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Campus News
UT Theatre Transforms With Metamorphoses
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
Photos by Sean Koogan, UT:10 News Online Photo Editor and Amy Utley, UT:10 News Online Photographer
Actors in Metamorphoses dedicate themselves to their characters in preparation of enticing the audience with risque roles.
The University of Toledo Theatre Department will round out its fall season with the premiere of “Metamorphoses” Nov. 16 in the Center for Performing Arts in the Center Theatre.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be performed eight times through Nov. 25. Irene Alby, lecturer of theatre at UT, will direct the ensemble cast, her 8th play at UT.
The cast has been working together since the closing of Orpheus and has been doing a great job, Alby said.
Alysa Garcia, a cast member, said she chose this play because it was a little out of her comfort zone.
“It’s really interesting, something you don’t always see,” said Garcia, a UT freshman.
A unique part of the set features an open pool of water in center stage, designed by Daniel Thobias, assistant professor of theatre at UT.
During rehearsals, actors can end up standing or lying in the water for over half an hour.
It’s pretty warm, but after awhile you start to get a chill, said Timothy Fox, a senior majoring in theatre with a concentration in performance.
Fox said he auditioned for the play because he wanted to get in as many productions as possible in his final year at UT, to work with Alby who has been a professor of his, and of course, because of the pool.
Kari Johnson, a freshman at UT, said she auditioned because of her love of Greek Mythology.
“It’s something I haven’t done,” Johnson said.
To capture the Greek Mythology, Halah Mohamed, who is in her fifth year at UT, designed the costumes with the background of the graphic novel.
After discussing the period with Irene Mohamed decided to include a global theme and incorporate fantasy into the background of the graphic novel.
“It is still ongoing, it’s an ever-changing process, and will be until the show opens,” she said. "There's just so much magic in the show."
This play is described as the metamorphoses of the department as well as the people.
“It’s about the transformation of humanity on the journey to wisdom,” Alby said.
Campus Village Fire Displaces UT Students
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
Photography by Sean Koogan, UT:10 News Online Photographer
A fire broke out at Campus Village near the University of Toledo late Sunday night, destroying one unit and leaving multiple others uninhabitable, fire officials said.
Toledo Fire Department Battalion Chief Bob Krause said the fire, caused by unattended cooking by a male resident, could end up costing more than $50,000 in damages. Arson is not being considered for the start of the fire.
No residents were harmed in the accident, but one firefighter was taken to Toledo Hospital as a precaution when he fell establishing a waterline, Krause said. The injured firefighter, whose name was not released, is a veteran with more than ten years experience.
Apartment unit 14, where the fire began, has mass damage. Neighboring units 13 and 15, also were evacuated due to smoke damage. The three units underneath are submerged in water and also had to be vacated, officials said.
Krause said at least six students would be out of their apartments.
Grant Pleasant, a sophomore at The University of Toledo and defensive end on the football team, lives in unit 5, one of the units under water.
When allowed back into his apartment Pleasant picked up his electronics from the floor and gathered a night bag.
A representative came into the unit and told Pleasant he had the option of staying in a model unit if he wanted.
The emergency team responded to the call and was on scene in four minutes, Krause said. The fire was declared under control within 15 minutes.
More than 20 firefighters were on the scene.
Krause said that everything "went perfectly," adding that the team had knowledge of the area and was able to establish control quickly.
To prevent similar incidents in the future: "Don't cook and leave it unattended," Krause said. "That's common sense."
Toledo Fire Department Battalion Chief Bob Krause said the fire, caused by unattended cooking by a male resident, could end up costing more than $50,000 in damages. Arson is not being considered for the start of the fire.
No residents were harmed in the accident, but one firefighter was taken to Toledo Hospital as a precaution when he fell establishing a waterline, Krause said. The injured firefighter, whose name was not released, is a veteran with more than ten years experience.
Apartment unit 14, where the fire began, has mass damage. Neighboring units 13 and 15, also were evacuated due to smoke damage. The three units underneath are submerged in water and also had to be vacated, officials said.
Krause said at least six students would be out of their apartments.
Grant Pleasant, a sophomore at The University of Toledo and defensive end on the football team, lives in unit 5, one of the units under water.
When allowed back into his apartment Pleasant picked up his electronics from the floor and gathered a night bag.
A representative came into the unit and told Pleasant he had the option of staying in a model unit if he wanted.
