Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 9:38AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
Gusty winds from 35 to 45 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items. The winds will combine with dry conditions to result in an increased fire danger this afternoon. Outdoor burning is not recommended as any fire could grow out of control under these conditions.
Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 4:28AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
Gusty winds from 35 to 40 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items.
Today 53° Today 53° 32° 32° Tomorrow 41° Tomorrow 41° 21° 21°
Thursday, February 15th, 2007

Cupid's arrow may be slow but hopefully will hit the mark

By Shelley Grieshop
Photo by Shelley Grieshop/The Daily Standard

Arleen Sullivan, manager of ABloom Flowers & Gifts, Celina, puts the finishing touch on a rose bouquet.

Apparently it takes more than a blizzard to foil a romantic notion.
Coldwater florist Theresa Jutte waded through knee-high snow and jumped shrubs to deliver Valentine's Day roses late Tuesday, just hours before a severe winter storm paralyzed the Grand Lake area.
"Yeah, they were pretty surprised to see me," Jutte, owner of Roger's Flowers & Gifts, said of the recipients who happily accepted the holiday bouquets.
More than a foot of snow was tossed around by 40 mph winds Tuesday evening, closing roads and businesses on the eve of Valentine's Day - it was a florists' nightmare, indeed. The February holiday rivals Mother's Day as the busiest and most profitable time of the year for flower shops, as well as restaurants.
"This will cause a dramatic drop in our business," said Dan Deloye, who owns six area ABloom Flowers and Gifts stores. "We had a lot of orders due to go out today (Wednesday) that likely won't be delivered until Thursday or Friday."
Many pre-ordered deliveries were destined Wednesday for factories and schools that closed before the fresh cut flowers could be packaged and sent, Deloye said from his St. Marys store.
"We're delivering to people in town whose streets are accessible and who have driveways that are clear," Deloye said. "We're calling ahead."
Jutte and Deloye - and many other area business owners - had to dig their way to the front door of their stores before beginning their day. Restaurants counting on love birds dining out on Valentine's Day were either closed by the storm or left with empty chairs and booths.
Deloye's biggest problem was shoveling out his delivery vans, he said. Then he noticed the alley next to his business, which he uses to load up his delivery vehicles, was impassable. A quick call to the city office sent snow plows his way in 15 minutes and like magic he was back in business, he said.
"I'm very happy with the support I've gotten from the city of St. Marys," he said. "Some communities are very good to their businesses, some are not."
On Wednesday, both Jutte and Deloye were delighting recipients within city limits and along major highways, but most rural roads remained out of reach. Most customers have been very patient and understanding about the delays, they agreed.
The florist business is "very seasonal," relying on profits from a few holidays to stay afloat, Deloye said. A snow- storm that slammed Ohio right before Christmas in 2004 was devastating to some, he added.
"Some flower shops closed up for good after that," he said.
Because flowers must be purchased and sold fresh, growers have florists over a barrel at peak holidays, he explained.
"We have to pay the highest premium price for roses this time of year," he said.
In July, he can purchase a single rose for about 35 cents but this time of year it costs $1.75-$2.50 each, he said.
"Thankfully roses typically last two to three weeks," he said.
Local florists are hoping Valentine's Day orders continue to come in as the weather improves. And area chefs have ovens heating up for entrees for two.
After all, it's never too late for romance.
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Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
With league titles pretty much sewn up in both the Midwest Athletic Conference and Western Buckeye League, the plan now for area teams in the final two weeks of the regular season is to get ready for the postseason.
6:30 p.m. Friday - Cardinals Gymnasium
Tip-Off: The Cavs split their weekend, beating St. John's on Friday before suffering a close loss to Kenton on Saturday.
The Cardinals got a big ni
6:30 p.m. Friday - Arnzen Gymnasium
Tip-Off: The Wildcats suffered through a big injury, which didn't help them as they lost to Marion last Friday in their only game of the weekend. Leading scorer Zac Boeke is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, which will certainly hurt Minster on both ends of the floor.
6:30 p.m. Friday - Redskins Gymnasium
Tip-Off: The Tigers pulled away from an injury-depleted Parkway squad to gain a half-game lead on four other teams for second place in the MAC on Friday. On Saturday, Versailles hammered Twin Valley South on the road.
6:30 p.m. Friday - Celina Fieldhouse
Tip-Off: Celina picked up a big win in knocking Ottawa-Glandorf out of WBL contention with a last-second win at the Fieldhouse last Friday. Then on Saturday, Celina battled perennial power Toledo Central Catholic before falling by two points.
6:30 p.m. Friday - The Hangar
Tip-Off: The Rangers took care of business in capturing the MAC title outright for the first time - and the first title overall in 10 years - with a win over St. Henry. A victory on Saturday over Perry made the Rangers 17-0 on the season.
6:30 p.m. Friday - McBroom Gymnasium
Tip-Off: The Bulldogs come in on a positive note after beating Marion Local on Monday. Denny Thompson's squad has picked up the pace of late after a rough start to the season.