Inside the City Commission meeting
by Maralyn Fink
On Monday evening I attended the City Commission meeting. This is what I learned.
The City Commission adopted the National Night Out 2019 Proclamation.
Community Paint by Number Mural is August 10
The City Commission approved the Art Purchase and Installment Agreement with Tracie Davis Tracie Davis. Whimsical Art Gallery and Tiny by Design and a resident of Greenbush Township, was present. She thanked everyone for the city writing for the LEAP grant and said she is grateful for the opportunity. She said the final version of the mural has been handed out and paint, sealer for wall, and primer have arrived. She said it has to be pretty dry to seal a building and within the next two weeks you will see the primer, seal, and numbers placed. August 10th will be the painting start date. They are having a “Name the Mural” contest and the winner will receive an art swag bag and the first stroke on the wall. She discussed the changes to the mural.
Chief Kirk was present to discuss the close out of the construction phase of their new police building on Business US-27. He discussed: detailed expenses and purchase orders; unanticipated expenses; bids; inventory of property acquired that was left behind in the church; and repurposing of items. He discussed the phase 1 budget and the total project cost. He said the appraisal to create that building if built new was $1,684,500. He said it is an awesome and sustainable facility. He said the city commission has been wonderful and patient during this project, and April Wilson and Lt. Verlinde served double duty to make it happen. Chief Kirk said phase 2 is the parking lot. He discussed a $190,000 general fund surplus estimated at the end of 2018/19 budget as well as a surplus from the police department budget. The estimate is $217,864 for the parking lot. He said the all-in cost with the building, parking lot, lighting and landscaping is $541,797.
Veterans honor one of their own
courtesy of Judy Winslow
The American Legion veterans honor guard turns out for a funeral at Mt. Rest Cemetery.
4H Fair Schedule
Saturday, July 27
10:00 a.m. Dog Show
Sunday, July 28
1:00 p.m. Equine Trail Class
Monday, July 29
9:00 a.m. Equine Show
9:00 a.m. Poultry Show
11:00 a.m. Prospect Beef Show
11:30 a.m. Service Club Lunch
5:00 p.m. Horse and Pony Fun Show
6:30 p.m. Sheep Show
7:00 p.m. Truck and Tractor Pull
Fairgrounds
7:30 p.m. 4-H Style Show
Fairgrounds Main Stage
Tuesday, July 30
8:30 a.m. Goat Show
9:00 a.m. Swine Show
9:00 a.m. Rabbit Show
10:00 a.m. Equine Show
11:30 a.m. Llama Show
6:00 p.m. Beef Show
6:00 p.m. Antique Tractor Pull
Fairgrounds
7:00 p.m. Draft Horse Pull
Horse Arena
Wednesday, July 31
9:00 a.m. Dairy Show
9:00 a.m. Pocket Pets Show
9:00 a.m. Equine Show
11:00 a.m. Entry for Canine Hour of Fun
12:30 p.m. Canine Hour of Fun
4:00 p.m. Dog Agility Contest
4:00 p.m. Fair Livestock Sale
Livestock Pavilion
Thursday, August 1
Kids Day
9:00 a.m. Livestock Judging Contest
9:00 a.m. Equine Show
9:00 a.m. Verbal Communications
10:00 a.m. Dairy Management Contest
10:00 a.m. Performing Arts Judging
10:00 a.m. Thompsons Metal
Demo -Stage Area
10:00 a.m. Young Farmers
Scavenger Hunt
10:00 a.m. Pedal Pull Contest
Sponsored by Thelen Ag Products
10:00 a.m. Greater Lansing Area
Wood Carvers
12:00 p.m. Tim Salisbury-Magician
1:00 p.m. Dr. Pol -Stage Area
1:15 p.m. Sweepstakes Showmanship
3:00 p.m. Ovid-Elsie Robotics and
Drones
3:30 p.m. Still Exhibit Auction
6:00 p.m. Fair Awards Program
8:00 p.m. Buildings Close
A Lake Erie Fishing Adventure
courtesy of Bob Holzhei
It was a few years ago that I fished Lake Erie. It was time for a return trip to not only fish but revisit the rich history of Niagara Falls, U.S.A.
Niagara Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world. Even through I’ve visited the falls before, each return trip is an experience of a lifetime. In addition, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in America. Fort Niagara was established in 1726. Costumed reenactments portray men and women dressed in primitive attire of the time. Living history programs and artillery demonstrations take visitors to the park back in time.
Boat tours take visitors near the falls aboard the Maid of the Mist.
The festival of lights draws visitors from Thanksgiving to the Epiphany on January 6th each year.
“The Niagara Gorge spans 800 feet across and up to 200 feet deep where the lower Niagara River flows below. Blend in the opportunity to fish area rivers, streams, and legendary Lake Erie. The world-renowned Niagara River is interconnected with two Great Lakes, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the Erie Canal.
Ed Cheeney, CEO of Cheeney Media Concepts is amazed with one of Lake Erie’s walleyes.
What’s new at Niagara Falls, U.S.A.?
