OCT 1 MEDIA RELEASE__The Hardin County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call on October 1, 2025 at 00:03 hours regarding a stabbing incident in Mount Victory, Ohio.
Responding Sheriff deputies arrived to find James Collins, 48, of Mount Victory in the street suffering from several stab wounds. Mr. Collins was treated by EMTs with Southeast Hardin Northwest Union Fire Department and he was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later.
Suspect Andrew McCafferty, 46, of Mount Victory was taken into custody and charges are pending in connection with this incident.
Assisting at the scene were Southeast Hardin Northwest Union Fire Department, Hardin County Prosecutor, Hardin County Coroner, and Route 31 Towing.
September 2025 is almost history! Here are the Bluffton Icon's top stories from the week of September 22-28. For a chronological look at Icon content, visit blufftonicon.com/archive.
FROM FACEBOOK__Starting October 1, daytime outdoor burning is prohibited from 6:00 A.M.-6:00 p.m. in unincorporated areas across Ohio. With dry conditions and drought in many parts of the state, the risk of wildfires is elevated..
Follow these tips from our Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry:
Don’t burn trash or debris
Watch for gusty winds and low humidity
Keep water and tools nearby
Never leave a fire unattended
Consider composting instead of burning
Know the rules. Stay safe. Protect your community.
Meet the Ada High School students honored as part of the 2025 Homecoming Court, listed from left to right:
Freshmen: Ambriel Hollon and Reid Preston
Sophomores: Aliyah Kober and Elijah Craig
Juniors: Gabriella Fleming and TJ Griffith
Seniors: Marley Bulerin and Justin Bowden, Anna Conley and Kayleb Hickman, Jordyn Smith and Zack Zimmerman
Junior court (children of staff members assisting with homecoming): Cam Fritz, Caroline Salyer, Cale Anderson, Hudson Lee (not pictured: Brooklyn Bass)
