The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is mounting an effort to identify and restore the state’s remaining fire lookout towers, according to this story in the Canton Repository. Three towers have already been returned to service, each at least 60 feet in height.

Residents in New Philadelphia took to the streets in protest this week in opposition to plans by Walgreen’s to erect a new drugstore in the Franklin Square area of the city. This coverage by the Dover-New Philadelphia Times Reporter includes a photo of protestors carrying signs reading, “Walgreens to Destroy This Neighborhood.”

The Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park issued a press release this week highlighting their continuing efforts to purchase the Silver Spade, a unique remnant of Ohio’s mining history (pictured at right).

Consider these statistics about the Silver Spade:

Working weight: 14,000,000 pounds
Height: 220 feet
Reach: A radius of 195 feet
Bucket capacity: 105 cubic yards, which can hold 158 tons of rock

This Week Newspapers in Columbus recently profiled the imminent return of the beloved Lazarus Building downtown, highlighting the “green” nature of the renovation. The project emphasizes innovative energy saving techniques, and uses as many natural resources as possible – including a newly-installed three-story atrium.

Photo Credit: The Silver Spade, Harrison County/Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park Press Release