In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code, the Chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft hereby gives notice that the removal of firewood will be permitted at the Indian Mill Scenic River access located on the Sandusky State Scenic River.

Agricultural producers are reminded to consult with Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service before breaking new ground for production purposes as doing so without prior authorization may put a producer’s federal farm program benefits in jeopardy.

RIDGEWAY — Underwood Stock Farms (Sullinger Farm) will serve as the location for the Hardin County Pasture Walk on May 3. The program will be from 6-7:30 p.m. in a pasture located at 18917 County Road 155 near Ridgeway.

REYNOLDSBURG — Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David T. Daniels has appointed former State Rep. Tim Derickson as the department’s assistant director. Derickson most recently served as executive director of the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Wildlife Council approved the 2017-18 hunting and trapping seasons Wednesday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. White-tailed deer hunting changes include modifications to bag limits for several counties throughout the state.

MILLERSBURG — The public is invited to join barn enthusiasts, barn owners and maybe even a few barn “huggers” at Ohio’s only annual barn tour and conference to be held in Holmes County on April 28-29. Friday is an all-day bus tour, including lunch, visiting several century barns.

COLUMBUS — Ohio Farm Bureau had an increase in its active membership for fiscal year 2017. OFBF had an increase of 2,146 active members, bringing the total to 63,605.

COLUMBUS — Ohio is known for its world-class fishing, and from May 6-7, state residents are invited to take part in the annual free fishing weekend, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Ohio’s Free Fishing Days are open to all Ohio residents and extend to all of Ohio’s public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently launched a free mobile app that will instruct the public on what to do before, during and after emergencies. The app is available for download for Apple, Android and Blackberry mobile devices.

Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District is holding a spring fish sale through May 15. Spring is an ideal time to stock ponds because the weather and water temperatures are cooler. This reduces the handling stress on the fish, and pond owners will have a more successful stocking with less mortality.