(Photo from Imagination Library)

(CHILLICOTHE)— Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz celebrated the launch of Ohio’s newest Storybook Trail, now open at Great Seal State Park in Chillicothe.

“Ohio’s Storybook Trails bring families together for lifelong memories of fun and active learning in the great outdoors,” said First Lady DeWine. “We’re excited to add more trails at parks around the state so even more Ohioans can discover the joy of reading.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, launched the Storybook Trail program in 2019 to promote the importance of literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with nature. There are currently six half-mile Storybook Trails located at state parks in Ohio, each with 15-20 child-height panels featuring pages of a children’s book and an activity to accompany the text on the page.

“Everyone loves a good story, and science supports the physical and mental health benefits of getting outside,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Storybook Trails combine the best of both by promoting child literacy and an active and healthy lifestyle — all in the beautiful settings of Ohio’s great outdoors.”

“The First Strawberries,” a Cherokee story retold by Joseph Bruchac, was selected as the featured book at Great Seal State Park to complement the park’s rich Native American history. Children who are enrolled in the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and were born in 2017 will receive this book in July.

There are currently 286,184 children enrolled in the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library, which provides one free book every month to children enrolled in the program from birth to age five. To learn more about the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and how to participate, visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org.

Governor and First Lady DeWine will join ODNR to unveil several other new Storybook Trails in the coming days. A full list of ODNR’s Storybook Trails, as well as similar trails located at parks and library districts across the state, can be found at ohiodnr.gov.

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Fallen Ross County Military Veterans To Be Remembered

May 7, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

Watch the interview with Mike Strahle, Executive Director for The Eyes of Freedom Traveling Salute To Service

The Chillicothe Restoration Foundation and local veterans groups are sponsoring a day to remember Ross Countians who sacrificed their lives for our nation.

This walking tour will be held from 1pm-5pm May 8th and begin at the top of Yoctangee Park at the intersection of Paint and Water Streets. Speakers will be available at the World War I Monument there.

In the same area on Water Street will be representatives of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. Hear about the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers and see firearms demonstrated by The Joseph Ogle Company, militia re-enactors of the Revolutionary War. A list of all known Ross County Revolutionary War Soldiers will be handed out to visitors. The War of 1812 and The Civil War will be represented there as well.

Participants can then walk to the Veterans Memorial Park on Yoctangee Boulevard, enjoying displays along the way, to hear about those who gave their lives in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Representatives from local veterans groups and 80 high school students will share stories of the lives of soldiers who perished during the wars.

The next stop on the tour is the Armory in Yoctangee Park to see the “Eyes of Freedom” murals with life size tributes to the members of the Ohio-based Lima 3/25 Company who lost their lives in 2005 while serving in Iraq. The paintings honor all military personnel from yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The tour is free and open to the public. Social distancing will be practiced.

*https://www.facebook.com/EyesOfFreedom/

*The Dough Boy WWI Memorial near the south entrance of Yoctangee Park on Water Street, Chillicothe, Ohio. Dan Ramey/Litter Media*

*The Vietnam Memorial at Veterans Park on Yoctangee Parkway, Chillicothe, Ohio. Dan Ramey/Litter Media*

*The POW/MIA Memorial at Veterans Park on Yoctangee Parkway, Chillicothe, Ohio. Dan Ramey/Litter Media*

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Bengals Introduce “Ring Of Honor” Nominees For 2021 Season

May 7, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The 2021 Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor nominees. Credit Bengals Facebook Page

17 former Cincinnati Bengals players have been nominated for the new “Ring Of Honor” for the 2021 season, with Bengals season-ticket holders deciding which two will join team founder Paul Brown and Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Anthony Muñoz in the Ring’s inaugural class.

Almost half the 17 nominees were on the 1981 AFC championship squad that went to the Super Bowl.

Nominees are Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Jim Breech, James Brooks, Chris Collinsworth, Isaac Curtis, Corey Dillon, Boomer Esiason, David Fulcher, Chad Johnson, Tim Krumrie, Dave Lapham, Max Montoya, Lemar Parrish, Ken Riley, Bob Trumpy and Reggie Williams.

Get updates on the Cincinnati Bengals Facebook. CLICK HERE:

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Marty Brennaman To Join Reds Hall of Fame

May 7, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Classic Brands

Ford C. Frick Award Winner Marty Brennaman is the sole member of the Reds Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 with induction ceremonies Friday August 27th at Great American Ball Park. The event will include the on-field Induction Ceremony and a special Reds Alumni Softball Game featuring more than 40 Reds Hall of Famers and former Reds.

“We can’t think of a better way to honor Marty Brennaman than with one of the largest gatherings of Reds Hall of Famers and alumni from his 46-year broadcasting career,” said Rick Walls, Reds Hall of Fame executive director.

“Moving the Induction events to Great American Ball Park allows fans and former players to celebrate Marty as our newest Hall of Fame inductee.”

Brennaman joins his former broadcast partner Joe Nuxhall, who was inducted in to the Reds Hall of Fame in 1968. Nuxhall’s broadcast microphone was retired in 2007.

Longtime Reds radio announcer, Marty Brennaman, will be inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame August 27th at Great American Ball Park. Photo by Dan Ramey/Litter Media from the archives of Dan Ramey Productions, LLC

Tickets for the Induction Ceremony and Reds Alumni Softball Game will go on sale to the public at a later date. Click below for more details on this can’t-miss event!

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May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May 7, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

COLUMBUS – May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and sober. As summer approaches, motorists should be aware of an increase in motorcycles on the roadways.

In 2020, there were 3,982 traffic crashes involving motorcycles that resulted in 214 deaths and 3,590 injuries. Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Summit and Lucas counties accounted for 34 percent of the motorcycle crashes in Ohio.

“Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “All motorists need to be aware of their surroundings and other vehicles using the roadway.”

Taking a training class, wearing safety equipment and riding with proper endorsements will help you protect yourself and others. Last year, 52 percent of at-fault motorcycle drivers involved in crashes did not have a motorcycle endorsement on their license.

Riding responsibly starts by ensuring you are properly trained and wearing proper safety equipment before getting on a motorcycle,” said Lieutenant Tim Karwatske, Chillicothe Post commander. “It is also important to obey all traffic laws and to never ride impaired.”

Motorists should give motorcyclists a full lane of travel and look for them at intersections and while changing lanes. Always allow plenty of space in front of the vehicle you are driving and do not follow a motorcycle too closely.

Ohio law requires helmets for riders under 18 and drivers with less than one year of motorcycle experience. Passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets when the driver is required to do so.

For more information visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.

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ODOT Weekly Road Construction Report

May 7, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Atomic Speedway

The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways:

Ross County
NEW* U.S. 35/U.S. 23 Bridge Maintenance – Project to perform maintenance work on various bridges along U.S. 35 and U.S. 23 in Ross County beginning May 12. Traffic will be maintained in one lane in each direction throughout construction. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

State Route 104 Resurfacing – S.R. 104 will be reduced to one lane daily between Fairgrounds Road and the Pickaway County Line from 7 AM to 5 PM, Mon-Fri starting April 19. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

State Route 28 Resurfacing – S.R. 28 will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM between S.R. 138 and Harper Station Road starting April 15. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Scioto Trails State Park Culvert Replacement – Scioto Trails Forest Road 5 will be closed for 60 days near the intersection with Stony Creek Road starting March 22. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

Tar Hollow State Park Slide Repair – Park Road 10 will be closed for 30 days in Tar Hollow State Park for a slide repair project starting March 15 at 7 AM. Estimated completion: May 14.

Ross County Guardrail Replacement – Various county roads will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM starting March 1. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

U.S. 23 Slide Repair – U.S. 23 northbound will experience intermittent single-lane closures south of S.R. 372. Restrictions will be set up as needed for construction. When in effect, restrictions will occur between 7 AM and 5 PM. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

Pike County
NEW* Pike S.R. 32 Resurfacing – S.R. 32 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Goff Road and S.R. 124 starting May 10 at 7 AM. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

NEW* Pike S.R. 335 Resurfacing – S.R. 335 will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM – 5 PM, Mon-Fri between Simmons Hollow Road and the village of Waverly beginning May 10. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

U.S. 23 Signal Upgrade – U.S. 23 will be reduced to one lane in each direction daily from 7 AM to 5 PM on either side of the intersection with Second Street immediately south of the village of Waverly beginning March 24. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

S.R. 772 Slide Repair – S.R. 772 will be reduced to one, 13-foot lane between S.R. 124 and McKinney Road starting March 15 at 7 AM. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Pike Lake State Park Resurfacing – Various park roads in Pike Lake State Park will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM – 5 PM starting March 15. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

S.R. 32/Shyville Road Intersection Improvement – Beginning March 15, traffic lanes on S.R. 32 will be shifted in advance of construction of a new RCUT intersection design. S.R. 32 is reduced to one lane in each direction immediately east and west of the Shyville Road intersection. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Highland County
S.R. 28/S.R. 138/S.R. 753 Resurfacing – This project will resurface portions of three routes in Highland County starting April 19: S.R. 28 between Leesburg and Greenfield; S.R. 138 between 7^th Street and Jefferson Street in the village of Greenfield; S.R. 753 between Snake Road and McKell Avenue. The affected routes will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM during construction. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

U.S. 62 Resurfacing – U.S. 62 will be reduced to one lane between the village of Hillsboro and Warlamount Road daily from 7 AM to 5 PM starting March 29. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Scioto County
U.S. 52 Culvert replacements – This project will replace two culverts along U.S. 52 starting April 1. The first culvert is located east of Upper Twin Creek Road. The second culvert is located between Pond Run Road and Ziegler Lane. Construction for both culverts will occur simultaneously. For both locations, traffic on U.S. 52 will be maintained in one lane using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Riverfront Multi-Use Path – This project will construct a multi-use path between Front Street and Offnere Street beginning April 1. Traffic on affected city streets and school roads will be maintained in one lane using flaggers as needed. Restrictions may occur daily between 7:30 AM and 5 PM. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

U.S. 23/Feurt Hill Road Intersection Improvement – Feurt Hill Road may be reduced to one lane as needed during construction, with traffic maintained using flaggers. Two lanes in each direction will be maintained on U.S. 23 throughout construction. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

State Route 823 routine maintenance – state Route 823 will be reduced to one, 14-foot lane in each direction daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for routine maintenance, pavement grinding, and other work as needed from May 12 to May 13. Estimated completion: May 13, by 6:30 p.m.

Brown County
S.R. 125 Resurfacing – S.R. 125 will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM between Gillette Station Road and the Clermont County Line starting May 3. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

State Route 125 bridge replacement at Georgetown – S.R. 125 may be restricted to one lane to complete construction on the White Oak Creek bridge replacement project, with traffic maintained using flaggers as needed. Restrictions, when needed, will be in effect daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

U.S. 52 Culvert Replacement – U.S. 52 will be reduced to one lane between Elk River Road and Logan Gap Road starting April 12 at 7 AM. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

S.R. 41 Slide Repair – S.R. 41 will be reduced to one lane between Meffords Run Road and Catbird Lane starting at 7 AM on April 19. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Village of Aberdeen Sidewalk Upgrades – This project will install new pedestrian facilities in the village of Aberdeen at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Elm Street starting March 29. Traffic on U.S. 52 will be maintained in one lane in each direction throughout construction, with minor traffic impacts possible. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Adams County
S.R. 32 Culvert Replacement – S.R. 32 will be reduced to one, 10-foot lane in each direction between Pine Hollow Road and Black Hollow Road starting April 26. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

S.R. 32 Resurfacing – S.R. 32 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Tranquility Pike and S.R. 73 starting April 5. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

District-wide Reflective Pavement Marker Installation – Currently working in Adams County. Beginning March 22, work will commence on various routes throughout the district from 7 AM to 5 PM daily. Traffic on two lane roadways will be maintained in one lane using flaggers. Traffic on four lane roadways will be maintained in at least one lane in each direction during work hours. Estimated completion: Summer 2021