Stats: http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/mensbasketball/2012/12-07-mb.htm

The Bluffton University men's basketball team trimmed a 17-point second half deficit to three points late in the game, but Kalamazoo responded for a 75-66 victory on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. The Beavers dropped to 5-2 following their second straight setback, while K-zoo improved to 2-3 on the season.

Krysti's Music Studio will be having four Christmas Recitals this year, each featuring different performers. Students will be performing on piano, voice, and guitar. The recitals are free and open to the public.

The first recital is Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7pm at Maple Crest's patio room at 700 Maple Crest Ct, Bluffton. The second recital is Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7pm at Mennonite Memorial Home's Chapel at 410 W. Elm St. Bluffton.

Former Bluffton resident, John A. Schmidt, 86, Los Gatos, Calif., died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011. He was born June 14, 1925 in Reinfeld, Russia, to Abram and Anna Weibe Schmidt who proceeded him death.

He married Elva Pickett Jan. 6, 1946, and she preceeded him in death on Sept. 27, 2011. They were married 65 years.

John graduated from Bluffton High School in 1943 and after further
studies, made his career with IBM in San Jose, Calif. In his retirement years he enjoyed woodworking and helped plan for his high school class reunions.

When did you graduate from Bluffton High School?
I was a member of the first class of Y2K, graduated from Bluffton High School in 2000.

Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I attended the University of Findlay and Capital University, graduating from the University of Findlay with a major in Technology Management and a minor in Computer Science.

What kind of job did you hope to seek?

My mind was always set on soccer, I never imagined doing anything else.

Special report for The Icon by Scott Little

Much can be made of the pageantry of high school football in a small town. The sights and sounds. The colors and traditions. And for one Bluffton couple, it also includes having a second grandson named Ohio's Mr. Football. Gary and Vi Bricker of Kibler Street are that couple and have seen their share of high school football's ups and downs.

This past week, their grandson Maty Mauk, a senior at Kenton High School, was named the state's most outstanding high school football player.

Maple Crest Senior Living Village is decked out for Christmas. Trees, ornaments and many other reminders of the Christmas holidays are found in all sections of the complex.

Here are some of the views.

Here's MARKVII from Hancock County. The Icon spotted it on Main Street. Any idea's who it belongs to?

By Charles Hilty
December 7, 2011 - Seventy years ago this afternoon my life changed.......just as it changed dramatically for every American.

Every Pearl Harbor Day I recall where I was and how I heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor. I can remember places and faces and even the things that were said.

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/womensbasketball/2012/12-06-wb.htm

The Bluffton University women's basketball team snapped a four-game skid with a 53-50 victory at Wooster on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The Beavers improved to 2-4 overall, while the Fighting Scots slipped to 1-5 on the season.