Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Crocker is a stray pup who is probably just under one year old. He has the markings of a Rottweiler, and the body shape of a shepherd. He has a very playful and friendly personality, and will make some lucky family a very devoted pet! Crocker will need some play in his day, or some way to work off his puppy energy. This boy would be a wonderful hiking partner, and will do best in an active household, where he can be part of the action.

Come to the Whitley County Humane Shelter and meet Crocker and see what a beautiful and friendly puppy he is.

The shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

“Dining with Diabetes” is a program for people with diabetes and their families. This 4 week cooking school will be held on Thursday evenings, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Whitley County Extension Office, 115 South Line Street, Columbia City. Includes: September 9 – “What is Diabetes?”; September 16 – “Main Dishes – Looking at Fats and Sodium”; September 23 – “Desserts – Looking at Carbohydrates and Sweeteners”; and September 30 – “Side Dishes – Looking at Vitamins and Fiber”. Cost is $35/person for all 4 sessions; $20 for the 2nd person in a family. Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana is providing a limited number of full scholarships for persons over age 60. Registrations are due Sept. 7. For more information, call 260-244-7615 or 260-625-3313 or e-mail cbarnett@purdue.edu.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (August 24, 2010) – Breyden Products, Inc. announced today that the company has acquired the Electronics Division of Pennsylvania-based Gudebrod, Inc., which will be incorporated into Breyden Products’ Columbia City, Indiana operations.

“This acquisition enhances our company’s position as the largest supplier of lacing tapes, cords, and braider yarns for the wire harnessing industry,” said Breyden Products Vice President of Sales Mike Zuber, “We look forward to serving an expanded customer base with a continued focus on product quality and customer service.”

Breyden Products manufactures military specification lacing tapes, twines, yarns and cords, commercial grade lacing and tying materials, and sleevings used in the aerospace and wire harnessing industries. The company also manufactures braided or twisted tapes, cords and twines utilized in the electric motor industry for lacing stators.

In 2009, the company expanded its facility at 71 Radio Road to add a shipping & receiving area, purchased new equipment to increase company capabilities, and added one new fulltime employee. Additional investment and job creation to support the Gudebrod Electronics Division purchase have not been finalized.

“On behalf of Columbia City, congratulations to the owners and employees of Breyden Products on their continued growth and success,” said Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck, “The City and the EDC will continue to work with companies like Breyden Products to encourage their investment in our community.”

The Whitley County EDC will continue to work with local and state partners to identify opportunities to support Breyden Products’ business development goals.

About Breyden Products, Inc.

Breyden Products moved to Columbia City in 2004 from the High Desert region near Los Angeles, California. The company manufactures lacing tapes, twines, and cords for military customers; a variety of commercial grade lacing and tying materials; a range of sleevings and braiding yarns for aerospace and wire-harnessing customers; and braided or twisted tapes, cords, and twines used in the electric motor industry. For more information about Breyden Products, please visit: www.breydenproducts.com

About Whitley County EDC

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients’ growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.

TRI LAKES, COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Aug. 22, 2010) – Another cougar sighting – this time in our own backyard in Whitley County!

Linda Zimmerman and her husband Max, along with two relatives sighted an adult cougar taking a drink at the water’s edge of Big Cedar Lake in the East Basin at approximately 5 p.m. yesterday (Aug. 21, 2010).

Big Cedar Lake is one of the lakes that comprise Tri Lakes in Whitley County, a short drive from Churubusco and Blue Lake.

Zimmerman notified buscovoice.com early this morning at 12:27 a.m. (Apparently, she had a little trouble sleeping?)

This is what Zimmerman reported:

“My husband, Max, and two first cousins sighted an adult cougar on the north shore of Big Cedar Lake in the East Basin approximately 5 P.M. today (Aug. 21, 2010). We have alerted the Whitley County Sheriff Department, as well as neighbors adjoining the area of the sighting,” Zimmerman said.

“This sighting was a very clear, close range sighting of the cougar as it drank from the water’s edge and immediately bolted into brush and disappeared as we were approaching with our pontoon dead on,” Zimmerman continued.

“One neighbor had heard ’something wild’ last night outside (his/her home) but didn’t know what it was. Cougars don’t often attack humans, but they can and sometimes do. Pets, I imagine, would be considered fair game for this adult cougar! I can honestly say, we were all surprised at the sighting but all know exactly what we saw … no imagination here.”

If you sight what you believe to be a wild cat in or around your neighborhood, call the local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local law enforcement officials.

