WATCH Margaret Planton talk about the exhibit featuring the work of her father, Walter Farmer and the Monuments Men who worked to save masterpieces during World War II. The exhibit is on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum through October 3rd, 2021.
The father of former Chillicothe Mayor Margaret Planton is the theme of a Cincinnati Art Museum exhibit that details the work of Captain Walter Farmer’s role at the end of World War II, as he helped retrieve valuable German art works that had been confiscated by the Nazis.
Captain Farmer was attached to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, when in June of 1945 he saw the stories about art work discovered in salt mines, where the Nazis hid them after taking them from the Berlin Art Museum.
He transferred to the “Monuments Men”, which Wiesbaden Collecting Point, which is where the art was being received out of the salt mines.
He needed someone who spoke German, French and Dutch, and hired a German woman, who would later become Mrs. Walter Farmer and years later, gave birth to Margaret.
In November, 1945, the group received a telegram stating that they were ordered to send 202 pieces of the art to the United States for keeping. Captain Farmer refused, and got 32 other Monuments Men to sign the Wiesbaden Manifesto, which protested the transfer of this art to America.
Captain Walter Farmer viewing Nefertiti Bust. Photo courtesy Margaret Planton
Germany recognized the Manifesto in 1996, which led to Walter Farmer receiving the German Cross for his action.
The paintings sat in the National Gallery in Washington D.C. for many years and were also shown around the U.S. in the late 1940’s.
Due to Walter Farmer and many other people’s efforts, all of the art eventually made it back to the Berlin Art Gallery.
This story is currently being told with an exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum, due to Walter Farmer’s being a native Cincinnati native.
The show will be up now through October 3rd. Margaret Planton was actively involved in the archival work for this exhibit, including the display of his medals, which Margaret had in her possession. At least four of the paintings retrieved after the war and eventually sent back to Germany, and on loan for this Cincinnati exhibit from the Berlin Art Gallery.
(CHILLICOTHE) – Horizon, an Ohio-based regional fiber broadband company, began expanding its regional fiber-optic network with the construction of a state-of-the-art fiber-optic network to the residents and businesses in Circleville, Ohio.
Horizon has been building telecommunications networks and serving communities for over 125 years. Horizon recently kicked off the first of many projects in the region, constructing a 100% fiber-optic network in Circleville, Ohio. Soon the homes and businesses in will have access to Horizon’s symmetrical GIGABIT+ fiber service- the fastest, most reliable internet service in the area. This expansion of Horizon’s fiber network is a cutting-edge system designed to meet the ever-increasing internet demands of today and into the future.
“We are very excited to bring the first symmetrical GIGABIT+ internet network to the residents and businesses of Circleville.”Said Jim Capuano, Chief Executive Officer at Horizon. “Horizon believes this Fiber-To-The- Home/Business network is designed to surpass all customer expectations for quality, reliability, and speed. This project, in addition to our builds in Chillicothe, is the first project of many we have planned in the region. The support of the residents, who have shared their appreciation for the importance of high-quality internet service, and Mayor Don McIlroy and the local government of Circleville, who understands the economic impact this network will have on their community, makes Circleville an obvious place to kick off our initiative. This has been a true Resident Public-Private partnership from the beginning.”
The lack of fast, high-quality, reliable internet service has an impact on local economies, education, telework, and public health. Horizon’s new fiber service provides the speed businesses and residential customers need to run multiple devices, simultaneously. This ensures everyone has the bandwidth they need to do what they do even better.
“Broadband access and quality of service has never been more important to our residents and businesses than it is right now,” says Ryan Scribner, Executive Director of Pickaway Progress Partnership. “I’m thankful for the investment Horizon is making in the City of Circleville and am sure it will pay dividends in our efforts to promote positive development in the community.”
City and county officials agree that access to high-speed fiber internet is crucial to residents and businesses in the area. Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy commented, “As you have noticed, Horizon has been installing fiber throughout the city of Circleville. This fiber infrastructure is critical to facilitate the delivery of fast broadband to our citizens, businesses, and to our visitors. This super- fast broadband has the ability to provide internet service to our citizens at a very high speed, everyone will benefit through choice and faster access to services.”
Circleville residents can pre-register now for this exciting new service, visit horizonconnects.com/Circleville and sign up today! An official ribbon cutting ceremony for this project is scheduled for July 22, 2021, in downtown Circleville. For more information, call 866-416-7163.
The American Red Cross is reporting a “severe blood shortage” and needs donors. Through July 31st, if you schedule yourself to donate, you will receive a gift card and become eligible to win free gasoline for one year.
