Ohio Statehood Day activities in Chillicothe will be cancelled this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That includes the Annual Chillicothe Kiwanis Club and Ross County Ministerial Association Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast.
Despite that fact, the Kiwanis Club has announced that their “Spirit of Ohio” Achievement Award would be going to Adena Health System on behalf of their frontline workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a prepared press release, Chillicothe Kiwanis Club President Melody Young says “Their actions and commitment truly reflect and represent the Spirit Of Ohio.”
The award will be shared to the community through the Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page.
Young says “The Ross County Ministerial Association will additionally be asked to continue their tradition by establishing Statehood Sunday on March 7th, 2021 to pray for guidance for our city, county, state and country officials during their services.”
Other local groups associated with local and state history say they too will not be conducting Open House activities this Statehood Day. That includes the Ross County Historical Society, David Nickens Heritage Center and Lucy Webb Hayes House.
(Indianapolis, Indiana) — Religious headwear will now be permitted without state association approval in high school soccer, effective with the 2021-22 season.
This change in Rule 4-2 of the NFHS Soccer Rules Book was recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee at its January 18-20 meeting, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two recommended revisions to Rule 4 were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Acting on an earlier recommendation to all sports rules committee by the Board of Directors, the Soccer Rules Committee adopted the following new language for Rule 4-2-10: “Head coverings worn for religious reasons shall not be made of abrasive or hard material and must fit securely.”
Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials and liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee, said the new rule will allow student-athletes to express their religious beliefs through the wearing of headwear without the approval of the respective state association.
Language regarding religious headwear was deleted from Rule 4-2-11, which now refers solely to head coverings for medical or cosmetic reasons. Head coverings for these usages still require a physician’s statement before a state association can grant approval.
With many states that play soccer in the fall affected by the pandemic, there were fewer rules proposals this year, so the committee turned much of its discussion to points of emphasis for the 2021-22 season. Eight states that normally conduct boys soccer in the fall were unable to play due to restrictions from COVID-19, and 18 other states had to modify their seasons in some way. On the girls side, six states were unable to play in the fall, and 15 states modified seasons.
“In addition to addressing the religious headwear situation, the committee agreed to continue three points of emphasis from last year and approved two new ones for the coming season,” Wynns said. “One of the points we are continuing is to emphasize that high school athletics, and high school soccer, is education-based. Improving skills and winning games is a part of the overall goal; however, the quest to win games, events and championships cannot come at the expense of providing these educational opportunities.”
In addition to this point of emphasis, others being continued from last year are reckless and serious foul play, and properly worn uniforms and marked fields.
The new points of emphasis for 2021-22 are sportsmanship and professional responsibilities for officials.
With regard to sportsmanship, the committee noted that the message of good sportsmanship should be addressed by school administration with their students, coaches, parents and spectators alike, which includes a message that prohibits taunting and the use of profanity during games.
A complete listing of the soccer rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Soccer.”
According to the most recent NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, soccer is the fifth most popular high school sport for boys with 459,077 participants in 12,552 schools nationwide. Soccer is the fourth most popular sport for girls with 394,105 participants in 12,107 schools.
The Ohio Power Siting Board has scheduled an electronic meeting on February 18th to hear comments concerning construction of a proposed Solar Panel Farm that would involve acres in both Ross and Pickaway counties.
Yellowbud Solar, LLC is seeking a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to Construct a Solar-Powered Electric Generation Facility in Ross and Pickaway Counties, Ohio. (Opinion, Order, and Certificate Considering Application).
Due to the state of emergency and with the passage of Am. Sub. H.B. 197, the Board will conduct an electronic meeting on February 18, 2021. The public will be able to attend by calling in or viewing a live video on the internet.
Phone Number: 1-408-418-9388
Event Number / Access Code: 179 905 1758
The proposal for the Yellowbud area is the second solar farm panel proposal to be announced that will include land in Ross County, with another recently announced to cover Buckskin and Paint Townships.
In a related note, Amanda Stallings will speak with the Ross County Commissioners at 10:30am February 15th, concerning a pilot application for the Yellowbud Solar Project.
In another recent move to construct a solar farm in this area, a 3-2 vote by the Fayette County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a proposal to construct a solar farm in Perry Township.
Fayette County Zoning Board member Greg McCune told Litter Media that the group behind the plan should be able to proceed to the next step.
“They will have to submit building plans to the building department for approval, which should be no big deal, other than that they have the approval they need to start”.
The Fayette Zoning Board approved the move at their February 8th meeting.
National Grid Renewables is proposing the project to design and operate on 435 acres of land between Bonner, Barrett and Beatty Roads and the Highland County line.
NOTE: Scoutmaster Jim was the oldest sibling of Litter Media’s Dan Ramey
A tribute photo following Ramey’s 30-plus years of service in Boy Scouts of America. Submitted photo
Scouting was a lifelong passion for Jim Ramey, who many knew as “Scoutmaster Jim”. Ramey’s sudden death just before Christmas 2020 shook those who knew him. He was 68.
After 30-plus years of service with the Boy Scouts of America, Ramey joined forces with a new group called Trail Life USA.
At the time of his departure from the BSA, Ramey stated he was joining the new organization in part because “they adhere to the core values the BSA was founded upon.”
Trial Life USA’s website describes the organization as being a “Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy.”
Seven years ago, Ramey coordinated with others to begin the Trail Life USA Ohio troops which now number more than 30 and growing. Scoutmaster Jim will be honored in a collaborative ceremony, joined by both Trail Life USA and the BSA, Saturday afternoon at Crossroads Church in Circleville, Ohio.
Ramey was a member of Tail Life Troop OH-116 (based in Ashville), the Troop’s Committee Chair, High Adventure Chairman for the North Central Region for Trail Life USA, a member and instructor of the Ohio Rappel Masters, past member of the Chief Logan Service Area Committee, Order of the Arrow and recipient of numerous scouting leadership awards.
Trail Life USA has created the Jim Ramey Adventure Training Scholarship Fund for sending area trailmen to its leadership camp.
Scoutmaster Jim going over the finer points of rappelling with a young trailman scaling a cliff. Photo courtesy Trail Life USA.
Those wishing to make donations in Ramey’s name may do so through Trail Life USA, payable to: TLUSA-NCR, (in memo) Jim Ramey Memorial Fund, c/o C.J. Cordell, 30777 State Highway #40, New Auburn, WI 54757 or through Friends of Hocking Hills Memorial Fund, payable to: Friends of Hocking Hills, (in memo) James Ramey, friends of Hocking Hills State Park, P.O. Box #101, Logan, OH 43138.
Jim Ramey being interviewed by 10TV’s Bryant Summerville as Trail Life USA was beginning in Ohio. Submitted photo
Danielle Stultz, a Freshman English Teacher at Circleville High School receives her COVID-19 vaccination in a conference room of the Pickaway Agriculture and Events Center in Circleville during the Governor’s Thursday News Conference. Photo via The Ohio Channel
Circleville High School Teacher Danielle Stultz was among several people that received vaccinations during Governor Mike DeWine’s Thursday COVID-19 press conference.
The 9th grade English language teacher received her shot at the mass vaccination clinic for teachers at the Pickaway County Fairgrounds, where school employees in that county started receiving their vaccinations this week.
The twice weekly press conference also clarified why they will be adding 4,000 deaths to the state’s total COVID-19 numbers over the next several days.
DeWine said; “Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Health announced that there was a reconciliation issue with their death data. During the coming week, you will see an increase in these numbers as they work through the process.”
The governor added that approximately 650 of the 721 new deaths reported today (Thursday), were attributed to adding “some” of these numbers in, as will be the case each day through the next week.
DeWine also said the Ohio’s overnight curfew is being allowed to expire today since the daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has seen a sustained decrease. He said “If those numbers begin rising again, Ohio Department of Health may reinstate it.”
The governor also announced the federal retail pharmacy program will see vaccination doses will be coming to RiteAid stores and doses will also expand to all 194 Kroger stores.
Those with specific medical conditions that put them at a very high risk of dying from COVID-19 will be eligible for vaccinations next week.
Ohioans born with the medical conditions outlined below, or those who were diagnosed in early childhood whose conditions continued into adulthood, will qualify to be vaccinated beginning on February 15.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, chief medical officer at Ohio Department of Health, explained these conditions in more detail. His remarks are available on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
Approximately 12,000 individuals with these severe medical conditions and developmental disabilities have already been vaccinated, and vaccinations of those in this group will continue.
NURSING HOME CASES
Governor DeWine announced today that the number of COVID-19 cases in Ohio’s nursing homes has dropped more than 77 percent since late November. This dramatic drop in cases follows Ohio’s aggressive efforts to vaccinate residents and staff in Ohio’s long-term care facilities.
As outlined in the chart below, there were 2,697 COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities in Ohio during the week of November 29, 2021. During the week of January 17, there were 612 positive cases.
OHIO PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY SYSTEM
There was no change in this week’s Ohio Public Health Advisory System map. A county-by-county breakdown outlining the presence of COVID-19 in all of Ohio’s 88 counties can be found on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System’s website.
APPRENTICEOHO MILESTONE
Lt. Governor Husted shared that the ApprenticeOhio program has reached an important milestone. More than 5,000 Ohioans have officially graduated from the ApprenticeOhio program since the start of the DeWine-Husted Administration.
Ohio is currently ranked number one among states who run registered apprenticeships at the state level, and number four among states who run registered apprenticeships at the federal level. Many ApprenticeOhio programs are completed within two to four years. ApprenticeOhio programs provide full-time work during the training period as well as competitive wages – allowing Ohioans to earn while they learn.
On average, apprentices in Ohio earn $60,000 a year without racking up student loan debt. Ohio offers apprenticeship opportunities in traditional fields like construction and manufacturing, and non-traditional apprenticeship fields like IT and healthcare. Through this program, ApprenticeOhio program sponsors can grow their workforce, improve productivity, reduce turnover costs and increase employee retention.
In total, there are 931,437 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 reported in Ohio and 12,577 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 48,269 people have been hospitalized throughout the pandemic, including 6,908 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.
This amended order, reopens self-service food stations in restaurants, bars, banquet and catering facilities, and services, as long as the following conditions are met:
Customers must wear facial coverings while using self-service food stations or in line for self-service food stations. Those unable to wear a facial covering must be served by an employee.
Buffet tables/salad bars must be spaced a minimum of 6 feet away from customer seating/tables, and lines must not extend into seating areas.
Customer flow at buffet tables/salad bars must move in one direction with a beginning point and ending point, and customers must maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing while in line. Directional signage must be posted indicating where the customer line begins.
Hand sanitizer must be placed at self-serve food stations, including at the front of the line and end of the line of buffet tables/salad bars, and used by customers prior to, and after, serving themselves.
At least 6 feet of social distancing must be maintained between seated customers and customers in line for a buffet/salad bar and monitored by employees.
Serving utensils must be replaced or cleaned and sanitized at least hourly. It is recommended that customers use disposable napkins, tissues, wax paper, etc., when handling serving utensils, and operators of self-service food stations are encouraged to make them available. A trash receptacle should be conveniently located.
Use of individually packaged condiments is recommended instead of shared or bulk condiment dispensers.
Commonly touched surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
While in operation, self-serve areas must be continually monitored by staff who are trained in food safety, including monitoring customer hand sanitizing practices at the self-service food station.
Food must be protected from contamination, including sneeze guards on self-serve equipment.
Signage must be placed at self-service food stations requiring customers to use hand sanitizer before and after serving themselves, and to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing while in line. The signage should recommend that customers use disposable napkins, tissues, wax paper, etc., when handling serving utensils. A sample sign is available on Ohio’s coronavirus website at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/Posters-and-Signs (food service operations and retail food establishments may choose to develop their own signage).
Video of Thursday’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the venues for two upcoming state tournaments. The ice hockey state tournament will be held March 13-14 at the OhioHealth Ice Haus in Columbus, which is attached to Nationwide Arena, while the wrestling state tournament will be split between three Central District high schools, Hilliard Darby (Division I), Marengo Highland (Division II) and Marion Harding (Division III), March 13-14.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Nationwide Arena is not able to host the ice hockey state tournament on the dates scheduled by the OHSAA, and the Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University is not able to host the wrestling state tournament.
“We want to thank these three member schools for agreeing to host the wrestling state tournament along with everyone associated with the Ice Haus, Nationwide Arena and the Blue Jackets for their work to host the ice hockey state tournament,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “The most important thing we are doing is giving our student-athletes a chance to compete. Our member schools and other tournament sites are to be commended for doing everything they can to provide these opportunities during the pandemic.”
In the coming days, the OHSAA will announce sites for the regional and state basketball tournaments. As previously announced, the swimming and diving state tournament will remain at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton February 24-27, the bowling state tournaments will remain at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl February 26-27 and March 5-6 and the gymnastics state tournament will remain at Hilliard Bradley High School March 5-6.