(Click on map to enlarge)

There is a Web sight devoted to wild cat sightings in the Midwest called Cougar News.

Following are some of the articles listed on the sight.

The big cat out back? It could be a lion!

By SETH SLABAUGH of the Muncie Star

MUNCIE — The camera doesn’t lie. And that’s why state officials are now taking more seriously people such as Delaware County farmer Lon Wright when they cry “cougar.

At 2:30 a.m. on May 1, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources captured multiple images of a cougar, also known as a mountain lion, in rural Greene County east of Bloomfield and southwest of Bloomington.

Cameras were placed in the area after investigators found evidence consistent with mountain lion behavior, including a deer minus its intestines buried under a pile of leaves.

On March 1, DNR implemented a new policy to collect data and evaluate reported sightings of mountain lions, prompted by increased reports of the animals migrating east, specifically out of South Dakota.

Since then, 19 mountain lion sightings have been reported, including the one in Greene County — seven counties away from Delaware County. Of the remaining 18, two reports were confirmed by biologists as animals other than a mountain lion. Sixteen were classified as “unconfirmed,” either because of no physical evidence or because photographs provided were of insufficient quality to identify characteristics of any animal type.

Wright swears he saw a mountain lion in a hay field near his dairy farm in southern Delaware County in the summer of 2008. A feed company truck driver reported seeing a cougar walking down the driveway within 60 feet of Wright’s house. Wright’s wife also has seen it, close enough that she was prepared to squirt it with a garden hose if it had approached her.

For the rest of this story click here …

Category Archive for ‘Confirmed Sightings’

Wisconsin DNR response to cougar sightings varies by circumstance

Posted in Confirmed Sightings, Government Agency, Monitoring, Wisconsin on Jul 7th, 2010

DNR response to cougar sightings varies by circumstance

Rare animal sightings tend to jump start the imagination.

The cougar hiding in your neighbor’s woods. The wolverine scurrying under a deck. A timber wolf hunting cattle.

The Department of Natural Resources — the recipient of these reports — takes a case-by-case approach when deciding whether to investigate … (Click on headline for complete story)

Michigan DNRE determines trail camera photo in Menominee County is likely cougar

Posted in Confirmed Sightings, Government Agency, Michigan, Monitoring, Remote Camera on Jun 21st, 2010

Menominee County is in the southwestern corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and shares a border with Wisconsin

DNRE Determines Trail Camera Photo in Menominee County is Likely Cougar – June 21, 2010

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced it has reviewed a Menominee County trail camera picture [...]

COUGAR ON THE PROWL NEAR MORDEN

Conservation officials suggest healthy deer population attracting the predator

“Generally speaking, respect the animal, but do not fear it. Cougar attacks (on people) are very [...]

Brown County Ohio cougar was flea market purchase

Posted in Confirmed Sightings, Control, Monitoring, Ohio on May 31st, 2010

Most eastern states and Canadian provinces now ban private ownership of cougars or require the “owner” of the exotic animal to obtain a license or permit or to register the animal with state or local authorities to privately possess the animal. As of 2009, only two states (Wisconsin & West Virginia) and one eastern Canadian [...]

Remote camera confirmation of cougar at Lena, Wisconsin

Posted in Confirmed Sightings, Remote Camera, Wisconsin on May 31st, 2010

Lena is in eastern Wisconsin north of Green Bay. Based on the location of the urinary opening, we know the cougar is a male.

Possible escaped captive cougar sighted in southwestern Ohio

Posted in Confirmed Sightings, Control, Monitoring, Ohio on May 28th, 2010

Georgetown is in SW Ohio near the Kentucky border.

http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/article_eaaa2e50-6a00-11df-bef9-001cc4c03286.html

Mountain lion believed sighted near Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Ohio — The Brown County Sheriff’s Office has received two reports in two days of a mountain lion sighting near Georgetown, Ohio.

Police believe the animal may have escaped from a resident on Western Run Avenue in Mount [...]

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Venus is a gorgeous white tabby with long hair. This mama kitty came to the Whitley County Humane Shelter with her three beautiful babies, Peyton, Fluffy, and Pat. Venus has been spayed and is ready to leave motherhood behind and find a good home where she will be cherished for the sweet and beautiful girl that she is. Please come in and meet this pretty kitty today!

The Whitley County Humane Shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

COLUMBIA CITY, Indiana (August 18, 2010) — This Saturday – August 21 – Go Cats Go will be in Columbia City at the Advance Auto store on north Main Street from 11 – 2 p.m., answering questions about their spay-neuter transport service and having some of their cats available for adoption. Visitors will also get to meet some of the Whitley County Humane Shelter cats who are looking for homes at this adoption event.

It is probably a combination of the economy, the time of year, and the sad fact that not nearly enough people in our community have spayed or neutered their cats, according to Humane Shelter officials, but the shelter is FULL of adorable cats and kittens right now. Nearly all of the adult cats have been spayed or neutered, and there is a good selection of cats who also have been declawed.

Because there are some very dedicated volunteers who visit the shelter and play with the cats, most of the cats are friendly, playful, and used to being handled. There are cats of many sizes, shapes, colors, and hair lengths – from shiny black shorthairs to mostly white longhairs. The ages of the felines range from 5 weeks to 12 years. Some of the cats are very active and playful (like Sooty or Harry), and some just want to be quiet lap cats. But most are in between – playful when the mood strikes them – racing around the room and chasing the laser pointer, then willing to curl up on your lap when they’re tuckered out from all the playing. All of them need good homes, so please come in and meet them today, so that you can choose the perfect cat for your home and family. The shelter staff is doing its best to care for the cats and to help them find good homes, but they need your help. Please consider adopting a cat or kitten or two.

If you already have cats, shelter volunteers urge you to please get them spayed or neutered. Cats who have been spayed or neutered make much better pets. The females are much easier to live with: they don’t caterwaul or do the little “cat in heat” dance, and most important, they don’t get pregnant and add to the feline overpopulation problem. Male cats are better off neutered, too: the litter box is much less pungent and the cat is much less inclined to fight (which can lead to injuries and disease), and neutered males are less inclined to “spray”.

If cost is a concern, when thinking about spay/neuter surgery, there are low-cost options available in the area. One of these is Go Cats Go – a transport service operating out of Fort Wayne on the second Monday of each month.

It works like this: cat owners make an appointment with Go Cats Go ahead of time and make arrangements to bring their cat(s) to them in Fort Wayne (early Monday morning on the day of the transport – or Sunday evening for an additional $3 per cat). The Go Cats Go transport service then takes the cat(s) to the Hamilton County low-cost spay/neuter clinic.That evening, Go Cats Go notifies the cat owners when the transport is about an hour from Fort Wayne, so the owners can simply pick up their “fixed” cat.

Prices are $35 for male cats and $40 for females (+$20 if the cat is pregnant). Barn cats may be eligible to be spayed/neutered for a reduced fee.

More information is available at http://gocatsgo.org/ To make reservations, call 260-484-5292.

Here are some of the Shelter’s charmers:

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Roxy is an approximately 2-1/2-year-old Bull Terrier-mix, who was surrendered to the shelter by her owner months ago. Roxy’s owner was sad to give her up, and told us that she is housebroken and good with kids and other dogs. She has become a shelter favorite! This charismatic dog can sit on command, especially if there are treats involved (which she takes very gently from your hand). Roxy is very sweet and fairly mellow, but she is also very large and strong. This girl is very friendly, happy and loving. She will make an awesome pet! Come in to meet Roxy, and see if this intelligent terrier is the dog for you!

Come to the Whitley County Humane Shelter and meet Roxy and see what a smart and friendly dog she is.

The shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Timmy is a very pretty male, long-haired black and white kitten who was born May 26. He came to the Whitley County Humane Shelter with his two brothers, and he’d really love to get adopted so that he can play in a real home, instead of a cage. Because Timmy’s hair is long, it will need to be combed daily to avoid mats. If you are willing to give him this care, please consider adopting him – he’s going to be a BEAUTIFUL cat! Please come and meet Timmy and the other kittens today.

The shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

Timmy’s so gorgeous, we’re publishing three photos because we just couldn’t decide. We may just run over and adopt him ourselves!

By Jennifer Zartman Romano for Talk of the Town, a partner with BuscoVoice.com in the Whitley News Network

While the 2010 Whitley County 4-H Auction, held Thursday at the fairgrounds, it was still a successful event for many local 4-H members with a grand total of $336,902.21 in sales.

This year’s auction had 65 fewer items than last year and grossed $38,030 less than the auction in 2009. In all, 551 items entered the ring, 550 items were sold and 350 buyers supported this year’s auction. According to the Whitley Count y 4-H, of the 10 types of items sold, seven had lower receipts and three types had higher revenue than 2009.

While the auction total was down from 2009 results, the average sales price per item was up

For the 26th year, Star Financial Bank clerked the auction. 4-H leaders thanked Star Financial Bank, local auctioneers and the community at large for their support of the annual Whitley County 4-H Auction.

Top selling items are as follows:

Sheep:

Grand Champion – Megan Schroeder – $2,650

Purchased by: Grandpa & Grandma Schroeder

Poultry:

Best of Show – Champion Meat Duck – Jarrett Ocken – $200

Purchased by: Bishop Family Farms

Reserve Best of Show – Champion Hen Turkey – Mikaela Michel -$725

Purchased by: Phil Genth family

Champion Roaster – Madison Barshaw – $350

Purchased by: Clayton Garden Center & Eason Horticultural Resources

Champion Dual Purpose – Sean Eberly – $150

Purchased by: Matt Wigent

Champion Goose – Adam Bernhard – $100

Purchased by: Studebaker Farms

For the rest of the results go to the Talk of the Town Web site …

Ready to launch your business? EDC offering another 11-week New Ventures program

Following on the success of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation’s 2010 FastTrac New Ventures course, first launched in January of this year, business incubation program managers Sharon Sallot and Scot Goskowicz will lead another eleven-week New Ventures program beginning in September 2010.

FastTrac is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneur’s fine tune the skills needed to create, manage, and grow a successful business. FastTrac participants don’t just learn about business, they live it!

They work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program – moving their ventures to reality or new levels of growth.

Classes will begin September 7 and will be held Tuesdays fro 6-9 p.m. at the Whitley County EDC office, 220 West Van Buren Street.

Participants in a FastTrac program learn to operate their businesses effectively through a certified Kauffman Foundation business planning program using sources of information, and to make decisions based on trust and competence. In this learning -focused environment, participants will:

• Fine tune skills to create and/ or grow a successful business

• Learn from experienced entrepreneur facilitators, business coaches, guest speakers and peers

• Transfer knowledge in a peer-to-peer environment

• Expand their network of community resources

• Work ON their business, not IN it

• Receive continual feedback from experienced entrepreneurs

• Learn a business development and planning process they can use as a tool for the ongoing development of their business

The Whitley County EDC sponsors a services-based business incubation program that now serves twelve client companies from throughout Whitley County.

The most recent FastTrac New Ventures course attracted thirteen participants ranging from pre-startup “discovery” stage entrepreneurs to “acceleration” stage growth companies.

For more information or to register for the FastTrac New Ventures program, please contact business incubation program managers Sharon Sallot at 260-244-3176 and Scot Goskowicz at 260-481-0493.

(July 2010) — According to an article written and published July 14 by Chris Meyers at the Columbia City, Post and Mail newspaper, Whitley County department heads sharpened their samurai swords and got to work trimming the 2011 budget …

Employee pay will remain the same from this year, but many departments cut money budgeted for part-time help, according to Meyers.

For a detailed list of department budget cuts – everything from the county clerk to the courts to the health department -  and the complete story go to the Post & Mail Web site …

(July 24, 2010) — From Talk of the Town, our partner in the Whitley News Network …

Whitley County 4-H Auction sales total $336,902.21

Whitley County’s curbside recycling program continues to grow

Last week as Whitley County Solid Waste Management director Jorell Tucker talked with local business people, he couldn’t help but share his delight about the increased level of recycling in Whitley County this year.

Tucker said he knew the new, single stream recycling program introduced at the beginning of the year was going to be popular based on the phone calls and comments he received from local residents. Residents were excited about the simplicity of the new program, the inclusion of more items to recycle, the containers with built-in wheels and the fact that a local vendor, Whitley Environmental, had been selected as the contractor for the curbside program. For more, click on the headline above …

Parkview Whitley Hospital Foundation’s annual golf outing raises $14,000

Volunteers and projects needed for Whitley County’s United Way Day of Caring

Over the years, volunteers have completed projects ranging from tidying up landscaping to painting to constructing playground equipment — all with the goal of helping non-profits and improving the community.

The Whitley County United Way Day of Caring is set for September 14, 2010, and the time has come for local organizations to submit their wish lists for volunteer teams to complete that day.

It is also the time for volunteer teams to sign up and agree to dedicate time to complete work projects.

To submit a project or volunteer to work on a community project, click here …

Picture your garden overflowing with plump, juicy tomatoes, shiny green peppers, and crisp green beans. Imagine picking juicy peaches, pears, and apples from the local orchards or selecting fresh produce from baskets at the farmers’ markets.

