BY LINDSAY MCCOY

DHI Correspondent

VAN WERT - Hundreds of people joined together to walk for a cure Friday evening and all through the night as a part of the annual American Cancer Society Van Wert County Relay for Life. A goal was set for 30 teams, and the Van Wert community went above and beyond this goal with 32 teams participating in the annual event.

Over 234 participants signed up to be a part of this year’s event at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds with many additional people making appearances to show their support. The event kicked off Friday at 6 p.m. with the survivor’s lap for those who have survived cancer as well as their caregivers.

By Thursday night with the conclusion of luminaria sales, Van Wert Relay had already successfully raised $21,896 that will go directly towards finding a cure for cancer. Top fundraising teams included Leland Smith Insurance Services Inc. and Legs for Liberty First Federal of Van Wert.

“We are out here to support a fellow co-worker, Lori Schaffer, who lost her fight with cancer,” said Leland Smith Insurance team member April Korte.

To raise funds, the team sought out online donations, sold pedometers, luminarias, and T-shirts. This team alone signed up over 50 walkers.

Walkers could continually be seen making their way around the track as one member of each team must be walking at all times for the endurance of the event because cancer never sleeps.

When not walking, event-goers could visit multiple vendors to show their support of Relay for Life.

“As a group, vendors can raise more money in two hours and during the full time of the event through paying for vendor spots, bingo, and the sale of items,” said vendor and Once I Was owner, Vickie Shulte. “It is important for me to do this because I have a long history of cancer in my family, and this is one of the best things we do in Van Wert County to give back.”

Once dark, everyone gathered around the track for a very special lap. Lunenarias are lit and each person who lost their life to cancer is recognized. It is a very touching moment that often brings silence and tears as lost loved ones are remembered.

Staff reports

DELPHOS AREA - Local voters will see a light Primary Election on Tuesday.

BY NANCY SPENCER

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DELPHOS — The Relay for Life of Delphos will mark its 11th year on June 21 and 22. However, this year will be a little different. Several hours after the closing ceremonies Saturday at the Community Track, dog-lovers will meet from 2-5 p.m. at Leisure Park in Delphos for the first-ever “Bark for Life.”

Delphos Animal Hospital is sponsoring the event with Dr. Bonnie Jones as chair.

Fellowship for Christian Athletes (FCA) advisor Joshiah Stober led Jefferson High School students and faculty members in the 62nd National Day of Prayer Wednesday. The annual event is held each year on May 2. (Delphos Herald/Stephanie Groves)

If it is true that April showers bring May flowers, then we are in for a doozy of an allergy season. Judging by the number of kids I have been seeing already this allergy season, I would say it is time for parents to be prepared.

Allergies have a way of turning a beautiful sunny day into a miserable afternoon and a happy adventurer into a cranky homebody. Seasonal allergies can affect your child’s sleeping patterns, eating patterns and their personalities.

Fortunately, the treatment of allergies has come a long way since I was a kid (what hasn’t, once they invented that wheel, things have just been humming along). I remember that my sister used to hate summer because it brought the beginning of hayfever season. The only allergy medicine available was Benadryl and your only option was to be drowsy all the time or live with being congested. She spent the whole summer with a cold washcloth over her nose because it helped her breath easier.