Adams County Community Foundation

09/30/2026

🪨 A Rare Find in Adams County

Sometimes, history in Adams County goes back much further than we realize — in this case, hundreds of millions of years.

This newspaper clipping tells the remarkable story of R. Mack Hines of Bentonville, who discovered an unusually large Tetradium coral fossil in Lick Fork along Route 41 north of West Union.

The fossil measured an impressive 23 inches at its widest point, 16 inches at its narrowest, three inches thick and weighed approximately 70 pounds. Tetradium coral once formed large reef colonies in the ancient waters that covered this region. While smaller pieces could be found locally, a specimen of this size was considered an exceptionally rare discovery in Adams County.

Hines contacted experts to learn more about his find, with information eventually reaching Wittenberg University, the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History and Miami University. According to the newspaper account, a Miami University professor described finding such a specimen in Adams County as “a very unusual find.”

The story is also a reminder of the extraordinary history beneath our feet. The rocks, creek beds and hillsides of Adams County preserve evidence of a world that existed here hundreds of millions of years before our own.

📸 Historic photograph restored and colorized to help bring this piece of Adams County history to life.

09/28/2026

📻🍳 When the Microwave Came to West Union!

Today, a microwave is such an ordinary part of the kitchen that it is difficult to imagine a time when people gathered to watch one work. But in 1969, a microwave oven was something worth demonstrating.

This newspaper clipping advertised a special demonstration at Mosier Furniture Company in West Union, where Mr. Mosier and Carol Kotowich, Home Economist for Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric, introduced local residents to a portable microwave oven and what the newspaper described as an “entirely different technique in food preparations.”

The demonstration ran throughout the day, and visitors could even enjoy lunch and dinner prepared as part of the event. Imagine seeing food cooked in a microwave for the very first time!

Clippings like this offer a wonderful window into everyday life in Adams County. History isn't only found in major events — it's also in our businesses, changing technology, family traditions and the things that once seemed brand new.

Does anyone remember Mosier Furniture Company? Better yet, do you remember when your family bought its first microwave? Tell us about it in the comments!

📸 Original 1969 newspaper photograph colorized to help bring this moment in Adams County history to life.

09/28/2026

The Adams County Community Foundation is pleased to support West Union Elementary School’s “Surprise Attendance” celebration days. These unannounced moments of fun are designed to recognize students for being at school and encourage strong attendance throughout the year.

The grant for the West Union Elementary was provided by the Sue Fristoe McGovney Giving Back Fund at the Adams County Community Foundation.

09/24/2026

Grant #75: Stronger nonprofits. Stronger communities.

The Adams County Community Foundation is proud to support the Adams County OH Chamber of Commerce's Nonprofit Bootcamp, a three-part training series created to strengthen the nonprofit organizations serving Adams County.

📅 October 8, 15 & 22
⏰ 5:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 Adams County Training and Business Center | West Union

Across three evenings, nonprofit leaders, board members, staff and volunteers will hear from local experts and gain practical guidance they can put to work in their organizations. Topics will include board governance, bylaws, 501(c)(3) requirements, financial oversight, compliance, fundraising, marketing, volunteer engagement and more.

Our community depends on nonprofits of all sizes — from organizations providing essential services to groups supporting our schools, arts, youth, families and community initiatives. Helping these organizations build stronger boards, improve their operations and better understand their responsibilities strengthens Adams County as a whole.

That’s why the Adams County Community Foundation is pleased to invest in opportunities like Nonprofit Bootcamp. When we strengthen the organizations doing important work across Adams County, we strengthen the community they serve.

Interested in attending? Visit the Adams County Chamber of Commerce website or call 937-217-7596 for registration information.

09/23/2026

🐢 A Big Catch on Brush Creek!

Here’s a fascinating glimpse into Adams County’s past — and one catch that was certainly worthy of a newspaper headline!

In July 1969, Roscoe Littleton was photographed with this enormous 40-pound snapping turtle, which he pulled from Brush Creek. According to the original newspaper clipping, Littleton said it was the largest freshwater turtle of its kind he had ever caught or seen.

Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story? He grabbed it with his hand! Jim Lewis assisted Littleton with the catch.

More than half a century later, photographs and newspaper clippings like this preserve the everyday stories that make Adams County history so interesting. They capture the people, places and moments that might otherwise be forgotten — and help connect today's generation with those who came before us.

📸 Original photograph colorized to help bring this piece of Adams County history to life.

09/21/2026

⚾ From West Union to Professional Baseball

Adams County has a long history of people whose talents have taken them far beyond our county lines — and Dave Tomlin is one of those stories.

This newspaper clipping captures an early chapter in Tomlin’s baseball career, when the West Union native and son of Mr. and Mrs. Thurman Tomlin was selected by the Cincinnati Reds to join the Winter Instructional League in Bradenton, Florida.

At the time, Tomlin was pitching in the Reds’ minor league system and had compiled an impressive 5–1 record with a 2.86 ERA in 23 appearances. The article noted that a strong performance could earn him an invitation to spring training.

It did — and his story was only beginning.

Tomlin would go on to pitch in Major League Baseball, turning a dream that began here in Adams County into a professional baseball career.

Stories like this are an important part of our community’s history. They remind us of the people, families and experiences that have shaped Adams County across generations.

Do you remember watching Dave Tomlin play or have a story, photograph or piece of Adams County history to share? We’d love to hear it in the comments.

09/07/2026

Today, we honor the dedication, hard work, and resilience of the people who make our community strong. From small business owners and healthcare workers to educators, farmers, and every hand that helps build Adams County’s future—your efforts make a lasting difference.

As we celebrate this day, we are reminded that progress and growth are made possible through the commitment of our local workforce. Thank you for all you do to strengthen our community.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day! 🌟

09/04/2026

08/27/2026

🎓 Congratulations to all 67 outstanding scholarship recipients for the 2025/2026 academic year!

The Adams County Community Foundation is proud to celebrate the achievements, hard work, and bright futures of students across Adams County.

Pictured are this year’s scholarship recipients:

🔵 Gavin Hamilton, a graduate of Adams County Christian School, plans to attend Southern State Community College to pursue certification in the Aviation/Aircraft Mechanic program.

🟢 Gracelyn Spires, a graduate of West Union High School, will be a junior at Miami University, majoring in Education. This marks Gracelyn’s third scholarship from the Adams County Community Foundation!

🔵 Hannah Hester, a graduate of North Adams High School, plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University, where she will major in Communication Sciences and Disorders with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

🟢 Hayden Browning, a graduate of Peebles High School, plans to attend Shawnee State University, where he will major in Education.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our donors and scholarship fund creators who continue to invest in the future of local students. Thank you for helping make educational opportunities possible for the next generation!

08/25/2026

🎨 Art Meets Innovation in Adams County!

The Adams County Community Foundation is proud to support new technology that will help bring more public art to our community!

Through Foundation support, the Adams County Arts Council has purchased technology that allows artists to turn digital designs into large-scale murals. The first project will be a new mural at Peebles Monument Company, with opportunities for the community to help bring it to life.

We’re excited to see creativity, technology, and community come together!

Read the full story:
https://accfo.org/adams-county-community-foundation-supports-new-technology-for-community-murals/