Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory recently hired Justin Chaffin, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toledo, as its new research coordinator. He will manage on-site research, the Lab’s Research Experience for Undergraduates, and some of the laboratory renovations currently in progress, along with teaching classes and supporting the lab’s outreach and education efforts. Chaffin is also heavily involved in Stone Lab’s monitoring and research of harmful algal blooms and nutrient levels in Lake Erie, a topic he has focused on throughout his academic career.
“Justin will be coordinating the lion’s share of our research and the REU program here at the lab,” says Matt Thomas, Stone Laboratory manager. “He’ll also be our on-site limnologist, playing an instrumental part with the renovation of the analytical laboratory, and with HAB monitoring.”

The Oak Harbor Downtown Committee, in conjunction with the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, will be holding the next downtown Oak Harbor Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 28.
In addition to fresh produce, there will be crafts, baked goods art and more. The Ottawa County Humane Society will also be having a dog wash at Flat Iron Park from 11 to 3 p.m. that day.

One of the grand traditions of our area is the annual National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Perry. One of the even grander traditions of the National Matches is the First Shot Ceremony that opens the matches. Monday’s event was no different.
Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram, Director of the Army National Guard, made his remarks noting the history of Camp Perry and these shooting events. He noted how Camp Perry and the National Matches were begun under the leadership of then President Theodore Roosevelt, a former army officer himself who led a famous charge up San Juan Hill. He also took note of the poor shooting skills of the men in his charge. Ingram noted that President Roosevelt recognized the need for a continuing program to improve shooting skills of both the military and the civilian population.
Ingram was then handed a classic World War II vintage M1 Garand and fired the first shot downrange opening the 2012 National Rifle and Pistol Championships.

The Ottawa County Fair kicks off Monday at the fairgrounds and runs through Sunday, July 22. Below are some of the highlights:

Monday
• 7:30 p.m. — Grande Parade
• 8:30 p.m. — King and Queen Contest

Tuesday
• 8-10 p.m. — Jessica Kenney Band
• 8 p.m. — Wagon Wheel IPRA Rodeo

Thanks to the Friends of the Ida Rupp Public Library, guests will be able to sign out an iPad for use inside the facility beginning Monday, July 16. Three iPads were purchased for adult use with funding from the Friends and are loaded with apps and ready to be explored.
We are very excited to bring you this new 4G technology and will be offering classes in how to use iPads on July 17 and July 23. Call to register at 419-732-3212.
Look for in-house iPads for children and teens to be available in the next few weeks.