April 2025

Photos by Mark Andreasen / Click to enlarge and view at your own pace.

By Cort Reynolds

ADA – The Ada High School softball team whipped former conference rival Columbus Grove 11-0 in their “Battle of the Bulldogs” on Thursday, April 17.

“It was nice to see a lot of different girls get hits,” said fourth-year Bulldog head coach Jeff Bassitt. “We hit the ball pretty well and pitched well.”

UPDATED APRIL 18 Media release from Sheriff Keith A. Everhart 

On 04/17/2025 at 12:43 p.m. Hardin County 911 received a report of a two-vehicle injury accident in the 12000 block of St Rt 309. The vehicles involved are a 2011 Chevy Impala and a 2012 Chevy Malibu. The Impala was occupied by a male driver and a female passenger. The Chevy Malibu was occupied by a female driver. 

The driver of the Impala succumbed to injuries on scene. The passenger in Impala was extricated from the vehicle and flown to Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. The female driver of the Malibu was extricated from the vehicle and flown to Lima St. Rita's Hospital. 

By Paula Pyzik Scott

New Village Administrator hired with May start date

The Village of Ada Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 15 with actions and discussion including electricity and gas aggregation contract decision making and the hiring of a new village administrator.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew R. Tutor, a candidate for Judge of Hardin County Municipal Court on the May 6 ballot, introduced himself to council. Tutor is the current Hardin County Municipal Prosecutor. He was born and raised in Hardin County and is a third-generation attorney. He has worked in private practice for 14 years.

Liberty Township Residents,

The upcoming May election has the 2nd request for approval of a 1 mill replacement levy for operating expense for Liberty Township. Our main expenses deal with the upkeep and maintenance of 6 cemeteries totaling 27 acres and 23 miles of township roads. This levy would generate an additional $30, 015 for the township.

Photographs by Mark Andreasen

Hijinks and harmonies set in 1950s Rydell High School made for a great Ada High School production of Grease on April 4-6, 2025. 

Photographer Mark Andreasen captured these vivid scenes. Click the gallery to enlarge and view at your own pace.

CAST

Amelia Young: Miss Lynch

 Abbey Anderson: Patty Simcox

Cayden Wise: Eugene Florczyk

Emma Lambdin: Jan

Morgan Sutherly: Marty

Jillian Allison: Betty Rizzo

Josh Thaxton: Doody

Steven Fisher: Roger

By Cort Reynolds

ADA __ The Ada High School baseball team decisively beat Blanchard Valley Conference foe Arlington 7-2 on a sunny but cool Wednesday evening, April 16.

The Bulldogs scored five runs in a big fifth inning to build on their 2-0 lead, then held off a minor rally to win by five. 

The Red Devils tallied single runs in each of the last two innings, but it was far too little, too late.

“It was a good team win,” said Ada head coach Toby Smith. “We need to clean up our mental mistakes, and if we can do that we will see more results like this one tonight.”

By Cort Reynolds

ADA __ Playing just their second home game of the season, the Ada High School softball team soundly defeated Blanchard Valley Conference foe Arlington 10-0 on Wednesday, April 16.

Senior catcher Natilyn McClain smacked a triple and two doubles to pace the Bulldog offense as she drove in three runs.

Ada senior pitcher Jenna Bassitt hurled a five-inning shutout to win her ninth game. She struck out nine and allowed just two hits with one walk. 

“It was good to see us get back on the winning track,” said fourth-year Bulldog head coach Jeff Bassitt. “Natilyn hit and caught well, and Jenna pitched well. Our defense was solid.”

Provided by the Hardin County Community Foundation

The Hardin County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved the awarding of 143 grants at its quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton.

The Grant Committee met on April 4 to review the 157 requests for funding before selecting the 143 proposals.

The announcement of the grant recipients is expected by May 1.

The foundation’s assets were at $13,518,000 as of March 31, which is down 3.9% for the year amid the market’s volatility, according to Chandon Simonis from Stratos Wealth Partners. That followed a strong 2024 when assets were up 17%.

By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of ONU Healthwise Pharmacy 

On August 25, 1939, the Wizard of Oz movie was released in the United States based on the novel written by L. Frank Baum. One of the more iconic scenes in the movie was when Dorothy, Toto and the Cowardly Lion were lulled to sleep by a field of poppies. Poppies are a bright and beautiful red flower and are often used as a symbol of remembrance. You can see them worn on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to honor the sacrifice of our military.  

Community resources for mental health and recovery, local stories and hope  

LIMA __ The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Allen,  Auglaize, and Hardin Counties has launched a new podcast: We Care Conversations. Hosted by Cody Ridenour and Elisa Bradley, the monthly podcast features conversations with guests about mental health, recovery and the stigmas that keep people from getting help.  

Ridenour is a media professional who’s worked with the MHRSB for over a decade, helping the public learn about services but approaching mental health with the curiosity of someone still learning. 

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