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The first day of April beckons. Wisely, or otherwisely, The Icon invites viewers to offer April Fool's stories for this online news source.

Quite honestly, my April Fool's well is as dry as Bluffton during Prohibition. Can't think of anything worthy of print. Oh, there's the usuals...

A flock of 1,000 or more turkey vultures are headed to Bluffton. Last seen in Gomer flying this direction.

The Bluffton Hospital Auxiliary's Colorama bowling fun night fundraiser is Friday and Saturday, April 8-9 at Southgate Lanes, Bluffton. Bowling starts at 6:30 p.m. both evening.

Bowling tickets must be purchased in advance at Bluffton Hospital or Southgate Lanes. No reservations are accepted. Persons do not need to be present to win.

Over 30 prizes are part of this year's event. No prize has a value of less than $20. Many prizes are valued at over $100.

Door prize tickets may be purchased in advance. Bowling donation tickets are $15 (ages 18 and older only).

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio open houses of it Maple Crest and Mennonite Home duplexes are planned March 26 and 29.

"If this winter has been taxing on your health, well-being, or ability to maintain your home or property, come and learn about how the benefits of living within the MHCO community can enhance your life," said Julie Stratton, marketing director of MHCO.

Dr. Terry Chappell of Celebration of Health, Bluffton, will conduct a free seminar on Fatigue, Allergies and Stress from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 4.

TICKETS ARE NOW ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ON FRIDAY - BUY THEM EARLY AS THERE IS A LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE.

All the music you can eat - it's the annual Bluffton Music Boosters chicken barbecue coming to a middle school near you.

Friday, March 25, is the annual Bluffton Music Boosters chicken barbecue at the Bluffton Middle School. Tickets are $7 each.

By Mallory Kemper, sports information intern

The Bluffton University baseball team plated runs in four innings, including a five-run eighth and a four-run inning sixth as the Beavers beat the Polar Bears 13-3 at Ohio Northern on March 23, 2011. Bluffton improved to 7-7, while ONU slipped to 8-4 on the season.

February students of the month at Bluffton Middle School were announced recently. Click here to view their photos.

6th Grade
Trevor Bunch is the son of James and Patricia Bunch of Bluffton. He is a member of the BMS quiz bowl team. He plays soccer and he attends the English Lutheran Church. Trevor is a member at the BFR.

If human trafficking, be it for sex or labor, sounds like something that only happens in other countries, listen more closely.

"This happens every day to millions of people around the world"-including in the United States, Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah told a Bluffton University audience March 22 at Bluffton's annual Women's Studies Forum.

The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference recently announced the winter honorees of the HCAC All-Academic awards for the 2010-11 school year. 10 Bluffton University athletes were recognized for their efforts in the classroom. Indoor track and women's basketball led the way for the Beavers with five and four honorees, respectively.