Monthly Archives: July 2021

Sports

OHSAA Prepares For 2021-22 Sports Seasons

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With practices for all fall sports beginning this Sunday, August 1 and the season kicking off later that month, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has sent updates and reminders to its member schools.

Heat Precautions

School administrators and coaches are asked to review the heat acclimatization and exertional heat illness prevention section in the OHSAA Handbook prior to any interscholastic practices. The section is on pages 81 and 82 and can be found at https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/SchoolResources/Handbook.pdf. The sport of football has a five-day required acclimatization period and cross country has a 10-day required acclimatization period. All athletes joining the team at any point of the season also must participate in the sport-specific acclimatization period prior to any contact drills (football) or competition (cross country). Visit the sports medicine section of the OHSAA website for additional resources at: https://www.ohsaa.org/medicine.

COVID-19 Update

The Ohio Department of Health released newly revised guidance for K-12 schools on Tuesday, July 27, with some information related to interscholastic sports. Although Ohio lifted most statewide pandemic-related health orders on June 2, 2021, the risk is still there for illness from COVID-19. The OHSAA and ODH urge the membership to continue to follow safe protocols to protect everyone, especially those individuals who are not fully vaccinated. There are currently no mandates regarding vaccinations and social distancing, and the only mandate on masks is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirement that masks be worn while using public transportation, which includes school busses. It is highly recommended that coaches and student-athletes who are eligible for vaccinations to be vaccinated and it is highly recommended that those who are unvaccinated maintain social distancing and wear masks in indoor facilities and in outdoor facilities where there are crowded situations.

2021-22 OHSAA Board of Directors

The OHSAA would like to thank all school administrators who are serving on District Athletic Boards. The following administrators will serve as the 2021-22 OHSAA Board of Directors: 

Scott Kaufman, Board President; Athletic Director/Assistant Principal, Lakota West High School (Class AAA Representative-Board of Directors thru 2022)

Steve Watkins, Board Vice President; Principal, Dalton Middle School (7th-8th Grade Representative-Board of Directors thru 2022)

Bo Arnett, Dean of Students/Athletic Director, Waverly High School (Class AAA Representative-Board of Directors thru 2024)

Ryan Fitzgerald, Athletic Director, Hamilton Twp High School (Class AA Representative-Board of Directors thru 2022)

Gina Franks, Director of Student Services, Dover High School (Female Representative-Board of Directors thru 2024) 

Gary Kreinbrink, Athletic Director, Leipsic High School (Class A Representative-Board of Directors thru 2022)

Dr. William R. Nye, Jr., Superintendent, Grand Valley Local Schools (Class A Representative-Board of Directors thru 2024)

Jeff Wheeler, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Meadowbrook High School/Middle School (Class AA Representative-Board of Directors thru 2024)

TBA – Ethic Minority Representative-Board of Directors thru 2022)

Glen Gillespie, (ex-officio, Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association)

Dr. John Richard, Deputy State Superintendent, Ohio Department of Education (ex-officio, State Department of Education Representative)

Academic Eligibility Reminder

A reminder that for the first grading period of the 2021-22 school year, the OHSAA has suspended the academic requirement that student-athletes must have passed five one-credit courses (or four classes at the 7th/8th grade level) in the final grading period of the 2020-21 school year. Therefore, all student-athletes are eligible with respect to their OHSAA scholarship eligibility, for the first grading period of the 2021-22, unless a school chooses to enforce its own scholarship standard.

However, the OHSAA’s academic requirement will be back in use for the second grading period. That means that fall and winter student-athletes need to be certain they pass at least five one-credit courses at the high school level or four classes at the 7th-8th grade level.

Fall Sports (Official Practice Begins August 1)

The starting date for coaching for all 2021 OHSAA fall sports is Sunday, August 1. Each school/school district shall determine if they choose to start on that date or later. As a reminder, at the January 14, 2021, OHSAA Board of Directors Meeting, a recommendation was approved that permits schools to complete the first two days of the football acclimatization period in July. During that time, a helmet is the only equipment that may be worn.

Golf: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/golf

Girls Tennis: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/girlstennis

Field Hockey: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/fh

Cross Country: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/cc

Volleyball: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/volleyball

Soccer: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/soccer

Football: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/football

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AARP Community Challenge Grant Awarded To Chillicothe Transit

Presented By Classic Brands

The City of Chillicothe has been selected to receive a 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant, one of only 244 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With this “quick-action” grant and as part of an established plan to improve the Chillicothe Transit System, this project will install traditional and nontraditional bus stop infrastructure that can help improve social connections among passengers and make public transit a more attractive option to the community.

The $22,000 grant will be used to install eight ADA compliant benches, two swing sets, and two ADA compliant bus shelters. These improvements to bus stops will also include new bus stop signage through funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected the City of Chillicothe to receive this grant,” stated Asti Powell, transit director for the City of Chillicothe. “AARP is a nationwide leader on making neighborhoods, towns, and cities more livable for all residents and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our community.”

