Monthly Archives: July 2020

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Digital Junction Earthworks on Your Smartphone

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(Submitted photo)

The Junction Earthworks (off Belleview Avenue at Plyley’s Lane) are now featured in a new, free smartphone app. Visitors to this 2,000-year-old American Indian sacred site can read new trail signs, and use their smartphones to explore virtual reconstructions of the earthworks, watch videos and interviews, open up 360-degree panoramas, and compare different maps of the site. They can even fill the earthworks’ ditches with water.

The app features “Augmented Reality” (AR), meaning you will see live virtual 3d objects – reconstructed earthworks in this case – superimposed in the real environment through the “window” of your phone or tablet, and you can move around and change your view on them. Created in computer modeling software, the reconstructions are based on the recent, highly-detailed archaeological surveys of the earthworks.

The app’s creators would like your help in evaluating the new signage and app at Junction. Here’s how to participate:

1 – Download the “Junction Earthworks” App from the App Store or Google Play. The minimum system requirements are provided there.

2 – Visit the earthwork site and explore the app, along with the trail signage, before July 29.

3 – Send an e-mail (before July 29) to john.hancock@uc.edu with “Junction App” in the subject line. You will receive a link to the survey.

4 – Fill out the short online survey.

The survey results will help us plan future heritage- tourism projects using these new media tools, including the “Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks” World Heritage property (which includes five Ross County sites).

WHAT: “Junction Earthworks” App paired with new trail signs at the site.

WHO: The App was commissioned by the Heartland Earthworks Conservancy, and produced by Virtual Grounds Interactive LLC of West Chester, Ohio.

WHERE: The app is available free from the App Store and Google Play.

HOW: Follow these four steps: download the app, visit the site, email John, take the survey.

WHY: To help plan future projects about Ohio’s amazing earthworks, including World Heritage.

Sports

2020 Southern Ohio FOrest Rally: No Spectators This Year

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Like most other sports, the American Rally Association’s 2020 schedule was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Just national rally event was held six months ago. Each passing week saw another event drop from the schedule, including the Southern Ohio Forest Rally (SOFR).

Event Chairman Jeremiah Johnson told Litter Media the event was moved from its usual May dates to June of 2020, then the pandemic hit and there was uncertainty for the remainder of the ARA national schedule.

Then as the country began to re-open, there was a glimmer of hope for the SOFR, however, due to health restrictions, the event was forced to be held without spectators for the first time.

The event will be run Saturday, July 18th at an undisclosed location. Johnson says fans can follow along on race day digitally through video updates on the SOFR Facebook page and the ARA website.

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2020 Circleville Pumpkin Show Cancelled Due to Pandemic

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Not since World War II has the Pumpkin Show not taken the streets of Circleville.

In a release on www.pumpkinshow.com late Wednesday afternoon, “After much discussion and serious consideration the Board of Trustees of the Circleville Pumpkin Show have voted to cancel the 2020 Circleville Pumpkin Show due to the coronavirus pandemic protection orders for a Responsible RestartOhio which required continued closures of festivals and the safety requirements for, mass gatherings and social distancing.”

Board Vice-President Barry Keller says in the release “I know that the Board made the right decision for the community but it will be a challenge for many of the civic, fraternal, school and church groups who fund their charitable activities from their Pumpkin Show booths to find different funding sources and the loss of revenue to the local businesses from the many visitors the Pumpkin Show brings to our community after the pandemic closures many of them have endured will be difficult for them.” 

READ THE RELEASE HERE

The mural in Downtown Circleville of the early years of the Pumpkin Show.
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DeWine: not a drill. Not a Hoax. Not a Dress Rehearsal. It’s the Real Thing.

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In a statewide address from his office in the Statehouse tonight Governor DeWine said that the state is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and implored Ohioans to take appropriate action to reverse the rapidly increasing spread of the virus.

“Today, more Ohioans are getting sick than at any previous point in this pandemic. We are sliding down a very dangerous path, with our once flattened-curve starting to sharpen and spike,” said Governor DeWine. “This is a worrisome, disturbing reversal of our progress — a jarring reminder of just how quickly our fate can change.”

READ THE ENTIRE ADDRESS HERE

Governor DeWine commended Ohioans for doing their part at the beginning of the pandemic. However, with positive cases increasing, he reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks. During the speech, grounded in scientific evidence and data, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans about the efficacy of facial coverings to protect themselves, loved ones, friends, neighbors and other citizens. He also renewed the call to socially distance and limit public gatherings.

“I am calling on all Ohioans to once again unite. We must work together, support each other, and help each other through this challenging time. I’ve seen you do this. I know you can do this. Ohioans can continue to help our most vulnerable, while also protecting ourselves and our families. Together, we can be the Ohio where our hospitals are not overwhelmed, where our schools can open, where sports can start, and where our economy can continue to grow, Governor DeWine added.

A video of the address is available on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page. 
For more information about Covid-19, including testing locations, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

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Two More Events Cancelled Due to Pandemic Uncertainty

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The Portsmouth River Days and 1st Capital Chili & Beer Fest have become casualties to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both events were scheduled in September.

Labor Day weekend. Portsmouth becomes a popular spot along the Ohio River, but the organizers posted on the event’s Facebook Page “Despite our best efforts, it has become clear that we will be required to cancel the 2020 River Days Festival.”

https://www.facebook.com/portsmouth.riverdays/posts/2856517934629901

Meanwhile, the annual chili-making competition presented by Chillicothe’s civic group The Cigar Band, now know as The 1st Capital Chili & Beer Fest, announced Wednesday of the cancellation of its September 26th event.

In a statement on Facebook, organizers cite “Continued concerns over the spread of COVID-19 and the safety of the community led The Chillicothe Cigar Band to make this decision.”

https://www.facebook.com/firstcapitalchilibeerfest/posts/164707868437585

Organizers tell Litter Media the 2020 music lineup of longtime Chili Fest staple Matt Salyers and Ben True have enthusiastically agreed to commit to performing at the 2021 event, scheduled for Saturday September 25th. Ben True was purchased by ERA Martin Realtors at Rock For Tots in 2019 to perform at this year’s now cancelled event.

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Adena CCO Encourages the Public: “Don’t Stop Now”

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

In a Tuesday news release from Adena Health System, Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) Kirk Tucker, MD is encouraging the public to continue the efforts to practice the recommended guidelines to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As noted in the release, Dr. Tucker has been on the frontlines of the system’s Coronavirus efforts from Day One, helping to safely build and sustain a COVID-19 care delivery model across south central and southern Ohio. Four months after the region’s first cases, the numbers of people testing positive for COVID-19 is trending up both nationally and locally, and Dr. Tucker advises everyone to keep working to protect themselves and others in our communities. 

“This has been a very long haul,” Tucker said. “It is understandable that people are wearing down from the stress, fatigue and challenges this pandemic has caused in our daily lives. If there is anything I can stress to my patients and people in our communities, it is ‘don’t stop now.’ We need to continue to safely protect ourselves and those around us just as hard, and with the same commitment that we did four months ago.”   

With a close eye on federal, state and local health data, Tucker believes the current increase in positives cases may be the last. Following a 60-day course of events, trends on positive cases should begin to decline. 

READ THE ENTIRE RELEASE HERE

Adena Chief Clinical Officer, Kirk Tucker, MD during a Litter Media Special Report March 27, 2020 with Dan Ramey discussing ARMC’s preparedness for a potential COVID-19 surge. Click the photo to see the interview which also includes Adena’s CEO Jeff Graham.
Sports

Worthingtons Bake Muffins 11-7

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The annual vintage base ball game between the Adena Worthingtons and the Ohio Village Muffins went to the home team, 11-7 Sunday.

It was the sixth meeting between the clubs playing 1860s era base ball at Adena Mansion & Gardens. The Worthingtons’ victory evened the series at three games each.

The Muffins were founded by the Ohio History Connection in 1981 and regularly play a season schedule of 40-50 games. The 2020 season has been hampered by cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Their match in Chillicothe was their second of the season.

The Worthingtons were founded in 2015 to play the Muffins as part of an old fashioned fourth of July event hosted by Adena Mansion & Gardens.

Ceremonial first pitches were thrown by Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney, the granddaughter of State Representative Gary Scherer and Adena Mansion & Gardens Board Member Bill Beatty.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.566008967405172&type=3
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2020 Chillicothe Halloween Festival Cancelled

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Add the Chillicothe Halloween to the list of cancellation of events in 2020. The event was scheduled for October 9-11.

In a news release, the festival board announced “for the safety of families and the community along with the vendors and volunteers, it would be best to cancel the 2020 festival. This decision was not taken lightly, and many factors came in to play.”

Citing the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic along with restrictions mandated by the Ohio Department of Health, the board decided it was best to cancel.“

It was unknown what the situation would be in a couple of months to be able to provide a safe and quality festival.”

The board optimistically proposes a great festival in 2021 with new additions to the lineup and even more festivities.

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COVID-19 UPDATE with The Ross County Health District

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Litter Media’s Dan Ramey visits with Ross County Health Commissioner and Medical Director, Christopher Brown, MD.

Much has been learned about coronavirus since March of 2020, but those studying the virus have learned more while Ohio and other states have re-opened. 