As in the past, the OHSAA will determine media access for all state tournaments. Each site determines media access for district and regional tournaments. See below for additional details. Credential applications for the state tournaments will be posted next week.
Ticketing information will be sent to member schools as the tournament move forward. The Ohio Department of Health and Governor Mike DeWine ask that only family members attend athletic events at this time, with indoor facility capacity limits set at 15 percent of the capacity or 300 people, whichever is smaller, unless the venue has received a variance to accommodate more spectators.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Brian Bigam, field manager of the Chillicothe Paints since 2016, is stepping away from the position. Bigam has been a member of the Paints coaching staff for 13 seasons.
Bigam amassed a 130-117 record over his four seasons at the helm, guiding the Paints to a pair of playoff appearances and the 2019 Prospect League Championship, the second in club history.
“Coaching the Chillicothe Paints was a dream job for me,” Bigam said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have the opportunity to be the field manager for such a long-standing and classy organization. To then be able to deliver a championship to the organization and fans made it that much more special.”
The Paints improved each year under Bigam’s tenure, from 23 wins in 2016 to 43 wins in 2019. With playoff appearances in each of his last two seasons, the Paints went a combined 78-49 in 2018 and 2019. They were even more impressive at home those two seasons, posting a 44-18 record (.709 winning percentage) at VA Memorial Stadium.
“I am at a point in my life where I need to step away and spend more time with my family,” Bigam added. “When your son asks you to coach his summer team and spend more time with him, you can’t say no to that. I’ve spent over a decade with the Paints. That means ten years of no vacation with the family and a lot of time away from them. It’s time to take a break.”
“Brian has been an integral part of our organization for many years. We will miss him leading our young men on and off the field,” said team president Bryan Wickline. “Brian is a first-class individual and always did what he felt was best for the Paints organization as a coach and field manager. We wish him well coaching his son’s summer team and support his decision to spend more time with his wife and children during the summer months.”
“I want to thank Bryan Wickline and the entire Paints organization for their unwavering support,” Bigam continued. “Coming to the ballpark every day is such a joy when you have ownership that cares about the players and coaches. The Paints Boosters are at another level. What they do for our players and coaches is unmatched! I want to thank the players as well. You’re only as good as your players and I’ve been blessed with tons of them thanks to Brian Mannino and their college coaches. Finally, I’d like to thank the best fans in the Prospect League. Nothing compares to the passion and love that these people bring to the ballpark on a nightly basis! For that, I’ll forever be grateful!”
“I would like to thank all of my assistants and Greg Cypret. The knowledge that Cyp possesses is unreal. I have learned so much from him about the game of baseball and will forever be grateful for that, but more importantly, Cyp is like a second father to me and the friendship that we’ve created is what I’ll be thankful for the most.”
“I also want to thank Jacob Wise. The coverage he provides for the coaches, players and fans is fantastic and professional. On top of this, he provides stats and insight that other organizations wish they could have.” An announcement introducing the club’s 2021 field manager will be made in the near future.
Ohioans can receive assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities from the state of Ohio, through their local Community Action Agency (CAA). Check if you are eligible and apply at your local CAA.
When applying for assistance, you should be prepared to provide the following information:
Names of all household members
Date(s) of birth
Social Security Number(s), if applicable
Current or previous address
Copies of Social Security cards, or verification for each household member, if applicable
Proof of income for all household members 18 years or older
Any supporting documentation to demonstrate need
Proof of hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Any federal unemployment stipend is excluded from determining a household’s benefit.
To receive Rental Assistance, you will also need to provide:
Total amount due, including fees
If moving to a new location, justification for the move (i.e. currently homeless, living with another family and not sufficient space etc.)
Landlord contact information and lease/rental agreement
To receive Mortgage Assistance, you will also need to provide:
Notice of late mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance)
To receive Utility Assistance, you will also need to provide:
Copy of utility bill
Ohio’s Community Action Agencies work with the Ohio Development Services Agency to provide assistance to Ohioans in need. To apply for mortgage, rent, and/or utility bill assistance including gas, electric, bulk fuel, water/sewer and trash, contact the Community Action Agency that serves your county.
Former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel says he will run for U.S. Senator from Ohio, seeking to fill a vacancy being left by incumbent Rob Portman’s decision not to seek re-election in 2022.
