Purple Martins and Bronze Awards
Additional photos and full story HERE
In pursuit of a Bronze Award, cadettes in Bluffton Girl Scout Troop 21165 have built Purple Martin nesting boxes for Lauer Historical Farm, 800 Roush Rd. Lima, a Johnny Appleseed Metro Park. After talking with naturalist Beth Theisen, the girls developed their project by doing research on the internet and watching videos.
Working from a printed design, the scouts worked with lumber and power tools, making the boxes from scratch. When the Icon visited a recent meeting, the nine girls were finishing the boxes, painting and making sure there was no bare wood exposed.
One of the boxes was displayed at the Allen County Fair.
Area businesses that made donations towards the project are Vetter Lumber, Lowe's and Do It Best Hardware of Bluffton.
According to the National Audubon Society, Purple Martin populations are declining in the eastern part of the United States. A type of large swallow, purple martins forage for insects while flying through the air. The society notes, “Almost all Purple Martins in the east now nest in birdhouses put up especially for them.”
To receive a Bronze Award, the scouts must meet four requirements: 1) that the issue affects your community, 2) that it can lead to a lasting change, 3) that the plan is put into motion 4) that you share and celebrate your story.
Troop leader Kelly Honse noted that earlier troop projects have included making bat and bee boxes for the Village Park and Community Gardens.
For more information on Girl Scout troops in the area, visit Girl Scouts of Western Ohio at https://www.gswo.org



Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Tornado Watch issued for Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties at 9:15 p.m. on April 2
- Flood Warning issued for Allen County at 11:03 a.m.
- Pirate tennis loss at Elida
- Pirate softball loses opener to Ada
- Pirate baseball falls to Ada
- Allen County will not test warning sirens on April 2
- March 2025 land transfers in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District
- April 22 crash report shows driver hit N. Dixie home
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll announced for 3rd quarter of 2024-2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Obituary for Betty C. Mumaugh
- Leo Club supports Bluffton Clean Up
- Wind, rain and potential flooding for April 2
- Grandey to major in education, play basketball at John Carroll
- Pirate tennis blanks Bath
- Pirate baseball sweeps opening twin bill vs. Pandora-Gilboa
- “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God” reader's theater, April 13
- Easter Cantata performed on April 13 in Pandora
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Bluffton Public Library’s April 2025 programs and services
- Joseph “Joe” Ropp Davies worked for University of Findlay
- Hillville Road bridge maintenance on April 1
- Lift access added to Bluffton Senior Center back entrance
- Register for fear of falling workshop
- Florence to explain advanced sports stats at student forum