The community is invited to a reception for Monty Siekerman, who will retire as editor of Ada Icon on Dec. 31, according to Fred Steiner, Icon owner.

He has provided stories and photo for the Icon since 2015 and served as editor since December 2016.

The retirement reception is from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19, at COSI, 534 S. Main St., Ada.

"We invite Icon viewers to congratulation Monty for all the work he has accomplished with the Icon and with countless community activities," said Steiner. "Monty has been the face of Ada Icon for several years and wish him well."

Jack Jeffery, associate director for media relations at ONU, provided the the follow tribute to Monty:

Monty Siekerman has spent the last 50-plus years telling the stories of others in the community.

He has written countless stories that have highlighted community residents of all walks of life, telling this region’s story with the richness it deserves in his roles as director of Ohio Northern’s public relations office and editor of the Ada Icon. He is a fixture at community, campus and Ada Schools events.

He has added to village’s beauty and vitality through his efforts maintaining the gardens and grounds at the Ada Depot Park and Liberty National Bank, as well as spearheading the plans and fund-raising for the Ada dog park and his efforts with the local tree commission and historical society.

In all of these endeavors, Monty has put others forward and has lifted the village’s image while promoting local events as well as civic and business accomplishments.

A true ambassador of the village, he has also gone out of his way to befriend numerous individuals, particularly international students who often struggle to find their footing in a new land and culture.

Monty nearly always has his notebook and camera at his side. Even more constant are the smile and uplifting words he is always quick to share with others.