8:15 PM Jul 24, 2010

Don't give away pets

Recently a story made the headlines about a dog that was used at the Cleveland Clinic by a neurosurgeon to demonstrate a piece of equipment to a group of salespeople. The large mixed breed dog suffered from a deliberately induced brain aneurysm. It was later destroyed because of the damage caused by the aneurysm. Did you ever wonder how animals for such testing are obtained? Many times it is from "Free To Good Home" ads in the newspaper. Now I am in no way saying that the dog in this situation was obtained in this manner or that the Cleveland Clinic employs such practices to get animals for their testing lab. However, many of the animals used for testing are obtained by people who respond to such ads. These people are called "Bunchers." These people gather free pets until they have enough for a trip to a Class B Dealer who is licensed by the USDA to sell animals from "random sources" for research. The Buncher may only get $25 a head for former pets, while a dealer can get between $100 to $450 per pet. The Class B dealer probably already has a contract with certain facilities, and will transport them to other areas within a state, even out of state.
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8:14 PM Jul 24, 2010

FIRELANDS OUTDOOR NOTEBOOK

The next weeks are going to be slow ones for hunters. Little to hunt and only rare sportsmen shows to get one out of the house. There's an answer, though, one that takes you outside, offers some excitement, and improves your shooting. That's spending a few hours on those long weekends practicing your aim with trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting. Trap shooting is the easiest. To do it, you'll move from one station to the next with a trap throwing machine in the middle, take aim, yell "Pull," and make your shot at a clay bird that goes out either straight ahead, or angles left or right. It's fairly predictable, but still good practice, reminding shooters to aim above rising birds and lead those going left or right. You can make the sport even better by buying a box of clay pigeons and a hand trap at a local sporting goods store, going out to a favorite farm where you have permission, and throwing your own. Start out pitching the easy ones, just ahead or a little left or right, then gradually make them tougher, throwing grass cutters, high risers, and some sharp to one side. It simulates the live birds better and is excellent practice.
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8:14 PM Jul 24, 2010

Talking dictionary puts 'fun' in fundamentals

Television shows such as Sesame Street are great for teaching language skills to young children. For example, the Muppet character 'Elmo' makes learning fun by acting like a young child and asking basic questions that children may have themselves. At some point, though, parents need to offer more challenging learning tools to ensure their children are reading at an age-appropriate level. The educational experts at Franklin Electronic Publishers have a new language learning tool which they say puts the "fun" in fundamentals. The Talking Spanish-English Dictionary is a handheld language teaching device designed for beginners that can help improve their reading, writing and understanding of Spanish or English. Inside this pocket-sized handheld device is instant access to more than 10,000 vocabulary words. And, they will be able to hear these words pronounced at the touch of a key. Other features include a verb conjugation and pronunciation guide, five games (hangman, gender tutor, jumble, word train and flash cards) and a flip cover to protect the screen and keypad. The device requires four AAA batteries, which are not included.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Families with small children find 'super' party alternative

SANDUSKY Super Bowl parties are less about the game and more about the food, folks and fun. The NFL's big game gives people a chance to get together and enjoy snacks, play games and laugh at the $2 million commercials while watching a minute or two of the actual competition on the field. In our circle of friends, the couple most recently married typically would host the affair. We took our turn 10 years ago, in January 1997. But seven Super Bowl parties later, it appeared the tradition would die. Most of those couples had grown into multiple-children families, and it became impossible to play games or enjoy casual conversation while relaxing in front of the TV. One or both parents had to spend a lot of their time monitoring the children, most of whom were preschool age. There were bumps and bruises, spills, sharing issues, broken toys, and a general trashing of rooms. While everyone pitched in to clean up at the night's end, I for one was glad we hadn't hosted that gathering. So last year we tried something different. We were one of five families who took advantage of Castaway Bay's "Island Evenings" waterpark passes.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

FFA news

South Central FFA GREENWICH Soil teams from this group competed recently at districts. The rural judging team examined soil pits for drainage, erosion, depth of soil and soil slope. Once the information from the pits were tallied, the members evaluated the soil for farming and conservation practices. The rural judging team consisted of Scott Chandler, Kevin Poth, Maggie Bacon, Kenneth Claggett, Abby Hord, Chris Morgan, Frank Gannett, Jay Schwanger, Emily Krikke, and Joe Pennell. They placed second in Districts and Abby Hord, Joe Pennell, Jay Schwanger and Chris Morgan moved on to the State Soils Career Development Event. The team placed 38th in the state. The urban judging team consisted of Olivia Miller, Stephanie Spoerr, Robert Gannett, Jared Chandler, Ryan Collier, Tyler Stephens, Josh Kirk, Garrett Verburg, and Lance Isaac. They placed seventh at districts.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

