For many years, Utah State University has been best known for its expertise in agriculture as well as its ice cream. After 123 years, nothing has changed.
“Aggie Ice Cream is more than just a treat,” said Holly Jones, a senior at USU. “It’s a tradition.”
According to Jessica Bayes, an employee of Aggie Ice Cream, the secret to the ice cream’s success is the milk it is made from.
Just off of Highway 91 in Wellsville, is the USU dairy farm. It holds over 200 cows and takes more than 50 students, staff and workers to maintain it. The dairy facility has a milking parlor and a heated pavilion for judging cows, according to Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department Head Ken White.
Cows are milked twice a day. The milk is then cooled and sent to processing laboratory, the same building the ice cream is sold in. “After the milk is processed by students, it is made into yogurt, cheese and Aggie Ice Cream,” said White. “The students do everything, with the help of the advisors of course.”
“I love getting the chance to work so closely with the cows,” said Shelby Dean, an agricultural student at USU. “It’s easier to learn when you get hands on experience.”
The same is said by many of the students working at Aggie Ice Cream.
The many years of processing has resulted in 28 different flavors with Aggie Blue Mint as the most popular and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough in a close second.
“My mom always tries to stop by Aggie Ice Cream every time she visits,” Bayes said. “She buys me and all my roommates whatever we want. It’s a blast.”
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Aggie Cats
Aggies Cats is a program unknown by many residents of Cache County. However, it has been on Utah State University’s campus for over five years.
The program is run almost entirely by volunteers and donations, according to USU Housing Director Shannon Jolley.
The program helps feral cats on campus from being killed and kept under control. Most of the cats are abandoned pets while the others are litters, according to Jolley.
Whitney Milligan, director of residence life and co-founder of Aggie Cats, said all universities have feral cats due to the multitude of students and the trash they create. USU had originally captured the cats and killed them but decided that was inhumane. The program now helps take care of the cats while also maintaining them.
Over 20 volunteers help feed the cats regularly on the north side of Aggie Village. These volunteers also help foster kittens when a feral cat delivers a litter.
Aggie Cats has been funded solely by donations from various groups and individuals.
“I hardly notice the cats on campus,” said Brandon Johns, a student at USU. “I never realized how many there were.”
The numbers of feral cats has reduced from 50, in past years, to 20-30 cats that go to the feeding stations, according to Jolley.
“The thing that most people don’t understand is feral cats are a human problem,” said Jolley. “They come from abandoned cats and congregate in areas where humans live and leave out food and shelter. Humans created the problem of feral cats.”
The program is run almost entirely by volunteers and donations, according to USU Housing Director Shannon Jolley.
The program helps feral cats on campus from being killed and kept under control. Most of the cats are abandoned pets while the others are litters, according to Jolley.
Whitney Milligan, director of residence life and co-founder of Aggie Cats, said all universities have feral cats due to the multitude of students and the trash they create. USU had originally captured the cats and killed them but decided that was inhumane. The program now helps take care of the cats while also maintaining them.
Over 20 volunteers help feed the cats regularly on the north side of Aggie Village. These volunteers also help foster kittens when a feral cat delivers a litter.
Aggie Cats has been funded solely by donations from various groups and individuals.
“I hardly notice the cats on campus,” said Brandon Johns, a student at USU. “I never realized how many there were.”
The numbers of feral cats has reduced from 50, in past years, to 20-30 cats that go to the feeding stations, according to Jolley.
“The thing that most people don’t understand is feral cats are a human problem,” said Jolley. “They come from abandoned cats and congregate in areas where humans live and leave out food and shelter. Humans created the problem of feral cats.”
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
PetsMart Training Program
For new pet owners, one of the most frustrating parts can be disobedience. PetsMart offers ongoing training classes to help.
Training classes are currently being offered in a group setting or one-on-one with a trainer, according to Jeremy Higgins, a trainer at PetsMart.
“We find that sometimes a puppy has a hard time concentrating with other dogs around,” Higgins said. “In a one-on-one session, the puppy won’t get distracted and the owners can take control.”
“The trainers are amazing [at PetsMart],” said Jenica Ward, a current pet owner attending the training program. “I had no idea where to even start with my little girl, but they have helped me get her out of all of those dirty puppy habits.”
