All Bluffton Icon News

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A $150,000-plus gift from former student-athletes, fans and friends of Bluffton University ensures the naming rights to a new softball press box facility will recognize a female Bluffton Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. Construction for the Coach Kim Fischer Press Box will start in May 2023. The project, with a total cost of $300,000, also includes new restroom facilities and cement bases for spectator seating.

“We are grateful for the generosity of former students, players, and friends who have decided to honor Coach Fischer in this way,” said James Grandey, athletic director. “It is obvious that Kim has had a profound impact as a coach. The softball press box will be a great addition to our softball field.”

The 5,500 square foot, two-story building will feature two fully accessible, unisex restrooms on the ground floor with press facilities on the second floor which will enhance streaming abilities and media coverage. This is the first athletic building named after a woman on Bluffton’s campus and the only facility to be exclusively used for women’s sports. It will improve the game-day experience for both players and fans. The upgrades will allow Bluffton to host high school games which increases Bluffton’s support of the local community.

CONTINUES WITH REUNION PHOTO

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Andrea Nicole Setzer, 35, formerly of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away February 21, 2023, at her residence.

Andrea was born October 18, 1987 in Toledo, to Robert Setzer Jr. and Karin (Gardiner) Setzer who survive.

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Beverly Ann Moyer, 84, passed away February 21, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.  Beverly was born June 20, 1938 in Bluffton to the late Dull and Natalie (Hollaway) Battles. On August 23, 1964, she married William "Bill" Moyer and he survives. 

Beverly graduated from Cory-Rawson High School. She was a teacher's aide at Cory-Rawson High School and worked as a secretary at the Midland Grocery in Findlay. Beverly attended the Mt. Cory United Methodist Church. She loved her pets, animals, ceramics, cooking and her flowers.  

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According to WTVG-13 Action News of Toledo, a suspect charged in connection to the March 2022 death of Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis has taken a plea deal and been convicted of several charges in Hancock County.

Reports show that on Tuesday, February 21, Dante Tate pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and complicity to receiving stolen property. 

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By Cort Reynolds

Two Bluffton High School boys were named second team All-Northwest Conference in voting recently conducted by the league basketball coaches.

Bluffton sophomore guard Marek Donaldson topped the Pirates in three-point goals made and in scoring to garner second team All-NWC notice. 

Pirate junior Wade Ginther came on strong the second half of the season to also earn second team all-league honors.

Bluffton senior guard Carson Soper was tabbed honorable mention All-NWC.

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On Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Bluffton’s Girls Basketball coach Eric Garmatter coached his final  game as a Pirate. He is stepping down after 28 years of coaching basketball and serving the Bluffton community.

He started his career as the JV Boys basketball coach during the 1995-96 season and  took over as Varsity Head Girls Basketball coach in 2011-12. Coach Garmatter finished his head  coaching career with a record of 164-114. Coach Garmatter earned NWC Coach of the Year Honors  for the 2018-19 season, and won a Northwest Conference Title the same year.

Coach Garmatter is  an invaluable member of the Bluffton Athletic Department who conducted himself with dignity and class.

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we say thank you to “Garmey” for the countless lives touched and years of service to Bluffton. We wish him and his family all the best.

Alex Hanna, Athletic Director

Mary Hoffer, Athletic Secretary

Bluffton Exempted Village School District

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