George Richard "Dick" Greenway, 94, joined his wife in heaven on July 3, 2023 after a short illness.

He was born on January 24, 1929 in Allen County to the late George Vernon and Viva Merle (VanMeter) Greenway. Dick married Rosa Lee Alstaetter on October 7, 1951 after meeting him square dancing. They were able to spend 71 years of marriage together. 

Dick graduated from Beaverdam High School. He attended Miami University (Business), Ft. Wayne Electronics, Bowling Green University (Computer). He graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1956, obtaining a degree in Educational Industrial Arts and playing baseball, Indiana University in 1962 with a masters in education, and University of Wisconsin Stout State in 1964 with a masters in industrial technology.

Riley Creek Arbor is sponsoring free pool admission for the first 125 people at the Bluffton Community Pool on each of these days:

Friday, July 14 - 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 - 1:00-6:00 p.m.

For information on upcoming events, "Like" the Riley Creek Arbor Facebook page and visit Facebook at "Gleaner Life: Riley Creek Arbor."  Rain date updates will be posted at these locations.

The July 6 Community Meal at the Bluffton Senior Center, 132 N. Main St., will be served by the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Meals start at 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public. A free will offering will be taken to help support the local food pantry.

The Senior Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 so the staff can celebrate Independence Day with their families.

UPDATE The July 10 service will be at 11:00 a.m.

Darrell L. Huber, 82, passed away July 1, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

Darrell was born June 23, 1941 in Bluffton, to Gerald and Margaret Idona (Eyer) Huber who preceded him in death. On August 13, 1966 he married Kay (Richard) Huber who survives.

Darrell was a graduate of Bluffton High School. He retired as an electrician and Director of Buildings and Grounds from Bluffton University after 46 years of dedication. Darrell served in the U.S. National Guard and as a volunteer fireman for the Bluffton Fire Department; serving as chief for many years. He attended First Mennonite Church of Bluffton; and was a member of the American Legion of Bluffton and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles of Fremont. He enjoyed boating, reading, and attending sporting events for his grandchildren and for Bluffton University.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Huber; a daughter, Megan (Jacob Petitjean) Coffman; and grandchildren, Kaleigh and Ezekiel Coffman, all of Bluffton.

The Bluffton Icon has an Independence Day holiday publishing break on July 3-4, 2023.

Except for breaking news, content will pause at 5:00 p.m. Sunday and resume on Wednesday morning.

The following land transfers took place in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District in June 2023 as reported on the websites of Allen County Auditor Rachael S. Gilroy and Hancock County Auditor Charity A. Rauschenberg.

215 Bentley Rd., Bluffton, $259,900.00, Single Family Dwelling; Diller, Samuel W & Joan R to Bixel, Seth C & Carol A

8196 N Cool Rd; Richland Twp., $185,000.00, Single Family Dwelling; Meyer, Trevor B to Meyer, Ronald L & Tobi Ann, Trustees

Field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers 

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two 

During the 2022-23 white-tailed deer hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, received information that an individual had harvested more than one antlered deer. Following an investigation, Officer Porinchok determined the suspect had harvested more than the legal limit of one buck. The suspect was issued several citations and venison, antlers, and a crossbow were seized as evidence. The suspect was found guilty in Lima Municipal Court and was ordered to pay more than $1,000 in fines and court costs. The venison was donated to a local food pantry and the hunting equipment was forfeited to the State of Ohio. The suspect’s hunting privileges were suspended for three years. 

The end of the school year is an exciting time for teachers and students. This year almost 100 students from Putnam County’s Glandorf and Pandora-Gilboa elementary schools had a field day at their local wetland to learn about natural resources. State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, and Outdoor Skills Specialist Jaron Beck informed the students about frog gigging. The students were given information on how to legally harvest frogs and had the opportunity to gig simulated “pool noodle frogs” with frog grabbers. Everyone had fun and the weather for the event was beautiful.