You are here

All Bluffton Icon News

Zero fatal traffic crashes in Allen County during Sept. 2023

LIMA__The Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition reports there were zero fatal traffic crashes on Allen County roadways during September 2023.

Thus far, there have been a total of 7 fatalities on Allen County roadways due to traffic crashes in 2023. In comparison, during 2022 there were 9 fatal crashes through August.

Section: 

Ernest E. Porzelius was a chaplain and administrator at Mennonite Memorial Home

Ernest E. Porzelius, 94, passed away October 13, 2023, at 2:15 p.m., at Willow Ridge - Betty House.

Ernest was born February 1, 1929 in Secor, IL, to Walter and Catherine (Boeringa) Porzelius who preceded him in death. He married Violet Schwartz in 1957. They had 51 loving years together. Vi preceded him in death in 2008. 

Also preceding him in death is his son, Jim Porzelius (August of 2023), his brother, Fred, and his sisters Mary and Dorothy. 

Survivors include three daughters, Kathy Sawatzky of Little River, KS, Joan LoBianco of Bluffton, and Kris (Matt) DeVoe of Schoolcraft, MI; nine grandchildren, Melissa Sawatzky Hodgson, Tracy Sawatzky White, Nicole LoBianco Agner, Lauren LoBianco Brenneman, Tessa Porzelius, Kyler Porzelius, Leah DeVoe Westra, Sadie DeVoe, & Davis DeVoe; and twelve great-grandchildren. 

Ernie went to seminary in Chicago, IL, and met Vi when he was attending a conference near her home. That began a courtship through letter writing, which led to their marriage on August 10, 1957. 

Section: 

Ohio crop report from USDA

Ohio corn and soybean producers expect record high corn and soybean yields this year, according to Ben Torrance, State  Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The October Crop Production Report is based on conditions as of October 1, 2023. Some highlights of the report follow: 

• Ohio expected corn yield is up 8 bushels from last year to 195 bushels per acre. Total production is forecast at 657 million  bushels, up 11 percent from last year. 

• Ohio soybean production is expected to total 270 million bushels, down 4 percent from last year. The yield is forecast at  57 bushels per acre, up 1.5 bushels from last year. 

Section: 

15 minutes with Rich Johnson, Mayor of Bluffton

By Andy Chappell-Dick

In this installment, Richard Johnson opens up from the Mayor's desk. As an elected council member, he was appointed mayor in 2018 when the previous mayor resigned. He won reelection to a full term in 2019, and is running unopposed for a second term.

Section: 

Claudia Diane (Ream) Schiffke worked for Whirlpool

Claudia Diane (Ream) Schiffke passed away peacefully on September 17, 2023.  Claudia was born to Claude and Marcine Ream in Bluffton, Ohio. She received her High School Diploma from Cory-Rawson High School. She was married to Thomas Ury and together they had a daughter, Tammy. Thomas passed away in 1963. 

Section: 

Ticket sales for BHS sports tournament play

Bluffton HIgh School Varsity Volleyball, Soccer, and Football teams will be starting their tournaments during the week of October 16. 

Tickets for all tournaments will be available online https://www.ohsaa.org/tickets, with adult price $8 and student price $5. Tickets will also be available at the gate for cash for $10.

Section: 

Pages