Drainage advisory commission finalizes report
Rural drainage systems are a too often forgotten and failing infrastructure. The situation leaves Ohio’s agricultural producers, rural residents and communities, as well as our economy and environment at risk. This was the conclusion of a broad based group that tackled rural drainage issues with its report that was recently presented at the 65th annual meeting of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts ( OFSWCD ). In late 2005, both the Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the OFSWCD recognized that they were among the entities that had allowed rural drainage to become a “forgotten” infrastructure. The division had lost the capital improvements funding for projects that had been appropriated in the ’70s and ’80s. The United States Department of Agriculture eliminated most financial support for drainage projects and the focus was shifted to Farm Bill conservation practices and Ohio’s agriculture pollution abatement programs.
» Full StoryDon’t let butterflies flutter by your garden
A few years ago, a friend and I were on a garden tour in Ontario, Canada, and we made a stop at the butterfly conservatory at Niagara Falls.
» Full StoryWho says a little hard work never hurt anyone?
I threw out my back mowing the lawn last week, which proves a point — a little hard work really will hurt you.
One of my dad’s favorite sayings — and believe me, we kids heard it a lot! — was ‘‘A little hard work never killed anyone.
Dealing with that dreaded topic: Is Santa real?
I think it’s fitting that today, exactly four months before Christmas Eve, I relay a little holiday-themed anecdote from Casa Kimerer to you all.
» Full StorySummer tradition in Warren
Before I get started on this week’s topic, I have to use some space for a clarification, because apparently I ruffled some family feathers.
» Full StoryActivists antagonize
Animal rights activists in this country continue to use many different approaches trying to prevent us from having an important source of food — milk and dairy products, meat, eggs and poultry.
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