PetsMart’s policy is that if a dog doesn’t behave well after taking these classes, the customer can take these classes again for free.
Higgins says that they are currently holding five group sessions with four dog owners in each. Prices for the session range from $50 for six weeks to $127 for eight weeks. There are different training classes that can be taken at any local PetsMart including four different levels of behavioral classes and a “click-a-trick” class, according to Steve Luck, site manager.
“We love seeing all the dogs come in and getting to know them,” said Luck. “I try to interact with them as much as I can.”
Training classes are currently being offered in a group setting or one-on-one with a trainer, according to Jeremy Higgins, a trainer at PetsMart.
“We find that sometimes a puppy has a hard time concentrating with other dogs around,” Higgins said. “In a one-on-one session, the puppy won’t get distracted and the owners can take control.”
“The trainers are amazing [at PetsMart],” said Jenica Ward, a current pet owner attending the training program. “I had no idea where to even start with my little girl, but they have helped me get her out of all of those dirty puppy habits.”
PetsMart’s policy is that if a dog doesn’t behave well after taking these classes, the customer can take these classes again for free.
Higgins says that they are currently holding five group sessions with four dog owners in each. Prices for the session range from $50 for six weeks to $127 for eight weeks. There are different training classes that can be taken at any local PetsMart including four different levels of behavioral classes and a “click-a-trick” class, according to Steve Luck, site manager.
“We love seeing all the dogs come in and getting to know them,” said Luck. “I try to interact with them as much as I can.”
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Dog Park Problems
Dogs have become a problem in Logan. There are only three park locations in the valley that allow dogs. Pet owners have complained to city officials about irresponsible pet owners allowing their dogs to roam without consequences. Some citizens have complained of dogs off their leashes around their property while the owner walks by completely oblivious, according to Russ Akina, Logan city parks and recreation director.
“We’ve heard the complaints from citizens and are doing what we can do fix the problem,” Akina said.
Some pet owners have blamed the dog parks for the problems.
“Have you ever seen the dog park by Willow Park Zoo? It’s on a hill,” said Jenny Wilkens, a visitor to the dog park.
Others admit that the dog parks are not well established but do not blame the parks for the problems.
“There isn't a lot of shade, it sits on a slope and the bottom of the slope has a tendency to get boggy but the park is not the problem, the people are,” said Amanda Warren, a frequent visitor to the parks in Logan. “The people at these parks are too busy chit chatting with their doggy clique to pay attention to what their dogs are doing.”
Akina says the city may place greater enforcement and potentially more restrictions to dog owners if they can not follow the rules at the park. “If compliance is not achieved, park sites that currently permit access would be prohibited,” he said.
Pet owners in Cache Valley as well as visitors believe that Logan is not suitable for people with pets, mainly dogs.
“Logan is the most pet unfriendly town I've ever lived in,” said Jennifer Sandstrom, a dog owner in Logan. “I've never heard of a town where dogs aren't allowed in any of the parks, ball fields or any public areas.”
According to Logan City Animal Ordinances chapter 16 section 209, an owner or person with an animal that causes a nuisance will be subject to penalties. Some of the nuisance behaviors are defecating on property other than the owners without proper removal by owner or excessive barking or noise.
“I’ve given up on the parks,” said Sandstrom. “I’ve started inviting my friends with dogs to our house so our pets can socialize without problems. It’s made things so much easier for me and my dog.”
“We’ve heard the complaints from citizens and are doing what we can do fix the problem,” Akina said.
Some pet owners have blamed the dog parks for the problems.
“Have you ever seen the dog park by Willow Park Zoo? It’s on a hill,” said Jenny Wilkens, a visitor to the dog park.
Others admit that the dog parks are not well established but do not blame the parks for the problems.
“There isn't a lot of shade, it sits on a slope and the bottom of the slope has a tendency to get boggy but the park is not the problem, the people are,” said Amanda Warren, a frequent visitor to the parks in Logan. “The people at these parks are too busy chit chatting with their doggy clique to pay attention to what their dogs are doing.”
