Regional news

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What's your favorite part of the Farmers' and Merchants' Picnic? 

Let's see, there's rides, games, entertainment, food, tractor pulls, horse competitions, antique tractor displays, kid's tractor pulls.

CHECK OUT LOTS OF PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

The list goes on. There's even a free swim.

Just like you, the Icon has a difficult time putting a figure on one element of the weekend that's our favorite. 

So, instead of focusing on one element, here's 10 photos that represent people being engaged it a good time.

Watch for more photos tomorrow.

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AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power, awarded a Rate Stabilization Program, Retention and Expansion Grant to International Paper.  The grant helped secure a 250,000 square foot expansion of the Kenton plant, doubling its current manufacturing space at this location.

The facility is part of International Paper’s Foodservice business, which manufactures fiber-based hot and cold cups, food buckets and containers, plates and lids for the foodservice industry. The expansion is expected to create 125 new jobs and retain 532 jobs at the Kenton plant.

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Outdoor movies in Ada! That's right. This summer - one more time.

"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," is the final outdoor movie this summer. It will be show at dusk on the Ohio Northern Univesity tundra Friday, Aug. 7, sponsored by The Freed Center for the Performing Arts and Bluffton Hospital.

 Popcorn and beverages are available for purchase. Families are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the movies under the stars.

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The 102nd annual Ada Farmers’ and Merchants’ Picnic takes place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8 in the War Memorial Park.

For additional information about the event call 419-235-4231.

Here’s this year’s schedule:

Friday, Aug. 7
• Party in the Back 40.
Gates open 5 p.m. Exploit on stage from 7:30 to 12:30 a.m.
• Picnic Pull, 7 p.m. (schedule at bottom of story)

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Can you believe it? Ada's Harvest and Herb Festival is 30 this year. It's Saturday, Sept. 19.

Spaces are now being reserved for the 2015 Ada Area Chamber of Commerce Harvest and Herb Festival.

If you would like to reserve a booth space, please contact Scott and Arlene Allison at 419-634-1144. Please leave your name and address to receive a booth application.

If you are interested in participating in the 2015 Ada Area Chamber of Commerce Harvest and Herb Parade, contact Anna Poling at 419-634-2477.

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S.B. 243 enacted a one-time sales tax holiday to occur only in 2015. The holiday starts on Friday, Aug. 7, and ends on Sunday, Aug. 9.

During the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax:
•An item of clothing priced at $75 or less
•An item of school supplies priced at $20 or less; and
•An item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less.
Items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the sales tax holiday.

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