A zipline over the Erie Canal in Lockport and a new improved Marina in Wilson, named Bootlegger’s Cove Marina” stated Bill Hilts Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director for Niagara Falls Tourism Bureau.
Blend in several new breweries, hotels downtown and a revamped Niagara Falls State Park including a renovated Cave of the Woods. Outdoor activities have also expanded including hiking, biking, birding and boating and Niagara Falls has something for everyone.
The Falls Region provides opportunities to fish for perch, small mouth bass, large-mouth bass, walleye, muskellunge and Northern Pike.
The Lakes Region has Chinook, Coho, Atlantic Salmon and Lake and Rainbow Trout.
The Canal Region is noted for slow moving water making it great for family fishing. Species found there include walleye, Northern Pike, catfish and carp weighing up to 20 pounds.
Open for year-round fishing is the River Region. In the fall, salmon and brown trout runs lures anglers to the area. In winter steelhead fishing is popular and spring is the prime season for trout and salmon in the river. In summer Muskie, walleye and small mouth bass provide excellent action for anglers. Professional charter captains are available and take the guess work put of fishing.
With a smorgasbord of outdoor and fishing opportunities throughout the year, it is no wonder why Niagara Falls and the surrounding area is one of the natural wonders of the world.
Fast Facts: Looking back over the years
1817-Erie Canal Construction Begins
1859-Hydraulic Tunnel Construction begins
1885-Niagara Reservation created-Niagara Falls State Park consists of 400 acres.
1896-Inventor Nikola Telsa transmits electricity 22 miles from the Falls to Buffalo, New York.
1901-Ajjie Edison is the first person to go over the falls in a barrel and survives.
1915-Herschell Carrousel Factory/Museum; the founder of the American Amusement rides & vintage carousel rides.
Mid-1800’s-Freedom seekers escape slavery through the Niagara Falls railroad.
To request a visitor’s guide: www.niagarafallsusa.com
A Look Back – Local Store in business since 1923
by Barry Clark Bauer
Mrs. Arge Mazzolini contributed this picture taken of a drug and confectionery store on the east side of Clinton Avenue in the middle of downtown block. The picture was taken about 1923, she says. It shows the late Bruno Mazzolini at left, Ed Mazzolini and Ken Wilkie, on the right.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – What to Do About Dogs That Wee When They’re Excited or Anxious
While your dog might be your best friend, that puddle on the floor sure isn’t. If your potty-trained, new puppy or rescue dog occasionally pees on the floor for no fathomable reason, then you might have a dog with submissive or excitement urination issues.
So what should you do if you have a dog that pees when excited or a dog that has submissive peeing issues? First, take your dog to the vet to rule out health issues that could lead to inappropriate elimination. If you receive the all-clear from your vet, how do you know which problem your dog has?
What Is Submissive Dog Urination?
In the dog world, submissive urination is a way to avoid confrontation. A dog that urinates when dealing with someone who approaches them directly, speaks loudly near them, leans over them or reaches towards them is likely exhibiting submissive urination.
Submissive dogs pee when they are greeted or when someone approaches. They will also pee if they are reprimanded or hear raised voices, or when there is a history of rough treatment or punishment after urination.
This is a common reaction with shy, anxious and timid dogs. Telltale body language of submissive dogs includes hunching over, keeping the tail tucked or flipping over to expose the stomach.
What Can You Do to Help Submissive Dogs That Pee Out of Fear?
Scolding your dog for submissive urination will make the problem worse, so avoid reacting when your dog pees. To help your dog get over his submissive urination, always approach him with a relaxed posture.
Avoid direct eye contact, approach from the side, and crouch down to your dog’s level without staring directly at him. When patting your submissive dog, go for under the chin rather than the top of the head.
Instead of greeting your dog immediately when you arrive home, try delaying your greeting and allow your dog to come to you when he’s ready for interaction. You can also try scattering a few dog treats on the ground when you arrive, which will get your dog to focus on finding the goodies instead of focusing on you.
Do not forget to reward and praise your pup when he urinates in the appropriate place.
Excitement Urination in Dogs
Accidents that occur during play or greetings without the attendant fearful body language are usually due to excitement urination.
Dogs that pee when they are excited usually do so when playing or when greeting family and guests. The good news for you is this usually happens to puppies under one year of age, and most dogs grow out of it. The bad news is that it’s not going to happen overnight.
To help your puppy with this issue, always take your dog outside for a potty trip before starting play sessions and keep your body language and tone of voice calm as you interact.
If touch during play is a trigger, try to use dog toys as a barrier between you and your dog. Much like when dealing with a submissive dog, keep greetings low-key. Don’t reach out to your dog when saying hello, and ask guests to do the same.
When there is an accident, just as with submissive peeing, do not reprimand or punish your pup. Simply clean it up quietly and leave the puppy (or dog, if this is happening with an older dog) alone for the time being. When your dog pees while out on walks, give him lots of praise and treats.
No matter what, always remember to be patient with your dog as he matures and learns to be a more confident companion.