OHSAA Expands Football Playoffs Beginning 2021

May 20, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – During its May meeting Wednesday afternoon, the Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to expand the OHSAA football playoffs from eight schools per region to 12 beginning in the 2021 season. The 9-0 affirmative vote was given to a recommendation from the OHSAA staff, which was based on a proposal from the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association.

During the first round of the playoffs, the top four seeds will have a bye, while the No. 12 seed will play at the No. 5 seed, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7 and No. 9 at No. 8. In the second round, the No. 1 seed will play the winner of the 8 vs. 9 game; the No. 2 seed will play the winner of 6 vs. 11; the No. 3 seed will play the winner of 7 vs. 10 and the No. 4 seed will play the winner of 5 vs. 12.

The expansion will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 336. Last year there were 709 schools in Ohio that played 11-man football. Football is the only OHSAA team sport in which not every school qualifies for the postseason.

“We still have details to work out regarding the format and specific season dates, but this vote by the Board gives us the green light to finalize those details for 2021,” said Beau Rugg, Senior Director of Officiating and Sport Management for the OHSAA and the Association’s football administrator. “We are thankful for the Board’s support on this proposal, which will bring all the great things of playoff football to 112 additional schools and communities.”

Rugg also noted that the football finals in 2021 are expected to end during the same weekend as previously scheduled (Dec. 2-5). Schools will still be permitted to play 10 regular-season contests.

The higher seeded teams will have the opportunity to host their playoff games during the first and second rounds of the playoffs.

The OHSAA football playoffs began in 1972 when only 12 schools qualified for the playoffs (four schools in each of three classes). Expansion first came in 1980 when the OHSAA changed to five divisions with eight teams each (40 total qualifiers). A sixth division was added in 1994 (96 total qualifiers) and the number of qualifiers was increased to eight schools per region in 1999 (192 total qualifiers). A seventh division was added in 2013 to bring the number of qualifiers to 224.

Sports

Atomic Speedway OPENING DELAYED, Rain MOVES RACING TO May 26th; Still No Fans Allowed

May 16, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Photo by Diana Orey on Unsplash

UPDATE: Heavy rains have forced the opening to Tuesday May 26th.

(Story originally posted Saturday May 16th)

While NASCAR resumes its season this weekend, race teams will be kicking up dust locally at Atomic Speedway Thursday May 21st. Brad McCown made the announcement during a Facebook Live broadcast Friday afternoon, saying “It’s time to go racin’.”

As with the stock car race at Darlington Sunday, dirt track excitement at Atomic will be without spectators. In addition, race teams will face social distancing restrictions in the pit area.

It will be the Scioto Valley Region’s first sports event since the state put a halt to such events due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

“They gave us the go ahead to go without fans for now” McCown said of the approval by the Ross County Health District. “It’ll be drivers, plus four crew members. Everybody in the pits will pit 10 foot apart.”

Fans will be able to watch the action of The 410 Sprint Invitational via pay per view being telecast by Speed Shift TV. Then Friday May 29th, Late Models will line up at Atomic.

McCown also stated the dirt track has a new ownership partner, Chad Walters, in a deal completed Friday.

Rain date for the event is Monday May 25th.

https://www.facebook.com/AtomicSpeedway/videos/2774208386140464/

https://www.facebook.com/AtomicSpeedway/posts/2965562300225942

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Wet Your Appetite: Restaurants Are Opening Back up

May 15, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

May 15th Ohio’s restaurants can begin outdoor service as the state continues its Responsible RestartOhio phase for the food sector.

Since closing due the state’s Stay-At-Home Order, customers have been supporting local eateries through carry out orders or through online purchases such as the restaurant’s gift cards. But beginning Friday, there’ll be more face-to-face contact, albeit six feet apart, adhering to the state guidelines.

Here’s what to expect from some local restaurants, many of which have been providing carry out service, but some are re-opening for the first time since mid-March.

In many cases, restaurants are taking reservations due to limited outdoor seating. So, plan on calling ahead or check the establishment social media or websites before venturing out.

If we missed your restaurant, drop us an email: littermedia@littercorp.com and we’ll get you added to our list.

Carl’s Townhouse: Carry out orders, 740-773-1660
Chillicothe Antique Emporium: Soda fountain orders are to go only, 10a-5p, 740-773-5427
Chillicothe Country Club: May 15th, Patio seating, carry out orders continue. www.chillicothecountryclub.com, 740-775-0150
Cozy Inn: May 21st, 11am 740-775-9195
Fire and Stone Pizzeria: Carryout and curbside, 4p-8p Tue-Fri, www.fireandstonepizza.com, 740-771-4592
Hardtail Cafe & Saloon: Carry out orders, 740-253-5167
Highland’s Ice Creamery: Carryout Closed Monday; 2p-8p Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun; 2p-9p Fri & Sat; 740-779-1515
High Five Cakes: Lobby opening TBA; taking orders online www.highfivecakes.com, 740-775-2253
Hometown Habachi: Continuing carry out orders; May 21st, indoor dining. www.hometownhabachi.com 740-771-4705
Jerry’s Pizza on Paint: May 15th, Patio seating and carry out only, 11a to close. www.jerryschillicothe.com 740-773-2100
Jerry Pizza West: Carry out only, 740-773-9378
Jimmy John’s: Curbside pickup, 10:30a-9p Mon-Sat and 10:30a-8p on Sunday
Old Canal Smokehouse: Continuing carryout, May 21st, indoor dining, no bar seating. www.oldcanalsmokehouse.com 740-7793278
Paint Grill: May 15th, Open patio seating, 740-773-1580
Paper City Coffee: May 21st, carryout and outdoor service. R Kitchen on Paint: Beginning May 15th, only three tables outdoors. Reservations, 1 hour for lunch, 2 hours for dinner. If rain, the order will be “to go”. May 21st, indoor dining with limited reserved seating. 740-775-4555
Rost Coffee: Carry out, www.rostcoffee.com
Seven Miles Smokehouse: Carry out orders, www.7milesmokehouse.com, 740-851-4015
Steiner’s Speakeasy: May 15th, Patio seating, 25 person limit, opening at 3pm. www.steinersspeakeasy.com, 740-773-0010
Sumburger: Full curb service, www.sumburger.com, 740-772-1055
The Crosskeys Tavern: May 15th, Fish Fry, perch dinner carry out orders. Pickup and pay from alley entrance door to O’Malley’s in the rear of The Crosskeys. 740-774-4157
The Dock at Water: May 15th, Patio dining 11a-10p Seating is first come, first serve, no large groups or special table requests. www.dockatwaterst.com, 740-779-3625
The Pour House at Machinery Hall: May 15th, curbside pickup and delivery continues May 21st indoor dining, no bar seating. Menu at www.pouronchillicothe.com, 740-771-4770

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Ohio Announces More Dates For Re-Opening

May 14, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

Ohioans will be able to get back to the gym, campgrounds, the BMV soon and child care centers can re-open May 31st.

Governor Mike DeWine said of opening the child care centers “We are taking a cautious approach” with the May 31st date. Monday DeWine noted concerns of re-opening child care centers to “make sure we get this right”.

“Our goal is very simple” said DeWine “we’re going to do everything we can do to protect the children in child care, the workers and all the families. We wanna have the safest child care system in the nation… one that nurtures the health and continued growth and the development of our young people and one that protects the health and safety of our child care workers and teachers.”

The Governor stressed child care will look much different moving forward as long as COVID-19 is around. DeWine added the last few weeks an advisory group headed by Joni Close, President of Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton to set the requirements the centers will need to follow to re-open.

“There will be changes at child care centers and for families” said Close. “Starting right the the children are dropped off, you’ll likely see your child care professional with a mask on. The caretakers will maybe ask the parents to don the mask as well.”

Close said daily temperature taking will be routine and additional guidelines will need to be followed.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced additional dates for other sectors re-opening, including Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations, campgrounds, swimming pools, gyms and fitness centers, dance studios and horse racing. Regarding horse racing, Husted was quick to point out that does not include Ohio’s Casinos and Racinos, but the agricultural aspect of racing. “Guidance will be available (on www.coronavirus.ohio.gov) later today.” Husted also explained swimming does not include amusement parks or water parks, adding there’s an advisory panel working on guidelines for those facilities to be released at a later date.

Husted also addressed limited, non-contact sports leagues “like golf, softball, baseball, tennis, paddle sports of the like, this can also re-open, be re-established on May the 26th.” As for other sports, the Lt. Gov. said “We have work groups that are working on the higher contact sports as it relates to lacrosse, hockey, field hockey, soccer, basketball and others” noting that they present their own challenges.

This Friday (May 15th), restaurants will be permitted to serve outside dining to customers and hair salons, barbershops, massage therapy and tattoo parlors can re-open.

BUSINESS: SEE THE RESPONSIBLE RESTARTOHIO PAGE

OHIO CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS: Statewide as of 2pm ET Thursday, Ohio has 26,357 total COVID-19 cases with 4,718 hospitalizations and 1,534 deaths due to the virus.

RESPONSIBLE RESTART OHIO NEW OPENING DATES:

May 21st – Campgrounds

May 22nd – Horse Racing (in the agricultural aspect) DOES NOT include Casinos and Racinos

May 26th – Ohio BMV’s, Swimming Pools and Limited Non-Contact Sports and Leagues; Gyms, Fitness Centers, Recreational Centers, Dance Studios (DOES NOTinclude amusement parks and water parks. Guidelines will be available by close of business May 15th at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov)

May 31st – Child Care Centers and Day Camps | WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

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Longtime Pickaway County Sheriff, Dwight Radcliff Laid To Rest

May 13, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

*Photo credit: Jeremy Newman, Scioto Post for Litter Media*

A large showing of law enforcement and citizens lined the funeral procession to pay their respects to retired Pickaway County Sheriff, Dwight E. Radcliff Wednesday afternoon.

Radcliff, 87, was laid to rest in Circleville’s Forest Cemetery, near his father Charles, who also served as Sheriff from 1931-1960.

Radcliff, who passed away on May 6th, spent 48 years as Pickaway County’s Sheriff, spanning 48 years. His son Robert succeeded his father Dwight in 2013.

A private family ceremony was held at Ohio Christian University for Radcliff. The Pickaway Sheriff’s Office reported once statewide restrictions are lifted, the family will be hosting a celebration of life for Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff.

https://www.facebook.com/pickawaysheriff/posts/1623418757797342

Photos of the precession were shared by Jeremy Newman of The Scioto Post.

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OHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament Moving to the University of Dayton

May 13, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown Motors, Inc.

UD Arena to host girls basketball state tournament for the next three years

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The University of Dayton Arena will host the Ohio High School Athletic Association girls basketball state tournament for the next three years, OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass announced Tuesday. Having hosted 125 NCAA basketball tournament games, UD Arena has been the home court for March Madness more than any other facility in the country.

Renovated in 2019, UD Arena has a seating capacity of 13,000 and has played host to many OHSAA basketball tournament games, along with Atlantic 10 Conference and NCAA tournament games. During the regular season, it is the home of the very successful University of Dayton Flyers women’s and men’s basketball teams.

“We are very excited to sign a three-year agreement for our member schools to experience UD Arena,” Snodgrass said. “Southwest Ohio loves and supports basketball and the people at the University of Dayton have made it clear that they really want this state tournament on their campus. We believe that we have found a great home for the girls basketball state tournament.”

UD Arena recently completed a transformation project that was the largest construction effort in the University’s history. It is regarded as one of the nation’s premier basketball facilities to go along with fan support that consistently ranks among the best in college basketball.

“We’re very proud that the OHSAA has entrusted us to host the girls basketball state tournament at the University of Dayton Arena for the next three years,” said Scott DeBolt, Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Dayton and Executive Director of UD Arena. “The same ingredients that make UD Arena the ideal place for the NCAA First Four – community support and excitement for the game of basketball, our facilities, staff and tournament hosting experience – will help create lifelong memories for the young women who come to Dayton to play in the state tournament and their school communities.”

In the 45 years of the OHSAA girls basketball state tournament, it has been hosted at The Ohio State University 44 times (all but 1986 when it was hosted at the University of Akron). However, there are now a limited number of dates available to use OSU’s Jerome Schottenstein Center or St. John Arena in March.

The 2021 girls basketball state tournament is scheduled for March 11-13. The 2021 OHSAA boys basketball state tournament will be played at St. John Arena March 18-20. There is currently no host site in place for the boys basketball state tournament in 2022.

Photo Credit: Dayton Daily News, provided by the OHSAA

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Salute Ohio Fly Over For Health Care Workers

May 13, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown Motors, Inc.

It was quick, routine, but also held a special purpose.

The Toledo based 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard made a fly over in honor of health care workers in South Central and Southeast Ohio Tuesday afternoon.

The scheduled fly over was part of the Fighter Wing’s maneuvers. The flight plan brought two F-16s over Adena Regional’s Chillicothe and Pike County campuses at 5:15pm. The flight continued over Portsmouth and Ironton, back over Gallipolis, Athens and on to Zanesville.

Local photographer Tim Brooks captured the two fighters.

https://www.facebook.com/tim.brooks.121/posts/3127155120639897

If you’re in Columbus Wednesday between 1pm and 1:07pm, look to the sky, they’ll fly over Central Ohio medical centers and be joined by the Ohio ANG’s 121st Refueling Wing out of Rickenbacker with the KC-135 Stratotankers.

https://www.facebook.com/180THFW/posts/10158319341854872

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The Restart Is Underway

May 12, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Many area businesses are open across Ohio, as the next phase of Stay Safe Ohio rolls out.

Retail shops closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic were permitted to reopen May 12th providing proper state guidelines were met.

SEE THE RETAIL GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE RESTART OHIO

Because some businesses have elected to delay their restart, it’s suggested to call ahead or check the business’ social media pages or website.

Tuesday during Governor DeWine’s daily news conference, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced Massage Therapy, Acupuncture and Cosmetic Therapy business are permitted to restart May 15th. Those sectors had been delayed due to the State Medical Board decisions.

SEE THE GUIDELINES FOR SECTORS LICENSED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD OF OHIO

While permitted to reopen, not all businesses will be.

The Green Tree Restaurant announced on their Facebook Page they will not be reopening. The post Sunday reads “It’s with great sadness that we are announcing the closing of Greentree. We would like to Thank the community for their support over the last few years.”

https://www.facebook.com/GreentreeRestaurant/posts/1411370819065455

Another business restart will only temporary. Tecumseh Trading Company, operated by The Scioto Society as a downtown venue for the outdoor drama Tecumseh, will open in early June fo a clearance sale, but will then close thereafter. In the announcement on Facebook, Brandon Smith stated the closing was emotional, but necessary “as we concentrate all of our resources and efforts on getting Tecumseh back on the stage in 2021.”

https://www.facebook.com/tecumsehtrading/posts/2584428071815040

In early April, The Scioto Society was forced to cancel its 2020 season of Tecumseh (see the interview with Brandon Smith below)

Meanwhile, many businesses have opened requiring customers to maintain social distancing, limiting the number of those permitted in their stores at a time and the wearing of face coverings.

*Social distancing remains an important part of restarting Ohio. This sign is posted on the door of The Rost Coffee in Downtown Chillicothe*

*Social distancing remains an important part of restarting Ohio. This sign is posted on the door of High Five Cakes in Downtown Chillicothe*

Wheatberry Books reopened May 12th, while neighboring Totem Supply Co. announced on Facebook they’re looking at the first week of June to reopen.

Highland’s Ice Creamery was among those businesses who reopened May 1st and have posted these guidelines for customers.

*Ivy’s announced restarting in a Facebook Live posting Tuesday afternoon.*

Most restaurants like Hometown Habachi have been offering take out service during the pandemic.

Restaurants like The Pour House at Machinery Hall will be permitted to serve outdoor dining beginning May 15th. They and many restaurants have been offering carry out service since May 1st.

Beginning May 15th, restaurants like R Kitchen on Paint will be permitted to serve outdoors. They’ve been offering carry out service since May 1st.

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No Dogs Available For Adoption at Ross County Humane Society

May 11, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Litter Quality Propane

Jenn Thomas’ Facebook post Friday reads “For the first time in history the words ‘I’m sorry we don’t have any dogs available for adoption’ are coming out of our mouths. I know this is what we strive for but… “

A pleasing statement with rare words from the Executive Director of the Ross County Human Society.

During her five years leading the dog shelter, there’s often a proverbial “No Vacancy” sign while being stuffed to the gills with residents awaiting a good home.

Much of that changed when Ohio’s Stay-At-Home Order was enacted in March. Families began applying for adoptions and successful matches have left the RCHS with empty kennels.

As of the Mothers Day weekend, there were just eight dogs at the shelter, all matched and awaiting pick up by their new families.

Admittedly, it’s an oddity.

Already adopted, ready for pick up from his new family.

Thomas and her staff know the current circumstance won’t last forever, because there’ll be more dogs in need of rescue in the future. But for now, they’re enjoying the moment.

Early this year, plans were set in place to begin a capital campaign for a goal of $200,000 and a total rebuild of the shelter. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic has stalled plans for many, that has also included the Humane Society’s project. Once business returns to a sense of normalcy, they’ll pick the project up again, including raising funds.

Thomas says the shelter is working with Gigi’s Shelter for Dogs for the project.

Gigi’s recently renovated the shelters in Jackson and Lawrence Counties and has Ross County next on their list with construction planned for next month. Thomas says considering the economic crunch created by the pandemic, she felt coming to businesses for building funds would be inappropriate.

“I’m going to raise the money” she told Litter Media “if I have to do it $5 at a time. When I say I’m going to make something happen, I make it happen… the easy way or the hard way.”

The capital project aside, the Humane Society still operates on donation. Fundraising for the non-profit is an ongoing effort to meet their near $500,000 annual budget. Only about 25% of that budget is met by the Ross County Commissioners for the Dog Warden contract.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING TO RCHS

Click here to visit the Ross County Humane Society website

Empty kennels at the Ross County Humane Society

The oddity of empty kennels at the Ross County Humane Society.

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90% of Ohio’s Retail to Reopen Tuesday

May 11, 2020 Dan Ramey

(Photo by Jason Mowry on Unsplash)

During his news conference Monday afternoon, Governor Mike DeWine said 90% of Ohio’s retail shops will be open for business come Tuesday May 12th.

Those businesses are also expected to follow the Responsible Restart Ohio guidelines SEE MORE HERE.

“Each individual business will determine if customers will be required to wear face coverings” said DeWine.

Next in the phase to reopen Ohio, salons, barbershops and outdoor dining at restaurants Friday May 15th with indoor dining May 21st. READ MORE HERE

The Governor said his team isn’t ready to make an announcement regarding Child Care Services.

As for Ross County, Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Throne said while guesting on The City of Chillicothe Ohio’s Facebook Page with Mayor Luke Feeney, “Follow the rules. Now’s not the time to decide you’re gonna try to do something outside of the rules.” Throne was citing his words to Chamber members last Friday.

“It’s time to get things together and start opening and hopefully start your business’s recovery.”

https://www.facebook.com/chillicotheoh.gov/videos/746558799213804/

COVID-19 NUMBERS:

As of 2pmET Monday, statewide total cases number 24,777 with 4,413 hospitalizations and 1,357 total deaths.

Cases by county in the Scioto Valley Region: Fairfield, 178; Fayette, 23; Highland, 12; Hocking, 22; Jackson, 8; Pickaway, 1,933; Pike, 5; Ross, 53; Scioto, 13; Vinton, 12

LOCAL PRISONS:

CCI: 1 staff testing positive, 6 inmates in isolation, 6 testing positive, 1 pending results

RCI: None affected

PCI: 107 staff testing positive, 1 death, 64 recovered, 404 inmates testing positive, 27 confirmed deaths, 19 pending results and 1,231 recovered.

SEE ALL THE ODRC NUMBERS