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COLUMBUS – The number of verified bobcat sightings in Ohio in 2012 increased to 169, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This marks the third consecutive year that more 100 verified bobcat sightings were recognized in the state.

ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists verified 136 and 106 sightings in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Of the 169 verified sightings in 2012, most occurred in Noble County and the counties immediately adjacent. Overall, observers in 31 counties reported a verified bobcat sighting.

To report a bobcat sighting, call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Sightings are verified by ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists and have increased steadily during the last decade. The bobcat is listed as a threatened species in Ohio and is protected by state law.

Bobcats once roamed across Ohio, but they were extirpated around 1850 as more people settled within the state. A handful of unverified bobcat sightings in the 1960s announced the return of the species. Bobcat sightings have been verified in 43 counties since 1970, with unverified sightings in 84 counties.

A bobcat may be verified with photographs of the animal or its tracks; road kill recovery and sightings by ODNR Division of Wildlife personnel; and encounters through incidental trappings, which are followed by the animal’s release. The number of bobcat sightings confirmed from trail cameras has increased dramatically since 2006, and most verified sightings in 2012 were documented by these cameras.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife uses technology to clarify estimated bobcat populations because it is rare to see them in the wild. To help them with their research, biologists use remote cameras and scent stations. GPS radio collars are used to track the location of bobcats after catching and releasing them.

Efforts to learn more about the locations of bobcats are supported by the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund. Ohioans give donations to this fund through the state income tax check-off program and by purchasing cardinal license plates. People may also make donations at wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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Recently, 18 athletes from Van Wert County Special Olympics competed at Bluffton University in track and field events. The results are as follows:

100 meter dash: Gold Medal - Rhyan Gent, Miranda Fleming and Meghan Bell; Silver Medal - Justin Wills, Amber Young, Michelle Mollenkopf and Jeannie Miller

50 Meter assisted walk - Ronda Crosley - Gold Medal

100 Meter Walk - Patti Drake - Silver medal

Mini Jav: Gold Medal - Miranda Fleming

Silver Medal - Jason Etzler and Michelle Mollenkopf

Softball Throw — Gold Medal - Jason Benner, Rhyan Gent, Justin Wills, Brandon Painter, Amber Young, Megan Bell, Francis Smith, Jeannie Miller; Silver Medal - Kirk Pontius, Patti Drake, and Sharon Mosier; Bronze Medal - Ronda Crosley and Rachel Chivington

The 4x100 meter female relay team of Miller, Mollenkopf, Fleming and Bell received a Silver Medal and a Gold Medal went to the male team of Wills, Painter, Bradley Swann and Gent.

Other athletes were Justin Kohorst and Meghan Dettrow.

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LIMA — Attention International Harvester enthusiasts: the 24th annual Red Power Round Up is coming to the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima beginning at noon on Wednesday, June 19.

Over 20,000 people are expected over the course of the event featuring all things International Harvester.

This annual summer show brings together members of the International Harvester Collectors Club which has chapters in Canada and New Zealand, as well as 35 chapters in the US.

Over 1,000 tractors, 175 Trucks-Scouts-Travelalls, 400 Cub Cadets, IH memorabilia and other unique products manufactured by the International Harvester Company will be featured. The gates open to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m. There will be a variety of entertainment featured each day of the show, including a daily tractor parade in front of the grandstand.

Tickets prices are $10 at the gate or $25 for a full show pass. Attendees entering the show after 5 p.m. will pay $5 gate admission. Anyone interested in displaying International Harvester items are invited to attend. There is a $15 national membership fee to display which covers insurance for the event.

For more information, visit our web page at www.rpru2013.com.

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Kirk NationaLease, with a facility located at 203 Hunt Street, Delphos, OH, has been awarded the Exceptional Service Award by its peers in the NationaLease System. During the week of May 14-17, Randy Johnston, director of maintenance, and John Wearly, regional manager, from Kirk NationaLease, attended the NationaLease Spring Maintenance Meeting in Chicago, IL. At this meeting, Randy Johnston had the pleasure of accepting the Exceptional Service award, on behalf of Kirk NationaLease at the awards dinner held on May 16.

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LIMA — The Henry & Beverly Hawk Heart & Vascular Center at St. Rita’s Medical Center recently received full accreditation with PCI from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 people dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. SCPC’s goal is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.