LOTS OF PHOTOS BELOW -
By Monty Siekerman
The year 2018 saw changes in Ada, some of which are looked upon as progress while other happenings were not welcome. Here are a few highlights of Ada for this year.

* Construction began on the James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building, a massive $30 million structure that will provide the best space and equipment for engineering students for years to come. Engineering enrollment significantly increased this fall as new students look forward to the new building, which will open next fall.

* Residents of a portion of Willeke Street from Ackerman St. to Orders Ave. received a new road, gutters and sidewalks, but some residents were displeased that they had to share in part of the cost of the million dollar project although the state paid for half of it and the village contributed, as well.

* Ohio Northern expanded its solar array, becoming more self sufficient in its electrical use; however, residents to the east became concerned that the array expansion was coming too close to their homes. The project increased ONU ‘s electrical output from 2 to 3 megawatts.

* Retail businesses closed, then new ones opened at those locations, including Mercantile on Main. We now have two tattoo parlors and a boutique. A physical therapy place and the flea market changed hands. Store fronts are mostly full, but the trend in retail in Ada is weekend shopping. Many of the new stores are open only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning only.

* Vancrest of Ada is full, and there is talk of expansion, but nothing official. There are 50 residents in skilled nursing (long term care) and 37 in assisted living in just a year and a half since it opened. Those who call Vancrest “home” seem pleased with the well-planned facility and staff. Many activities, nursing care, and nutritious meals are available to residents. Vancrest of Ada is owned by Mark White, an ONU graduate. His company owns 16 facilities mostly in northwest Ohio

* There wasn’t much improvement on the exterior appearance of downtown stores, but new merchants remodeled the inside of their businesses. Some smaller towns with colleges are fun places to visit and shop with coordinated storefront looks, businesses tucked away in alleys, lots of blooming plants. Ada does do a marvelous job with its hanging baskets on light poles.

* Industry, not much new there in 2018. Some say gaining industry is progress, more people moving to the community, a larger tax base. Others say question the value of new industry that hires near the minimum wage and residents can hardly make ends meet.

* Crimson Lane, just northeast of town, opened this fall. The wedding and event venue already has booked 60 weddings over the next two years at its $1+million facility built between a woods and lake. Crimson Lane will have a New Year’s Eve party (see recent Ada Icon stories or their Icon ad for details).

* The Ada Swimming Pool opened this spring with a million dollar change that was welcome by many. Kids love the waterpark, the cement surrounding the pool is all new and safer to walk on, the changes to the concession stand, entrance, and dressing rooms are beneficial. The pool maintains its historic look, built by the Civil Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

* The Ada Public Library opened an $880,000 new addition and  a total renovation of the inside, as well. This was accomplished while the library continued be “open for business” except for a week or so. More people use the library, and there are more activities for people of all ages. The convenient parking is a draw, as well. Libraries have had to reinvent themselves due to Kindle and other electronic advancements. And, Ada has.

* Ohio Northern continues to adjust its academic offerings to meet current demand, as it has, historically, from the beginning. Even so, enrollment continues to be lower each year for the past decade or so (50 fewer this year). That fact is noticed by the For Rent signs in yards that are still there this late in the school year. There is a place in U.S. higher education for schools like Ohio Northern, because not the best learning comes from using a computer taught by someone a distance away. The proliferation of academic, professional, service organizations at ONU helps students in life with their socialization and career advancement. Last year, as in recent years, ONU students give back to the community of Ada and throughout the world by volunteering their service.

* The Ada Dog Park opened in June, and dogs and their owners are happy with off-leash park. Thanks to community leaders who raised the $45,000 funding and the Ada Park Board for its cooperation, the dog park is well planned and well used, even during the cold and windy winter days. Improvements will be made this spring on the road leading to the park and in eliminating muddy areas when it rains. 

* Nearly 90 Union soldiers of the Civil War, who hailed from Ada, were remembered with a brick inscribed with each man’s name, rank, and company. The bricks were placed at the base of the cannon in Railroad Park. A ceremony was held at the park on Memorial Day. The effort was spearheaded by ONU and village government.

* At ONU, a bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was unveiled, receiving extensive press coverage. The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights leader’s speech on campus, which was just three months prior to his assassination.

* Thanks to voters approving two park levies, a $120,000 upgrade of all of the electrical work at Ada War Memorial Park began in the fall and will be completed when the weather breaks in the spring.

* Ada Schools continue teaching and mentoring the children of the school district. The girls softball team won the district, but winter sports are struggling. Music, art, and theatre, and the Academic Quiz Bowl maintain there high standings. The school system hired a resource officer to help prevent shootings. Volunteers are raising significant money for “boots” to secure doors. Voters approved, by a wide margin, a renewal levy.

* Voters overwhelmingly approved a new levy for a new fire truck to replace a 30-year-old truck.

* The Ada Historical Society organized, elected officers, and held a membership drive. Presently, the members of the organization are deliberating on what projects to undertake first.

* At Memorial Day and Veterans Day, impressive ceremonies were held at Ada Schools and ONU to thank men and women for their military service. 

* The list goes on and on in this busy little town: Easter egg hunts, Chamber events, Cadets and Boston Crusaders drum corps practicing here, razing of Clark Hall, beginning of construction of an IT building on campus, Santa’s visits at a dozen events, Town and Gown, college sports, Ada School sports, summer sports, all reported in the Ada Icon. Speaking of our online daily newspaper, the Ada Icon saw a significant increase in readership and advertising in 2018.

This is a city of parades and festivals. Perhaps the name should be changed to Festival, Ohio or Parade, Ohio. There are two homecomings, Made-in-Ada Wilson Football parade (and don’t for get their garage sale that draws hundreds of people), Halloween parade, Farmers and Merchants Picnic (oldest festival in Ohio), Harvest and Herb Fest, Merry on Main, to name a few.
*Phew!

Tomorrow’s Ada Icon: What will 2019 hold?
Friday: Monty’s last news story after 51 years of reporting.