffton Icon News

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Lifelong Bluffton resident, Edward James Reichenbach, a man whose passionate love for his family was exceeded only by his love of Jesus, passed away in his sleep on February 7, 2025 at the age of 88. 

Edward was born August 16, 1936 in Bluffton to Ralph and Evelyn Reichenbach. As a family, we like to say that not too long after his birth, Ed held his first job. No one out-worked Edward Reichenbach. From lawn mowing at age 10, caring for horses, sweeping floors downtown, painting and later driving a school bus, milk delivery and coaching football, to name just a few of his jobs, he paid his way through Bluffton College where he became the first in his family to graduate (with a degree in Education). He worked and studied while all the time playing on the football team as well. Ed taught middle school in Lima before accepting the challenge to be the first State Farm insurance agent in Bluffton. A testimony to Ed's work ethic is that State Farm has the "President's Club," an annual award given to the top 50 Agents in the entire United States. Edward qualified for President's Club in the tiny community of Bluffton, outperforming agents in cities such as New York and Chicago. 

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From Cory-Rawson Local Schools

Join Cory-Rawson Superintendent Jay Clark as we take advantage of our 1/4 mile loop of ground-floor school hallways for winter walks. Bring along ideas or questions.

The B1 door (connector between HS and Elementary School) will be open 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays throughout February for walkers: 

February 12, 19, and 26.

If school activities are canceled due to weather, we will not walk that day.  Direct questions to the district office, 419-963-3415, option 3.

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The Village of Bluffton Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Bluffton Soccer Club and The Bluffton Lions Club, has initiated a community project to develop a new recreational space. This project will include seven soccer fields, thanks in part to land donated by SRK, an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, a one-mile walking path, and a shelter house.

The new park will also address the community's desire for more open green spaces, as indicated in the Village's recent survey. The yet-to-be-named park is located on Snider Road, adjacent to SRK and behind Bluffton Community Church. 

The community is invited to submit name suggestions for the new park as part of this initiative. Suggestions can be submitted online and will be reviewed by a committee consisting of members from the village, the Bluffton Soccer Club and The Bluffton Lions Club. Submissions will be accepted from February 10-23 by clicking HERE.

“This project is a perfect example of how Bluffton finds a way to bring big ideas to life," says Jesse Blackburn, Village Administrator. “This truly is a community effort, so it is fitting that the community get to help name the park."

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Bluffton University has named Ryan Turner as its next head golf coach. 

Turner brings more than 16 years of experience in the golf industry, coaching and teaching students from diverse backgrounds. Turner brings extensive knowledge of NCAA rules, regulations and recruiting strategies.

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Sponsored by Stratton's Greenhouse / Roots By Stratton
Breakfast by Luvu A Latte 

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast meeting on Friday, February 14. The meeting will be held on the third floor of the Town Hall.

A presentation will be provided by Derek Dukes of Southgate Lanes. The chamber notes, "Southgate Lanes has grown from just a bowling alley to an entertainment venue with bowling, volleyball, music and great food. Find out how the transition happened, and how Derek and Brandon were able to build Southgate Lanes into a successful business."

Breakfast served at 7 a.m.
Program begins at 7:30 a.m.

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The Bluffton High School Academic Team won the 2025 Ada Invitational Quiz Bowl competition on February 3.  Undefeated going into the final round against an undefeated Liberty-Benton, the teams were tied at the end of the regular lightning round questions.  During sudden death overtime, Bluffton came out as the victor.  

Varsity team members pictured here are:  Claire Phillips, Daphne Johnston, Asa Clingerman, Levi Fenzl, Zoe Shank, Roselove Jebsen, Maizie Digby, and Coach Brigette Hoff.  

Competing schools were Ada, Cory-Rawson, Elida, Hardin Northern, Kenton, Liberty-Benton, Ridgemont, Riverdale, and USV.  

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