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Local News

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Opening day means competition
The Granary Story one ad
By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

A quiet, leisurely stroll up the midway on the first afternoon of the Hancock County Fair served as a counterpoint to the intensity inside barns and buildings.

Wednesday was judgment day for competitive types of all ages and talents, and no one was taking it very lightly.

Eyes bored into the baked goods judges as they sliced into sugar-coated pies, scooped small bites into their mouths and sighed with the heaviness that only such an hours-long eating event can bring.

An empty lawn chair stood sentinel before the Grange Building's arts and crafts entries, waiting for its owner to have a seat and scrutinize the afghans piled on glass display cases.

A Junior Fair vegetable judge, eyeballing a pile of beans perched on a paper plate, was not particularly pleased. "More strings than beans. Ah, let's give them a 'B,'" he said to the recordkeeper.

Dog obedience judging may have been the quietest tent around, with only the sound of chains rattling as owners ordered pets to sit before a judge.

But weeks, months and years-long endeavors were paying off for many.

Down a ways from the inferior beans was Zach Scoles' meticulously remodeled 1953 John Deere 40 tractor. The Cory-Rawson FFA member had won grand champion and best of show ribbons for his shiny green and yellow machine, which was stealing attention away from the cornhole games constructed by other fair competitors.

The rooster judge praised a group of 4-H members for raising "beautiful birds," which he said were "in great condition for the most part."

"We've got some good pigs out here, certainly some muscular pigs," said an announcer in one show ring.

Despite the comparatively cool, sunny weather, reminders were offered regarding the animals and heat exhaustion. "Make sure that if you're in the barn holding rabbits, that you're not holding them too long. They'll get too hot, and then bad, nasty things can happen," said an announcer during rabbit judging.

Freshly paved walkways, in places that used to be covered with dirt and gravel, were so smooth and convenient that they seemed to go unnoticed by all but those using assistance devices like scooters and canes.

Near the new lanes, lunch-goers ordered perennially popular items like Be Tran's eggrolls and cheeseburgers made with Hancock County-raised beef.

There were new food offerings, too. This year, the Van Buren boosters tent is selling sausage gravy and biscuits daily starting at 8 a.m. until they are sold out. Across the lane, Papa John's has a booth with $2 pizza slices. And just east of the pizza purveyor is a towering, shiny Jalapeno's Mexican grill booth offering burritos and the like.

Old and new, fun and sedate offerings are sprinkled at other fair venues, too.

Updated landscaping at Old Millstream Park, beside the senior fair office, offers more shady places to sit and relax. "I've got to have my lemon shakeups," said a woman walking down the midway.

Ballot issue promoters, politicians and churches are again present. Even the guy dressed like the Statue of Liberty, usually seen dancing outside Liberty Tax Service on Tiffin Avenue, is there.

Demand for rides was slow Wednesday afternoon, but Burton Brothers was prepared for an attendance uptick later.

"No broken bones or injuries permitted," stated a ticket booth sign.

Brown: 419-427-8496,

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4 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Doug wrote:
Ride prices
“ I went to the Fair yesterday with my grand children and upon entering I was given a Fair Program which states ride tickets could be purchased @ 20 tickets for $15.00. Upon buying tickets the signs read 20 tickets for $18.00! I am guessing the pricing was worked out with The Burton Bros. prior to printing these programs, and with a tanked economy you would think the someone would be held to their word! Someone isn't talking to someone and we are paying the price!! Almost sounds like Politicians have taken over the Fair!!!!!!!

As far as changing the the traffic patterns in and out of the Fair, I give kudos as traffic sure moved easier getting out of there yesterday!!! ”
Friday, September 04, 2009 8:39:26 AM
TC wrote:
traffic
“ I couldn't agree more with CS. We went to the fair Wednesday night. We waited for about 45 minutes on Sandusky just to get in to the parking area off of Fishlock. Then when we went to leave, we waited about 30 minutes in line just trying to get out! Maybe we need to rethink this great new traffic pattern!! ”
Friday, September 04, 2009 8:27:39 AM
fairgoer wrote:
Fair
“ I was at the fair yesterday and everything looked very nice. However I wanted to comment on the rides being slow. Maybe its because the price of tickets and bracelets. For 1 ride you have to buy like 5 tickets. And if you want a bracelet its $17. thats ridiculous!! Especially for families with multiple kids. How can anyone afford this with the economy like it is. Maybe Burton Brothers need to rethink the price!!! Some fairs include rides with admission prices....man that would be nice! ”
Thursday, September 03, 2009 3:32:03 PM
CS wrote:
The fair......
“ I would like to know who's genius idea it was to change the traffic in & out of the fair? My thought has always been, if it's not broke, don't fix it.
Obviously, someone thought their plan was somehow better than the 'just fine' way it's been done for yrs. & yrs.
I've heard this change is for the concert on Fri. OMG, I'd better stay home on Fri. because the traffic in Findlay is going to be atrocious! ”
Thursday, September 03, 2009 9:13:51 AM
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  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
adam wrote in article "Village patrols may be restored in future":
concerned
“ i totally agree with you! when you call them nothing happens (unless you have a little bit of pot). I called police on a passed... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 3:21:12 PM
adam wrote in article "Corn dust bothers elevator neighbor":
grain
“ hey if you dont like the problems caused by this you should move. Otherwise shut up and count your blessings that YOU have a pla... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 3:15:05 PM
adam wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
pizza
“ you would be amazing sometimes the ammount they carry. Sometimes its a whole nights woth of working that they gota payback. ” Read More...
11/20/2009 3:10:23 PM
TG wrote in article "Village patrols may be restored in future":
Capt. Treece
“ Why don't you put your money where your mouth is Capt. Treece. Bring out those numbers. The correct ones. I bet you make almo... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 2:52:23 PM
Chilli wrote in article "Extra enforcement slated for Saturday due to big game":
Extra Enforcement
“ I always wonder why they tell the public what roads are choosen for patrols. Can't the drunk driver just go another route? ” Read More...
11/20/2009 2:48:36 PM
james wrote in article "Village patrols may be restored in future":
buddies
“ Thats not the way we see it ,,if you retire and can and do ,,,move on,, We the people of this county do not approve of this pra... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 2:01:31 PM
Get Real wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
Why is this thug on the street anyway?
“ I believe if you review some history, this creep robbed a pizza driver in August of 2007 two years ago and was involved in a st... ” Read More...
11/20/2009 1:35:27 PM
Scott wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
Robbery
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JP wrote in article "Corn dust bothers elevator neighbor":
Grains, trains and automobiles
“ I live in North Baltimore, a pitching wedge from the grain elevator and a chip shot from the CSX main line.

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Cathy Schulte wrote in article "Two charged after robbery":
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Homeless Pets Hancock Co.
News Briefs Work scheduled on Findlay streets
Findlay's Main Street, northbound, will be reduced at times to one lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for waterline connection.

Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

Recount planned in trustee's race
OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

The recount will be completed on Wednesday at the county elections board office, 336 E. Main Street, Ottawa.

Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

An automatic recount is necessary if the margin is within one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast, according to state law.

Road to be closed
Forest Lake Drive, between Marion Township 237 and Indian Lake Drive/Forest Lane, will be closed today for a pipe installation.

The road is expected to open by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Township 242.