A few years ago, I got an e-mail from reader who was frustrated that their irises just wouldn’t bloom. If you’ve ever looked at your own garden and wondered what went wrong, you’re not alone — I’ve been there too. Irises have been a part of my family’s flower beds for as long as I […]
Larry Phillips
I've lived in Richland County since 1990, married here, our children were born here. This is home. I have two books published on a passion topic, Ohio high school football. Others: Buckeyes, Cavs, Bengals, Reds, History, Disney.
Posted inBusiness
Centerra Co-op and Gerber & Sons announce grain agreement
ASHLAND — Centerra Co-op and Gerber & Sons announced a new partnership Friday that will take effect Aug. 1, strengthening grain services for local farmers. The partnership brings together two local organizations with a shared commitment to serving farmers and rural communities throughout Ohio. The decision allows each organization to focus on its core strengths. […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Pawpaws, Ohio’s state fruit tree, provides many uses
Pawpaws, Ohio’s state fruit tree, are interesting and have many uses. I notice that this tree stands out in all three seasons, though many people might not realize it. I enjoy living in Ohio, which is fascinating and offers many opportunities to enjoy. I see a three-season quality to this tree that most people will […]
Posted inNews
A Stroll Through the Garden: Grandma’s lilacs emphasize the importance of pruning
I received an email from one of our readers who has enjoyed my column for a number of years, and she asked whether she should prune her lilac now and how to do it properly. Lilac has been among one of my favorite flowers for as long as I can remember. The lilac growing on […]
Posted inNews
66-year-old woman dies in Mansfield hospital after 2-vehicle crash in Ashland County
MOHICAN TOWNSHIP – A North Ridgeville woman was killed after a two-vehicle crash Friday in Mohican Township, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol. Jeanette E. Vibbert, 66, was transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and pronounced deceased shortly afterward, the Patrol stated. The crash occurred at 11:24 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 30 and State […]
Posted inEducation
Crestview announces All-Year Honor Roll students
OLIVESBURG — Crestview High School has announced the list of students who earned All-Year Honor Roll status. All A’s SENIORS JUNIORS SOPHOMORES FRESHMEN Honor Roll (A’s & B’s) SENIORS JUNIORS SOPHOMORES FRESHMEN
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Giant hogweed creates toxins & surprises
Monday night, while I was attending my Richland County Master Gardener club meeting, one of my friends told me about a weed he wanted to remove from his garden. From his description, it sounded like a young Giant Hogweed. This sparked a conversation about the importance of using caution when working with this plant. I […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Is purslane weed food or decorative accent?
Over the years, I’ve shared countless springs and summers with purslane, the so-called weed. Maybe you’ve spotted it too — one of my clients had so many purslane plants, their garden looked like a living green carpet. I even received an email from a reader, complete with a picture of their own purslane patch. Later […]
Posted inNews
78-year-old killed in Wayne County golf cart-pickup truck crash
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP — A 78-year-old woman was killed and an 80-year-old man was seriously injured after a two-vehicle crash in Wayne County, according to the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Katie Schmucker, of Apple Creek, was pronounced dead at the scene, the Patrol stated. Melvin Schmucker, 80, of Apple Creek, was […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A Stroll Through the Garden: Pecan trees can grow this far north
Maybe you’ve wondered about this too — how far north pecan trees can really thrive? In our area, we’re right at the edge of where pecan trees can grow, which makes every successful tree feel like a small victory. If you’ve ever tried growing plants at the edge of their comfort zone, you know how […]