While donors go on summer vacations, many appointment slots are still empty. If you’re already on a trip, check out the chances to give blood near your vacation spot. It’ll only require about an hour of your time, but it could change someone’s life forever.
To thank you for your blood donation through July 31st, the American Red Cross will present you with a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card*by email.
Your donation can help pump up the blood supply this month. And, when you come to give by July 31st, you will also be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). There will be three winners, so hurry in to help end the severe shortage and get your shot at this prize.
(LAURELVILLE)-The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is making upgrades at Tar Hollow State Park, including a new accessible kayak launch that will give people of all abilities a chance to better enjoy the water.
“ODNR is focused on improving boating and park facilities across the state,” said ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glen Cobb. “We are especially committed to making sure that boaters of all skill levels can enjoy their favorite on-the-water activities.”
The new accessible kayak launch was installed at the park’s existing boat ramp on Pine Lake, near the public beach. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats can be rented from the General Store at the park.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft used funds provided by the Waterway Safety Fund to purchase this launch through EZ Dock. EZ Dock creates decks, boat launches, and more for users of all abilities.
Other improvements at Tar Hollow include modernizing the restrooms at the campground and replacing the camp lodge roof.
Tar Hollow State Park has many other activities for visitors to enjoy, including hunting, camping, fishing, and more. To learn more about Tar Hollow State Park, please visit ohiodnr.gov.
(COLUMBUS) — More and more Ohioans are walking and biking as a way to travel, either by choice or necessity. However, recent trends in safety, health, and demographics highlight the urgent need for safer, accessible, and more convenient options for walking and biking in communities across the state. In an effort to combat these trends and spur more strategic investment in infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists, the Ohio Department of Transportation is launching the first-of-its-kind Walk.Bike.Ohio plan. This plan was constructed based on input from local government partners, state agencies, and the public.
“Nearly one out of every 10 Ohio households does not have access to a motor vehicle, meaning active transportation options like walking and bicycling are necessary to meet basic needs,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “When we ensure that walking and biking are safe, convenient, and accessible options – everybody wins. The Walk.Bike.Ohio plan puts us on the right path to do that.”
In Ohio, people walking and biking make up about 14 percent of all traffic deaths, despite making up just 2.6% of trips to work. Most notable is that not everyone is impacted equally, with high need populations and areas of the state experiencing a disproportionate amount (nearly double) of the severe pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
In 2020, there were 164 people killed and 469 people seriously injured while traveling along or across Ohio’s roadways on-foot. From 2019 to 2020 alone, pedestrian deaths increased by an astounding 30 percent. The most notable increases were at intersections with unmarked crosswalks (+600%), at unmarked, midblock locations (+84%), and in circumstances involving speed (+60%).
The Walk.Bike.Ohio plan is about more than just safety, it introduces a framework for advancing active transportation by documenting existing conditions, identifying roles and responsibilities of various partners, and outlining critical actions for ODOT to focus on over the next five years.
“Although the publication of Walk.Bike.Ohio is a major milestone for Ohio, it is just the beginning of the work necessary to achieve our vision,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
The plan was developed over two years and included dozens of meetings with key stakeholders and two public surveys. Stakeholders conveyed the need for improving mobility, safety, and quality of life, and for equitable investments in walking and bicycling infrastructure, maintenance, programs, and policies.
While Ohio may boast the nation’s eighth largest roadway network, ODOT found there is a need for improvement at the state, regional, and local level to develop bicycle and pedestrian networks, close network gaps, and address unsafe crossings and deficient or failing sidewalks.
“The development of Walk.Bike.Ohio has helped us to establish a statewide vision for walking and biking, informed by practitioners and the public. This plan outlines what ODOT will seek to advance over the next 5 years in order to improve walking and biking as a transportation option in Ohio,” said ODOT Active Transportation Manager Caitlin Harley.
An economic impact analysis completed as part of this effort found that existing trips by foot or bike can save Ohioans $12.7 billion in transportation and environmental costs over 20 years. If Ohio’s walking and biking rates increased by just over 1%, an additional $5 billion in cost savings is projected over the next 20 years.
In addition to economic benefits, connected active transportation networks can also play a role in improving Ohio’s ranking of 40th in the United States for overall health outcomes and 47th for health behaviors, which include obesity and physical inactivity.
Active transportation is also an opportunity to address growing mobility needs and preferences. In 1983, about 46 percent of 16-year old Americans had a driver’s license, according to the Federal Highway Administration. By 2014, that number had dropped to just over 24 percent. In Ohio, the number of 16 and 17-year old drivers fell from 84,985 in 2016 to 70,678 in 2020. Additionally, as the share of Ohio’s population over 65 continues to grow, more Ohioans may rely on or prefer transit and active transportation options.