Akina says the city may place greater enforcement and potentially more restrictions to dog owners if they can not follow the rules at the park. “If compliance is not achieved, park sites that currently permit access would be prohibited,” he said.
Pet owners in Cache Valley as well as visitors believe that Logan is not suitable for people with pets, mainly dogs.
“Logan is the most pet unfriendly town I've ever lived in,” said Jennifer Sandstrom, a dog owner in Logan. “I've never heard of a town where dogs aren't allowed in any of the parks, ball fields or any public areas.”
According to Logan City Animal Ordinances chapter 16 section 209, an owner or person with an animal that causes a nuisance will be subject to penalties. Some of the nuisance behaviors are defecating on property other than the owners without proper removal by owner or excessive barking or noise.
“I’ve given up on the parks,” said Sandstrom. “I’ve started inviting my friends with dogs to our house so our pets can socialize without problems. It’s made things so much easier for me and my dog.”
Monday, December 5, 2011
Foster Parents Needed
The Cache Humane Society has developed a foster program for the animals at the shelter that are deemed unadoptable. An animal goes into the foster program when it won’t eat, starts losing weight or has stressed related behavioral issues such as shaking from fear or hiding in the back of it’s kennel.
According to Marcia Robinson, the program coordinator, there are about 10 qualified homes that currently hold foster animals. She would like to have more homes eventually but is willing to take what she can.
The CHS asks for volunteers to become foster parents to animals in the shelter.
“Being a foster parent is so rewarding,” said Gracie Johns, a foster parent for the CHS. “Knowing that you loved and cared for an animal in need and then to see it being adopted into a perfect forever home. It makes it all worth while.”
To be accepted into the program, a volunteer must fill out an application form, which can be acquired by the front desk at the CHS or online at the foster program page, according to Robinson. After turning in this form, CHS will perform an inspection to insure the home meets requirements. An at-home agreement will then be signed after the house is deemed acceptable that says the volunteer agrees to provide all health and safety needed for the animal.
Nearly half of all applicants are denied after a home check is considered unsafe, according to Anna Erekson, the foster program assistant. A volunteer’s home must have adequate space for the animal as well as suitable safety measures, such as a fenced yard, to be accepted into the program.
“There are other reasons why a person would be denied a foster animal and they should be looked into before applying,” Robinson said.
The foster program helps save hundreds of animals every year, according to Robinson. The foster animal will be sent back to the shelter when it is believed to be adoptable.
“I still cry whenever one of my foster dogs gets adopted,” Erekson said. “It's a wonderful feeling.”
According to Marcia Robinson, the program coordinator, there are about 10 qualified homes that currently hold foster animals. She would like to have more homes eventually but is willing to take what she can.
The CHS asks for volunteers to become foster parents to animals in the shelter.
“Being a foster parent is so rewarding,” said Gracie Johns, a foster parent for the CHS. “Knowing that you loved and cared for an animal in need and then to see it being adopted into a perfect forever home. It makes it all worth while.”
To be accepted into the program, a volunteer must fill out an application form, which can be acquired by the front desk at the CHS or online at the foster program page, according to Robinson. After turning in this form, CHS will perform an inspection to insure the home meets requirements. An at-home agreement will then be signed after the house is deemed acceptable that says the volunteer agrees to provide all health and safety needed for the animal.
Nearly half of all applicants are denied after a home check is considered unsafe, according to Anna Erekson, the foster program assistant. A volunteer’s home must have adequate space for the animal as well as suitable safety measures, such as a fenced yard, to be accepted into the program.
“There are other reasons why a person would be denied a foster animal and they should be looked into before applying,” Robinson said.
The foster program helps save hundreds of animals every year, according to Robinson. The foster animal will be sent back to the shelter when it is believed to be adoptable.
“I still cry whenever one of my foster dogs gets adopted,” Erekson said. “It's a wonderful feeling.”
Friday, December 2, 2011
Losing Sight, Gaining Companion
At the age of 16, Jenica Mitchel was in a tragic car accident that left her blind in both eyes.
Mitchel is now 24 and relies on her seeing-eye dog to help her live her life.
“I don’t know what I’d do without my girl,” Mitchel said. “Not only does she help me, she keeps me company.”
