Living her dream - farming

By ROBERT A. DEFRANK
News-Herald Staff Writer

A long-time dairy farm is open for business again after Claire Heavilin has returned from college and taken up the family business.
Heavilin recently graduated from the Ohio State University in Columbus. She graduated with a major in agricultural education. She made the dean's list and graduated with 3.5 GPA. On graduating, she learned that her father and uncle were closing their Tappan area dairy business of 10 years. She took the opportunity to lease the 300 acres of property from her parents. She re-named it the Redeye Ridge Farm. She owns 30 milk cows.
"I've been running the dairy farm for a year now on my own," she said, adding that she was brought up with the business. "This is what I always wanted to do."
Heavilin added that she has encountered several unexpected challenges on operating the business.
"When dad and uncle were doing it I never realized how much work they put into it. There's not enough hours in a day," she said.
"You learn how to manage all aspects of a small business and that was new for me, coming fresh out of college," she said.
Another issue is the frustration of fluctuating prices due to the amount of milk in the system.
"When I started milk prices were really good, really high, I started making a good bit of money," she said. "Since last fall prices have been terrible. It's an up and down cycle. There's a sense of optimism that it's a cycle and will come back."
Heavilin added that she is a member of the Dairy Farmers of America and the Harrison County Dairy Board. She has received help and advice from local contacts and organizations such as the Ohio State Extension Office.
Her cows are a mix of Holstein and Jersey breeds with a few other breeds. She eventually hopes to expand the herd to 50 and shift entirely to Jersey.

Man is burned while saving new tractor

By ROBERT A. DEFRANK
News-Herald Staff Writer

A man with second-degree burns was taken to hospital by emergency helicopter after apparently trying to rescue property from a burning building the evening of June 22.
According to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office, Donald Casteel, 2966 Sandy Ridge Rd, Southeast observed a barn full of equipment on fire and tried to retrieve a new tractor. He suffered second degree burns on his arms, neck, and head.
Fire departments from Rush Township, Freeport, Clay Township, Gnadenhutten and Tippecanoe were on-scene. Tri County Ambulance out of Newcomerstown was the emergency squad. Casteel was life flighted to Akron Childrens.
Firefighters began to combat the blaze.
"The building was a total loss," said Doug Crabtree, Tippecanoe fire captain, adding that the firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. "When we got there it was pretty much on the ground. It looked like it had been a pretty hot fire."

Accident leaves two injured

By ROBERT A. DEFRANK
News-Herald Staff Writer

An accident involving multiple vehicles left two people injured and blocked traffic on US 250 during the afternoon of June 18.
According to highway patrol officers, a commercial semi truck operated by Harold D. Thomas, 33, 32340 US Rt 36, Walhonding, was westbound on US 250 lost its tire and wheel combination and struck a westbound rollback operated by Robert J. Engleman, 57, 3006 23rd St, Canton. Engleman lost control and slid left of center, striking an eastbound Pontiac Vive head-on.
Clint A. Harting, 24, 118 East Crawford St, Van Wert, Oh was driving the Pontiac with his brother Cole, 21, same address and Adam Beckman, 25, 1073 Chippewa Drive, Van Wert, as passengers. Beckman was ejected from the back window.
Beckman was life flighted to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh with a severly lacerated left arm. Clint and Cole were transported to Twin City. Thomas was cited for operating an unsafe vehicle.
Traffic was blocked and later reduced to one lane.

Scio makes agreement on filtration payment

By ROBERT A. DEFRANK
News-Herald Staff Writer

SCIO - The village council heard a brief update on the new water filtration system during the July 24 meeting.
Council motioned to pay Artesian of Pioneer 50 percent of their invoice for the new water filtration system, totaling about $84,710.50. The remainder will be paid once council is able to determine if it functions.
The village has not been able to backflush. When it was attempted, the pumps in the lift station were found to be too small. Council noted that the largest pipe that could be run through a four-inch bore is three inches, which still will not be sufficient.
One possibility would involve moving the fiberglass tank. However, this runs the risk of it being damaged by accident or cold weather.
More engineering work must be done before any course of action can be decided.
About $5,500 of the loan remains as a cushion.
On Jan. 1, the village will begin repayment of the loan at $6,000 per year for 30 years.
As a temporary measure, council will consider leasing a tanker for use in backflow.
More information should be available at the next meeting.
In addition, the sending unit at the water tank responsible for notifying the pumps that the tanks are low has been hit by lightning. Council is looking into repair prices.
Council thanks Davis Enterprises for their work in cleaning the village streets June 22. The business had done so previously on June 3, but the village was not satisfied with the work, so Davis Enterprises returned at no cost.
Regarding the examination of the village sidewalks to determine ownership, the mapping office has provided information stating that the village owns half the distance from each street's central line. However, the actual measurements of the amount of feet from the center lines to the sidewalks do not match with the map. Further research will be necessary before any sidewalk repair.
In addition the village was represented at a kickoff meeting of an economic development initiative. The meeting well well-organized, informative and saw representatives from almost every community in the county. The first meeting focused on finding assets and problems. The next meeting will take place in Deersville and concentrate on specific, practical plans.
In other business,
· The owners of un-maintained properties have been contacted regarding the need to keep their lawns mowed.
· Also, council motioned to purchase 10 traffic cones, since several have been stolen earlier.
· Council noted roadwork completed and potholes repaired.
· A plaque honoring late Mayor Robert Brooks will be placed at the park pavilion.
· Council will purchase a leaf blower for $216.
· Council motioned to accept a proposed budget of $945,431.