July 2025

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FROM RIDE TO REMEMBER FACEBOOK__Have questions about this year's ride on July 12? The following link will help you with arrival timing, routes and challenges being offered, points of interest in the ride and additional perks that come with registration. http://www.ridetoremember.net/event.html Check it out and register today at: http://www.ridetoremember.net/register.html The Bluffton Icon is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Ride to Remember.

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From www.BlufftonIcon.com

By Liz Gordon-Hancock

www.SuperCuteDresses.com/ is an online shop owned by Luke and Kariann Ringger of rural Bluffton. The business sells nursing dresses to mothers and dresses to women of all shapes and sizes. The business started back in July 2022 from their home.

Kariann learned how to buy and sell on Facebook out of necessity, because that’s how she could afford clothes. While Luke was in seminary getting his masters, Kariann would resell cloth diapers on Facebook to help with family finances.

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FROM FOOD PANTRY ON FACEBOOK__We’ve recently received large donations of produce harvested from gardens at Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution in Lima.

The incarcerated population has raised potatoes, snap peas, green beans, beets, lettuce and zucchini.

Thank you AOCI staff for bringing over so many fresh vegetables!

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Send news to [email protected]

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Including bus route and lunch information 

ADA SCHOOLS WEBSITE__The first day of the 2025-2026 school year will be August 25, 2025.
Please join us at our District Open House on Wednesday, August 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. until 8:00p.m.

Dr. Devier, Assistant K-12 Principal and Transportation Supervisor, will be at a table in the cafeteria during the Open House to discuss bus routes. Parents must complete the Transportation Information Form in Final Forms whether your student is a bus rider, parent drop off/pick up or a walker. Please note, there is a choice for drop off other than home if your child(ren) are coming from or going to a place other than home.

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A special Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 8 at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of a special executive session for the purpose of employment.

The Ada board is comprised of 

  • Troy Erickson, president
  • Matt Gossman
  • Ted Griffith
  • Justin Hollon
  • Ronald Fleming

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Vera Marie Sprague, age 75, of Alger, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Kenton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. 

She was born on February 7, 1950 in Lima, Ohio to the late Fredrick and Della (Morris) Cowan. On June 20, 1969 Vera married David Sprague, I, who preceded her in death on April 5, 2007.

Vera is survived by her five children: Howard (Nancy) Sprague of Alger, Rhonda (Albert) Gutierrez of Ada, Sandy (Stu) Yagerman of Alger, Rebecca (Michael) Donnal of Alger and David (Candi) Sprague, II; nine grandchildren: Cassidy, James, Cristin, Shawn, Carissa, Alex, Justin, Charley and Shelby; and sixteen great grandchildren.  

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JUNE 30 MEDIA RELEASE__A specialty crop walk is planned for Wednesday, May 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for fruit and vegetable production growers. The program will take place at the Daniel Hostetler Farm located at 21613 County Road 200, Mt. Victory, OH 43340.

Dr. Ashley Leach, specializing in Specialty Crop Entomology, will discuss strategies for "Keeping Pests Down in Vegetable Production." Dr. Gary Gao, Small Fruit Production Specialist, will present on "New and Existing Raspberry Production Options for Ohio," while Dr. Andres Sanabria-Velazquez from the Vegetable Crop Pathology department will share insights on "Best Practices in Integrated Vegetable Disease Management."

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Mary Lou Reffitt, age 73, of North Lewisburg, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at her home. 

She was born on December 17, 1951 in Kenton, Ohio to Tommy and Osie (Bailey) Reffitt, Sr.  Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: JoVan Sheets and Julie Jenkins. 

Mary Lou is survived by siblings Ben Ray of Kingsville, TX, Minnie Moore Olivet of South Dakota, Elizabeth and Paul Topping of Bellefontaine and Tom and Jo Reffitt of Bluffton; along with many nieces and nephews.  

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ADA SCHOOLS VIA REMIND__Varsity Singers Camp is Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a community performance Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

All students in Varsity Singers, crew or The Experience should report Monday at 9:00 a.m.

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By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ada Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Monday,  June 30 with all board members present: Troy Erickson (president), Ron Fleming, Matt Gossman, Ted Griffith and Justin Hollon.

Among action items was the waiver of school fees for the 2025-2026 school year. The item passed with board member Ted Griffith voting no. This is the second year the board has waived student fees.

Representing the Ohio School Board Association, Heather Franks presented a certificate to Matt Gossman for his 10 years of service on the board.

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