4-H news

Ridgefield Country Kids The third meeting of this club was held at Mr. Bauer's house. Election of officers was held with the following being elected: President Megan Salmons; vice president Emily Mc Killips; secretary Katelyn Stahl; treasurer Sydney Kramer; reporter Makayla Roth; health Justin Roth; recreation: Nicholas Loyer; safety Andrew Smith. The club members decided to put together care packages for the soldiers. Club members decided on their yearly 4-H dues and to give money to the county 4-H program to help defray county budget crunches. The next meeting will be Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Web site trouble plagues agency

We are very pleased to announce that the restrictions on the use of the various USDA program Web sites have been lifted. However, this does not mean that our problems are over. The restrictions were lifted due to the fact that the limited access of the Web, by the entire country, has not provided any answers to what is causing the issues. For this reason we can again schedule appointments throughout the day, not just the morning hours. If we have scheduled you an appointment but find we are having trouble accessing the Web sites that day we will try to contact you and reschedule your appointment before you make the trip to the office. If you want to be sure we are up and running, feel free to give us a call before you come in for your appointment. Here are some agri-business notes from the Huron and Erie County Farm Service Agency:
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Cattlemen banquet slated for March 6

PERU Members of the Huron County Cattlemen would like to invite friends, neighbors and business supporters to the 55th annual beef banquet. The Swiss steak dinner and banquet will be take place at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at St. Alphonsus Church Hall, south of Norwalk. Guest speaker Dr. Jep Hostetler is sure to brighten your evening with a few laughs and a little magic. Hostetler is one of the most sought speakers in the Midwest. The Huron County Cattlemen are a group of individuals making sure that North Central Ohio and America is being provided with the highest quality beef and beef products. In addition to the banquet the Huron County Cattlemen are active in state activities, sponsor livestock show awards and provide scholarships for rural students.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

LIFELINES

"Why I Am a Sinner" I am a sinner. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be humble or dramatic. Just stating a fact. But how did I get to be this way? First of all, I come by it naturally. It runs in my family. My parents were two of the finest people I've ever known. But, as every child eventually discovers, "nobody's perfect." Mom could be quite critical; Dad was often impatient. They had a few fights that were downright scary. Several of my relatives had problems misusing alcohol or drugs and at least one cousin spent time in prison.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Church news

N.L. First Baptist NEW LONDON This church, located at 432 Park Ave., is hosting a sweet fellowship banquet beginning at 5 p.m. today. Tickets are available at the church and from Eloise Hamilton at (419) 929-6843. N.L. United Methodist NEW LONDON The public is invited to soup and sandwich suppers from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at the church at 58 E. Main St. There is no charge.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

College News

Tyler Walter of Norwalk has qualified for the dean's list at Grove City College. Tyler, the son of Christopher and Ann Walter of Norwalk, is majoring in English and is a 2005 graduate of Norwalk High School. The following students are members of the Young Democrats at Ashland University: Courtney Asmondy of Greenwich, who is the daughter or Joseph and Nancy Asmondy and is majoring in middle grades education, and Laureen Thompson of Greenwich, who is the daughter of Gayle MacRon and Douglas Thompson and is majoring in political science. Drake P. Toney has been named to the dean's list at Ohio University for the fall quarter 2006 with a grade-point average of 3.8213.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Save your ash or kiss it goodbye|Free emerald ash borer workshop offered at Kingwood Center

MANSFIELD If you haven't heard of the emerald ash borer, you soon will. It will kill every ash tree in Richland County when it gets here. Kingwood Center, in conjunction with OSU Extension-Richland County, is sponsoring an informational workshop on the insect from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Kingwood Center Meeting Hall. The event is free. Lucy Hunt, from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, will talk about what this pest does, where it is now, and the regulatory issues surrounding it. Amy Stone, from OSU Extension-Toledo, has been battling this pest since it was first found in the Toledo area four years ago. She will share her experiences with it and talk about options for the homeowner with ash trees.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Boy admits to theft, burglary at Cold as Ice

A 17-year-old Norwalk boy admitted Friday to burglarizing Cold as Ice while intoxicated. The former Monroeville resident told Huron County Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Cardwell he went to an unlocked North Street garage between Dec. 19 and 20 and, within two hours, drank the seven to eight beers he stole. He said he next went to the closed drive-thru and broke a garage door window using a brick he found in a nearby yard. Huron County Juvenile Prosecutor Jennifer DeLand estimated the suspect stole $5,100 worth of merchandise. The boy admitted he took between $300 and $400 in cash, several packets of lottery tickets and put 20 cigarette cartons and packs into two plastic bags he brought with him as well as his pants pockets.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Real estate transactions

