Orchids and onions

ORCHID: To Howland Township planners. The township is offering residents a role in the township's efforts to update its comprehensive community plan. A survey went online Friday for residents to give input on township services and to take part in a series of community forums this fall. The township began updating its plan last fall. It was last updated in 1998. It is through proper planning and vision that communities grow appropriately. Residents can take part in the process by going to the township's Web site at www.planhowland.com and filling out a survey.

ONION: To two men arrested at a crack house Wednesday in Howland. They pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges Thursday during their arraignments in Warren Municipal Court. Gerald Bradley Jr. and Jonathan Stringer were arrested at the Carriage Hill Road house following a month-long investigation by authorities after neighbors complained about heavy automobile traffic at the residence. It was a surprise that that type of illegal activity could be going on in that neighborhood, but after neighbors complained, the cops moved in. It proves just how important community involvement is. Had the neighbors not complained, the operation still might be in business.

ORCHID: To those responsible for getting the fountain back in working order in Warren's Courthouse Square. Thanks to the efforts of the Warren Downtown Business Association, John Taylor of Trumbull 100 and Warren Development and Jim Graham of United Auto Workers Local 1112, who started an effort to repair the fountain through donations. It is an aesthetically pleasing feature to downtown.

ORCHID: To feisty Imogene Hoover, 72, who was lost overnight in the densely wooded area behind her family's Durst Clagg Road home. She went into the woods to pick berries for a pie. She didn't come back out until the next day, with her berries. She slept in the brush. She fought off bugs and endured rain and lightning. This would have been hard for anyone to endure, let alone a 72-year-old woman. Wow.

ORCHID: To members of the Trumbull County Veterinary Medical Association who volunteered earlier this week to give rabies vaccinations throughout the county. State regulations require that all dogs, cats and ferrets have the vaccinations. Their efforts meant that the rabies shots cost $10 each, and many people in the area took advantage of the opportunity at the bargain price.