Hello, Adaites! Here are AdaIcon.com's top stories from the week that was, May 11-17. For a chronological look at all Icon content, visit AdaIcon.com/archive.
FROM FACEBOOK_On Friday, May 15, Ada Schools welcomed author and illustrator Jeffrey Ebbeler for a special visit with its elementary students.
In preparation for his visit, Mrs. Dysert shared many of Ebbeler’s books during library time, while Mrs. Winkeljohn worked with students to create incredible artwork to help welcome him to Ada. Students in grades K-5 participated in three interactive sessions where they had the opportunity to hear from and engage with Ebbeler.
MEDIA RELEASE__United Way of Hardin County is proud to announce the allocation of $100,000 to support local partner agencies and internal programming for the 2026–2027 campaign year. This investment reflects United Way’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community resources and improving lives across Hardin County.
Funds will be distributed among twelve partner agencies whose work directly impacts education, health, and financial stability for local residents:
To enjoy the celebration of Alger native and Negro Leagues baseball star Ray Brown at the dedication of a park in his name, you didn’t have to be from Alger and you didn’t have to be a baseball fan. On May 14, supporters from near and far came to Alger to witness a lasting tribute to an outstanding individual and to applaud the people who made Ray Brown Memorial Park happen.
MEDIA RELEASE__On Saturday, May 16, Upper Scioto Valley and Ridgemont concluded a Northwest Central Conference game that had been suspended and then played another nonconference game.
Ridgemont won the NWCC game 13-12 and the nonconference game 15-7.
Upper Scioto Valley is back in action on Tuesday, playing Ada at 5 p.m.
Patsy Spellman Evans, age 90, of Ada, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
She was born on June 4, 1935, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Von and Ruth (Montgomery) Spellman. On December 23, 1955, Patsy married Ronald Evans, and they were married for seventy years; he preceded her in death on February 13, 2026.
MEDIA RELEASE__Wynn Hauenstein of the Ream-McElroy VFW Post 9381 in Ada presented a $1,000 scholarship to Riley Newton at the Hardin Northern High School awards ceremony on Friday, May 15.
Newton will be attending Ohio Northern University to study mechanical engineering.
MEDIA RELEASE_United Way of Hardin County proudly hosted its annual meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking another year of meaningful service, collaboration, and generosity. The event brought together local leaders, volunteers, partner agencies, and supporters to celebrate the collective impact that strengthens Hardin County communities.
The event highlighted the work of 2025/26 Honorary Chairs, Jayna and Zach Jansen, owners of Scooter’s Coffee, and included the presentation of four distinguished awards honoring individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of partnership and civic engagement:
