May 2025

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Ceremonies held for Law, Pharmacy and Undergraduate/MSA

MAY 19 ONU NEWS__Ohio Northern University celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 during Commencement weekend, May 17-18.

Nearly 750 graduates were awarded degrees in three ceremonies. The College of Law held its Commencement on Saturday morning, while the College of Pharmacy and the Undergraduate/MSA ceremonies took place on Sunday.

The beautiful spring weather contributed to the jubilant mood as families and friends gathered to watch their graduates cross the stage and accept their diplomas. A rite of passage, commencement marks the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in life.

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Photos provided by Jeremy Park, Nate Ulrey, Jill Oldfield, Teri Salyer and Ashley Phillips 

MAY 20 MEDIA RELEASE__The Ada Liberty Conservation Club held their annual fishing derby on Sunday, May 18. Prizes including gift certificates for local businesses, fishing rods and cash were awarded to both kids and adults.

Children's awards

Girls First Fish - Kylie Fenner

Boys First Fish - Lincoln Suter

Girls Largest Trout - Chelsey Vieira

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Dennis “Denny” Eugene Covault, 72, of Harrod, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, April 17, 2025. He was born December 24, 1952, to the late Richard and Gloria (Hollar) Covault. On August 30, 1974, on he married Louise Ballinger, who survives in Harrod. 

Also surviving are three children: Nikki (Josh) Metcalf of Dover, Josh (Jenny) Covault of Harrod, and Natalie (Shawn) Sommers of Harrod; eleven grandchildren-Madilyn, Jackson, Jaden, Blake, Brody, Jaden, Colt, JJ, Joey, Jamisen and Savannah and one great grandson Marlon; two brothers David (Linda) Covault and Richard (Marsha) Covault; and two sisters: Kathy Quigley and Tina McKinnie. 

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MAY 19 MEDIA RELEASE__The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office assisted the FBI in an investigation of child pornography that resulted in the arrest of a fifty-nine-year-old rural Roundhead man.

Mark Butterman was taken into custody on federal charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Mr. Butterman was transported to Toledo, by the FBI, and was arraigned on the charges.

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PHOTO Chad Rudesill, volunteer of the year, Josh Kauffman, Hardin Northern Local Schools - Educational Partner of the Year, Dr. Melissa J. Baumann, Honorary Chair, and Business of the Year - Ohio Northern University.

May 19 MEDIA RELEASE__United Way of Hardin County hosted its Annual Meeting on May 16, celebrating another successful year of community service, collaboration and giving. The event brought together local leaders, volunteers, partner agencies and supporters to recognize the outstanding contributions that make a lasting impact on the lives of Hardin County residents.  A highlight of the evening was the presentation of three distinguished awards, honoring individuals and organizations that exemplify the spirit of community partnership:

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MAY 19 MEDIA RELEASE__The Hardin County Sports Hall of Fame announces the 2025 Wes Davis Memorial Scholarship recipients.  Allison Woodruff of Riverdale High School and Maddox Underwood of Upper Scioto Valley High School will each receive a one-time $500.00 scholarship towards their academic endeavors at the HCSH of Fame banquet on Saturday, June 14 at St. John's Church in Kenton.

Riverdale High School Class of 2025 - Allison Woodruff
Allison, daughter of Michael and Jessica Woodruff, is a 2025 Riverdale High School graduate. While attending RHS, she compiled 11 Varsity Rs: 4 in cross country, 4 in track, and 3 in soccer. In cross country,

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By Cort Reynolds

BATH – The Ada High School softball team pulled away late to run-rule Columbus Grove 10-0 in the Div. VI district semifinals on a sunny Monday, May 19, at Lima Bath. 

The game was moved up a day due to expected rain Tuesday.

The Ada girls improved to 20-4 overall with the victory in the battle of the Bulldogs. They will face Carey (7-13) in the district finals Thursday, May 22, weather permitting. 

Columbus Grove finished its season 5-17 after their second 10-0 loss to Ada this spring. 

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Ada residents have two opportunities this week to meet new Village Administrator Amanda Sears.

The Village will host a meet and greet from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Ada Municipal Building, 115 W. Buckeye Ave.

Sears will also be featured at the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce member meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the Ada Public Library. 

Jamie Hall, who has been the Village Administrator for 11 years, will retire in June 2025.

www.adaoh.gov
419-634-4045

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

On May 15 the Ada Schools board of education approved the required 5-year financial forecast submitted by treasurer Kim Light. The forecast is required by the State of Ohio in May and November of each year. 

As Light noted in her presentation, it has always been challenging to provide a five-year picture when the state legislature provides a two-year budget. With this report, she noted that prospects for 2025-2029 are even murkier given a number of bills in the Ohio legislature that could dramatically reduce public school funding and change how schools can save for anticipated expenses. She expects the November 2025 update to be “more telling.”

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MAY 16 MEDIA RELEASE__Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Student Leaders United class on graduation! This talented group of high school Sophomores from across the county was recognized at their graduation program on May 14, 2025. The event was held at Mid-Ohio Energy and sponsored by Quest and Midwest BBQ. School leadership, program volunteers and family members attended.

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