January 2026

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Gabe M. Gratz, age 30, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

He was born on January 5, 1996, in Lima, Ohio, to Billy Gratz and Mona (Carroll) Parker.  

Gabe is survived by his father and stepmother, Billy (Patricia) Gratz; mother, Mona Parker; wife of three years, Maggie L. Dyer; two sons: Jameson Gratz and Dominic Gratz; half-brothers: Thomas Etzler, David “Hank” Etzler and Payton Pippin; half-sister, Kaylie Gratz; maternal grandmother, Diana Carroll; and paternal grandfather, Maurice “Jack” Gratz. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Catherine Gratz, and maternal grandfather, William Carroll.         

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UPDATE The Icon was notified by the USV Ambulance District that the Board initially planned to purchase three acres of ground at $15,000 per acre for a total of $45,000.  When the survey was complete, however, the Board purchased 2.323 acres for the price of $34,845.

By Alec Keller

Residents of Alger, McGuffey and Roundhead shared feedback Thursday, January 22, during a public meeting hosted by the Upper Scioto Valley Ambulance District.

The district plans to build a $1.9 million station at 12231 State Route 235 in Harrod with funding supported by a 5.5-mill levy approved by voters in May 2023.

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MEDIA RELEASE__St. Mark Lutheran--located at the corner of Lincoln and Johnson Streets in Ada--has cancelled the January 28 community meal due to the weather forecast.

The meal is free and opened to the community. The next meal will be served in February.

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The Beatitudes Community Center, 210 N Main St., has announced the addition of a new Assistant Director, Stephanie Van Atta.

Van Atta notes, "I bring a strong passion for community involvement and have worked in public fields for most of my adult life, always focused on serving others. My goal is to see the people of Ada and Hardin County living fulfilling lives enriched by fellowship and connection.

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MEDIA RELEASE__Whether a winter storm leaves two inches or two feet of snow, the aftermath can bring challenges, especially if power outages occur. The Village of Ada encourages residents to take the following steps to safely dig out, protect property and stay warm during recovery.

Clear Snow Safely
When it is safe to do so, begin clearing snow around your home and vehicles as soon as possible. Fresh snow is lighter and easier to remove than snow that has settled and become compacted.

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Pickup cancelled on Jan. 26, one-day delay for the rest of the week

FROM Rumpke.com/service-alerts

Inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions are affecting portions of the Rumpke service region. Please note that road conditions may prevent collection in some neighborhoods.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Please check back for further updates.

Ada instructions:

Ada's trash and recycle pickup will be delayed by one day. Totes should be placed curbside in TUESDAY night for WEDNESDAY pickup.

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PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen

On Friday, January 23, the Ada High School boys' basketball team took a road trip to play McComb at Cleveland's Rocket Arena, which is home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Icon photographer Mark Andreasen remarks, ‘It was an awesome opportunity for our Ada students to experience the familiarity of a game they have enjoyed playing for years, in a place where their heroes play on a nightly basis!

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MEDIA RELEASE__The Ohio Northern men's swimming and diving team improved to 7-0 on the season with a 181-118 victory over NCAA Division II Ashland on Saturday afternoon.

The Basics

  • Records: Ohio Northern (7-0 overall); Ashland (6-4 Overall).
  • Venue: ONU Sports Center Natatorium — Ada, Ohio.

Meet Highlights

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Anitra Lynn Nichols, age 63, of Ada, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at her home with her family by her side.

She was born on March 12, 1962 in Lima, Ohio to Gerald and Patricia (Dye) Holbrook.  On December 31, 1992 Lynn married Paul D. Nichols and he survives in Ada.  

Also surviving are her three children: Michelle (Pete) Drummond of Wapakoneta, Chad (Letitia) Nichols of Forest, and Jacob (Natasha) Nichols of Ada; daughter-in-law, Terra Ramey of Ada; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and a brother, Dwayne (Michelle) Holbrook. 

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Ramey; and two grandchildren.  

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By Cort Reynolds

ADA__A big third quarter led the Ada High School girls basketball team to a 48-37 win over visiting non-conference foe Fort Jennings on Saturday, January 24.

Ada held a slim 17-14 lead at halftime. But a 19-6 third period outburst gave the hosts a 36-20 advantage. That lead held up despite a 17-12 Musketeer charge in the fourth quarter.

Ada senior Anna Conley scored seven of her season-high 22 points in the decisive third stanza.

The Bulldogs improved to 9-9 overall after the home victory.

Fort Jennings dropped to 3-13 with the defeat.

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