About the Community Challenge

The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery and more.

It’s all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation – including all 244 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

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Walk Against Animal Cruelty Makes Return In WCH

Presented By Atomic Speedway

The Fayette Regional Humane Society returns to an actual “walk” for this year’s 9th Annual Walk Against Animal Cruelty.

Last year was a virtual event, but feet will be back on the ground this year for the walking fundraiser on Saturday, September 25th in Washington Court House.

On-site registration begins at 10am with the walk starting at 11am. Tee shirts are limited for on-site registrations.

For more information on how to sign up, CLICK HERE…

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Ohio University Mourns Loss Of Former President Ping

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

(ATHENS) – Ohio University President Emeritus Dr. Charles J. Ping, whose visionary approach and gentlemanly demeanor helped shape the school into the transformative institution it is today, died July 26, 2021, at his home in Athens, Ohio. 

Ping arrived on campus in 1975 to an institution with great potential but in deep turmoil from Vietnam-era student protests, declining enrollment and staggering debt. In 19 years as president, he launched multiple capital campaigns to raise money and established many new academic programs to attract more students.

Vice President Emeritus of Development Jack Ellis, BSCOM ’57, who was chief development officer throughout Ping’s tenure, said the first capital campaign served to help build confidence among University staff and alumni.

“Our financial situation was so dismal that we didn’t have financial resources to even undertake a campaign. To take on a campaign of that magnitude… if it was not successful, imagine the impact of a failed campaign. It took a lot of courage to undertake something like that,” Ellis said. 

When Ping arrived in 1975, Ellis said the University was embroiled in a crisis of confidence. 

OHIO Distinguished Professor Emeritus John Gaddis, who founded the Contemporary History Institute and is now a professor of history at Yale University, summed it up succinctly: “Charles and Claire Ping rebuilt a university.”

Ping created the tier general education system for undergraduate students to give each student a well-rounded learning experience over a broad range of subjects. 

With the rate of enrollment steadily rising, Ping oversaw some additions and renovations on campus. During his presidency, the Aquatic Center was built, Peden Stadium was enlarged, state-of-the-art equipment was provided for the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, and construction began on the Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center.

Services will be held July 31st at 2:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church at 2 North Court Street in Athens.

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Fewster Celebrates Six Decades With McDonald’s

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

Ron Fewster and Megan Brumfield present a Career Online High School Diploma to McDonald’s employee Denver Casto in a Litter Media feature on the Archway to Opportunities program in which employees can complete their high school education. Dan Ramey/Litter Media

The man who brought McDonald’s Restaurants to Chillicothe and other locations in southern Ohio, is celebrating 60 years with McDonald’s.

Ron Fewster began his career with McDonald’s in Toledo, Ohio in 1961, then came to Chillicothe in 1972 as a McDonald’s owner-operator.

His first store was on Bridge Street and played a major role on the committee that brought the Ronald McDonald House to Columbus. He later branched out with McDonald’s locations in Waverly, Circleville and Greenfield.

Among his community awards includes being named the Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce “Entrepreneur of the Year” and Jaycee’s “Citizen of the Year”, along with other awards during his time with McDonald’s.

Ron Fewster celebrating 60 years with McDonald’s Restaurants. Photo courtesy Jana Detty
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Mayor Seeks City Purchase Of Former Tiffin School Site After Goodwill Changes Plans To Build There

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Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The parcel of land where the former Tiffin Elementary School building was located in Chillicothe, Ohio. Dan Ramey/Litter Media

*STORY UPDATED 3PM 7/28/21*

Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney has asked city council for $300,000 to buy the land once occupied by Tiffin Elementary School, off South Bridge Street.

Goodwill Industries of South Central Ohio had purchased the land earlier this year, but has since decided to locate a proposed warehouse and distribution center elsewhere.

Goodwill CEO Marvin Jones stated in a release sent to Litter Media; “After reviewing our plans for the Tiffin property, it became more apparent that the Gateway Industrial Park on Ohio 104 would be better suited for our warehouse and any future expansion. We are working with the Community Improvement Corporation to acquire land there and hope to begin construction before the end of the year. While we are disappointed we couldn’t make the Tiffin property work, we are sure that the city will find ways to improve that neighborhood.”

In a request for the matter to be assigned to council committee, Mayor Feeney stated the following in a letter to Council President Bruce Arnold; “The property in question presents a unique opportunity for the City to play a serious role in the future development of the neighborhood and our community.”

“It is not often that parcels of land of this size become available in the City, and I believe there will be significant benefit in the City controlling that property, especially in the context of the context of our upcoming master plan process”, Feeney said.

