- Master Gardener Volunteers. Our first backyard contained one Bradford Pear (later destroyed in a storm) and a topped white pine. Over 25 years we added trees, shrubs, perennials, a pergola, and two water features. Leaving the now shaded, full yard made my heart stop for a moment. After digging a few perennials to share at the PCMGV plant sale and telling the new owners to call with any questions, we moved on from our first home.
- Letter to the editor. The citizens of Portage County are struggling with their energy utility bills. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Banning solar and wind farms is not the answer.
- Letter to the editor. I wish to express my deep concern regarding the increased possibility of building a “data center” on the Geiss development property (Turnpike Commerce Center). I verbally expressed my concern at a meeting last year and I now wish to express formally.
- Op-Ed Contributor. Back in the fall I was conducting my annual harvest survey in which I drive down as many backroads as possible throughout Portage County and scout soybean fields for current weed pressure before the beans are harvested.
- Letter to the editor. Either we are going to ban commercial scale renewable projects in much of Portage County, or not. I would urge the county commissioners to take a more measured approach. Do not ban these projects out of hand, take the time and effort to investigate the possibilities and develop a plan.
- Laura Nethken. At 13 1/2, our Beagle Boy Cletus is starting to show some signs of slowing down. He's still got a voracious appetite and a high demand for a constant supply of chewsticks and fancy treats. But we're better off to just hand the treats to him.
- Julie Watson. There are many indications that spring is almost here in Portage County. Not only have we had wonderfully warm weather lately, but crocuses, harbinger of spring, and skunk cabbage are blooming. Animals are shedding their heavy winter coats. Winged travelers are returning from southern climes and building or repairing nests. Spring is definitely close.
- Nicole Sweet. The New Hope Baptist Church will be providing free hot lunches for Windham students during spring break. Kids and teens 18 and under are invited to stop in and have lunch.
- Jackie Loreta-Rinearson. The Sip n Shop on Main Street committee was very busy this past month. The artisans are about half full, so get your application in soon.
- Kathy Baker. Our country — as well as the rest of the world — is in great disarray these days. It can be difficult for us to breathe, to stay focused, to find peace in our hearts. So, I am determined to give you a brief vacation from all that. When I say brief: this mini-vacation may last only as long as it takes you to read this. Or maybe you can make it last a bit longer.
- Sandy Engle. On March 21, five visionary farmers will be presenting at the “Spring Into Health” event at the Randolph Community Center, located at 1657 State Route 44. This event is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of farmers and gardeners, and the intention is to instill hope and provide workable solutions.
- Op-Ed Contributor. The short answer to the title question is: It depends. If that doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, please read on.
- Master Gardener Volunteers. The solution to many plant problems begins in the soil. The soil your plants grow in is a living system made up of organic matter, minerals, water, air, and billions of microbes. Understanding soil and promoting soil health is one of the most effective ways to keep plants healthy and maximize your harvest.
- Ruth Ann Bartholomew. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance at the Charlestown Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday March 28 at the township park. The egg hunt will begin at 1 p.m.
- Mary Louise Ruehr. Much of our discourse today is about the Epstein Files and the abuse of minors. I turned to several memoirs to learn the facts from actual victims. Caution: There’s no fiction here.
- Master Gardener Volunteers. Planting seeds, indoors or outdoors, creates the right environment for dormancy to break and new life to begin. Watching a seed sprout feels like magic. Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding, inexpensive way to grow hundreds of healthy transplants and get a head start on the gardening season.
- Tom Hardesty. When I heard the news earlier this week that Lou Holtz had passed away at the age of 89, my mind immediately drifted back to a spring evening 32 years ago.
- Laura Nethken. I always have a plan, no matter what we're talking about: yard sale shopping, grocery shopping, paying bills, even losing weight. I want to get into better shape. I'm going to try to do in my 60s what I haven't been able to do my entire life— get rid of these "thunder thighs" as my brothers so aptly named them.