ADA — Grace Nelson wanted to be a student-athlete at the collegiate level for a long time. But when the Ada High School senior signed a national letter of intent Friday morning, it wasn’t the way she originally envisioned it happening. It was better.

ADA — Col. David D. Kretz returned home Friday to be the keynote speaker for Veterans Day at the Ohio Northern University. A native of Ada, Kretz said he grew up in the community and his children attended classes at Ohio Northern.

In observance of Veterans Day, fifth-grade students at Kenton Elementary School heard from three United States Army veterans. Gary Kennedy (pictured at left) and Dick Wilcox, both veterans of Vietnam, spoke of their time in the service, sharing pictures with students and answering questions.

Members of the second-and third-grade class at Ridgemont Elementary lead the crowd in the National Anthem during the school’s Veterans Day assembly Friday afternoon. The junior class led the student body and several guests in a tribute to veterans from the community.

Upper Scioto Valley paid tribute to the veterans in its community by serving breakfast to nearly 100 of them and their guests on Friday. Following the meal, students read poetry and other pieces dedicated to the service of the veterans.

The Dunkirk Girl Scouts entertained guests at their annual Halloween party, The Cadette troop completely planned the party and decorated the basement of Grace United Methodist Church. They hung streamers, spiderwebs, hid skeleton bones for a later hunt and put up a photo booth. The tables were decorated with many halloween items and looked very festive.

McGUFFEY — Last Saturday, Upper Scioto Valley played in its first football playoff game in school history. The result was a 27-21 victory over Troy Christian.

In mid-October of 1962, the world held its breath. Russian ships were making their way across the Atlantic Ocean with nuclear warheads toward Cuba. President John F. Kennedy tried to block the shipment and warned the Russian government against proceeding with its plans to build a base on the island nation.

A group of students are Kenton Elementary School are learning lessons in technology while also learning the importance of caring for others around the world and in their own community.

Members of the 2016 Hardin Leadership program received their graduation certificates during a program Thursday night at Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton.