Single Copy Cost 50¢ Volume 148 No. 10
“PRSRT STD.” US Postage Paid No. 486 SHAW MEDIA POSTAL PATRON LOCAL R.R. BOXHOLDER CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Weathering the weather 2015 harvest is ahead of last year By Goldie Rapp
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
It seems the Illinois Valley has lucked out this autumn season with dryer-than-normal conditions and warmer temperatures that have lingered well into October. The near-perfect weather conditions have allowed family and friends to enjoy the outdoors just a little longer this year, as many have had plenty of opportunities to take part in the traditional autumn activities that are brought on by the season. The dryer-than-normal conditions have also allowed area farmers to harvest their crops at a much quicker speed this year, compared to last year. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Ser-
vice (NASS), which released its last crop progress report on Monday, Oct. 19, about 85 percent of corn crops have been harvested in the state. That was a much higher percentage compared to last year at this time, when only 42 percent of crops had been harvested. NASS reported the corn condition to be 5 percent very poor; 10 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 43 percent good and 13 percent excellent. As far as soybeans, 85 percent of crops have been harvested in the state. Also, a major increase from 2014 during this time, when only 36 percent of soybeans were harvested. While many farmers continue to finish harvesting their final crops this week, the area is gearing up for a major down-turn in temperatures. According to meteorologist Eric Sorenson of WQAD News Channel 8, parts of the upper Midwest could see its first snowflakes of the season including Duluth, Rhinelander and Marquette, where 1-3 inches of snow
was expected last week. What’s in store this winter? The Weather Channel Professional Division has released its outlook on what the Midwest is expected to experience weather-wise during the winter months, from December 2015 to February 2016. It’s good news for those who dislike the cold weather winter months, as the outlook is calling for warmer than average temperatures in the Midwest, as well as Northeast and West Coast portions of the country. The outlook is calling for cooler than average winter temperatures for the Southern and East Coast portions of the country. Weather experts are saying El Nino is expected to play a large role in the temperatures this winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the El Nino is expected to impact the position of the pacific jet stream, therefore influencing the weather and climate patterns.
From the basement to the belly The Putnam County Food Pantry is helping families in need By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
GRANVILLE — For the past 27 years, the volunteers of the Putnam County Food Pantry have helped local families in need. Many of the volunteers and board members involved during its inception are still here; and they’re needed more than ever. 2014 saw a record number of Putnam County families benefit from the services provided by the pantry. There were 3,457 people helped, 276 more than the previous year. The president of the food bank, Gayle Reno, wanted her volunteers and those who donate to know how important they are to the cause. “The volunteers are the heroes, we couldn’t do it without them; and the people of Putnam County are so supportive. It’s totally a county project, I don’t even want to try to thank everyone individually because I’m afraid I’ll forget someone and everyone is so wonderful,”
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By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
One of the hallmarks of the autumn season is the scent of burning wood drifting through the air. Whether its source is a pile of burning leaves and yard debris, a bonfire or a fireplace lit to take the chill from the night air, safety should be the first and main concern. If not composting yard waste, burning it safely can be accomplished with a few easy steps. Bonfires, campfires and burning debris share many of the same safety concerns. The first is to follow local regulations. Contact your local fire department in advance and ensure you’re complying with Vol. 148 No. 10 Two Sections - 24 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
PCR photo/Dave Cook
Longtime Putnam County Food Pantry volunteer Jan Schuster helps keep everything orderly in the pantry located in the basement of Granville’s United Church of Christ. Schuster is just one of many volunteers who help make sure the families of Putnam County don’t go hungry in times of need.
Embers of fire safety all state, county and local agency rules. Property owners may be required to obtain a permit in advance following an inspection of the intended burn area. They will also advise you with regard to weather conditions. Weather changes, such as a shift in wind conditions, can unsettle burning debris and spark an uncontrolled fire. Choosing a safe burning location is also important. Select a site away from utility lines, overhanging limbs, structures and vehicles. According to www.smokeybear.com, you’ll need to have a horizontal clearance of twice the height of the debris pile and a vertical clearance of at least three times the height. Heat from fire extends well past the visible flames.
The ground around the site should be surrounded by gravel or dirt for at least 10 feet in all directions. Keep the surrounding area damp during the burn. When using a burn barrel, it should be in good condition and be made of metal. It will need to be well ventilated with three evenly spaced, 3-inch square openings around the rim near ground level. Each vent should be covered by a metal screen. A barrel must also have a metal top screen with a mesh size of a quarter inch or finer to keep sparks from escaping. When burning, layer the different types of debris and stir often being careful of errant sparks.
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