In recent years, Kent State has become a destination of sorts for Kenton High School football players after their high school playing careers are finished. When offensive lineman Tyler Heintz signed his letter of intent this morning to continue his education and football career at Kent State, he became the fourth Wildcat in the past seven years who will continue his education and playing career as a Golden Flash.

McGUFFEY — With three long-range buckets from Emily Patton and 10 points from Shelby Spradlin in the first quarter, the two helped Upper Scioto Valley to a 23-9 lead against Hardin County rival Ada Tuesday night.

The Kenton and Ada swim teams split a dual match at the Hardin County YMCA on Tuesday night. Kenton won the girls meet 90.5-72.5, while the Bulldogs were 85-67 victors in the boys meets.

The Benjamin Logan robotics team, BLHS Reach, placed 13th out of 32 teams in the Van Wert state qualifying tournament on Saturday, Jan. 29. Team members included (from left, front) Thomas Seeley, Tim Seeley, Sarah Seeley;

ADA — Before becoming Wilson Sporting Goods, the Ada-based factory on North Liberty Street was home to Ohio-Kentucky Manufacturing and produced everything from basketballs, baseball gloves, boxing gloves, punching bags and footballs, just to name a few. Flash forward to 1955 when Wilson purchased the building, the site became the world’s only football-specific factory and the location of every football produced for the National Football League, including those for the biggest sporting event in the country, the Super Bowl.

Ridgemont’s FFA and FCCLA chapters will sponsor the annual Sweetheart Dance Saturday evening at the school in Mount Victory.

ADA — A ceremony to name a locker room in Ohio Northern University’s King Horn Sports Center in honor of Beverly “Bev” Daugherty will be held at 10:45 a.m. Saturday. Daugherty is the late wife of longtime ONU men’s basketball coach Gale Daugherty. Bev Daugherty, known for her kindness, warmth and engaging personality, was a surrogate mother to countless ONU basketball players during their time on campus.

The Benjamin Logan Cheer team competed in The 27th annual Ohio State University Cheer Competition on Sunday. The Raiders placed second in the small varsity division, trailing Pickerington North by three points.

McGUFFEY — Mike Kis is not one to shy away from a challenge. So naturally, he’s facing his first role as superintendent head-on with enthusiasm.

Ben Vereen, accomplished singer, dancer and star of television and stage, performed in concert Saturday evening at the Ohio Northern University’s Freed Center for the Performing Arts. Vereen performed several songs which have impacted his career as he shared recollections of his many years in show business.