A limited number of computers are available through a new program for income eligible (200 percent of federal poverty level) families in Huron County. "Some school-aged children are disadvantaged by not having computers at home to keep up with technology. This program will help about 130 families with up-to-date systems and age appropriate educational software" said Marla White, workforce development administrator.

Adrian Go, James Wert and Lindsey Gruden were judged the first-place winners in their respective age groups of the Norwalk Fraternal Order of Eagles God, Flag & Country oratory contest held last week. The contest was open to Norwalk city and parochial school students of parents who are member of the Maple City Aerie 711.

On March 19 and 20, the senior class at St. Paul High School participated in their senior retreat. It was an opportunity to look back on the past triumphs and challenges this group has experienced as a class and then look forward to their future beyond high school. I was lucky enough to be able to share this experience with the Class of 2007. In fact, each of our classes at Norwalk Catholic School Junior High and St. Paul High School, get the opportunity to experience a "retreat."

It's been a very rough few weeks for pet owners both locally and nationwide. Estimates from the Veterinary Information Network say tainted pet food has cost more than 100 animals their lives, with reports of more deaths expected to keep pouring in. The scare continues to chill the blood of pet owners, as they imagine having to make the tough choices that come when an animal is in suffering. A rat poison, which has likely caused kidney failure in more than 500 animals,somehow got into 95 name-brand "cuts and gavy" style pet foods, made by Menu Food of Ontario, Canada. The top pet food manufacturer in North America has no ideas how the poison got into its food but it is "continuing aggressively" to seek answers. Thus far, the company has accepted responsibility for the deaths of only 15 cats and one dog.

One of the several veterans of the American Revolution to settle on the Firelands was John Brooks, who died in Florence Township of Erie County in 1846. His grave can be seen there in the Cable Cemetery on Cable Road. His service record is long and impressive. He was in the continental army even before George Washington was given command in 1775, and served in the taking of Ticonderoga, Crown Point and Montreal. He was wounded in an "Indian battle near Beaver Creek," which I presume was in New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. He reported his last action as the taking of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Va. His service during these more than five years was in the 3rd New York Regiment, in which he had enlisted from his home at Neversink, N.Y.

WILLARD Twenty-three firefighters responded to a vacant house fire this morning on West Townline Road 131 directly across from the Huron County Transfer Station. "It was a known vagrant hangout," Huron River Joint Fire District Chief Ronald Stang said.

NEW LONDON The New London School Board accepted the resignation Wednesday of Bonnie Gregory, a 25-year veteran of the music department who is retiring. She currently runs the elementary music program. The board approved two-year contracts for Bus Maintenance Supervisor Dan Bailey, Technology Coordinator Marc Clendaniel, Intervention Specialist Jim Van Sickle, Food Service Supervisor Sherrill Stover and Elementary Principal Laura Dowdell. High School Principal Mary Lou Harris was given a one-year contract.

The Friends of the Norwalk Public Library will have their semi-annual book sale from April 9 to 14 at the library. "New items will be added each day since the space is limited in the meeting room," director Martin Haffey said, "so book lovers may want to visit several times during the week to see everything." "Donations of 'lightly used' books, CD music, DVD's, videocassettes, games, puzzles, PC hardware and software are welcomed. Patrons can bring donations to the library beginning March 31 until April 9. The following times are scheduled for the book sale: From 5 to 8:30 p.m. April 9 for Friends and library staff only pre-sale; from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 10 to 12; from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 13; and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14.

Melinda Doolittle emerged as Norwalk's early favorite in this year American Idol competition. She garnered a clear plurality of the votes, with 34 percent of respondents favoring her. Lakisha Jones was a distant second at 13 percent, closely followed by Jordin Sparks. Blake Lewis was fourth (9 percent); Gina Glocksen, fifth (7 percent); Haley Scarnato and Sanjaya Malakar tied in sixth (5 percent each); Chris Richardson, eighth (4 percent); and Phil Stacey brought up the rear with 3 percent.

The ship horn bellowed the opening notes of "When You Wish Upon a Star," signaling a confetti launch and the blaring of Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" on large speakers near the stage. Amid descending streamers of tissue paper, children and their camera-carrying parents flooded the dance area, where Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy and of course Mickey Mouse, decked out like sailors, greeted and grooved with passengers. Thus began the sail-away celebration party aboard Disney's Wonder the first major event of a three-night Bahamian cruise. There was no turning back now. The ship was moving.