May 2022

A message from the Apollo Career Center Superintendent Keith Horner:

I recently read in GraphsandLaughs that there were 11.55 million job openings and 5.95 million unemployed people in March [2022]. This is very close to two jobs available for every job seeker, which is consistent with what we see in this region. Every sector that Apollo works with is experiencing workforce issues.  

As a result of these issues, we have seen a couple of things happening. One, wages are increasing, even for high school students.  It is not unusual for our high school students to make $15 to $20 per hour. 

Susan K. Hatton, age 69, of Lima, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at her residence.   

She was born on June 18, 1952, in Lima, Ohio to the late Willard W. and Mattie (Fricks) VanAtta. Susan was previously married to the late Michael Hatton.  

Susie is survived by her two children: Abra (Millard) Bowersock of Lima and Michael (Alexis) Hatton of Ft. Myers, FL; four grandsons: Michael (Jessica) Hatton, Colin (Rebekah) Hatton, Triston Hatton, and Landon Hatton; three siblings: Bill (Joyce) VanAtta, Mark (Cinda) VanAtta and Deryl (Norm) Fleming all of Ada; a brother-in-law, Bill Beaman of Kenton; and her dog, Zoey. 

The Hardin County Veterans’ Service Commission and Veteran Service Officer will be hosting a County Memorial Day Ceremony in Grove Cemetery at the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) veteran circle, which is located close to E. Franklin St./State Route 309 at 11:00 a.m., on May 30.

The guest speaker will be Fred Rush, Hardin County Commissioner. Organizers issue the invitation, saying, "Please join us so we, as a community, can remember and honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day."

CORRECTION: The original version of this article did not include information about Julian Grose qualifying for regionals in the 300 hurdles.

By Cort Reynolds

The Ada High School track and field teams hosted the Div. III district meet on warm days Thursday, May 19, and Saturday, May 21, at War Memorial Stadium.

The Ada girls finished 10th of 18 teams, while the Bulldog boys ended up 12th out of 15 squads. 

Columbus Grove won the boys team title with Bluffton coming in second. Kalida captured the girls crown in a close battle with Van Buren.

Review by Robert McCool

It's been quite a few weeks since I've submitted a book review for the Icon. It's been quite a few weeks since I have had the motivation to read a new pop-fiction release. I’ve found myself returning to some classics: “East of Eden,” “Travels with Charley,” and even the more recent “Cloud Cuckoo Land.”

Thelma Mae Binkley, age 98, of Ada, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Vancrest of Ada, surrounded by her family.

She was born on May 13, 1924, in Hardin County, Ohio to Emmett and Eva (Norman) Martin, Sr. and they preceded her in death. She married Leonard Binkley on December 15, 1951, and he died on February 10, 1989.

Thelma was a homemaker. She attended Grace Gospel Church of Ada.

Surviving is her son, James Binkley of Ada; a sister, Chris Gibson of Ada; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Emmett Martin, Jr.; a sister, Jean Gilroy; a brother-in-law, Thomas Gibson; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Martin.

As part of its Summer of Food Trucks series, Vancrest of Ada will have N&H Concessions at their facility from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24.

The vendor's menu includes hamburgers, piggy bowl (bed of tater tots topped with pork, mac & cheese, BBQ), walking taco, mac & cheese pulled pork bowl and tacos.

Vancrest of Ada is located at 600 West North Ave in Ada. The food truck series is announced at www.facebook.com/VancrestAda

By Ericca Lovegrove, RD, LD
Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition
Nationwide Children’s Hospital

For toddlers, snacking is a very important part of the day. Unlike adults, they need to eat more frequently to maintain their energy levels. Healthy snacks help control toddler hunger while providing a nutritious boost, but how can parents ensure their little ones will still be hungry for dinner after a day of snacking? Here are some tips to help structure your toddler’s diet and not spoil their dinners.

By Cort Reynolds

SOFTBALL

Ada freshman standout Jenna Bassitt was voted first team All-Northwest Conference in softball at the league meeting by the coaches in Delphos Monday evening, May 16.

Leadoff hitter Bassitt led Ada in batting average (.519). She also topped the team in on-base percentage (.576), runs scored (19), stolen bases (15) and hits (27). She added five doubles, two triples and one home run. 

Bassitt won all five games pitching that Ada (5-14, 2-6 NWC) captured. She also led the team in strikeouts, innings pitched and complete games.

St. Mark Lutheran Church will be serving its monthly free Community Meal from 5:00- 6:30 p.m. on May 25 at the church at the corner of Lincoln and Johnson. 

This month they will be doing something a little different, a Breakfast for Supper meal. The meal will consist of breakfast ham casserole, sausage links, muffin, and fruit. Guests may dine in, carry out, or drive up for curb service. 

The meal is free and opened to the public. Last month the church served over 100 meals. Stop by before they run out.

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