HURON If you think soap operas can be fast and funny, check out "The Miser" and his kooky household currently on stage in McBride Auditorium at Firelands College Theatre. There are silly characters, elaborate costumes and fun wigs to boot. Situations are pleasantly ridiculous. Action moves briskly. And communications get wildly confusing as the production builds to a frenetic, comedic peak. "The Miser" was written by Jean Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673) who used the name Moliere to spare his family embarrassment in a time when theater was not considered a respectable profession. Besides being a playwright, Moliere was also an actor and a director. He wrote such scintillating satire that 33 of his plays still entertain audiences around the world today. In his day, Moliere was a favorite of King Louis XIV. Moliere excelled in domestic comedies which targeted hypocrisy. "The Miser" is no exception. Here the miser is Harpagon, a stingy, cantankerous old geezer who would rather have his fortune than his children. Anthony Gardner plays him well. His slender build and long, narrow face help to sell the look. Age makeup isn't bad but could be even stronger and should include both neck and hands. Gardner's voice and expressions work very well. Yet posture and movement could be more aged. Wild eyed bewilderment and frantic movements escalate nicely. All things considered, he's a very funny miser.

Last weekend marked the annual conference of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio, an event held this year at Hueston Woods State Park in southwestern Ohio. It was a good event attended by some fine newspaper and magazine folks, but more important the weekend drew people who have a serious interest in the out-of-doors and were willing to pass their expertise on to my readers. One such person was Rod White of Mt Pleasant, Iowa. White has been a pro archer for 14 years, a man good enough to shoot in events like Buckmasters and ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. He won an Olympic gold medal for archery in 1996 and a bronze in Australia in 2000. In short, this man knows his business. He's also a hunter, one who's bagged 27 whitetails that tallied from 130 to 190 points in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. So, what's his advice for beginning Huron County archers who want to bag a deer with a bow?

Two 14-year-old Norwalk High School students have been formally charged in connection with pulling a fire alarm Tuesday afternoon. The two boys, from Grand Avenue and Bouscay Avenue, each are charged with one count of inducing panic. Witnesses told authorities they saw the suspects fleeing the school and running north through the soccer field after reportedly tripping the alarm near the gymnasium doors. Officials evacuated the school for about 10 minutes. NHS Assistant Principal Brad Cooley checked the school, but didn't find any signs of a fire.

Puzzles recalled Small World of Culver City, Calif. is recalling "Sounds on the Farm" puzzle and "Sounds on the Go" puzzle sold nationwide until February 2007. The knobs on the recalled puzzle pieces can come off, posing a choking hazard. The recalled involves two separate wooden-knobbed puzzles that make sounds. "Sounds on the Farm" and "Sounds on the Go" puzzles were sold under the Puzzibilities and Ryan's Room brands. "Sounds on the Farm" or "Sounds on the Go" is printed on the top left of the puzzle boards. "2003 Small World Toys" and the number 24101 or 24102 are printed at the bottom of the puzzles boards.

WILLARD POLICE The April 9-11 Willard Police Department blotter had the following highlights: April 9 A West Walton Avenue resident accused a male juvenile suspect of using a stolen check. The boy was arrested and charged with using a stolen check he found in a garbage can.

The Norwalk man accused of murdering his girlfriend's 10-month-old son "has a history of domestic violence and aggravated menacing," authorities said. Jeffrey A. Resor, 26, of 33 E Bouscay Ave., was indicted Friday on one count of murder, one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of child endangering.

Week of April 23 to April 27 (All meals served with milk)

Beginning April 30 until May 4, students in the Norwalk City School District and across the state of Ohio will be taking the Ohio Achievement Tests. It is important that all students be in attendance during this week. Please refrain from taking your child out of school or planning a family vacation during this time. Tests will be given to students in grades three through eight.

MILAN A Milan man is serving a 10-day jail sentence after being arrested late Thursday night after he pulled into his own driveway. Jeremy F. Meade, 33, of 53 Bond St., was arrested on a Norwalk Municipal Court warrant and charged with contempt of court for failing to show proof of counseling. Milan Police Sgt. Bob Meister made the arrest about 11 p.m.