All Bluffton Icon News

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Submitted by Et Cetera Inc.

Click to enlarge photo. L-R) Book Reviews:  Jim Enneking, Joyce Daniels, Danielle Hodges, Tim Byers, Lori Nester. Ten Thousand Villages: Jim Enneking, Lowell Hostetler, Wendy Chappell-Dick, Tim Byers, Lori Nester, Ray Raeburn.

On December 3, ribbon cuttings were held at Bluffton’s Ten Thousand Villages and Book Reviews Et Cetera as part of 50th anniversary celebrations by Et Cetera Inc., which is also the parent company of the Et Cetera thrift store.

Most noticeably, Ten Thousand Villages has a new awning on the 115 S Main St, Bluffton storefront. Also in 2024, the retailer also received a new floor, lighting, paint and signs. In the renovation process, a mural painted by Beth Boehr in 2000 was uncovered. The artwork shows a map marking the country of origin of many products, along with pictures showing the diversity of artisans who benefit from the sales at Ten Thousand Villages. The mural is now restored for shoppers to enjoy.

Book Reviews, 123 S Main St, has a new checkout counter, back room floor and kitchenette, and renovated bathroom and processing area. Volunteers painted the space with a new color scheme and artist Carolyn Hodges created a mural showing the fantasy world of books. 

These makeovers follow on the heels of a major facility project for the Et Cetera Shop, 327 N Main St. In 2018, Et Cetera Shop purchased the old glove factory on Main Street Bluffton. Over the next 12-14 months, the thrift store got a major upgrade, offering its customers a large boutique-style shopping experience. The renovation cost a total of $750,000. 

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From the American Red Cross; First Mennonite Blood Drive December 12 

As holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood or platelets this month.

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Provided by Ohio State Highway Patrol

ORANGE TOWNSHIP – The Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on December 5, 2024, at approximately 6:22 A.M.  The crash occurred on Interstate 75 southbound on the exit ramp to State Route 103 in Orange Township, Hancock County.  

Joshua Little, age 42, of Wapakoneta, Ohio was operating a 2009 Chevrolet HHR on Interstate 75 southbound at the exit for State Route 103, when it became disabled on the right shoulder. Mr. Little got out of his vehicle and walked south on the exit ramp to State Route 103 from Interstate 75. Michael Rahrig, age 64, from Findlay Ohio was operating a 2016 Ford Edge, and exited onto the southbound exit ramp to State Route 103 from Interstate 75, and struck Mr. Little walking up the ramp.  

Mr. Little was pronounced deceased on scene, and there were no injuries to Mr. Rahrig. Mr. Little was transported to the Lucas County Coroners office. The exit ramp to State Route 103 southbound was closed for approximately one hour, and is now open.  

The Patrol was assisted on scene by Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton EMS, HANCO EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, R and A Towing, and D and D Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.   

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On Saturday, Dec 7, Jacomet's Martial Arts will be hosting a self-defense class for the community from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The business is located on the lower level of 121 S Main St.

There are no prior skills, training or athleticism required for this session.

The class is intended for adults, but you may attend with and supervise your child (age 7+).

The cost is $10/person, cash (in exact amount), check or Venmo/Paypal (with $2 service fee).

Doors will open 15 min prior to class.

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In November 2024, Bluffton Emergency Medical Services responded to the following calls for service, reported by Chief Jan Basinger: 60 calls for service including 27 Medical Calls, 7 Hospital to Hospital transports, 5 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 10 Fire Calls, 6 Mutual Aid Calls, 5 Special Events Crews also transported 35 patients. January-November 2024 total calls for service: 767.

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By Liz Gordon-Hancock

The following five land transfers took place in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District for the month of November 2024 as reported on the websites of Allen County Auditor Rachael S. Gilroy and Hancock County Auditor Charity A. Rauschenberg.

ADDRESS - SALE DATE - SALE PRICE - LAND USE - FROM/TO

Commercial

THURMAN ST – 11/13/2024 – $40,000 – Commercial structures – From Andrew & Annette Herrmann to GRASS FARMER LLC

Residential

9051 HANCOCK RD – 11/8/2024 – $475,000 – Agricultural land with house and building – From Susan Holstein to Jacob & Kelli Blackburn

303 PARKVIEW DR – 11/21/2024 – $100,000 – Residential vacant land – From THREE S DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC to SAHAJ BLUFFTON PROPERTIES LLC

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