Bruce McPheron is the “mayor of Ohio State,” he told juniors and seniors from Kenton, Ridgemont, Hardin Northern and Upper Scioto Valley Monday afternoon. But his journey to become second in charge at The Ohio State University began in the hallways of Kenton High School.

ADA — Ada-Liberty Township Fire Chief Jay Epley has a saying that when one of his firefighters does something he does not like, they are going to “roll hose forever.” “Now I'm not saying I didn't like this, but Rob (Gibson) _ assistant chief or not _ is rolling hose forever,” Epley joked about the man who nominated him while accepting the Ada Distinguished Citizen of the Year award Monday night during the 51st annual Town and Gown Banquet at Ohio Northern University’s McIntosh Center.

One of four toy soldiers stands guard at the Hardin County Courthouse as part of the Christmas display on the square. The Historic Courthouse District Board purchased the 6.5-foot displays through a company out of New York City and the commissioners gave their blessing on the soldiers being placed at each corner of the yard to go with the light …

Having spent almost a full year learning the ins and outs of Kenton’s Veterans Memorial Park Golf Club from superintendent Dick Piper, Reese Overly is confident he’s ready to take over the position. Piper, who has maintained the grounds at the course for almost 20 years, felt it was time to bring in a successor after encountering some back problems...

In recent months, John and Kriss Brien’s Peck-N-Coop Farm offered homegrown meats and eggs to local customers, but the couple’s focus is shifting to growing the farm values of hard work, responsibility and discipline in young men who are lacking those qualities.

Nine years ago, Larry Gossard of Kenton had never heard of neurofibronatosis. In fact, he said, he couldn’t even pronounce it. But after his son, Bryce, was born with the condition, Gossard not only learned to say the word, but has continued to share information with anyone who will listen.

Dave Haushalter of Robinson Fin of Kenton displays the Outstanding Beautification Award presented by Keep Hardin County Beautiful for the landscaping makeover at the business. KHCB Program Manager Deb Phillips said, “It sure does catch the eye of those driving past. Thank you to Robinson Fin for the facelift.”

ADA — Ada Police Department Patrolman John Iten was presented with the department’s Life-Saving Award at Tuesday’s council meeting for helping to save the life of a local resident.