The emergency team responded to the call and was on scene in four minutes, Krause said. The fire was declared under control within 15 minutes.
More than 20 firefighters were on the scene.
Krause said that everything "went perfectly," adding that the team had knowledge of the area and was able to establish control quickly.
To prevent similar incidents in the future: "Don't cook and leave it unattended," Krause said. "That's common sense."
2012 Buddy Walk to Stride Across U.T. Campus
Event to Raise Awareness of Down Syndrome
By Alex Alberti, UT:10 News Online
Toledo, Ohio – The University of Toledo’s Gateway Project will host its first Buddy Walk this Sunday. This annual event raises awareness for people with Down syndrome, a congenital disorder caused by an extra chromosome.
Family members, friends and other supporters will join together in the walk to raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo.
Tyler Wiley, a recent graduate of Rogers High School, will showcase some of the art he creates while at work. Tyler is employed at Shared Lives Studio, a downtown Toledo business where many Toledoans with disabilities work to create unique art.
Artwork from the studio will be available for sale at the event.
Tyler is looking forward to showcasing his art. His mother, Sandy Wiley-Steward, says her son gains a lot of self-confidence from working at the studio.
“Empowerment is one of the biggest things for Tyler and all the participants,” she said. “The Buddy Walk is a way he can be a big part of something that’s important to the community.”
Organizers are hoping UT students will turn out to see unique art and support the event by walking or cheering on others.
This year’s event takes place Oct. 7 in the Rocket Hall parking lot. Walkers can register that day from noon to 2 p.m. The two-hour walk begins at 2 p.m.
Those who don’t want to wait until the last minute can register now at www.dsagt.org. The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for youth 12 and under. This price includes a t-shirt, lunch from Amie’s pizza, and a day of fun and encouragement for people with Down syndrome.
To receive a registration form by mail or for more information about participating in the Buddy Walk and other events and services offered by DSAGT, call 419-410-2819 or email [email protected].
Family members, friends and other supporters will join together in the walk to raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo.
Tyler Wiley, a recent graduate of Rogers High School, will showcase some of the art he creates while at work. Tyler is employed at Shared Lives Studio, a downtown Toledo business where many Toledoans with disabilities work to create unique art.
Artwork from the studio will be available for sale at the event.
Tyler is looking forward to showcasing his art. His mother, Sandy Wiley-Steward, says her son gains a lot of self-confidence from working at the studio.
“Empowerment is one of the biggest things for Tyler and all the participants,” she said. “The Buddy Walk is a way he can be a big part of something that’s important to the community.”
Organizers are hoping UT students will turn out to see unique art and support the event by walking or cheering on others.
This year’s event takes place Oct. 7 in the Rocket Hall parking lot. Walkers can register that day from noon to 2 p.m. The two-hour walk begins at 2 p.m.
Those who don’t want to wait until the last minute can register now at www.dsagt.org. The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for youth 12 and under. This price includes a t-shirt, lunch from Amie’s pizza, and a day of fun and encouragement for people with Down syndrome.
To receive a registration form by mail or for more information about participating in the Buddy Walk and other events and services offered by DSAGT, call 419-410-2819 or email [email protected].
Presidential Candidates
Battle for Ohio
The presidential political battle waged on as Ohio became the next step in the fight for the presidency. With stops In one of the three biggest, critical swing states, President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney squared off as they laid out their plans for the country.
Fans flooding the floor, cameras flashing and echoing cheers. The scene was set for each candidate to share his views and explain his plans for the future.
Fans flooding the floor, cameras flashing and echoing cheers. The scene was set for each candidate to share his views and explain his plans for the future.
To register to vote, find your voting location, or for early voting information, click here.
Scaring Up Theater Funds
By Rae Lynn Klauka, UT:10 News Online
By Rae Lynn Klauka, UT:10 News Online
Clever, funny, unique—those are just a few words that come to mind when describing a great Halloween costume.
But now, thanks to the theater department at The University of Toledo, “inexpensive” can be added to that list.
For the first time, UT’s theater department is selling some of its costumes to the public – just in time for Halloween. More than 100 costumes, nearly all handmade, will be sold.
Alpha Psi Omega, the theater honors society, and the CPA costume shop decided to host the sale simply because the costume shop has too many costumes.
“We haven’t had any culling of costumes for many years; we have many freaky and weird costumes that are being stored for no reason,” said Daniel Thobias, CPA costume shop manager.
