By Robin L. Brown, LISW-S
Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio
For many, family is considered a sacred bond—unchangeable, unconditional and lifelong. But for a growing number of Americans, family relationships are not a source of support, but of deep pain and distance. Family estrangement, once a taboo topic kept behind closed doors, is now a rising and recognized social trend. Research shows that approximately 1 in 4 Americans are estranged from at least one family member. The reasons are complex and the impacts are profound.
The Hardin County Board of Elections shows the following candidates for November 2025 races for Ada area elected offices: Ada Exempted Village Schools board, Liberty Township board of trustees and Village of Ada council. The deadline for filing candidate petitions was August 6. Some applications are currently shown as valid and some are shown as pending.
The Village of Ada has announced a public meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m. A Streets Committee meeting will be held in Council Chambers to discuss Gilbert Street parking.
Ada Municipal Building
115 W. Buckeye Ave., 2nd floor
Elevator service is available
By Myron D. Lewis
FACHE, President & CEO, Blanchard Valley Health System
This week, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) had the honor of hosting Senator Jon Husted for a thoughtful discussion on the future of healthcare in rural Ohio. His visit was more than a courtesy call, it was a genuine demonstration of leadership and concern for the communities we serve every day.
In an era where rural hospitals face mounting challenges—financial, operational, and demographic—it matters when elected leaders take the time to listen and learn directly from those on the front lines. Senator Husted’s presence in Findlay and his willingness to sit down with our leadership team was not just appreciated, it was necessary.
Ada council met on August 5 on the second floor of the Ada Municipal Building, 114 W. Buckeye, with live viewing available online via Zoom. (Next meeting link) The meeting was conducted by Mayor David Retterer. Opening businesses included the paying of bills listed in the meeting packet.
NEW BUSINESS
With Streets committee chair Linda Mason and Village Administrator Amanda Sears absent, Jeff Oestreich presented information from a recent memo from Sears that provides new ideas to address the issue of on-street parking near the N. Gilbert St. ambulance bay. There is not enough room for ambulances to back into the garage when cars are parked opposite the building.
The Ada Bulldog volleyball team scrimmaged Ridgemont and Kenton on August 6, previewing the start of their 2025-2026 academic year season. Stay tuned for more Bulldog sports photos by Mark Andreasen. See https://www.ada.k12.oh.us/events for a calendar of school events including athletics.
