Troy Township meetings set

Troy Township has set its meetings for this year. All meetings begin at 8 p.m.

Jan.16, Feb 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.

Special meetings, change of location for regular meetings or change of times will be posted on township hall and advertised in The Gazette.

Snake-necked turtles born at zoo

If the first newborn of the New Year is any indication of what 2017 has in store, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium should anticipate a year of patience, endurance and stability. The first zoo-borns – born on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day – were northern snake-necked turtles.

Of the recent clutch, four turtles have hatched so far: one on Dec. 29, one on Dec. 31 and two on Jan. 1. Prior to the clutch that hatched last year, the Columbus Zoo has not bred this species since 1998. All hatchlings weigh about 9 grams each. Adults can reach up to 10 pounds.

The northern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga) is named for its uniquely long neck that, instead of retracting inside its shell, wraps tightly around the turtle’s body for protection.