SALEM, Ohio — The Stark Soil and Water Conservation District is supposed to have a director and at least six permanent employees. As of April 22, it has none. The government agency’s website lists only an interim director. Former district workers say a toxic work environment marked by harassment and retaliation fostered by former district director John Weedon drove them away. Weedon resigned in March under a cloud of accusations. His former subordinates say he gave workers overwhelming workloads and lashed out at anyone who reported his behavior. Adrienne Bock, an outreach technician for the d ..read more

As I sit typing this, a small, white, nondescript butterfly is on the wing throughout pristine woodland habitats across areas of the northeastern United States. For a brief window of time, usually falling somewhere between late March and mid-May (depending on temperatures), the West Virginia white (Pieris virginiensis) makes its tiny mark upon the world. Emerging The venation and yellow mark on this West Virginia white butterfly’s wings indicate it recently emerged. (Tami Gingrich photo) So fleeting is this butterfly that most people fail to even notice it, much less recognize its existence. A ..read more

SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. — Cassell Angus Farm has been home to Angus cattle for more than 50 years. Arthur Cassell of Mount Vernon, Ohio, became a member of the American Angus Association in 1974, marking the start of 50 continuous years of Angus cattle production. Angus cattle had been grazing the pastures of Cassell Angus Farm since 1909, so for Cassell, the fifth generation to own the farm, it was the obvious choice of breed. Cassell’s extensive use of artificial insemination and embryo transfer over the years improved the genetics of the herd. Today, AI breeding is the only form of breeding used ..read more

AKRON, Ohio — Summit Soil and Water Conservation District is taking nominations for its 2024 Big Tree Contest. The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) was chosen as the tree for this year. American sycamore trees are easily identified by their height and distinct white bark. Also known as sycamore or American planetree, this tree easily reaches heights of 80 feet tall and 60 feet wide but can grow much larger. Participants will fill out the nomination form to submit a nomination for a tree they believe might be the largest in the county. Qualified personnel will measure the trees to dete ..read more

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension will host an Advanced Beef Cattle Nutrition course May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Founders Lounge of the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State’s University Park campus. This event is targeted at practicing nutritionists who work with producers to feed beef cattle. Discussions will focus on fed cattle for beef production.The workshop will cover topics such as protein contributions and estimations, starch utilization, and contracts for feedlot cattle. Participation is limited to the first 60 registrants. The registration fee is $200 per person. Par ..read more

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Registration is now open for the 2024 Holstein Association USA Judges Conference, set for May 21-22 at Oakfield Corners Dairy in Oakfield, New York. Designed for judges of all experience levels, from seasoned judges to those newly entering the field, this conference aims to sharpen judging skills and broaden participants’ knowledge of Holstein cattle evaluation. Interested participants can register for the conference with a credit card, using this online registration system. The pre-registration fee is $100. Pre-registration will close once all spots are filled or two weeks ..read more

CHESTERLAND, Ohio — The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland is having its annual plant sale the day before Mother’s Day, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale is held rain or shine at the Chester Township Town Hall parking lot, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026. Admission and parking is free.There will be a large assortment of hanging baskets, perennials, natives, house plants, herbs and annuals available for purchase. Plant sale attendees can also shop the “Garden Shed” and “Boutique” for unique home and garden items, some new, some gently used. Cash, credit cards and checks are a ..read more

BURTON, Ohio — Master Gardener volunteer Karen Wright will lead “Gardening 101 Series Part 3: Working and Maintaining the Garden” May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Geauga County Extension Office, Patterson Center,14269 Claridon-Troy Road. The course will cover watering, mulching, weeding and disease and pest management to keep plants healthy all season. Wright grows on two acres and offers seasonal roadside produce sales focusing on native fruits and nuts. Registration is required for this free class. Call 440-834-4656 to register or form more information. The post Gardening 101 series continu ..read more

CANTON, Ohio — StarkFresh recently announced the distribution of food vouchers redeemable in-store at either of their Grocery Store locations in Canton and Alliance. “This voucher program is another example of how we help keep groceries affordable for Stark County residents, especially those who shop at both of our Stark County locations near downtown in Canton and Alliance,” said Tom Phillips, executive director at StarkFresh. The vouchers are partly provided through federal funding via Ohio’s Healthy Aging program, administered locally by the Stark County Commissioners office. Adults aged 60 ..read more

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio — Friends of Ohio Barns will host The Ohio Barn Conference XXIII April 26 and April 27. The conference will begin with a bus tour April 26, leaving from the TownePlace Suites parking lot at 8 a.m. The tour will feature an all-day-long tour of barns and lunch. Preregistration is required and limited seating is available. The conference will be April 27 at Buckeye Career Center, 545 University Drive NE. It includes breakfast, lunch, a silent auction and the annual meeting. Online registration for the conference will end April 12. There is a block of rooms available at the ..read more