MUNICIPALITIES Bellevue Federal National Mortgage Association to David W. and Mary Lyn S. Freitag, 156 Sinclair St., $26,000. Marvin E. and Maria D. Barnard to Amber B. Schmidt and Kay T. Harper or survivor, 137 Harkness St., $90,000.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

CORRECTION

An editorial in Friday's paper concerning Willard's proposed income tax increase contained two numerical errors. In November, voters rejected a two-year income tax increase of .25 percent that would have helped pay for road repairs and increased fire and police forces. The city will put a five-year, 0.125 increase proposal on the ballot in May that will pay for police service.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Bald eagles in Ohio begin incubating eggs

OAK HARBOR Ohio's bald eagle nesting season is underway with at least three eagle pairs already incubating eggs, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. An eagle pair in Huron County began sitting on eggs Jan. 29. Other pairs in Ottawa and Ashtabula counties began incubation in recent days. Wildlife biologists anticipate the Huron County eggs will hatch sometime on or about March 5. During the recently completed mid-winter survey of bald eagles, biologists observed birds in 53 of the state's 88 counties, with most noted along the western shore of Lake Erie. However, eagles are continuing to expand their range around the state, establishing nesting territories in central and southern Ohio. "Bald eagles continue to do well in Ohio," said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife. "We are looking forward to another productive nesting season." Ohio's bald eagle population grew from only four nesting pairs along the southwestern Lake Erie shore 27 years ago, to a record 150 eagle nests in 2006. Those nests produced 206 young.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

AGRI-BUSINESS NEWS AND NOTES

Bill Lund was re-elected to a three-year term for the Huron Soil and Water Conservation District at the 61st annual meeting and banquet. He was sworn into office by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Robert R. Cupp during the 64th Annual Meeting of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (O.F.S.W.C.D.) held Jan. 16 and 17 in Columbus. Bill joins other incumbent board members Bob Johannsen, Dan Stevens, Don Sweeting and Gerald Martin in administering the Huron S.W.C.D.'s natural resource conservation programs. At their regular January board meeting, the Huron S.W.C.D. board of supervisors reorganized. Bob Johannsen and Don Sweeting switched offices, with Johannsen becoming chairman and Sweeting secretary. Bill Lund, Gerald Martin, and Dan Stevens retained their seats as treasurer, special projects and vice chairman, respectively.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

N.L. man accused of stealing mother's computer

NEW LONDON A New London man has been charged with burglarizing his mother's home and is accused of stealing her computer. Kyle S. Puder, 24, of 145 High St., has been in custody at the Huron County Jail on burglary, a third-degree felony, since Tuesday unable to post a $10,000 bond. If convicted, he faces one to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. The suspect admitted to the offense during an interview with authorities. "He said he needed money," New London Police Chief Mark Holden said. Shortly after agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation processed the victim's home Monday night, the Elyria Police Department stopped Puder in connection with various traffic violations.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

BLAST FROM THE PAST

FEB. 17, 1934 The top stories in the Norwalk Reflector-Herald on this date 73 years ago: Daniel Morgan will address McKinley Club
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

More women over 40 risking pregnancy, succeeding

High-risk pregnancies are on the rise in the United States and may be more common now than at any other time since modern obstetric care became available. Why? More fortysomething moms are having babies, and epidemics of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are causing pregnancy and birth complications. In this otherwise troubling trend is also some good news: A small but growing number of women are successfully having children despite life-threatening conditions that once made a safe pregnancy almost inconceivable. Exact numbers are not available, but doctors say that tens of thousands of organ transplant recipients, breast cancer survivors, women with heart defects, and even women with the AIDS virus have decided to risk childbearing in the last several years.
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8:13 PM Jul 24, 2010

Roughriders holds off Flyers to gain Firelands Conference win

Western Reserve survived a scoreless stretch of almost nine minutes through most of the third quarter and into the early fourth period last night, to post a 54-47 Firelands Conference win over St. Paul. The win keeps the Roughriders in contention for the league title. They take an 11-2 league record, and a 14-5 overall mark against invading Crestview Friday. They will be cheering for St. Paul that night, as the Flyers travel to Plymouth, to take on the current league leader. Plymouth has a one-game lead. Western could survive that long scoring drought, because of a huge 32-15 lead at halftime. With John Pickett scoring seven points and Adam Daniels five, the Riders took a 19-8 lead after eight minutes. Seth Todd hit five points in the second stanza. It was a different St. Paul team which came out for the second half.
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