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113th Farmers & Merchants Picnic is made in the shade

Events

/ Aug 10, 2026

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The 113th annual Farmers & Merchants Picnic was full of tried and true attractions: live music under the bandshell, favorite summer foods, games for children and many other Ada traditions. It also provided a few surprises: visits with dogs and cats and opportunities to start your Christmas shopping.

The picnic has a long history in “The Grove” of Ada’s War Memorial Park, where the shade of trees and picnic shelters made everything a little bit more enjoyable on the second Saturday of August.

WIP Wednesday: 1915 kitchen gets a charming DIY remodel

People

/ Aug 12, 2026

PHOTOS provided

Bluffton's Don Burris joins the Icon's Work In Progress Wednesday series with a full DIY remodel of his 1915 kitchen.

Burris notes that this included "removing five layers of flooring, moving the bathroom door, and having new electric installed.

"I then installed new hickory cabinets, butcher block countertops, subway tile backsplash, laminate flooring and new appliances. I took advantage of the corner windows and installed a corner sink. It was a complete overhaul."

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2026-2027 free and reduced price meals announcement by Ada Schools

Living in Ada

/ Aug 10, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE__Ada Exempted Village Schools has announced its 2026-2027 program year policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Each school office and the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. The State of Ohio Budget for the 2026- 2027 school year includes funding to cover the cost of reduced meals for breakfast and lunch. This provision allows schools to provide no-cost meals to reduced-price meal-eligible students.