Mitchel has had Kit, her seeing-eye dog, for five years.
Mitchel was hesitant on a seeing-eye dog at first, but with the help of Dr. Steven Young, an ophthalmologist at Logan Regional, she decided to try it out.
Mitchel received her dog from a group in Logan called Canine Companions for Independence that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
“All our dogs are trained to help their owners in whatever way is needed,” said Brittany Anderson, a volunteer with CCI. “They don’t get distracted easily and know where and when it’s safe for them to lead.”
Melanie Young, Mitchel’s sister, has watched how Kit has changed Mitchel’s life. “Our parents weren’t sure how to deal with Jenica’s blindness,” she said. “They weren’t sure they’d ever see her smile again but Kit has really changed this family.”
Mitchel will never be able to see again but does worry about that interfering with her life.
“I hated life after the accident,” Mitchel said. “But now I see things different.”
b. cook
Mitchel is now 24 and relies on her seeing-eye dog to help her live her life.
“I don’t know what I’d do without my girl,” Mitchel said. “Not only does she help me, she keeps me company.”
Mitchel has had Kit, her seeing-eye dog, for five years.
Mitchel was hesitant on a seeing-eye dog at first, but with the help of Dr. Steven Young, an ophthalmologist at Logan Regional, she decided to try it out.
Mitchel received her dog from a group in Logan called Canine Companions for Independence that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
“All our dogs are trained to help their owners in whatever way is needed,” said Brittany Anderson, a volunteer with CCI. “They don’t get distracted easily and know where and when it’s safe for them to lead.”
Melanie Young, Mitchel’s sister, has watched how Kit has changed Mitchel’s life. “Our parents weren’t sure how to deal with Jenica’s blindness,” she said. “They weren’t sure they’d ever see her smile again but Kit has really changed this family.”
Mitchel will never be able to see again but does worry about that interfering with her life.
“I hated life after the accident,” Mitchel said. “But now I see things different.”
b. cook
Joy At The Shelter
Jessica Wheiler has been a volunteer at CHS for five years. She first got interested when she adopted a puppy from the shelter and couldn’t stay away.
“If you’ve ever been to the shelter, you’d understand how great it feels to be there and help,” Wheiler said. “They can always use the help.”
Wheiler visits the shelter three times a week and is always found with her dog, Daisy, on her side.
“It’s always great when we find a volunteer whose heart is here,” says Alyssa Walker, the front office manager. “Jess has been a great help around the shelter and we hope to see her for more years.”
When Wheiler first started volunteering, she had been assigned cleaning the indoor kennels. But now she can be found planning events aside Jodi DeVries, CHS events planner.
“I don’t know where I’d be without her help,” DeVries said. “I always get stressed with the events but Jess always rescues me.”
Wheiler tries to volunteer as much as possible but finds that her job prevents her from volunteering some weeks.
“It’s hard when you need to pay the bills,” Wheiler said. “But I will never regret the time I’ve spent helping at the shelter.”
Becoming a volunteer is easy and CHS always welcomes help.
“Just stop by if you’re even a little bit interested,” Wheiler said. “After seeing the animals, you won’t want to leave.”
m. titze
“If you’ve ever been to the shelter, you’d understand how great it feels to be there and help,” Wheiler said. “They can always use the help.”
Wheiler visits the shelter three times a week and is always found with her dog, Daisy, on her side.
“It’s always great when we find a volunteer whose heart is here,” says Alyssa Walker, the front office manager. “Jess has been a great help around the shelter and we hope to see her for more years.”
When Wheiler first started volunteering, she had been assigned cleaning the indoor kennels. But now she can be found planning events aside Jodi DeVries, CHS events planner.
“I don’t know where I’d be without her help,” DeVries said. “I always get stressed with the events but Jess always rescues me.”
Wheiler tries to volunteer as much as possible but finds that her job prevents her from volunteering some weeks.
“It’s hard when you need to pay the bills,” Wheiler said. “But I will never regret the time I’ve spent helping at the shelter.”
Becoming a volunteer is easy and CHS always welcomes help.
“Just stop by if you’re even a little bit interested,” Wheiler said. “After seeing the animals, you won’t want to leave.”
m. titze
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