Seen and Heard (8)

We’ve always been Proud to show off our ink-stained fingertips. Yes, we’re biased. But everyone who’s ever taken solace in a morning newspaper should be happy to hear the Ohio City Near West Development Corp. is trying to launch one, because that’s not happening so much these days. “We recognize the climate,” says Bernie Thiel, executive director of the Ohio City Argus. “But we also recognize a trend toward hyper-local content that people are interested in.” The publication will borrow the name of Ohio City’s first newspaper, which launched on May 26, 1836. With an experienced volunteer staff and a low-pressure four issues a year (starting with February-March), Thiel says, advertising revenue should be able to cover the cost of publication. “People still like to have something in their hands to read,” he says. We’re all for that sentiment. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Argus won’t also be online at ohiocityargus.com.
Ilana Yergin

It would take the weight of 28 full-grown female African elephants to go pound for pound with the gargantuan recycling numbers the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo put up in 2008. The zoo kept more than 140 tons of junk — everything from old computers to glass bottles — out of landfills by offering us a place to drop it off to be recycled. (Always a conservation-minded crew, part of the zoo’s mission is helping us minimize our ecological footprint.) And speaking of recycling, they’ve got something else for you. Don’t miss your chance to order ZooPoo Compost this month for May pickup. Yeah, it’s what you think, mixed with natural materials used in animal bedding. Visit clemetzoo.com for more information.
JV