Alpha Psi Omega is an organization designed to heighten the theater experience at UT, said Juan Rodriguez, vice president of Alpha Psi Omega.
“We want to help advertise the theater program more, we want more people to come out, experience and enjoy the performances and shows we put on throughout the year,” he said.
Students, faculty, and anyone from the Toledo area are welcome to come to the sale. The costumes will range in price from $1 to $15.
The sale takes place Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of the student union.
Profits from the sale will go toward replenishing needed items in the costume shop and to the theater fraternity. Alpha Psi Omega will use the money to help fund trips to different competitions that preview graduate schools and companies that give different future career options, Rodriguez said.
Send any questions to the CPA costume shop manager, Daniel Thobias, at [email protected]
But now, thanks to the theater department at The University of Toledo, “inexpensive” can be added to that list.
For the first time, UT’s theater department is selling some of its costumes to the public – just in time for Halloween. More than 100 costumes, nearly all handmade, will be sold.
Alpha Psi Omega, the theater honors society, and the CPA costume shop decided to host the sale simply because the costume shop has too many costumes.
“We haven’t had any culling of costumes for many years; we have many freaky and weird costumes that are being stored for no reason,” said Daniel Thobias, CPA costume shop manager.
Alpha Psi Omega is an organization designed to heighten the theater experience at UT, said Juan Rodriguez, vice president of Alpha Psi Omega.
“We want to help advertise the theater program more, we want more people to come out, experience and enjoy the performances and shows we put on throughout the year,” he said.
Students, faculty, and anyone from the Toledo area are welcome to come to the sale. The costumes will range in price from $1 to $15.
The sale takes place Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of the student union.
Profits from the sale will go toward replenishing needed items in the costume shop and to the theater fraternity. Alpha Psi Omega will use the money to help fund trips to different competitions that preview graduate schools and companies that give different future career options, Rodriguez said.
Send any questions to the CPA costume shop manager, Daniel Thobias, at [email protected]
COBI Dean Moves to Provost Office
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation (COBI) will have a new dean come fall. Tom Gutteridge, the current dean, has been appointed senior vice provost and dean of academic affairs.
He was selected for the new role by Scott Scarborough, the new provost and executive vice president for student affairs.
UT’s board of trustees Monday approved Scarborough, former senior vice president and executive director of the University of Toledo medical center, as the new provost.
In his new role in the provost’s office, Gutteridge will work with other university deans. He said his new responsibilities will include improving response time with dean and managing the academic process of tenured faculty.
Gutteridge, part of the academic world for 43 years, said his presence will bring experience and credibility to the provost’s office. His contract expires June 30, 2015.
Tom Sharkey, associate professor and director of global business development institute, will serve as interim dean of COBI.
Sharkey, the new dean of the business school, was one of two professors recommended by Gutteridge. He has served as an interim dean twice before.
The other recommendation was Anand Kunnathur, professor and senior executive associate dean of the college of business.
Sharkey was chosen because of his willingness to hold the position on an interim basis and because of previous experience in the position,” Gutteridge said.
Sharkey said serving as dean is fun and interesting but on a temporary basis because that role takes him away from his students.
“Being the dean is incredibly rewarding experiencing but very demanding,” Sharkey said.
Current goals for COBI include preparations for a pending accreditation visit, a capital campaign for the university, and continued improvement of the internship and job placement program, Sharkey said.
The business school currently has a placement rate of about 85 percent, impressive considering the economic times, Sharkey said.
A permanent dean for the college of business and innovation will be selected by fall of 2013 after a national search is conducted, Gutteridge said.
He was selected for the new role by Scott Scarborough, the new provost and executive vice president for student affairs.
UT’s board of trustees Monday approved Scarborough, former senior vice president and executive director of the University of Toledo medical center, as the new provost.
In his new role in the provost’s office, Gutteridge will work with other university deans. He said his new responsibilities will include improving response time with dean and managing the academic process of tenured faculty.
Gutteridge, part of the academic world for 43 years, said his presence will bring experience and credibility to the provost’s office. His contract expires June 30, 2015.
Tom Sharkey, associate professor and director of global business development institute, will serve as interim dean of COBI.
Sharkey, the new dean of the business school, was one of two professors recommended by Gutteridge. He has served as an interim dean twice before.
The other recommendation was Anand Kunnathur, professor and senior executive associate dean of the college of business.
