All Bluffton Icon News

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By Robert McCool

What a delightful book! "Remarkably Bright Creatures" (HarperCollins, 2022) by a debut author, Shelby Van Pelt. This book has been on the New York Times bestseller list numerous times since its publication and the author won a Reader's Choice Award for Best Debut Writer. 

It remains one of the most read pop-fiction books and was the first unanimous selection by Ada Book Club members for 2025. I have to thank Jill Simmons for bringing this book to our attention.

First off, it has the most unique voice for a narrator and commentator on human behavior. Marcellus McSquid (inappropriately named on the plaque above his tank, as he is a Giant Pacific Octopus, not a squid.) opens the book with a commentary on his conditions and the visitors beyond his glass tank. He tells you of his intelligence (for example, his ability to read) and you need to be aware of this throughout the novel as his personal life is explained in too few commentaries.

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By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON – The Bluffton High School girls basketball team overcame a frigid start to defeat visiting Northwest Conference rival Spencerville 43-35 Thursday, January 30.

The Pirates trailed 4-2 after a very low-scoring first period. But they outscored the Bearcats 16-8 in the second stanza to take an 18-12 lead at halftime.

Bluffton then outscored the visitors 25-23 in the second half to secure an eight-point victory. 

Bluffton improved to 12-8 overall and 4-2 in the NWC after recording their third straight victory.  

Spencerville fell to 10-9 overall and 2-4 in NWC play with the defeat.

Macy Schaadt scored five points in each of the final three periods to tally a game-high 15 markers for the victors.  

Pirate senior post Ayla Grandey tallied a dozen points, including eight in the key second quarter.

Junior Blair Utendorf scored eight points, all in the second half. Maelee Miller contributed five markers. 

READ MORE       ***View HUDL Highlights Video***

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Cheri Lee Lones, 68, passed away January 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

Cheri was born April 10, 1956 in Lima, to Harvey and Hazel (Hill) O'Day who preceded her in death. On December 23, 1977 she married Rick Lones who survives. 

Cheri loved to read and adored spending time with her grandchildren. 

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Did you save the date? February 1 is Bluffton PTO Bakery Bingo! The annual fundraiser is fun for the whole family. 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the school Cafetorium. 50/50 tickets and raffle tickets will be sold. Preview basket donations at www.https://www.facebook.com/BlufftonPTO

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The Blanchard Valley Health System Auxiliary scholarship application period is open and applications are available online to students in the Hancock County area planning to pursue a health-related career or field of study. 

The purpose of the Auxiliary Scholarship is to financially assist local high school seniors in pursuing a health-related career. Heather Schalk, volunteer services manager, said that profession could range from dental hygienist to nurse to physician.

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Bluffton Elementary School has released the following Honor Roll for the 2nd quarter of the 2024-2025. academic year. The Honor Roll is for students in grades 4-5.

4th Grade

All A:

Ellery Byers, Felix Combs, Sawyer Fruchey, Anna Hartzler, Hayden Hines, Kinley Jenkins, Riley Klausing, Lucy Long, Lena Macke, Eliana Rettig, Blake Spencer, Isaiah Thiel, Grace Warner, Persephone Weyer

A/B:

Gabbi Abraham, Jaxson Babcock, Wyatt Badertscher, Lucas Blackburn,  Benji Crow, Wyatt Donaldson, Westin Doty, Matthias Fought, Jocelyn Foust, Owen Gesler, Judah Glick, Paisley Glick, Makayla Hicks, Bowen Hochstetler, Eliana Holmes, Misa Kaiser, Kamea Kaufman, Madelyn King, Maddox Lambert, Claire LeBlanc, Kendyl Lloyd, Arya Lowry, Hayden Minch, Jacob Morales, Allison Polish, Killian Rausch, Deacon Recker, Charlotte Schedler, Brooks Shaurer, Tyler Shaw, Evan Sider, Breck Slager, Mason Stechschulte, Annie Steiner, Harlow Thompson, Brynlee Underwood, Spencer Wahl, Levi Zink

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