Though we are almost through July, we still have a number of days to go in what is referred to as the "Dog Days of Summer." These are generally the hottest days of the year and go from early July through mid August. Earlier this week WJER News ran a story with Tuscarawas County Humane Society officer Dawn Smitley about people who leave their pets in cars with their windows up or partially open. Smitley says that pets should be left at home during these hot days, as cars can reach 125 degrees in a matter of seconds. People who see dogs in cars like this can contact officials, and animal neglect charges can be filed toward anyone leaving an animal in a car on hot summer days. So, why jeopardize your pet and run the risk of legal charges? Leave your pets at home.

Speaking of the weather, hasn't this past week been beautiful? It’s hard to believe we are in Ohio. The weather certainly has been wonderful to get out and enjoy our area pools. We reported last weekend that Uhrichsville officials were particularly pleased with the favorable weather, as it helped them to exceed their original revenue expectations. Rick Reiger, Mayor of Uhrichsville, reported to us that during their first full month of operation in June the water park brought in more than 126-thousand dollars. This early success of the park is great news, and if July and August keep the same pace as June, it will make the park financially self-sufficient for their loan due in December. Mayor Rieger says that visitors are coming from all over east central and southeastern Ohio and are very impressed with the facility and its amenities. Congratulations to Uhrichsville for taking the plunge for developing the water park and for the successful big splash it is making. Another positive step for our county.

Congratulations to Abby Contini of Dover who was chosen as the International Little League Mother of the Year. Her 11-year-old son Corey nominated her as a Mother's Day present through a letter he wrote describing the many duties she carries out for the team and League. She wins an all-expense paid family weekend trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for this year’s Little League World Series. Abby is the wife of Jim Contini, a local attorney and a member of the WJER Sports play-by-play team. And speaking of sports, this weekend Dover City Park will be the host site for the Dover Fast pitch Classic. At least 22 teams from all over Northeast Ohio and two teams from the Moundsville, West Virginia area will come to town for this tournament. So if you want to watch some fun and very competitive softball games, you will want to attend. There are three age groups: 8 and under, 10 and under and 12 and under, which will include the Dover Lady Tornadoes 10 and under Travel Team and the Dover All-Star teams. Last year the Dover Travel Team competed in the 8 and under division and won the championship in their age group in this Classic. It was the first time in the 7 year history of the Dover Fast pitch Classic that a Dover team won its own tournament. Well, these 8 and under girls are now 10 and under, and they plan on winning the championship again. We wish them and their coaches, Steve Mills and Larry Wisintainer, the very best this weekend.