Litter Media reached out to Mayor Feeney for a comment concerning the possible interest by the City of Chillicothe, to which he responded:

“Through the process of getting the Tiffin property rezoned Goodwill was a very proactive community partner in terms of their communication and willingness to listen to their neighbors’ opinions on the future use of the former school site. It quickly became very clear that rezoning the entire site to be industrial was not a good fit for the location, so Goodwill reworked its request to something that was palatable and a decent fit for the neighborhood. When Goodwill ultimately decided that another location was a better fit for their new facility, I thought it was a good opportunity to have an impact on a neighborhood from a city planning perspective that doesn’t come along very often. I engaged in conversation with Marvin Jones, Goodwill’s CEO and he expressed his and his board’s interest in a positive community outcome for that property. There is an ongoing community study on our housing situation, and that has made the opportunity for housing development in that area the thing that sticks out most in my mind for an end use, but I haven’t ruled anything out. I also think that the master plan process that we are starting will help inform the future use of this land.“

The actual purchase price of the land would be $290,000 with the other $10,000 going to closing, inspection and other purchase related fees.

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Street Work In Chillicothe

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

(Chillicothe) – Mayor Luke Feeney and the City of Chillicothe Engineering Department announce that milling and paving work will start on Thursday (7/29/21) in various locations within the city. 

Weather permitting, milling and paving will start on Thursday. 

Residents are advised to watch for NO PARKING signs, as NO PARKING will be strictly enforced.  Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction vehicles and workers.

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Pickaway Law Enforcement History Being Shared With Community

Presented By Classic Brands

Pickaway County Historical Society will benefit from historical items being shared from Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey. The announcement came via the Pickaway County Historical Society’s Facebook page, concerning the new law enforcement exhibit.  

The Pickaway County Commissioners granted permission for these articles to be shared with not only the Pickaway County Historical Society but with the Ohio’s Small Town Museum in Ashville.  

Various items of the Sheriff’s Office have been donated to each museum so that people can learn more about the history of the law enforcement profession.

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Post 757 Baseball Tryouts

Presented By Atomic Speedway

The Chillicothe 757 Colts Baseball Program will be conducting tryouts for baseball players interested in joining an established program that provides both American Legion Baseball and travel baseball opportunities to our players. Post 757 Baseball will continue this tradition in 2022 as it has every year since 1969.

The Colts program is coming off a successful 2021 summer where our American Legion and Junior American Legion teams combined for a 41-21 record while playing the most competitive schedule in the area! Our players have an opportunity to improve their game in our program that offers fall, winter, and summer baseball activities.

More information is below, if you need to set up a private tryout please contact Coach Barr or email our staff (see below). 

 Post 757’s Hoffman Field at Mary Lou Patton Park
914 Toledo St. Chillicothe OH 45601
Friday, July 30th, 2021, at
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Interested players age 13 to 19 in 2022)

Saturday, July 31, 2021, at
10 am to 1 pm (Interested players age 13 to 19 in 2022)

Interested players should complete this online registration form prior to the tryout. 

If you have any questions or need a private tryout please contact our staff at CoachingStaff@chillicothebaseball.com

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$5 Million In H2Ohio Grants Coming To Ohio River Basin Wetlands

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that $5 million in grants is now available for local wetland projects aimed at improving water quality in the Ohio River Basin.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is administering the Ohio River Basin H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program as part of Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative. The program is funded as part of Ohio’s 2022-2023 budget which the Ohio General Assembly passed and Governor DeWine signed earlier this summer.

“Many new and restored H2Ohio wetlands are already working to reduce algal blooms on Lake Erie, and we’re excited to continue expanding wetlands projects into other parts of the state,” said Governor DeWine. “Everyone deserves clean water, and by targeting this grant funding to the Ohio River Basin, it will help ensure that communities here have the opportunity to invest in wetland projects to naturally improve water quality for future generations.”

Wetlands help improve water quality by trapping, filtering, and removing excess pollutants and nutrients, such as phosphorus, from the water before they flow into waterways and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Right now, there are nearly 60 H2Ohio wetland projects underway or complete.

“We’ve seen such success in such a short time with our wetland projects, especially in northwest Ohio,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Opportunities to address nutrient pollution and related water quality problems in Ohio are not limited to one part of the state. We know that the wetland work we are doing can help us address these challenges. We are really excited to add to the growing list of H2Ohio wetlands and share the benefits of these projects with everyone in Ohio.”

The Ohio River Basin H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that provides up to $500,000 per project for wetland projects that address nutrient loading and contribute to water quality improvement. Eligible projects include wetland creation, wetland restoration on hydric soils, and existing wetland and floodplain water quality enhancements. 

A full list of criteria and program priorities can be found at odnr.gov. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2021. 

H2Ohio is Governor Mike DeWine’s initiative to ensure safe and clean water in Ohio. It is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long-term. H2Ohio focuses on encouraging agricultural best management practices, restoring and enhancing wetlands, and replacing home septic systems to reduce nutrients that contribute to harmful algal blooms. For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov.