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Vandals have attacked some of the livestock and crops of farmers in Lake County. Farm Bureau member Russell Rettger said the first incident on his farm involved three people riding four-wheelers through one of his hay fields. In the next attack, three calves and one cow were beaten to death, and other cows were left with lame legs. Recently, a pick-up truck tore through another hay field.

Rettger said some of his neighbors also have lost portions of soybean and hay fields.

The Lake County sheriff's department is working on the case. Rettger estimates his losses to be at least $8,000.

In an effort to help Rettger and his family, a fund-raiser took place Aug. 3 at the Tractor Supply Company in Chardon. Shirley Latimer is the adviser of the Sundance Kids 4-H club and organized the car wash and bake sale. "[Russell] is a kind gentleman, and we wanted to do something to help," she said. She hopes to raise enough funds to allow Rettger to activate his security system. She also hopes to teach her 4-H club that it is important to help those in unfortunate situations and spur on others in the community to help.

Latimer’s daughter Dawn Franklin and Doti Bentley are co-advisers of the club.