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.
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
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.
On February 20, members of the Ada Board of Education met and congratulated Spelling Bee winners Aleks Thompson, 6th grade; Annabel Onyekelu, 5th grade; and Beckett Sleesman 6th grade. From Facebook: "These students showcased incredible spelling skills, hard work, and determination."
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.
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."
