County busy with energy inquiries

For Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Ohio Farm Bureau aims for neutrality when it comes to renewable energy.

“As a state, Ohio has an incredible amount of alternative energy interest because of where we sit in regards to the national grid,” Auglaize County Farm Bureau Director Jill Smith said. “As a state overall, this is a huge issue.”

That’s been apparent in Auglaize County in recent days. Local farmers and land owners have been approached about potential land leases by Light Source Bp, Algonquin Power and Utilities and Open Road Renewables.

“Our county is quite busy,” Smith agreed, before explaining OFB’s stance on the issue.

“We believe in personal property rights. It’s a land owner’s decision how they want to proceed. For us, neutrality has to do with everyone’s decision to make their own decision about what is best for them, what is best for their family, and

what is best for their ground.”

Smith said every situation is different.

“A community needs to decide whether a project is good for their community,” Smith said.

She said Ohio Farm Bureau offers its resources members who need to learn more about what is being proposed to them, reviewing contracts, or whether a company is a good source.

Smith said they offer assistance in connecting members to resources for a variety of other topics as well.

OFB media representative Ty Higgins confirmed the organization’s neutral stance regarding the proposed legislation that would allow townships to hold a referendum on large-scale solar and wind projects.

“Farm Bureau has not taken a position on the bill at this time,” according to the organization’s statement. “Farm Bureau’s policy supports reasonable and uniform statewide procedures for placement of utility-scale wind and solar farms, which is provided by the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) process. We are working with the bill sponsors to ensure the bill aligns with this policy, while creating more opportunities for local engagement in the process.”

The statement appears to support the OPSB process as is. Legislators such as Rep. Craig Riedel (R-Defiance) have said constituents are telling them the process disenfranchises them.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

Today you have more energy to speak honestly to others. This means you want to say what you mean and mean what you say!

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

You are the financial wizard of the zodiac. Today you might have some excellent moneymaking ideas. You also might work to take care of something that you own.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)

With Mars in your sign now, you are energized! Use this energy to go after what you want, especially because you are making such a great impression on bosses, parents and teachers right now.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

Today someone might be working behind the scenes in a way that will ultimately benefit you. Keep your eyes open to know what’s happening.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22)

You will take charge of groups or a friend today (online or in person) because your energy is strong and direct. People will follow your lead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)

Your ambition is aroused today, which is why you will achieve whatever you want to do. Keep your pockets open, because money and gifts might come your way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)

Because you want to study, explore, read and learn more about other cultures and different places (as well as different systems of thought), by a means, go after what you want to know! Knowledge is the function of being.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)

Disputes about shared property or anything that you own jointly with someone else or disputes about differing values might arise today. Be cool. (To each his own.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)

Use your diplomacy, patience and people skills when dealing with those who are closest to you today if you feel annoyed by someone. Patience is the key.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)

You will find it easy to work hard at whatever task you set for yourself today. It could be related to your job, improving your health or working with a pet.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)

This is a strong day for those involved in creative projects, sports and playful activities with children. You’re ready to give it all that you’ve got!

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20)

Increased chaos and activity at home might be frustrating. Use your energy to sort things out and make everything run more smoothly.

YOU BORN TODAY

You are determined and self-motivated. You were also spiritual and open to seeking higher truths. You are entering a year of learning and perhaps teaching. Explore any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are. Invest in your future self. This year will set you in a new direction that could be crucial for your success next year.

Birthdate of: Kurt Russell, actor; Rob Lowe, actor; John Boyega, actor.

Tom Brady doesn’t merely lead teams to Super Bowl wins on the field. He also helps keep together championship teams that have salary cap issues.

So sackmaster Shaq Barrett, fellow standout linebacker Lavonte David and old buddy Rob Gronkowski will remain in Tampa Bay.

Just as he had done several times in New England, Brady reworked his big-ticket contract last week to free up money in free agency. The Buccaneers used it to keep David, and on Monday, the first day of “legal tampering” before the NFL’s business year begins on Wednesday, the 28-year-old Barrett agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with $36 million guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed.

Later in the day, Gronk agreed to return for his 11th season with Brady on a one-year, $10 million deal — up from the $9.25 million he earned in 2020.

Meanwhile, back in Brady’s former stomping grounds, the Patriots were spending wildly in an attempt to recapture the glory he produced before heading south last season.

