Bluffton High School won the Northwest Conference 2013-14 “Don Bachman Award of Excellence” for the first time with a strong finish in the spring sports season.
This award recognizes the school in the conference that exhibits the highest level of consistent excellence in conference-sponsored sports and scholastic bowl competition.
The Pirates compiled a total of 80.5 points to defeat Crestview (79) in a close race. Columbus Grove finished third with 70 points. For the first time in the history of the award all league schools had at least one championship/co-championship.
AN EASY-TO-READ PRINTER-FRIENDLY CALENDAR IS AN ATTACHMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.
Anyone who says nothing happens in Ada during the summer has failed to study the attached Ada Community Highlights calendar. It is created by The Ada Icon for distribution of the Ada Community Improvement Corp. (CIC)
Here's a math formula for you:
Ada students + St. Jude Math-A-Thon (x 19 years) = $103,466/19
The Ada Elementary School has participated in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon for 19 years. This year students collected $5,422.19 with 69 students participating, Teri Salyer told the Icon.
She added that 2014 was a special year as Ada Elementary has donated over $100,000 for kids with cancer, $103,466.19 to be exact.
Click here to learn who St. Jude Math-A-Thon works.
The photo with this story shows Ada students forming the shape of the number 100.
• Football Point Differential Rule Among OHSAA Sport Regulation Changes for 2014-15
• Baseball & softball doubleheaders now permitted on school days;
• Ohio joining other states in adopting second-half running clock in lopsided football games
For years, high school football games in Ohio could be shortened by mutual agreement of both head coaches. That will change this fall with the adoption of a football point differential rule as part of the 2014-15 sport regulations approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors last week at its May board meeting.
In voting by Northwest Conference baseball coaches for the 2014 baseball season. senior Damian Helm, a pitcher/first baseman from Crestview was named Player of the Year.
This follows Helm's selection as player of the year in basketball and receiving co-player of the year honors last year in baseball. Helm was a near unanimous selection receiving 159 out of a possible 160 points in the balloting.
Bluffton coach Sam Fruchey tallied 22 points to be named Coach of the Year at the all-conference selection meeting Monday evening at Delphos Jefferson. Fruchey led the Pirates to a 6-2 record and a Northwest Conference co-championship with Crestview.
In voting by Northwest Conference softball coaches for the 2014 baseball season. senior Kirstin Hicks, a pitcher/first/third baseman from Crestview was named Player of the Year after being runner-up for that honor during the 2013 season. In a close vote, Helm edged out junior Hope Schroeder of Columbus Grove by 3 points with senior Erin Conkle of Allen East finishing another 4 points back.
Come join the family and grand kids when we celebrate Charla Mankey's wonderful life. Mark your calendar now for Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the Mankey house- 4268 St. Rt. 81, Ada, Ohio 45810.
We will begin this celebration by releasing balloons in remembrance of Charla Mankey's life. Bring your drinks, chairs and swim suits.
July was the time when Charla loved spending time with her family and grand kids at their house. She will be truly missed by everyone especially her grand kids. We love and miss you grandma!
Cella M. Webb Boyer Music, 85, died on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11 p.m. at Lost Creek Care Center, Lima.
She was born on August 13, 1928 in Prestonsburg, Ky., to Oxie and Lillie Mae (Allen) Neeley. Her father, mother and step mother, Anne Neeley, preceded her in death. Cella first married Earl Webb and they divorced, she then married Leonard L. Boyer and he is deceased. Cella later married Estill Music and he is deceased.
Cella was a homemaker. She was previously a member of the Lonesome Valley United Baptist Church of Alger. She was later a member of the High Street Freewill Baptist Church, Ada.
Lloyd C. VanAtta, 87, died on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 8:05 p.m. at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.
He was born on September 6, 1926 in Ada, Ohio, to John and Grace (Elzay) VanAtta and they preceded him in death. On November 10, 1951 he married Mary J. (Francisco) VanAtta and she died on January 4, 2013.
Lloyd graduated from Ada High School in 1945. He served as a township trustee for 24 years. He was a member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Secretary for many years.
