Regional news

MEDIA RELEASE__Apollo Career Center is proud to host the 2026 SkillsUSA Ohio Northwest Regional Competitions on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.-2:30  p.m. .

The Apollo campus will welcome approximately 500 students representing 20 career-technical education centers and comprehensive high schools from across Northwest Ohio. A total of 33 skilled competitions will take place throughout the day, showcasing students’ talents in technical, leadership, and employability skill areas.

MEDIA RELEASE__The Putnam County Democrats will host our first annual county dinner on Thursday, March 19 at the Putnam County Event Center at the fairgrounds in Ottawa. 

The event will feature candidates running for state office.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per ticket.  Sign up online HERE.

Contact: [email protected]

The 2025 Fatal Crash Report DRAFT is available to read/view. The Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission would appreciate any public comment you would like to give.

Public comment will remain open until Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

PHOTO Noah Zimmerman

UPDATED 8:45 a.m. February 3

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Firefighters have responded to a blaze at Viva Maria Italian Restaurant in the 100 block of South Main St. on the afternoon of Monday, February 2.

The Hardin County dispatch center received a 911 call at about 1:45 p.m. Multiple fire departments joined the Ada-Liberty Fire Department in responding to the incident.

The following morning Fire Chief Jay Epley told the Icon that Main St. reopened at about 3:00 a.m. and that he would be meeting with the Ohio Fire Marshal for the investigation of how the fire started. Demolition work on the building is being planned.

He thanked the state and Village crews that put salt down to deal with frozen water from battling the fire.

Related power outages impacted some nearby businesses. AEP shows power outages have cleared.

Ada Icon readers shared photographs showing a major fire affecting both the restaurant and the Cask Room bar next door, which closed in December.

Ada Police Chief Alec Cooper told the Icon that no injuries had been reported but that the investigation was ongoing.

 FROM FACEBOOK__The Allen County Dog Warden's Office has announced:

Last day Saturday, January 31: If you still need dog licenses, we will be in Saturday 1/31/26, Dog Warden Office ONLY, 1165 Seriff Rd., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. . Cash or Check.

No increase, still $22.00 per dog. All dogs 3 months and over must be licensed per Ohio Revised Code.

Beginning February 1 renewals will be $44.00. Be sure to come in or have mail postmarked by January  31.

Ohioans reported 715 bald eagles, like this immature bald eagle, during a January count. 

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