By Monty Siekerman
ONU and the Village of Ada hosted a Tree Commission Academy on Wednesday and Thursday at the Mathile Center.
From left are Mike Hubbell, Steph Miller, Cheryl Geer and Rob Mix. All are members of the Ada tree commission, except Steph who is regional urban forester and who led the sessions.
Twelve members of tree commissions from five northwest Ohio communities participated. Topics covered during the academy included tree biology, urban forestry, ordinances, marketing, and scheduling.
Let's get serious and talk spring, such as picnics in the park.
The temperature reached a record high of 68 degrees on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 12. Enjoying lunch at War Memorial Park are Griffin Martin, 4, with Ashley Dearth and Thomas Robinson.
Others in the park enjoying temperatures in the high 60s were some youngsters having fun kicking leaves around.
Tommy Tires Sales of Bluffton will open a store south of Ada at 3033 State Route 309. The business is located at the intersection of 309 and State Route 235, in the former carpet warehouse.
Tom Dotson, owner of the tire sales, said that his business will stock:
• passenger and light truck tires
• small farm tires
• all-steel carports –used for garages, utility and agriculture buildings
• trailers
Dotson says that once the business is open and in operation he will add a 40- by 80-foot addition to it.
Ada students experienced outstanding scores in the Ohio Department of Education’s 2015 spring tests, according to figures released in November by the ODE.
Dr. Suzanne Darmer, Ada superintendent, told The Icon: "Overall, our students performed well on the 2014-2015 state tests.
“Recognizing that these results are preliminary, our teachers continue to align their instruction to Ohio's Learning Standards in preparation for the 2015-2016 state tests.
“Most importantly, our teachers put their hearts into their teaching and understand that student success is based on much more than a test score. We strive for a well-rounded educational program.”
It was all smiles from the large crowd of children and family members who attended Merry on Main at the Depot on Monday evening.
MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY
Due to a lack of snow, Santa hitched a ride from an Ada Police Department cruiser. When he stepped out of the car, many children's faces lit up as the Big Guy made his way inside.
He took his appointed place in a chair and began hearing the kids' wishes.
Cookies and hot chocolate were available, as well. Members of the Dance Fusion performed in the parking lot.
