When I wrote a story last week on the Freedom Institute of Erie County, a local Tea Party group, our online posting of 15 questions the group is sending out to candidates caught the eye of Leo Hickman, an English journalist.

Crediting "a local Ohioan newspaper called the Sandusky Register," Hickman highlighted several of the questions, including "The regulation of Carbon Dioxide in our atmosphere should be left to God and not government and I oppose all measures of Cap and Trade as well as the teaching of global warming theory in our schools."

Hickman writes the environment blog for a local English newspaper called The Guardian. Before listing the questions, he advised readers to "prepare yourself for a hearty serving of insight with a side order of jaw drop."

-- Tom Jackson

Health board weighs Huron man's ideas

County residents can make a difference on important legislation.

Before the Erie County Board of Health voted on an obesity-prevention resolution during last Tuesday's meeting, members allowed Huron's John Girard to offer his insights.

The resolution aims to reduce obesity rates in the county -- which calculate to about 75 percent -- and promote healthy lifestyles.

Girard suggested the resolution should include:

1. Develop partnerships with local entities. Girard proposed local governments enter into the program so they can not only share health-related information while educating citizens, but also enhance economic development by supporting healthy behaviors.

2. Incorporating technology. Girard said information such as programs, events and eating tips can be sent via the Internet. By sending out text messages and Twitter updates, creating Facebook pages, publishing blogs and establishing Real Simple Syndication Feeds, information can be more readily available and friendly to the younger generation.

3. Expanding education. Camps can become good tools for children to understand nutrition. Also education materials could be handed out at local farmer's markets including information about safe buying, storing and preparing foods.

All suggestions will be seriously considered and are always appreciated, Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said. The board will vote on the final details of the resolution at 6 p.m. Sept. 28.

"We had a citizen come forward in a positive way with a lot of input and information for us to consider," Schade said.

Schade said any other recommendations regarding health practices are also encouraged.

-- Andy Ouriel

Huron County makes strides toward health

Lace up those sneakers.

Huron County will launch a new health initiative at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the North Coast Inland Trail on Northwest Street in Norwalk.

The program, Huron County Striders, is a collaboration of Fisher-Titus Medical Center and Huron County Health Partners. It aims to get residents moving for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week, by visiting area walking paths.

The program will run through Dec. 12.

During Wednesday's kick off, participants can pick up program information and activity logs. Those who attend will receive a handy fitness packet that includes a pedometer, stopwatch and other helpful hints to keep them motivated.

Can't make the kick-off but want to join the movement?

Logs will also be available beginning Sept. 9 at the Fisher-Titus Medical Center information desk or the Huron County Health Department, along with libraries and recreation centers around the county. You can also download it by visiting ftmc.com and clicking on the "Start" button.

FTMC will continue its focus on health and fitness in January, when it kicks off the Healthiest Loser Contest through a collaboration with the Norwalk Lions Club and Norwalk Park and Recreation Department.

-- Annie Zelm