Students file off buses as the Upper Scioto Valley School District was the first in Hardin County to start classes for the 2015-16 school year today. Kenton City Schools will return students for classes on Monday.

In 1890, a group of 19 Kenton residents got together to create a local Elks lodge. In the 125 years that followed, Lodge 157 has gone from a local gathering spot to a chapter known by members of the Elks throughout the nation.

First-year head band director Travis Wissman is aiming to instill a strong sense of respect, integrity and pride to the Kenton High School band. Wissman spent the previous two years as an assistant band director at the school where he got the opportunity to know the students, making for an easy transition.

Memories of youth are being sparked at the Hardin Hills Health and Rehab Center through the use of music. Over the last three weeks, residents at the Kenton facility have been moved to tears and laughter as they listen to the music they loved when they were younger.

Toby Flaget thought he was at the end of his road. All he had known was being a Marine and police officer, but with both of those worlds taken from him, in his eyes, there was no reason to continue living. Tears ran down his cheeks as he held the barrel of a gun in his mouth.

Welcoming what may be its largest incoming group of teachers in school history, Kenton City Schools has taken a new approach to make sure they are prepared when classes begin Aug. 17. Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski said they call it “Boot Camp.”

Seventh and eighth graders in Kenton Middle School’s Dimensions show choir will be “dreaming big” this year. “Dream Big” is the theme for the 2015-16 Dimensions show. The director is Todd Daquino.

ADA — The population of Ada will double this weekend with visitors coming from throughout the area to War Memorial Park for the 102nd annual Farmers and Merchants Picnic. President Bernie Mackey said between 4,000 and 5,000 people normally attend the event and with nearly perfect weather expected, he is predicting a capacity crowd.