New England opened its vaults wider than any other team on Monday, something unusual for a club that normally avoids chasing the most expensive free agents. Of course, the Patriots went 7-9 without Brady in 2020.

Joining them are linebacker/edge rusher Matthew Judon from Baltimore; tight end Jonnu Smith from Tennessee; nose tackle Davon Godchaux from Miami; and defensive back Jalen Mills from Philadelphia.

Judon, 28, will get a four-year, $56 million pact with $32 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press. Smith, 25, will be paid $50 million over four years to try to fill the void created when Gronkowski retired after the 2018 season — only to return last year to reunite with Brady in Tampa Bay.

The 26-year-old Godchaux gets $16 million for two years, with $9 million guaranteed. Mills, soon to turn 27, comes in at four years for $29 million, also guaranteed $9 million.

Clearly, the salary cap that decreased by about $16 million this year due to lost revenues because of the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t prevented New England from diving headfirst into the free agency waters.

But they let perhaps the best offensive lineman in this crop get away, as 28-yearold guard Joe Thuney agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City. It might seem a stretch to think the Chiefs have problems on offense, but anyone who saw their line fall apart in the Super Bowl recognizes the value of adding Thuney.

The other three AFC West teams were busy as well.

The Raiders, who have suffered defensively since trading Khalil Mack in 2018, agreed to a two-year contract with edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue. They are last in the NFL with 66 sacks and 357 pressures, according to SportRadar, since the trade.

Ngakoue has the 12th-most sacks (45 1/2), third-most strip sacks (15), sixth-most quarterback pressures (190) and second-most forced fumbles (18) in his five pro seasons, though he has slumped the last two years.

The Chargers went with an offensive line upgrade, center Corey Linsley, an All-Pro with Green Bay last season. Linsley allowed a league-low four pressures last season among centers who played 13 or more games, while LA’s Dan Feeney was tied for the most at 33. Linsley, 29, spent seven seasons with the Packers.

Los Angeles has also agreed to re-sign cornerback Michael Davis for three years.

Denver defensive end Shelby Harris agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal. The 29-year-old Harris played on a one

year deal last year after finding no suitors in free agency despite setting personal highs with 49 tackles, six sacks and nine passes defensed in 2019.

Elsewhere:

— The Rams agreed with pass rusher Leonard Floyd on a four-year deal. Floyd, who is coming off the best season of his five-year NFL career, signed last April after the Bears released him. The outside linebacker finished 10th in the league with 10 1/2 sacks while racking up 55 tackles and 19 quarterback hits. He also excelled against the run while starting all 16 games.

— Cleveland might have found a gem in Rams safety John Johnson III. The 25-year-old playmaker is a strong run defender who had four interceptions in 2018 and has eight over a career spanning 48 starts. His three-year deal with the Browns reportedly is valued at $33.75 million, with $24 million guaranteed.

— San re-signed

Francisco 29-year-old cornerback Jason Verrett for one year. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but stayed healthy in 2020 and excelled for the 49ers. Verrett started 13 games with two interceptions and seven passes defensed and was one of the top-graded cornerbacks in coverage.

— Detroit brought back 25-year-old Romeo Okwara, who had a career-high 10 sacks last season in his third year with the Lions and fifth in the NFL. He has been a rare steady performer on a weak defense in Detroit and got a three-year deal.

— Arizona re-signed linebacker Markus Golden for two-years. The 30-year-old Golden has spent most of his career with the Cardinals after being selected in the second round of the 2015 draft. He played with Arizona from 2015-18 before signing with the New York Giants and was traded back to the Cardinals midway through the 2020 season and played well in Arizona.

— Baltimore agreed with guard Kevin Zeitler, 31, on a three-year, $22 million contract. The Ravens have needed help at the position since perennial All-Pro Marshal Yanda retired after the 2019 season. Zeitler, a nine-year veteran, was released by the New York Giants last week.

— Jacksonville added Bears defensive lineman Roy RobertsonHarris with a three-year, $24.4 million deal that includes $14 million guaranteed. The Jaguars also grabbed safety Rudy Ford and receiver Jamal Agnew, both special teamers, as well as receiver Phillip Dorsett and running back Carlos Hyde. Defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot was retained.

