Will someone please turn off the tap? Rain continues this month just as it did in April. During the first nine days of May nearly 1 inch or rain fell. We experienced a one-day dry spell on May 5 when it did not rain for the first time since April 21. Here the the weekly weather summary from Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer.

Date Max tem Min Precipitation

During the month of May Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio celebrates Older Americans Month with a host of activities and special programs.

"It is a great time to celebrate the lives of our elders and share their talents and stories with the others," said Marketing Director Julie Stratton.

Beginning Monday, May 8, it is also National Nursing Home Week.

"The Mennonite Memorial Home invites you to join us as we celebrate with special events throughout the month, said Stratton.

The Lady Pirate softball team finished the seaon undefeated (9-0) at home Monday as they squeaked out a 4-3 victory over the visting Columbus Grove Bulldogs.

Senior Shannon McKamey secured the narrow win for the Pirates as she blasted the game winning RBI double to score pinch runner Kylee Barnett in the bottom of the seventh.

Here's an interesting plate with a political statement. It's a Virginia plate, which The Icon spotted recently in Ada.

Bluffton University gives its graduates "O.R.R.s," along with the needed tools and supplies to extend them "into the waters of humanity," Dr. Robert Hewitt, a Bluffton alumnus and retired social work educator, told the university's class of 2011 during commencement May 8.

Bluffton water and sewer customers should plan on a five percent utility increase reflected in their July bills.

On Monday, council passed the first reading of an ordinance to increase utility rates. According to Nancy Kindle, village fiscal officer, the general fund has helped out the water fund considerably already this year.

"The goal is for water and sewer funds to be self-sufficient and that is not happening," she said. "The general fund can not continue to fund these."

BFR Sports and Fitness will host three major events, each beginning in the month of May, according to Carole Enneking, director.

Senior Fitness Challenge- May 16- Sept. 3
The Mature Fitness Awards USA are designed to encourage and recognize regular physical activity among adults age 50 and over. The program offers numerous activities with something for everyone, from beginning exercisers to long-time fitness enthusiasts.

"Fast Five," rated PG-13 is showing at the Shannon Theatre, Bluffton, May 13 through 19.

Shows are nightly at 7 and 9:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 and 4 p.m.

Robert J. VanDerVeer, 78, of Jenera died 9 p.m., May 8, 2011 at Bluffton Hospital. He was born April 26, 1933 in Paynesville to Jay and Lydia VanDerVeer. On April 18, 1948 he married Dorothy Grismore and she preceded him in death on Dec. 10, 2001.

Mr. VanDerVeer was a farmer and had worked at GW Sugar Company, Findlay. He was a member of Riley Creek Baptist Church and a WWII Army veteran. He loved dogs.