It was only a short time ago that some of us were discussing that we were not hearing about as many incidents involving wild bees as were reported a few years ago. Then on May 4 a massive and overwhelming group of bees killed a young man, Justin Laird, while he was mowing his Mom’s yard which is about three miles northwest of my house. Most bee attacks seem to involve older people who are unable to escape to a safe area. The attack was so sudden and so violent that it appears that Justin never had a chance. People who grew up in the country with good neighbors and knowing four generations of a family know the pain of such a loss.

Baker Hughes reported that 617 drilling rigs were active in the U.S. on April 12. That is three less than last week and 134 less than one year ago. Canada has 141 rigs, up five from last week and up 14 from this time last year.