One of the first documented attempts to utilize bloodhounds as tools for law enforcement occurred in 1888. London police pondered using dogs in their pursuit of the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper. Ultimately, the dogs sat out the hunt.

It’s almost impossible to fall through the cracks in The Villages, where a massive army of volunteers spends tremendous time and energy helping those in need. Somehow, they always say, they get back more than they give. Here are some dispatches from the front lines of philanthropy this week:

One bad inning negated what could’ve been one good comeback for The Villages High School softball team on Monday night.