—The Jets, with as much money to spend as almost any team, went for Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson, Titans wide receiver Corey Davis and linebacker Jarrad Davis.

The 25-year-old Lawson got a three-year contract. He has 20 sacks in four seasons with weak Cincinnati and joins a promising defensive line in New York that includes defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Corey Davis, 26, could become the Jets’ No. 1 wideout. His deal is worth $37.5 million over three years, $27.5 million guaranteed. Jarrad David had fallen out of favor in Detroit. The price tag reportedly is $7 million for one year.

—Carolina addressed offensive line issues by agreeing to terms with Pat Elflein and Cameron Erving. Elflein received a three-year, $13.5 million deal with $6 million guaranteed, while Erving agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with $8 million guaranteed.

—The Cowboys are set to bring back defensive tackle Antwaun Woods and a pair of receivers lower on the depth chart in Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown. The team reported on its website that Woods and Wilson were expected to be offered tenders as restricted free agents while Brown had agreed to a one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent.

Gonzaga opened the season at No. 1. The Bulldogs never let go of that ranking.

Now, after a startto-finish run atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, coach Mark Few’s Bulldogs are focused on trying to become the first unbeaten national champion in more than four decades.

The Bulldogs (260) received all 60 firstplace votes to stay atop Monday’s final poll, becoming the first team since Kentucky in 201415 to be No. 1 in every poll and the 14th overall. Gonzaga, named the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament on Sunday, will try to become the first unbeaten national champion since Indiana in 1976.

“This whole season has been a challenge,” freshman Jalen Suggs said after the Bulldogs won the West Coast Conference Tournament last week. “But every single one of us on the roster and on the coaching staff have answered to it.”

Seven of the teams that went wire-to-wire at No. 1 ended up winning the national championship, most recently when Duke claimed a second straight title in 1992. Two of the last three — UNLV in 1990-91 and the 2015 Kentucky team — carried unbeaten records into the NCAA tournament but lost in the Final Four.

Suggs said it was hard not to think about the potential history ahead, saying: “At some point, you’ve kind of got to acknowledge how special

of a thing and special of a ride that we’re on right now.”

Gonzaga won every game but one by doublefigure margins, the outlier being an 87-82 victory over West Virginia in December. But the Bulldogs had to rally from 12 down at halftime to beat BYU in the WCC Tournament final.

“I give this group of guys just a ton of credit,” Few said. “I mean, what a perfect team to go through 2020-21 with.”

THE 1-SEEDS

Illinois jumped to No. 2 after winning the Big Ten Tournament, swapping spots with Baylor — which fell one spot after spending 15 of 17 polls sitting in second place. Michigan was next at No. 4, with all three of those teams joining Gonzaga in earning No. 1 seeds for the NCAA Tournament.

The NCAA selection committee had Baylor as its overall No. 2 seed and Illinois at No. 3.

THE TOP TIER

Alabama was No. 5, with the Crimson Tide reaching their highest ranking since December 2006 after winning the Southeastern Conference Tournament for the first time since 1991. Houston, Ohio State, Iowa, Texas and Arkansas rounded out the top 10.

RISING

Shaka Smart’s Longhorns had the biggest jump in the final poll, rising four spots from

No. 13 after winning the program’s first Big 12 Tournament title.

No. 16 San Diego State jumped three spots, while Ohio State rose two after reaching the Big Ten title game. In all, 12 teams climbed from last week’s poll.

FALLING

Villanova took the biggest tumble, falling four spots to No. 18 after an upset loss to Georgetown in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.

In all, nine teams fell from last week. That included No. 25 Virginia Tech, which dropped three spots to remain in the rankings yet earned a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Region.

STATUS QUO

Gonzaga, Michigan and No. 20 Purdue remained in their slots from last week.

IN AND OUT

BYU was the only addition to the poll, tying for No. 23 with Southern California after pushing Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament finale. The Cougars replaced Oklahoma, which fell out from No. 25 after spending three weeks in the top 10 in February.

CONFERENCE WATCH

The Big 12 had a national-best six teams in the poll, with No. 11 Oklahoma State, No. 12 Kansas, No. 13 West Virginia and No. 21 Texas Tech joining Baylor and Texas. The Big Ten was next with five teams, followed by the ACC with three (No. 14 Florida State, No. 15 Virginia and Virginia Tech).