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February 2025

Bluffton University and University of Findlay merger will not proceed

Bluffton University was informed that the University of Findlay Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, not to proceed with the joint application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for merger approval and to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 19, 2024. This decision comes after nearly a year of collaboration and preparation for the proposed merger.

The university issued this statement:

The merger work has resulted in an invaluable reflective process for both campuses as we have examined our strengths, areas for growth and capacity to change. The due diligence of the past year will help each university move forward in important ways.

Apollo emphasizes careers and connections

By Paula Pyzik Scott

My path regularly crosses with that of Apollo Career Center Superintendent Keith Horner when we attend Ada and Bluffton school board meetings. His invitation to visit the facility was a welcome opportunity to see what draws students from 11 different districts who chose an alternative to traditional high school for their junior and senior years.

As a nod to the Icon reader base, I was given the opportunity to meet Lauren Bowers, a welding student from Bluffton, and Ashley Hevlin, a sports exercise science (SES) student from Ada.

ODNR offering Ohio hunter education instructor classes

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is offering training academies across the state for those interested in becoming hunter education instructors. The two-day academies certify instructors to teach Ohio’s Hunter Education Courses, which cover a range of topics from conservation, safety, ethics, and proper handling of hunting equipment.

Northwest Ohio
Saturday, August 9 through Sunday, August 10, 2025
Division of Wildlife District 2 Office, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840

Wings Support & Recovery events for March 2025

In addition to the events posted here for March 2025, Wings Support & Recovery in Kenton is also gearing up for the Sober Adult Prom on April 11: "We are very excited to bring this free event to Hardin County! Along with prom we are offering a Free prom shopping day experience. For this even,t the community members will be able to shop for their prom attire with us at Wings."

Bulldog Zimmerman 1st team All-BVC in boys basketball

Conley named to 3rd team; Gilbert named District 8 Asst. Coach of the Year

By Cort Reynolds

ADA – Ada High School junior wing Zack Zimmerman was voted to the six-player All-Blanchard Valley Conference first team in boys basketball by the league coaches recently.

The 6-2 Zimmerman led the Bulldogs in scoring at over 16 points per game. He hit several clutch late-game shots, and topped the team in three-point field goals.

He helped lead a young Ada squad to a 14-9 record, a nine-game improvement over the previous season. The Bulldogs also finished a solid 7-3 in their first season as a member of the 11-team league.

Sophomore point guard Carson Conley earned third team All-BVC honors.

Letter: Invitation to support Athletic Boosters reverse raffle

From the Ada Athletic Boosters

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Ada Athletic Boosters will be holding their Annual Reverse Raffle at Liberty Oaks. Our organization provides support to all athletes at Ada Schools. This past year we have supported: 
 

Hudl technology    
Senior banners  
$40/player per team      
Elementary sports league dues/fees  
Wrestling mat  
Football runout tunnel     
Deposit for Boys Soccer at Crew Stadium 
Swim Caps 
Programs for all seasons      
$100/new cheerleader 
Coaching fees/dues
Track timing system
Cheer Pom Poms
Whiteboards for HS locker rooms

 

We are looking for donations to the event. It can be a monetary donation or any item that you would like to give. If you choose to donate and item or money, we will list your business or individual name on a sponsor board.

 A big fish in a small pond: Omega Fatty Acids

By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

The idiom known as a big fish in a small pond explains a person who is important or powerful within a small group, but not necessarily known in a larger population.  This is a good example of our local officials or citizens versus the Hollywood famous.  

Recent science has identified a benefit with omega-fatty acids such as those found in fish.  The study was completed in a smaller pond of individuals.  The evidence was in a small pond of individuals over the age of 70 years.  

Some fish and marine life contain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be the good fats with benefits for your eyes, brain and heart health.  Previous studies have shown a beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing the progression of cognitive decline. The omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plants. 

Fredrick “Fred” W. Evans served in the U.S. Army

Fredrick “Fred” W. Evans, 80, a long-time resident of Ada, went home to the Lord on February 2, 2025 at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton. He was born in April of 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA to Edwin Evans of North Lawrence, OH and Elizabeth (Myers) Evans of Ada.  

Fred was a proud graduate of the 1962 class of Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, OH.  He was a certificate holder from the Oberlin School of Commerce and he was known for his exacting accounting capabilities in his early business employment.

Mobile mammography offered during Kenton food drive

KENTON __ On April 22, the OhioHealth North Market Mobile Mammography Unit will be stationed at Home Run Memorial Park, at 13625 OH 292 Kenton. The mobile unit will be operating from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., which overlaps with the scheduled food distribution event from noon-2:00 p.m. 

The North Market Mobile Mammography Unit aims to eliminate barriers for women who need access to vital healthcare screenings by bringing mammography technology directly into communities like Kenton. This upcoming event is thanks to support from the Ohio Northern University student group, ONU Rural Scholars Project–Pharm D.

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