Hardin County public transportation begins in July; United Way plans for Middle & High School food pantry

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The January 17 meeting of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce was an opportunity to hear what lies in store for the village in 2024. Director Lindsay Walden Hollar provided members with a list of events through June 2024 including the programs to be presented at each monthly meeting. 

Members also heard from two presenters: Morgan Ellis, outgoing Director of Chamber & Tourism for the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance, spoke about the new public transportation program coming to Hardin County and Martha Nau, executive director of the United Way of Hardin County provided an update.

Ellis spoke warmly of the committee that worked on “a daunting feat for a small group” to develop the new program that will start July 1, 2024. She emphasized that this isn’t a “maybe.” Vehicles, which will all be handicap accessible, are being purchased and drivers are being hired.

The service will be door to destination with fares of $2.50-5.00. Ellis compared this to taking an Uber 2 miles for $25 or the current estimate of $40 round trip from Ada to Kenton. She said the vans will serve riders age 8 and up, and notes that it will provide ONU students with a way to tour the county.

In her presentation on the United Way, Nau reminded her audience that 98% of funds raised stays in Hardin County. She listed new programs to be unveiled in the coming year including a 211 Helpline for essential community services and an Ada High School-Middle School food pantry.

This year the agency will assist 16 partner agencies, distributing $139,000. She invited attendees to give, advocate or volunteer for the United Way. The current giving campaign ends at the end of February.

Events on the agency’s calendar for 2024:

• Annual Meeting - March 20
• Days of Giving - May 2024
• NEW Golf Outing - June 22
• Bourbon Bash - October 19

NEXT MEETING
Chamber members will meet on February 21 at ONU’s Wishing Well. The program will feature Carol Turchick, Director of the Center for Corporate Engagement and student groups.