Ada Icon owners Fred and Mary Steiner have named Monty Siekerman editor of the online news outlet for the community.
Monty, who has been reporting and taking photographs for the Ada Icon for the past two years, joins other Ada residents in furnishing more than 40 local articles a week for viewers.
Amy Eddings reports and provides photos, Ken Collins takes feature photos, Cort Reynolds keeps readers up-to-date on local school sports, and Darlene Bowers writes features about local people and creates Ada Happenings, a caledar of Ada events.
Monty said he sees the Ada Icon as a means of drawing the community together. "It's a way of keeping everyone informed about what is happening, and personality features give credit to those who excel in the community."
The Ada Icon continues to grow at a rapid pace, with a 30 percent increase in viewership in the past year. The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce named the Ada Icon the Business of the Year for 2016.
"People appreciate the fact that the news is free, timely, accurate, and well-written," he said. "Advertisers are happy to have a means of reaching their customers on a daily basis."
After college, Monty began his career in journalism as a reporter/photographer for a suburban Indianapolis daily newspaper. He soon became editor of a weekly newspaper, as well.
He moved to Ada more than 50 years ago when he was named director of public information at Ohio Northern. He headed the university's news bureau, sports information, video, graphic design, public relations, and advertising.
Some remember him as owner of Siekerman's Florist and Garden Center in Ada for 12 years. "I've always appreciated the fact that I have been town and gown," he said. "I got to know many local residents who were not connected to ONU. I hope my news writing finds a good balance between village and university."
Monty says he has respect for the village...good government, schools, service clubs, infrastructure, neighbor willing to help neighbor. And, he believes the university, historically and today, has had good teachers and leadership, providing students with a strong, up-to-date education for their lives now and in the future.
On the personal side: Monty's wife Carole died 10 years ago. Writing was a family affair since she was family news editor of The Ada Herald, a tutor in the ONU communications skills center, and active on the library board, church, and PEO.
A daughter Amy and her husband Kyle perished 20 years ago aboard TWA Flight 800 off Long Island. A daughter, Meg died at birth. A daughter, Beth, a graduate of Taylor University, lives near Napoleon.
One other thing: Monty is a gardener, who has freely given advice to many people over the years, especially the last three years when he gardened the railroad park and Liberty National Bank.
He has decided to forego the park garden in 2017, but you'll continue to find him digging in the dirt at LNB...unless, of course, there is a news story to cover for the Ada Icon.
Send news items or news tips to:
[email protected]
or reach him at 419-303-3439
The Ada Icon - Where Ada gets its news!
