All Bluffton Icon News

"I can attribute successes in my current career to lessons I learned from Mrs. Goode."

As this year's graduation fast approaches, the Icon looks to past valedictorians of Bluffton High School to inspire this year's graduates as they set sail on adventures unknown.

The Icon caught up with Kurt Groman, BHS valedictorian of the class of 2006.

What activities were you involved in as a BHS student? Feel free to include all your extra-curricular activities, even if they're from church or other organizations, not just school. 

The Bluffton University track and field teams culminated their efforts for the season with the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship meet on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27.

The Beaver men ended the outdoor season with a sixth place finish with 49 points, tying Transylvania. Rose-Hulman and Hanover took the top two spots in the HCAC in convincing fashion, as the Fightin' Engineers outdistanced the Panthers, 240-152.

By Cort Reynolds
Riding a 15-game win streak, the Bluffton softball team was seeded first at the drawing for the 12-team Div. IV sectional/districts at Elida Sunday.

The Lady Pirates (16-1) received a first round bye as the top seed. They will host the winner of ninth seed Leipsic vs. 10th- seeded Cory-Rawson (2-13) Thursday, May 9 at 5 p.m.

Bluffton shut out C-R 10-0 April 23, and their scheduled game vs. Leipsic April 26 was rained out.

Harold Frederick Helmlinger, 94, died April 25, 2019, at Birchaven Nursing Home in Findlay.  Harold was born March 7, 1925, in Auglaize County, Ohio, to the late Philip and Sophia (Pulfer) Helmlinger.  On Jan. 29, 1950, he married Doris Bunn Helmlinger who survives.

Harold graduated from Jackson Center High School.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II and was a lifelong farmer.  Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

This year's Bluffton High School prom dress code required an umbrella. Jamie Nygaard shares several rain soaked scenes of students entering the prom at Marbeck Center. Those photos follow:

Contact Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area for a plot in the community garden

Ever wanted to grow your own veggies, cutting flowers, and fresh herbs in a full sun location? 

If so, come out to Bluffton’s Community Garden and rent a plot for the growing season. Grow all those delicious herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley along with vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, peppers and squash in your very own garden plot; all the ingredients needed for great summer feasts, or to preserve for winter eating. 

Pages