Mandel is joining a field of candidates that is growing almost weekly.
The 43-year-old Marine Corp veteran is likely to see competition in the Republican Primary, as Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken recently resigned her post to reportedly explore a possible run for the nomination.
Thus far on the other side of the isle, Democrat U.S. House Representative Tim Ryan is reportedly interested in seeking his party nomination, with some talk of former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton also considering a run. Other Ohio Democrats are considering a possible run as well, although no specific names have surfaced.
Mandel served as Ohio Treasurer between 2011-19. Prior to that, he was a former city councilman and a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. Mandel lost a U.S. Senate bid to Democrat Sherrod Brown in 2012, then dropped out of the 2018 U.S. Senate race against Brown citing family health reasons.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
K-12 PROGRESS
Governor DeWine announced progress toward the goal of getting K-12 students back into the classroom by March 1. In December, 45 percent of Ohio students were attending school remotely full-time, but today, less than 15 percent of Ohio students are still attending classes completely online. Despite this progress, the pandemic has taken a toll on academic progress, as demonstrated in the Ohio Department of Education’s fall 2020 enrollment report.
“This once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has impacted all of us, so it should be no surprise that it has impacted our children. But we should not panic, nor should we be surprised by the results of assessments,” said Governor DeWine. “Instead, we should do what Ohioans have always done when facing a challenge – stay calm, roll up our sleeves, and work to solve the problem.”
Governor DeWine asked school districts to work with their communities to help students advance and make up for any learning that may have been lost or delayed because of the pandemic.
Governor DeWine also requested that school districts design plans to meet the needs of the students in their districts that include ending the school year later than scheduled, beginning the new year early, or even extending the school day. Summer programs, tutoring, or remote options could also be considered. School districts should provide their plans to the public and General Assembly no later than April 1.
Lt. Governor Husted today also highlighted a provision in the proposed Executive Budget that guarantees student access to a computer science education.
The “right to access” computer science classes would be defined as the statutory right of a student to be able to take a class either offered directly by their school district or through another provider of the student’s choice. However, the program must be approved through the Ohio Department of Education.
“Every budget cycle presents an opportunity to distinguish ourselves as a state,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Coming out of the pandemic, the stakes are higher and the impacts more consequential. We must rise to the challenge and commit to the work that will lead to an educational recovery that will echo economically for a generation.”
RENT ASSISTANCE
The Ohio Development Services Agency is now distributing $100 million in federal funding to help low-income Ohioans who do not own their own home pay their rent, water, sewer, wastewater, electric, gas, oil and/or trash removal bills.
Ohioans can apply for assistance with outstanding balances dating back to March 13, 2020, assistance for future rent/utility payments once back bills have been made current, and assistance for future rent and utility assistance for three months at a time.
Eligible Ohio households must:
Be at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (varies by county and size of household);
Have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; and
Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
The funding, which was approved by the Ohio Controlling Board for distribution, will be divided among Ohio’s 47 Community Action Agencies. Ohioans can apply for assistance by contacting their local Community Action Agency. A list of agencies can be found at businesshelp.ohio.gov under Home Relief Grants.
MAINTENANCE COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAM
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio’s maintenance COVID-19 vaccine program plan to ensure residents and staff within nursing homes and assisted living facilities have continuing access to the life-saving vaccine is nearly complete. The plan will outline how nursing homes and assisted living facilities will move forward to vaccinate new residents, new workers, and workers who initially declined the vaccine but are now willing to be vaccinated. The plan will leverage existing relationships between nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the pharmacies that regularly provide them with prescription drugs.
In preparation for the release of this plan, Governor DeWine urged administrators for long-term and assisted-living facilities to find out if their facility already has a pharmacy provider that can administer the vaccine. If the provider is not a COVID vaccine provider, they should determine if they intend to become one.
Since the pandemic began, individuals in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, have been at the greatest risk of death from COVID-19. Over 50 percent of Ohio’s deaths have been individuals from long-term care settings.
To protect family members and loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Ohio immediately activated the federal long-term care vaccination program in mid-December. First and second doses of the vaccine have been administered in nearly all of Ohio’s nursing homes and most of Ohio’s assisted living centers.
CURRENT CASE DATA
In total, there are 925,350 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 reported in Ohio and 11,793 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 47,853 people have been hospitalized throughout the pandemic, including 6,869 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
