APRIL 28 MEDIA RELEASE__OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital has named Ryan Newland, BSN, RN, as Senior Advisor of Operations, effective April 24, 2026. Newland brings more than two decades of healthcare experience and a deep connection to Hardin County into the role.
In this role, he will partner with leaders and teams across the hospital to support day-to-day operations and advance work that strengthens patient care and the overall patient experience.
MEDIA RELEASE__Interested in becoming royalty at the 113th annual Farmers & Merchants Picnic? Event organizers are accepting contestants from all surrounding schools, age 4-18 years old.
Please call or text Joni Henry at 419-516-7315 by May 15.
The picnic will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Cash prizes will be given to the top two sellers. Crowning will be done the morning of the picnic, following the parade.
All contestants will be in the parade on Saturday, August 8.
BLUFFTON__The visiting Ada High School tennis team lost a rain-shortened match to rival Bluffton 4-0 on Monday, April 27.
The short-handed Bulldog team, missing three of its top players, fell to 0-6 after the loss.
The Pirates improved to 7-2-1 with the win.
“We got there a little early to avoid the rain but it was still slippery,” said first-year Ada head coach Shelleigh Alexander. “The courts were a little testy.”
“We felt a little rushed, but we got some sets in,” she added.
Bluffton senior Grady Coonfare defeated Bulldog junior Brandon Prater 6-0, 6-0 at first singles.
ADA __Rainy weather caused the suspension of the Riverdale at Ada baseball and softball games Monday evening, April 27.
The Bulldog softball team led the Falcons 5-0 in the bottom of the second inning when play was halted by thunder. After the required 30-minute delay, it began raining harder and play was officially called.
The Ada baseball team trailed Riverdale 3-0 in the second inning when play was stopped.
The league games will be made up and resumed from their stopping point at a future date, possibly Saturday. No makeup date has been set yet.
Hello, Adaites! Here are AdaIcon.com's top stories from the week that was, April 20-26. For a chronological look at all Icon content, visit AdaIcon.com/archive.
The Ohio Northern University Tech Club had an amazing turnout at the April 23 Touch-a-Truck event. Some 385 people attended, and the weather could not have been better.
The organizers note, "We are very thankful for the support we received and the funds raised for St. Jude Children's Hospital through the event."
APRIL 26 POST ON FACEBOOK__Harvest & Herb Festival – Vendor Sign-Up Now Open!
The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that vendor registration is now open for the Harvest & Herb Festival! This beloved Ada tradition brings the community together for a day full of local shopping, great food, and fall fun.
If you’re a maker, grower, artisan, or food vendor, we’d love to have you join us!
The Ada School Board met on Thursday, April 23. Among business at the meeting, the Ada Public Library introduced a 5-year, 1-mill levy to be put on the November 2026 ballot.
ADA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Ada Public Library director Rhett Grant, library treasurer Christy Beaschler and Melanie Weaver, library board secretary, presented the renewal of a 5-year, 1-mill levy to be put on the November 2026 ballot. Grant spoke about how much the library is used in the community. He said this levy will enable them to continue to offer quality programs. Later in the meeting, the board approved moving forward to place the levy on the ballot.
MEDIA RELEASE__St. Mark Lutheran Church, located at the corner of Lincoln and Johnson in Ada, will be serving its Community meal on Wednesday, April 29, from 5:00 to 6:30.
This meal is free and opened to the public.
This month's menu is Chicken and noodles, Mashed potatoes, Green beans, Fruit, and a Cookie.
You may dine in, carry out, or drive up for curbside service.
There is a limit of 8 meals per vehicle. If you require more than 8 meals we ask that you call 419-792-0911 before noon on Tuesday and let us know so that we can be better prepared.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Bryan Marshall at 419-234-3309
By Paula Pyzik Scott
Thanks to a grassroots campaign spearheaded by Bryan Marshall, the tradition of a free Patriotic Pops musical celebration will resume in Ada on Sunday, June 28, at the Ada Schools.
Marshall, Lima Symphony Orchestra CEO Elizabeth Brown-Ellis and Ada Schools Superintendent Julie Simmons shared their excitement and community enthusiasm for resuming the annual event, which was started at Ohio Northern University in 2015 and has drawn audiences of some 2,000 listeners.
