COVID-19 UPDATE: Seven New Cases Reported in Ross County

June 26, 2020 Dan Ramey

Seven new cases of coronavirus were been reported by the Ross County Health District Friday, bringing the total cases to 95 since the first case was reported March 30th, 2020.

It’s the largest new case per day increase in Ross County. The previous largest per day report was four cases on May 8th.

Of the new cases reported Friday, four are inmates at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution and the other three are Ross County residents. As of 10am Friday, no hospitalizations have been reported related to the seven new cases.

In a new release, the Ross County Health District reportedly has been working wit the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and the Ohio Department of Health in response to the increase of COVID-19 activity in the local prison institution to ensure the spread is minimized among the inmate population and workforce.

Nineteen-percent of the Ross County cases have been confirmed as “Community Spread” where the investigation could not link the positive case with exposure to other known positive cases of COVID-19, indicating the virus remains active within Ross County and all should take necessary precautions to limit the spread.

The Health District reports the average age of those affected has also dropped from 52, the average on May 1st. In the cases reported since June 1st, the average age is 36. Of the cases reported in the month of May, the average age was 48.

Statewide, as of 2pm ET Friday, Ohio had an increase of 987 cases to 48,683 with 68 additional hospitalizations and 16 deaths, now reaching 2,788.

The ten county area Litter Media has been following since the count has been taking place in March, 32 new cases were reported Friday, with Fairfield County have the most (10) bringing their total to 448 cases. The virus heavily impacted the Pickaway Corrections Institution which has contributed to Pickaway County’s high number which now 2,157.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, it is important to wash hands often, wear a face mask when in the public and while at work, stay six feet from others, and stay home while experiencing symptoms of the virus. The Ross County Health District recommends avoiding crowded areas or places where social and physical distancing is not possible, especially for those who are vulnerable or have underlying health issues.

For more information, visit the Ross County Health District and to report a COVID-19 related complaint, visit http://rosscountyhealth.org/covid-19complaint/

Uncategorized

Goodwill Handy Helpers Introduced

June 26, 2020 Dan Ramey

Handy Helpers, Wade Warner, left, and David Horsley spread mulch after pulling weeds during the inaugural Handy Helpers appointment on Friday, June 26, 2020. (Photo submitted by Goodwill of South Central Ohio)

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Goodwill of South Central Ohio is piloting Goodwill Handy Helpers, a new program the employs those with disabilities and provide handyman like services for Ross County communities.

In a news release Friday, Goodwill Handy Helpers can be called on by any Chillicothe and Ross County resident to complete small-to-medium sized home projects such as planting flowers, mulching, raking leaves and even holiday decorating.

Donations will be accepted by recipients of services to fo toward the program.

“On the surface, Goodwill Handy Helpers is a limited handyman service for those in need, but it’s aim is to foster feelings of independence and self-worth” said Goodwill of South Central Ohio CEO Marvin Jones. “The program provides those with disabilities employment in the community where they can make connections with others, learn skills and showcase their abilities through personal interactions.”

The Goodwill Handy Helpers program is being piloted with a $25,000 grant from the Landrum Endowment Fund through the Pioneer Center/Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Foundation of Appalachia Ohio. If successful, GWSCO will look to expand the program into other parts of its eight county service area.

Appointments with Handy Helpers can be made by calling the Chillicothe Goodwill Activities and Training Center at 740-702-4009.

At right, Issac Robinson, a Goodwill Activities and Training Center activities specialist, helps Handy Helper David Horsley spread mulch during the inaugural Handy Helpers appointment on Friday, June 26, 2020. (Photo submitted by Goodwill Industries of South Central Ohio)

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Scioto Society’s “Bundle of Twigs” Campaign Continues

June 26, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

In April, The Scioto Society, producer of Tecumseh!, announced due to the coronavirus pandemic, the cancelling the 2020 production of the popular outdoor drama as well as the spring production of “The Sound of Music”. READ MORE HERE

June 10th, President/CEO Brandon Smith told viewers on the production’s Facebook Page the plan for raising funds to keep the local non-profit operating through a campaign called “Bundle of Twigs”. Using the premise of the Shawnee Chief’s analogy of “a single twig is easily broken, but a bundle of twigs is strong.” Hence the name of the fundraising campaign.

The Bundle of Twigs Campaign is a way for the community served by the outdoor drama and its many other productions, can help keep the story of Tecumseh alive. Smith says The Scioto Society has teamed with the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation with the hope of raising $100,000 by Christmas of 2020. Because The Scioto Society is a 501c3 organization, donations are tax deductible.

In the interview below, Smith visited with Litter Media while breaking the news of the cancellation of what would have been Tecumseh’s 48th season.

Sports

Football Officiating Class Coming July 11th

June 26, 2020 Dan Ramey

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Competitive sports need some one to enforce the rules of the game. Hence the need for a referee, judge or umpire to officiate.

The Chillicothe Football Officials Association Chapter is holding a class July 11th at the Chillicothe Transit Building.

Danny Oates, recently inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame, serves as the Chapter’s Football Rules Interpreter. Oates says the cost for the class is $100 which covers a licensing fee and rule books.

Oates encourages interested persons to visit the OHSAA website to create an account to be included in their local chapter. CLICK HERE

For more details, call 740-649-9614.

In 2018, Bob Dehner, who served as an official for more than 30 years in Southern Ohio, wrote about the dwindling number of officials available for competitions in “Unsportsmanlike Conduct”. Bob talks about the need for officials in this interview with Litter Media.