Ohio Turfgrass Foundation honoring trio

Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference & Show in Columbus. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Shetlar will be inducted as an OTF Life Member, Kellogg is receiving OTF Professional of the Year honors and Hlavaty is the first recipient of the newly created Darian Daily Memorial Award.

Known simply as The BugDoc, Shetlar has spent the last 26 years within Ohio State’s entomology department teaching, conducting research and providing extension services. Shetlar has co-authored several books on turfgrass insects, has contributed to many research publications and is also a regular contributor of pieces for industry newsletters and other publications. He is a regular presenter during OTF conferences and events in addition to other industry events.

Kellogg founded Grasshopper Property Maintenance in 1991 as a short-term solution to provide for his family. The company had five customers and generated $2,000 in revenue. In year two, it turned into $60,000. Grasshopper Property Maintenance now services nearly 1,000 customers in Holmes County.

With little formal education within the industry, Kellogg credits organizations such as OTF as a major contributor to his company’s success. The education and resources offered have helped him develop within the industry and provide his customers with quality service.

Kellogg has served on the board and executive committee for OTF as well as the Ohio Lawn Care Association. Kellogg also has been an active member of the Ohio State Pesticide Advisory Board, Ohio Professional Applicators for Responsible Regulation Board and OTF education and tradeshow committees.

The first recipient of the Darian Daily Memorial Award will be given to Hlavaty, a longtime assistant with the Bengals. Over the years, Daily and Hlavaty developed a friendship that stretched beyond the field of Paul Brown Stadium.

Daily, who died earlier this year, was much more than the head groundskeeper for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a teacher, an advocate, a mentor and a great friend. The OTF Awards Committee has decided to honor Daily’s legacy by giving an award in his name to an individual who displays the characteristics those in the industry loved about Daily.

Following Daily’s untimely passing, Hlavaty stepped in to not only support Darian’s family, but to also assist those that relied on Daily at their facilities. During this very difficult time, Hlavaty epitomized selflessness, one of the traits Daily was most known for among family, friends and peers.

See Golf Course Trades at the Ohio Turf Conference.