Sharkey was chosen because of his willingness to hold the position on an interim basis and because of previous experience in the position,” Gutteridge said.
Sharkey said serving as dean is fun and interesting but on a temporary basis because that role takes him away from his students.
“Being the dean is incredibly rewarding experiencing but very demanding,” Sharkey said.
Current goals for COBI include preparations for a pending accreditation visit, a capital campaign for the university, and continued improvement of the internship and job placement program, Sharkey said.
The business school currently has a placement rate of about 85 percent, impressive considering the economic times, Sharkey said.
A permanent dean for the college of business and innovation will be selected by fall of 2013 after a national search is conducted, Gutteridge said.
U.T. Alumni Pavilion Unveiled
By Jackie Hall, UT:10 News Online
By Jackie Hall, UT:10 News Online
The University of Toledo debuted its new William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion Thursday, Sept. 13. The structure is adjacent to the Glass Bowl.
The structure’s main purpose is to replace the alumni tailgate tent, said Vern Snyder, vice president of Institutional Advancement at UT.
It was built as a destination point and will be used for campus events.
“The pavilion is meant to be a place where we can recognize all these wonderful alumni,” Snyder said.
Designed in a collegiate gothic style, the pavilion’s architecture matches the rest of the university, said Joe Krunkle, principle for construction processes from SSOE.
The pavilion, named after William Koester and his wife, Carol, was constructed solely with donations; $1 million was raised in 20 weeks.
Koester is the chairman of UT’s board of trustees and a former graduate of UT’s college of engineering.
The Koester family was a major donor, along with Women and Philanthropy, Chuck and Jackie Sullivan, and the SSOE Group, the architecture firm that designed the building and donated all engineering services.
“I think the Alumni Pavilion is a great extension for the university,” said Larry Burns, vice president of External Affairs at UT. “It is a part of the brand that we’re creating at UT.”
The structure’s main purpose is to replace the alumni tailgate tent, said Vern Snyder, vice president of Institutional Advancement at UT.
It was built as a destination point and will be used for campus events.
“The pavilion is meant to be a place where we can recognize all these wonderful alumni,” Snyder said.
Designed in a collegiate gothic style, the pavilion’s architecture matches the rest of the university, said Joe Krunkle, principle for construction processes from SSOE.
The pavilion, named after William Koester and his wife, Carol, was constructed solely with donations; $1 million was raised in 20 weeks.
Koester is the chairman of UT’s board of trustees and a former graduate of UT’s college of engineering.
The Koester family was a major donor, along with Women and Philanthropy, Chuck and Jackie Sullivan, and the SSOE Group, the architecture firm that designed the building and donated all engineering services.
“I think the Alumni Pavilion is a great extension for the university,” said Larry Burns, vice president of External Affairs at UT. “It is a part of the brand that we’re creating at UT.”
Lewd T-Shirts Linked to Universities
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
T-shirts that make light of the sexual abuse by former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky have gone viral.
The shirts are designed to show allegiance to The University of Ohio State, Louisiana State University, and The University of Iowa.
Online photos show shirts with the messages: ”I’d rather take a shower at Penn State than cheer for the Wolverines;” “I’d rather take a shower at Penn State then support Alabama;” and “I’d rather take a shower at Penn State than cheer for the Husker.”
The designer of the t-shirts is unknown.
A jury found Sandusky guilty June 22, 2012 on 45 of 48 charges related to child and sexual abuse of ten boys over a fifteen-year period. He faces up to 442 years in prison.
All three universities either declined comment or failed to return calls for this article.
In an email to USA Today, Gayle Saunders, OSU assistant vice president of media relations, separated the university from the t-shirts saying OSU did not sanction the apparel.
Paul Helgren, associate athletic director of media relations at UT, also declined comment.
University of Toledo students were mixed in their views.
“I think it was inappropriate, but no one should be in trouble,” said Alexa Marciniak, a freshman majoring in marketing.
Aleksi Russin, a freshman majoring in chemistry, was accepted into Penn State before enrolling at UT.
“Everyone makes jokes,” said Russin, who is from Pennsylvania. “They are just making money, it needs to stop.”
Sean Mahoney, a sophomore studying computer science said the shirts may not be appropriate but questioned where the line on freedom of speech is drawn.
“It’s kind of mean, kind of a drastic way to show support,” Mahoney said. “It’s college students, they’ll say anything.”
The shirts are designed to show allegiance to The University of Ohio State, Louisiana State University, and The University of Iowa.
Online photos show shirts with the messages: ”I’d rather take a shower at Penn State than cheer for the Wolverines;” “I’d rather take a shower at Penn State then support Alabama;” and “I’d rather take a shower at Penn State than cheer for the Husker.”
The designer of the t-shirts is unknown.
A jury found Sandusky guilty June 22, 2012 on 45 of 48 charges related to child and sexual abuse of ten boys over a fifteen-year period. He faces up to 442 years in prison.
All three universities either declined comment or failed to return calls for this article.
In an email to USA Today, Gayle Saunders, OSU assistant vice president of media relations, separated the university from the t-shirts saying OSU did not sanction the apparel.
Paul Helgren, associate athletic director of media relations at UT, also declined comment.
University of Toledo students were mixed in their views.
“I think it was inappropriate, but no one should be in trouble,” said Alexa Marciniak, a freshman majoring in marketing.
Aleksi Russin, a freshman majoring in chemistry, was accepted into Penn State before enrolling at UT.
“Everyone makes jokes,” said Russin, who is from Pennsylvania. “They are just making money, it needs to stop.”
Sean Mahoney, a sophomore studying computer science said the shirts may not be appropriate but questioned where the line on freedom of speech is drawn.
“It’s kind of mean, kind of a drastic way to show support,” Mahoney said. “It’s college students, they’ll say anything.”
Eat More Chicken… Or Not?
By Brittany Pullie, UT:10 News Online
By Brittany Pullie, UT:10 News Online
At the end of last semester The University of Toledo proposed a bill to have more eateries on campus with Chick-Fil-A being one of them. This past summer however Chick-Fil-A’s president Dan Cathy gave his opinion on gay marriage stating that he is “supportive of the family- the biblical definition of a family unit.” His remarks caused quite a stir from the supporters and those who opposed. Now the University’s Senate has proposed a bill not to have Chick-Fil-A due to its issue with diversity.
Not everyone is for this new bill proposing not having Chick-Fil-A, chairman of the College Republicans and supporter of the traditional family Scott Mazzola is one of them.
“I believe that the student senate voting to not have a Chick-Fil-A is pretty ignorant and they did it on the grounds that we are a diverse university but that goes both ways for the gay community and for the traditional Christians…And this is very ironic due to the fact that the senate itself does not have a diverse panel.”
On the opposite side Spectrum Vice President, LGBTQIA Advisory Board Member and Finance Committee Chair Senator Matthew Ellis brought the opposing resolution up to the Senate.
“Chick-Fil-A raises and gives a lot of its money to organizations that are against gay marriage. I’m gay and there are a lot of LGBTQA students on campus and UT is supposed to be a diverse environment and promote equality so I didn’t think that Chick-Fil-A represented that.”
The resolution has been passed for the bill opposing Chick-Fil-A but it is just a proposal and not a plan of action. There has been no final say yet saying if UT will be putting up a new eatery or not. To learn more about this bill and others sit in on a senate meeting at 8:15 pm on Tuesdays in room 2592 of the Student Union.
Not everyone is for this new bill proposing not having Chick-Fil-A, chairman of the College Republicans and supporter of the traditional family Scott Mazzola is one of them.
“I believe that the student senate voting to not have a Chick-Fil-A is pretty ignorant and they did it on the grounds that we are a diverse university but that goes both ways for the gay community and for the traditional Christians…And this is very ironic due to the fact that the senate itself does not have a diverse panel.”
On the opposite side Spectrum Vice President, LGBTQIA Advisory Board Member and Finance Committee Chair Senator Matthew Ellis brought the opposing resolution up to the Senate.
“Chick-Fil-A raises and gives a lot of its money to organizations that are against gay marriage. I’m gay and there are a lot of LGBTQA students on campus and UT is supposed to be a diverse environment and promote equality so I didn’t think that Chick-Fil-A represented that.”
The resolution has been passed for the bill opposing Chick-Fil-A but it is just a proposal and not a plan of action. There has been no final say yet saying if UT will be putting up a new eatery or not. To learn more about this bill and others sit in on a senate meeting at 8:15 pm on Tuesdays in room 2592 of the Student Union.
The Independent Collegian to Return to UT Campus
By Brittany Pullie, UT:10 News Online
By Brittany Pullie, UT:10 News Online
The Independent Collegian will keep its “independence” despite a pending move back to The University of Toledo campus.
The campus newspaper, founded in 1919, originally was housed on UT’s campus. The editorial staff moved the paper to an off-campus office in 2000 to avoid censorship by the UT administration.
But a tough economy and reduced advertising sales put a financial strain on the Collegian. When UT representatives approached the editors with an offer to rent a room in Carlson Library, they were ready to negotiate.
“We are renting the space; we are staying independent; we haven’t taken independent out of our masthead,” said Vincent Scebbi, managing editor for the Collegian. “If we would have lost our independent status I would have quit.”
One of the major changes the Collegian staff has made is hiring Erik Gable as its new advisor. Scebbi says the paper was trying to get back to its original constitution by having an advisor.
The Collegian Media Foundation, a board of appointed area residents that advises the paper, selected Gable, a special projects editor at The Daily Telegram in Adrian, Mich. An open search for the advisor position was not conducted.
Gable declined comment, referring questions to the Collegian editor.
Scebbi wants to reassure readers that Gable is there only to advise and that his presence will not censor any of the stories.
Although a specific date for the Collegian’s move has not been set, the staff has to be out of the old office by the end of the September.
The Collegian publishes 8,000 copies a week and also operates an online news site.
The campus newspaper, founded in 1919, originally was housed on UT’s campus. The editorial staff moved the paper to an off-campus office in 2000 to avoid censorship by the UT administration.
But a tough economy and reduced advertising sales put a financial strain on the Collegian. When UT representatives approached the editors with an offer to rent a room in Carlson Library, they were ready to negotiate.
“We are renting the space; we are staying independent; we haven’t taken independent out of our masthead,” said Vincent Scebbi, managing editor for the Collegian. “If we would have lost our independent status I would have quit.”
One of the major changes the Collegian staff has made is hiring Erik Gable as its new advisor. Scebbi says the paper was trying to get back to its original constitution by having an advisor.
The Collegian Media Foundation, a board of appointed area residents that advises the paper, selected Gable, a special projects editor at The Daily Telegram in Adrian, Mich. An open search for the advisor position was not conducted.
Gable declined comment, referring questions to the Collegian editor.
Scebbi wants to reassure readers that Gable is there only to advise and that his presence will not censor any of the stories.
Although a specific date for the Collegian’s move has not been set, the staff has to be out of the old office by the end of the September.
The Collegian publishes 8,000 copies a week and also operates an online news site.
Michigan Farmers Qualify for State Aid
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
By Andrew Kurtz, UT:10 News Online Editor
The United States Department of Agriculture has declared the state of Michigan a natural disaster area due to the continuing drought and intense heat that began March 1.
The declaration – which covers all 83 counties – means farmers who can show a 30 percent loss will qualify for low interest loans, said Heather Throne, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
But a USDA Farm Service Agency representative does not expect the majority of farmers to accept the loans.
The reason is that nearly 85 percent of farmers, up from the normal 25 percent, are insured because of the lack of available disaster assistance programs, said Kent Polich, FSA Chief of Public Affairs.
A previous disaster program was funded in 2008 but expired Sept. 30, 2011. That budget was based off previous weather history.
The reduced rate loans are available for eight months at a 2.25 percent interest rate, Polich said. Farmers can receive up to $500,000.
Rob Metz of Crop Production Services said his company is not experiencing any lay-offs or loss of work this year.
“Guys who change with the times and look for better crops are doing fine,” Metz said.
He said the farmers who are insured are doing fine and still grinding crops out of their fields, some out of pride.
The declaration – which covers all 83 counties – means farmers who can show a 30 percent loss will qualify for low interest loans, said Heather Throne, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
But a USDA Farm Service Agency representative does not expect the majority of farmers to accept the loans.
The reason is that nearly 85 percent of farmers, up from the normal 25 percent, are insured because of the lack of available disaster assistance programs, said Kent Polich, FSA Chief of Public Affairs.
A previous disaster program was funded in 2008 but expired Sept. 30, 2011. That budget was based off previous weather history.
The reduced rate loans are available for eight months at a 2.25 percent interest rate, Polich said. Farmers can receive up to $500,000.
Rob Metz of Crop Production Services said his company is not experiencing any lay-offs or loss of work this year.
“Guys who change with the times and look for better crops are doing fine,” Metz said.
He said the farmers who are insured are doing fine and still grinding crops out of their fields, some out of pride.