Kenton Mason Rhoades (top) looks for an advantage during a 126-pound match at the Bucyrus Invitational on Saturday afternoon.

Nestled in the festive decorations at this year’s Mistletoe Ball are (from left) Jim and Sandy Pruden and Sharon and Duane Davis.

FOREST — For the past two Christmases, some Forest residents have found Santa arriving at their doors via a fire truck to deliver gifts. The community has eagerly supported the Santa Cop program and donations this year are exceeding expectations.

A new organization for young people is getting a start in Hardin County. The Key Club is sponsored by the Ada Kiwanis and is open to any high school student in the county, said advisor Jennifer Rogers. The focus of the teen club is on leadership and community service, she said.

Melanie Butterfield, an Ambassador Level Girl Scout from Troop 20301, Alger received her Gold Award on Nov. 30. Melanie, a 17-year-old homeschool senior and student at Rhodes State College, is the daughter of Randy and Angie Butterfield.

Ron Moening, treasurer of the Riverdale Community Lions Club, presents donations to Lois Thiel, representing the Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church food pantry and the Forest/Wharton food pantry.

The Kenton Elks Lodge recognized 10 Hardin County students as Teenagers of the Month for December during a recent luncheon. Ada Kaitlyn Marie Newland is a senior at Ada High School and the daughter of Angela Newland of Ada. She plans to become an STNA and study nursing. Her work experiences include being an employee at The Cast Room, baby …

Dr. Jennifer Walton the chair of communication and media studies at Ohio Northern University, was the presented a program on the political middle ground at the Ada Kiwanis meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Kiwanis President Jack Jeffrey called the meeting to order at noon in the Dean’s Heritage Room, McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University.

ADA — When Ada’s ReStore established its Kids Christmas Shopping Spree program about eight years ago, the response was moderate. The idea of the program was to collect nice items, including toys, clothing and other potential gifts, for area children to claim as Christmas presents for their parents and siblings.

Mya Shirk, 7, shares her Christmas wish list with Santa Claus during Dunkirk’s annual Winterfest on Wednesday evening. Visitors to the holiday festival were serenaded with Christmas carols by a chorus made up of members from the area churches.