In an interview with Litter Media, Christopher Brown, MD the Ross County Health Commissioner and Medical Director says a lot of information has changed over the nearly four months of the pandemic. “We’re living science” said Brown as researchers continue to learn more each day. 

In the early stages, the only available information was from other countries. As the virus began to spread in the United States, Brown credits Ohio’s proactive efforts which appear to have slowed the spread compared to recent hot spots like Arizona and Florida. 

“Some states re-opened faster than Ohio – we had a measured re-opening plan” said Brown, which has kept the numbers lower than what they could have been at this point.

Brown agrees with Governor Mike DeWine’s assessment regarding the wearing of facial coverings. DeWine said Tuesday “If 75%-80% of Ohioans wear a mask we could give this virus a good swat.” Brown says wearing a mask may be cumbersome and inconvenient, doing so is important to stop the spread of the virus to other people.

“The COVID virus is a droplet virus… the virus attaches to droplets. Any time you speak, you sneeze, you cough… and that’s how it spreads.” Brown says the use of a surgical mask is to catch the droplets. “This is the reason for mandating face masks, especially in buildings. That’s where you’re going to be close to other individuals, even if you’re laughing, you’re spreading this virus. But if you have this (a mask) you capture it. (The mask) keeps you from infecting other people.”

Brown says the Ross County Health District is working to get a pop up test station in Chillicothe soon.

Locally, Hopewell Health Centers have three testing locations at 622 Central Center, 1049 Western Avenue and 841 East Main Street at Mt. Logan School.

TESTING AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Not all testing is free. Brown suggests contacting a site before going for a test.

Contact tracing is becoming more challenge as the COVID-19 cases grow in Ross County. Brown says the re-opening of Ohio’s businesses has made the task more difficult because people are out and about interacting with others. 

The key is to remember to be vigilant in hand washing, physical distancing and wearing a face covering will help. 

Meanwhile, neighboring Pickaway County and Fairfield County were added to the Level 3 Public Emergency status according to the Ohio Public Health Advisory System. Level 3 (red on the map) means there’s “very high exposure and spread” of the virus and residents are advised to “limit activities as much as possible”. 

SEE THE OHIO PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY SYSTEM MAP

Butler, Cuyahoga and Hamilton Counties were moved to Level 4 Public Emergency, which is “severe exposure and spread” and much like the Health Order put in place in March, limits residents to “only leave home for supplies and services”.

WATCH THE LITTER MEDIA INTERVIEW WITH DR. BROWN

TOPICS COVERED:

00:00 Open

01:00 Information being released

02:15 Preparing for the surge, which hasn’t happened

03:51 Ohio’s hot spots

05:41 The importance of masks in slowing the spread

07:16 Outside criticism to facial coverings, even during the protests in June

09:21 Why those willing to wear the mask can make a difference

10:22 Family gatherings have stood out as a source of recent outbreaks in hot spots

12:18 COVID-19 Testing

14:21 Some testing is free, some have charges

15:48 Pop Up Testing sites, will Ross County have one soon?

16:51 Presumed Recovery reports

18:27 The challenges of contact tracing since Ohio Re-opened

21:15 Revisiting the issue of wearing masks

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Fall Festival of Leaves Committee Cancels 2020 Event Due to Pandemic

Pictured: 2019 Fall Festival of Leaves Royalty – Huntington High School’s Phoebe Cockrell (center) is pictured with her court (left to right) 1st Attendant Marissa Prince (Paint Valley), 2nd Attendant A’Mya Wingfield (Unioto), 3rd Attendant Samantha Truitt (Unioto) and 4th Attendant Alyson Murphy (McClain). 

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another local event, as the Fall Festival of Leaves Committee has decided to cancel the 2020 event in Bainbridge, Ohio.

The Festival made the announcement via Facebook Wednesday.

“This was a difficult decision and we did not take it lightly” stated the release. The festival was scheduled for October 15-18, 2020 which would have been its 52nd year.

The Committee cited the abundance of caution, social distancing requirements and the potential revenue reduction from having no midway and amusement rides. The revenue generated each festival is necessary for the following year.

Concern for financial health has been a main reason many events have been cancelled to date, such as the Ashville 4th of July Celebration, Feast of the Flowering Moon and some of Ohio’s County Fairs.

Vinton County was one of the first to announce the cancellation of its fair, citing financial concerns hoping to avoid risking future fairs. That position was taken into the Ross County Fair Board’s decision to cancel its Senior Fair in favor of what will be a scaled down Junior Fair Livestock Show this August.

https://www.facebook.com/dusty.countryman/posts/10217263589453058