Why not save some of this bounty to enjoy all through the year? Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food to stop or greatly slow down spoilage, loss of quality, edibility, or nutritive value caused or accelerated by micro-organisms.

Learn to preserve foods safely. The Purdue Extension Service in Whitley County will be conducting ‘Preserving Nature’s Bounty’ workshops to discuss safe home food preservation procedures and to answer the frequently asked questions on canning, freezing, and drying foods. Workshops are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, July 28, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Churubusco Town Hall, 215 Home Ave.;
• Wednesday, July 28, 1–3 p.m. at the Whitley County Extension Office, Columbia City;
• Wednesday, August 18, 9:30–11:30 a.m., 1– 3 p.m. and 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Whitley County Extension Office, Columbia City.

To register, call 260-244-7615 or 260-625-3313. Cost is $3/person, payable at the door. For more information, contact Cindy Barnett, Extension Educator, cbarnett@purdue.edu.

Please note: The Churubusco Town Hall has not moved to the new Government Center on South Main Street. It is still located at the corner of Home Avenue and Mulberry Street, on the west side of the Churubusco Child Care Center.

Courtesy of our Whitley News Network Partner Talk of the Town …

Courtesy of our Whitley News Network partner, Talk of the Town …

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Jennifer is a sweet and energetic black lab mix, who has already been spayed.

She was so scared when she first came to the shelter, but she’s much more comfortable now. In her 16 months of life, she has been through quite a bit … she’s got a story to tell!

Jennifer would make an excellent jogging/walking partner, and she will definitely need some form of daily exercise. A couch potato, she is not. Come in to meet this sweet girl, and see if you could provide her a forever home!

The Whitley County Humane Shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Anabel is a sweet spayed female dilute torbie (grey tabby with pale orange undertones) who was born in the fall of 2008. She is a mellow – but playful! – cat who will make a good pet and loving companion. Please come in and meet this nice kitty today … and think about taking her home with you!

Or stop by and visit Anabel at the Whitley County Humane Shelter. The shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

by Viv Sade

AVILLA, Ind. (July 8, 2010) — Reports of wild cat sightings in Northeast Indiana are nothing new. But the most recent sighting by Bob Burlingame, 67, also has a photo that accompanies the man’s claim of a cougar in his back yard. The big cat was reportedly eating a deer carcass when Burlingame and his wife grabbed a camera and took a photo Tuesday evening.

For more of this story, go to the Indiana News Center.

When I was working at a small weekly paper in Huntertown about eight years ago, a local farmer came in to tell me that he had spotted a large “wild” cat in the woods near his farm. I listened and took notes, but there was really nothing to back up his claims – and the notes remained in my notebook.

And then, five years ago, when I was working as a reporter at the Auburn Evening Star, a gentleman from the Garrett area told me that large cats had been sighted several times by him and by his neighbors in DeKalb County. He said he had contacted the Department of Natural Resources, but no one had returned his calls.

I believed him. There was really no reason for him to fabricate the story.

Even though at this point, the Department of Natural Resources has not confirmed any of the sightings, I think there will be more to come in the future.

For more on sightings of wild cats in Indiana go to the Indiana Sportsman Web site.

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Sandy is a sweetheart who is housebroken, already spayed, and good with other dogs. The staff at the Whitley County Humane Shelter estimates her age at about 2 years old. Sandy is gentle and loves to give kisses. She has a serious face, but don’t let that fool you, she’s a very fun dog. Sandy will do best in a household with action! She loves to be on-the-go, and would most likely appreciate a family with children, or other dogs, and lots of play in her day.

Although Sandy has lots of energy, she loves to sit by (almost on top of) the person she is with. She really loves people. Sandy will make someone a wonderful pet, she’s a magnificent dog!

Come to the Whitley County Humane Shelter and meet Sandy today. The shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.

Pet of the Week

Sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union

Ava is an approximately 1-year-old terrier-mix of some sort who arrived at the shelter as a stray. Ava is a medium-sized friendly girl who  loves playing with toys and adores children and other dogs. She will be a very fun pet to own.

Ava was one of the featured pets at the Whitley County Humane’s Shelter’s road show at the Turtle Days’ Kid’s Day in the Park in Churubusco last Saturday. According to shelter officials, Ava had so much fun they had to force her into the car afterward!

Come to the Whitley County Humane Shelter and meet Ava. The shelter is located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City. Shelter hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 and Saturday, 1-5.

For more information, call the shelter at 260-244-6664; e-mail dirhswc@yahoo.com, or visit the WCHS Web site at www.hswc.org.