Today’s News Briefs – May 25, 2012

Skill -a-Thon Thursday, May 31

The 2012 Skill-a-Thon will be held from 2-5 p.m. Thursday, May 31 at the OSU Extension Building. All junior fair members (FFA and 4-H) must complete a Skill-a-Thon for each animal project that he/she exhibits at the county fair. Members who have not completed this requirement will not be permitted to bring their animal to the county fair.

Members must bring their completed record book for their interview. This year, members will need to know the parts and breeds of each animal species and, new in 2012, Medication Label (received at QA) they plan to exhibit at the 2012 Paulding County Fair. The study guide is available online and also received at QA. There are color copies of the breeds for poultry, rabbits, beef and horse available at the Extension office to purchase for 50 cents.

Gulf War era vets need to apply for Ohio Veterans Bonus

COLUMBUS – The clock is ticking for veterans of the Persian Gulf War era – they’ve got to get their applications in by Dec, 31, 2013, to be able to receive the Ohio Veterans Bonus.

Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved the Ohio Veterans Bonus in November 2009, and the law implementing it specified that the bonus for Persian Gulf War era veterans would only be in effect until Dec. 31, 2013. Even though the date is more than 18 months away, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services is encouraging veterans of that era not to delay.

Based on estimates from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services believes roughly 75,000 Ohio-resident Persian Gulf War era are eligible. So far, a total of 8,174 of these veterans have received the bonus.

Veterans of the Persian Gulf War era as well as the eras of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are eligible, as well as the next of kin of those killed in action. The bonus is not subject to federal or state taxes, and can be used for any purpose.

Veterans needing more information or who want to apply can call toll-free to 1-877-OHIO VET (1-877-644-6838) option 2, visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov, or visit any county veterans service office (see www.dvs.ohio.gov for an interactive map of the county offices). The department also provides information about the bonus through its social media.

Ohio EPA conducting water quality study of Maumee River

Ohio EPA staff will begin a major water quality study of the Maumee River mainstem this summer. The land draining to the Maumee River is one of the largest watersheds in Ohio, spanning 4,820 square miles and covering all or parts of 20 counties in northwest Ohio.

The study will focus on the full length of the Maumee River, from the Indiana state line to Lake Erie and will include portions of two major Maumee tributary streams, the Auglaize and Tiffin rivers. The field work is the first step in a federally required study called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL is the maximum amount of pollutants a water body can receive on a daily basis without violating water quality standards.

Ohio EPA staff will collect water samples and fish and macroinvertebrate species from June through mid-October. The physical, biological and chemical data will help determine water quality problems in the rivers and develop options for improving resource quality in degraded areas.

Ohio EPA will share results of the study with communities in the watershed. The Agency relies on community input to develop watershed improvement plans. A number of public meetings will be held during the watershed plan-writing process.

Ohio EPA employees carry a photo ID and will request permission from private landowners if access to their property is needed.

For more information, contact Ohio EPA’s Public Interest Center at 614-644-2160 or go to www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/tmdl/monitoring_MaumeeRiver.aspx.

Peony Festival garage/craft sale

VAN WERT – It will soon be time for the Peony Garage/Craft Sale at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Thursday, May 31 to Saturday, June 2. There will he some new faces this year, namely Simply Country, who has simple country goods and treasures for the home and garden, and the Paris Flea Market, which features whimsical and functional small vintage furniture and decor. Look for old favorites, including First United Brethren in Christ Church with their delicious caramel corn and other baked goods and “treasures that you just can’t live without.”

The sale begins at 9 a.m. all three days and there is still space available for rent. For further information, please call Ann Marshall at 419-238-4551 or 419-203-7476.

Would you drive a mile to save a life? ACS to hold training for volunteer drivers June 6

The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers who are willing to save lives by driving a few miles. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is coming to Paulding County, with your help.

The Road to Recovery program needs volunteers who are willing to give a few hours of their time to provide FREE transportation for cancer patients to and from their treatments. Volunteers only need to have a reliable vehicle, current driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and attend a FREE Road to Recovery training. Training for this program is simple, easy and FREE and only requires a few hours of your time. Volunteer drivers make a big difference in a cancer patient’s life by providing them with access to life saving procedures and treatments.

Want to volunteer to become a driver? Attend the next Road to Recovery training. The next training is on Wednesday, June 6 from noon-1 p.m. at the Paulding County Hospital’s Education Room. There is no fee to attend, but registration is requested. To register, call 1-888-227-6446 ext. 5104.