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News from Around the Farm World - Sept. 2, 2009

Ohio records 2009’s first human case of West Nile
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s first probable human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2009 was recorded Aug. 27 by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), which also reported a sharp increase in the number of WNV-positive mosquitoes. The patient, an 11-year-old male from Cuyahoga County, is recovering.

Meanwhile, the number of WNV-positive mosquito pools in the state of Ohio nearly doubled last week to 97. And according to The Associated Press, Kane County health officials in Illinois say a second mosquito pool there has tested positive. The sample was collected in St. Charles, Ill. The first was detected in July and was from the Montgomery area.

Because humans can get WNV only from the bite of an infected mosquito, the ODH reminds Ohioans to take steps to help prevent infection.

 “Unfortunately, West Nile is endemic in Ohio,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “Fortunately, however, it can be reduced and prevented by taking some simple, proactive steps.”

To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites: If outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites: Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flowerpots, from the property. Eliminate standing water. Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers. Change water in birdbaths weekly.

About one in every 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill. Most people will experience mild, flu-like symptoms – including, fever, headache, tiredness and body aches – or none at all.

Ohio has recorded human cases of WNV each year since 2002 when there were 441 cases. For more information, visit www.odh.ohio.gov

Cool, wet summer wilts some Indiana melon crops

SEYMOUR, Ind. (AP) — A cool and wet summer is hurting Indiana’s melon crop, and some growers say the fall’s pumpkin harvest could suffer too.

Mark Kamman of Vallonia said this summer is the worst he’s seen for fruit and vegetable growers. Kamman and his wife, Sue, have grown produce for about 20 years. Rain hurt their watermelon production and caused cantaloupes to crack and rot. He says some of his Jackson County fields won’t get picked.

Kamman says he expects problems with pumpkin crops later this year. Pumpkins tend to rot if excessive rains leave the ground they sit on muddy.

Growers say the weather and rising costs are making it more difficult to stay afloat.

Knox Co. launches $16M
energy-saving program

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Knox County government expects $16 million in energy saving improvements to buildings, parks and traffic intersections to pay for themselves over the next 15 years.
County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and Trane Commercial Services formalized the initiative on Aug. 24. Energy efficiency upgrades are planned for 24 parks and 40 county buildings, including libraries and senior centers. Thirty-seven intersections also will get energy-saving LED traffic lights.

The initiative also includes a large solar farm that can heat 14,000 gallons of hot water daily. The changes are expected to cut energy costs by a third. Ragsdale says they should save taxpayers $1 million a year.

Vandals destroy 7 acres
of Monroe Co. cornfield

VALMEYER, Ill. (AP) — A farmer said vandals with a pickup truck caused thousands of dollars of damage to his corn crop in southwestern Illinois.

Tim Cowell lives miles from his farmland in Monroe County, near Valmeyer, and he believes the destruction of nearly seven acres of corn took place over two days. The farmer calls himself “very aggravated” and estimates damage to be close to $10,000.

Cowell thinks he knows who the culprits were. A neighbor spotted the vandals driving from the scene and jotted down the license plate number. Cowell says one teen has already apologized.
Totem pole to memorialize Michigan boys who died
GRANT, Mich. (AP) — A totem pole will honor five boys from the small but tightly knit Newaygo County farm community of Grant who have died from accidents or illnesses within a 15-month period. The boys’ relatives, classmates and teachers gathered last weekend at Grant Elementary School for a public ceremony dedicating the 15-foot-high memorial.

The school has a longstanding tradition of planting a tree on school grounds when a student dies. But art teacher Kathy Streng told The Muskegon Chronicle that more was needed after the deaths of 10-year-old Shay Atwood; 9-year-olds Angel Perez and Dillan Potter-Zimmerman; and brothers Adrian and Joshua Gardner, who were 7 and 3, respectively.

Streng said the totem pole will tell people more about the boys."

Flint-area karate school makes urban farming push
GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — The owners of a Flint-area karate school are taking the lead in redeveloping their neighborhood by pairing martial arts training with urban farming.

Jacky and Dora King bought the land for Harvesting Earth Educational Farm in 2006. This summer, their farm workforce ballooned to about 45 young people – and they’re clearing other lots for farming. Their home and King Karate are located just across the street from the farm plot.

In Rust Belt cities like Flint and urban areas across the country, getting young people involved in converting vacant lots for growing food is a key part of neighborhood redevelopment efforts. The Kings offer free karate instruction to their workers, and about 50 karate students volunteer.

9/2/2009