OHIO NOTEBOOK: Ohio's 2017 fall hunting seasons just around the corner

ODNR

Ohio hunters are invited to enjoy early waterfowl seasons for Canada goose and teal that begin on Sept. 2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Hunters should check regulations for changes to rules, season dates and bag limits as the 2017 fall seasons begin. A summary of Ohio’s hunting and trapping regulations is available where licenses are sold, at ODNR Division of Wildlife offices and at wildohio.gov.

This year, squirrel, dove, rail, snipe and gallinule seasons open up the 2017 fall hunting season, which all begin on Friday, Sept. 1. Doves may be hunted sunrise to sunset, except for areas posted otherwise, from Friday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 5. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with a possession limit of 45 after the second day.

The early Canada goose and teal seasons begin on Saturday, Sept. 2. Canada geese may be hunted from sunrise to sunset Sept. 2-10 with a daily bag limit of five birds. Teal may be hunted from sunrise to sunset Sept. 2-17 with a daily bag limit of six birds. Possession limits after the second day for both teal and Canada geese are three times the daily bag limits.

Ohio’s popular archery season for deer begins later in the month on Saturday, Sept. 30, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Deer hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The statewide bag limit is six deer, and only one deer may be antlered regardless of location or method of take. Deer bag limits are determined by county, and hunters cannot exceed a county bag limit. Additional details about deer hunting rules are contained in the 2017-2018 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.

Farm Science Review to honor individuals in 28th Hall of Fame Class

LONDON, Ohio – The Farm Science Review will induct Stan Ernst and Louis McFarland into the 28th class of honorees for the Review’s Hall of Fame. Ernst and McFarland will join the 75 other individuals who have been recognized for their contribution to the Review since its inception 55 years ago.

The Farm Science Review, which will take place this year from Sept. 19-21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio, offers farmers and other visitors the opportunity to learn about the latest agricultural innovations from experts from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University.

Stan Ernst

Ernst has been a champion of the Review and The Ohio State University for 27 years, specifically of the educational efforts conducted by the college and Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of the college. He served as news and media relations coordinator, Extension outreach program manager, and specialty crop/food business program manager and marketing specialist during his tenure at Ohio State. The various positions and areas of responsibilities that fell under Ernst’s leadership provided him the opportunity to continually direct quality educational programming.

“This has helped shape and improve the standard of educational programming conducted by OSU Extension and others during the Review that continue to improve each year,” said Nick Zachrich, the Review’s manager.

For many years, Ernst led the program known as ‘Question the Authorities’ which still exists today as ‘Ask The Expert,’ where a variety of speakers discuss current topics in agriculture.

“Stan will be remembered by many as the ‘Question Guy’ for his years in planning ‘Question the Authorities,’ but his efforts go far beyond just this program,” Zachrich said.

On many occasions, Ernst, who now lives in State College, Pennsylvania, has stepped up to provide operational and physical support to the Review’s programs and projects.

“His passion for the agricultural industry and for providing important information to farmers and the rural community on agricultural economics and other current agricultural topics has benefited and enhanced the experience of Review visitors for many years,” said Zachrich.

Louis McFarland

The leadership and guidance provided by land improvement contractor McFarland over the past four decades has been instrumental in the construction of many educational and land improvement infrastructures at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center.

“Many of us take for granted the construction and installation of the projects under the leadership of Louis at the Review’s site,” said Zachrich.

Many field drainage improvements, pond construction, wetland construction and waterway construction have been led or assisted by McFarland and implemented under his thoughtful and watchful eye. These projects are located in various areas of the 2,100-square-foot facility including the Review exhibit area, farm fields including field demonstration areas, and the Gwynne Conservation Area.

“During a wet September, the quality of experience at the show is particularly enhanced for visitors and exhibitors alike because of the extensive drainage improvements Louis made to the Review’s site. Also, the ponds and wetland at the Gwynne are enjoyed by many and will be for years to come,” Zachrich said.

McFarland of Circleville has also been instrumental in the development of an annual Ohio Land Improvement Contractors Association (OLICA) field day held as a portion of the Review field demonstrations. The cropland and field demonstrations at the Review benefit from the drainage improvements that OLICA continues to make annually.

- Ohio State Extension

Columbus City Schools ready to empower more than ever before with start of new school year

Columbus City Schools will welcome nearly 52,000 students for the first day of classes and the official start of the 2017-2018 school year on Aug. 23. This year, Ohio's largest district is dedicated to empowering its students more than ever before.

"A strong start to a school year doesn’t just happen on its own. It relies upon the tireless efforts of so many teams across the entire District and throughout our community who have spent the last few months and these last several days working and preparing for the launch of another successful school year," said Dr. Dan Good, Superintendent/CEO.

Across the District, 3,051 classrooms are now ready to welcome students back to class.

Over the summer, the District's Operations team cleaned close to nine million square feet of facilities and replaced more than 6,600 square yards of carpet. Dozens of community organizations and parent groups have collected back-to-school supplies for our students and repainted, weeded, spruced up the playgrounds and lawns around several school buildings.

- Columbus City School District