March 2025

By Lindsey Buddelmeyer, Leadership Education & Training Specialist

Falls are a common cause of injury, particularly for seniors. As we discussed in a previous column, the two primary reasons for falls are a decrease in strength and balance; and environmental factors. We previously focused on preventing falls outside your home. In this column, we will focus on preventing falls inside your home.

As we age, our balance, strength, and visual acuity naturally decline. According to the National Institute on Aging, common visual changes for older adults include struggling to see up close, difficulty with distinguishing colors, and needing additional time to adjust to changing levels of light. Certain conditions also contribute to a higher likelihood of falling. Let’s examine the inside of your home, determine if there are any unsafe spaces, and find strategies or modifications to make your home safer.

Updated at 1:00 p.m., March 6. From the Hardin County Sheriff's Office on 03/05/2025  
RE: Michael Bolen Homicide  

On 03/05/2025 Dustin Ray Bolen, a McGuffey man has plead guilty to the following charges:  

Count #1 Murder (F1)  
Count #2 Gross abuse of a corpse (F5)  
Count #3 Tampering with evidence (F3)  

Sentencing for the above charges is scheduled for April 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Hardin County  Common Pleas Court.  

Additional information:  

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The March 4 regular meeting of Ada Council included public forum comments on water bill late fees, updates on electricity and gas aggregation programs and a review of 2025 street paving plans. The meeting packet is HERE.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Denise D’Arca described her frustrations with a late water bill in the U.S. Mail and a delay in payment processing that resulted in late fees. She had submitted a formal request asking the village to waive the fees; later in the meeting this request was denied.

Council members and Village Administrator Jamie Hall discussed late fee policies, noting that customers have an obligation to pay Village utility bills by the 10th of the month regardless of whether the bill is received in the mail. Hall noted that the Village sends out some 135 delinquent payment notices each month and makes some 65 followup calls. 

The Ada High School Powder Buff Volleyball game will take place on Friday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School gym.

Cost is $5 for all spectators (no passes accepted). 

This is a Jr Class fundraiser with all proceeds going toward this year's prom. Come cheer on the high school boys as they compete by class on the volleyball court!