Regional news

From BlufftonIcon.com: December "cold moon" over Bluffton

Conditions were perfect for viewing the December 4 cold moon over Bluffton. Drone photographer Zac Kohli shares this image of the supermoon, which Space.com says appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than other full moons.

Expanding patient-centered, harm-reduction services through OneOhio funding 

MEDIA RELEASE__The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties is inviting eligible organizations to complete a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a one-time funding opportunity that supports substance use treatment services in Allen and/or Auglaize County. Eligible providers may submit proposals at wecarepeople.org/oneohio. Written questions are due by 5:00 p.m. on December 19, 2025, and all proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM on January 9, 2026. 

MEDIA RELEASE__Fred Steiner, formerly of Bluffton and now of Cincinnati [and the founder of the Bluffton Icon and Ada Icon], presented a program in early November 2025 in a railroad club member meeting held in the Cincinnati Union Terminal. Steiner has presented the program about railroads in Bluffton several times; it is now available on YouTube.

The presentation titled “The life of my small town changed forever when the railroad arrived” is a narrative of the three railroads that once passed through Bluffton. Those include:

  • The abandoned Western Ohio Railway, an electric interurban, whose rails are still embedded in concrete under Main Street
  • The abandoned Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad, whose station remains today as a business on North Main Street near the community swimming pool
  • Norfolk Southern Railroad, which today has one local round-trip freight pass through town

115 years ahead of its time, or what are those rails during under Bluffton’s Main Street?

FROM FACEBOOK__Bluffton-based Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn Co. was excited to discover a large tin of their Classic Cheddar flavor prominently featured on an episode of the new Peacock TV comedy series, The Paper. The series is about a documentary crew covering attempts to revive a Toledo, Ohio newspaper. It has thematic and production links to The Office. 

MEDIA RELEASE__OhioHealth is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to protect its patients, associates, and visitors and prevent workplace violence. By the end of 2025, OhioHealth hospitals and emergency departments will have metal detectors at public entrances.

Starting December 16, OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital will begin screening all visitors, associates, and providers at its main and emergency entrances. In addition, the main entrance will be accessible between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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