You are here

Ada's latest news

Debi Lowery worked for USV High School

Deborah Gayle “Debi” Lowery, age 69, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

She was born on April 24, 1952, in Lima, Ohio to Clinton and Betty Aileen (Brown) Selvage. Her father preceded her in death and her mother survives in Alger.  On January 18, 1974, Debi married William J. “Bill” Lowery and he survives in Alger.    

Also surviving are her two children: Clint Lowery of Dallas, Texas and Shea (John) Cummings of Westerville; five grandchildren: Reed, Drew, Paige, Addison and Jackson; and a sister, LaVonna (Mike) Rose of Kenton.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sydney.

Baumann selected as new ONU president

Dr. Melissa J. Baumann has been selected as the 12th president of Ohio Northern University. Her appointment was unanimously approved at a recent Board of Trustees meeting. She will begin on July 1, 2022, succeeding President Daniel A. DiBiasio when he retires at the end of June 2022.

The university’s announcement describes Baumann as “a dynamic and talented leader who has been serving as provost and chief academic officer at Xavier University…. The search committee was impressed by her academic background, leadership accomplishments, and compassionate commitment to student, faculty, and staff excellence at private and public colleges during her more than 30-year career.”

Elementary Principal opening

The Ada Exempted Village Schools are seeking candidates for the position of Interim Elementary Principal (K-6). Principal Ben Thaxton has submitted his resignation to the Ada Board of Education for approval at their December meeting, according to superintendent Robin VanBuskirk.

Thaxton has accepted the position of Executive Director at the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative (NOACSC). He will be replaced on an interim basis, with a permanent position to be filled for the following school year.

Thaxton began working for the Ada Schools in 2007 as Education Technology Coordinator. He became a principal in August 2011.

Ohio Northern University: 150 years in photos

The Ohio Northern University sesquicentennial photo book is now on sale. The book includes sections on academics, student life, faith and community, buildings and architecture, traditions and milestones, and alumni. The photos show how Ohio Northern evolved from humble beginnings in 1871 into a top private university in the Midwest.

Books can be ordered online for $65 at https://bit.ly/3xLyjkc. Shipping is $8; you can also choose to pick up your order in the Office of Alumni Relations, 122 Lehr Memorial, between the hours of 1-4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.

Local dietitian takes new approach to nutrition counseling

Lauren Samuel, a Bluffton area Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, didn’t ever expect to start her own business but knew that she wanted to do one-on-one counseling. “I got my first job at WIC and I’m still working there part-time,”she explains. However, it was clear to her: “If I want to do my dream job as a dietician, I’m going to have to start my own business.”

That business is Embrace Mind & Body Wellness LLC, which she created in 2020. In addition to providing general nutrition guidance, Samuel helps clients adopt more intuitive eating practices and shows women how to manage the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) through diet.

I spy an eye

Fine Touch Furniture and Upholstery, 513 N Johnson St., has some pretty remarkable items in their shop. However, they don't usually stare back at the gazer. This dragon carving is on one of several chaise lounge pieces recently recovered by the Garver brothers.

Pages