The hope is that this plan will be a useful tool for decision-makers at all levels of government in Ohio as they look at ways to make the state more walkable and bikeable.
For more information on what ODOT will be focused on to support walking and biking in Ohio, check out the plan online.
(ATHENS) – The Athena Cinema in Athens, Ohio will reopen to the public at reduced capacity on July 16 with “Movies You’ve Missed,” a series of films that launched during the pandemic but couldn’t be seen on the big screen until now.
The 106-year-old-art house cinema, having been shuttered because of the pandemic for the longest time since its 1915 opening, will screen “Minari,” a film launched in 2020 about a Korean American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream, as part of the “Movies You’ve Missed” series. It will also screen “Roadrunner: A Film about Anthony Bourdain,” an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how an anonymous chef became a world-renowned cultural icon, and the acclaimed documentary “Summer of Soul,” a powerful and transporting documentary — part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion.
Tickets to the July 16 screenings of these films can be purchased online here. Due to the reduced number of patrons allowed in the theaters for each screening, the theater encourages advance ticket purchasing through their website.
“We are so excited to open on the 16 and welcome back our patrons,” said Alexandra Kamody, director of the Athena Cinema. “We have missed the movies, the big screen, the patrons, the sound of the projector and popcorn popping…we just can’t wait to get back to showing movies Uptown.”
The reopening comes on the heels of the Athena Cinema’s first-ever crowdfunding campaign, “Lights! Camera! Action! The Campaign to Reopen the Athena Cinema,” which garnered $11,307 more for the cinema’s Athena Cinema Support Fund more than its original goal of $5,000 in the month of June. The overwhelming support from donors helped mitigate the costs associated with safely re-opening the beloved “Jewel of Uptown Athens,” Kamody said.
“We are so grateful for the support we received through the campaign. Our community really came through for us during the closure, with patrons using our virtual cinema and staying in touch by email and social media,” Kamody said. “The response to the campaign was amazing. It has been really energizing to know the community is behind us.”
Other films being screened for the “Movies You Missed” series include “Promising Young Woman,” opening July 23; “Judas and the Black Messiah,” opening July 30; “Nomadland,” opening Aug. 6; and “The Father,” opening Aug. 13.
Severe summer weather can be hard for anyone to deal with but, for many reasons, older adults may have a harder time adjusting to severe weather. Severe summer weather in Ohio may include severe thunderstorms, tornados, floods and flash floods, high winds, excessive heat, fog, and more.
Disasters Don’t Wait. Make an Emergency Plan Now.
Every household should have an emergency kit and plan. Older adults may have additional things to consider including in their kit and plans. Learn what you should include.
The Ohio Department of Insurance offers a Severe Weather Toolkit to help Ohioans be safer and more financially prepared when severe weather strikes, as well as help them navigate the recovery process.
As we age, our bodies do not adjust as well to high temperatures, humidity, or sudden changes as they did when we were younger. Plus, chronic health conditions and the medications we take to treat them can change how our bodies respond to heat. Common types of heat-related illnesses that affect older adults include:
Heat cramps are Muscle cramps, most often in the legs, caused by not drinking enough to replace fluids and nutrients lost to sweating
Heat exhaustion is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by not enough fluids, hot environments and high body temperatures.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition caused when the body is unable to regulate its own internal temperature in a hot and humid environment.
Extremely hot days are severe weather. When high temperatures are in the forecast, tollow these tips to protect yourself or older loved ones from heat-related illness:
Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
Wear lightweight clothing.
Rest frequently.
Seek an air-conditioned environment.
Remain indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid strenuous activity when it is hot.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness. These include: weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, unusual skin temperature, disorientation. If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, move to a cooler place and seek medical attention immediately.
Often, following severe weather, contractors may roll into a neighborhood, offering to repair damage caused by the storm. While many respectable businesses still go door-to-door to meet potential customers, you should always be careful about people who come to your home unexpectedly. They don’t always have your best interests in mind. The Ohio Attorney General warns consumers to be alert to signs of home repair scams, such as:
They claim they can start work immediately, have the materials left over from another job, or offer some other reason you should accept their offer right away.
They ask for a large down payment or ask you to sign over your insurance settlement check.
Once you’ve paid, they may not return to do the work, or the work they do may be incomplete or poor-quality.
They pressure you to decide right away and refuse to give you written information about their work.
(COLUMBUS) – It’s a safe haven for aquatic species, a nesting place for bald eagles, and one of the best views of fall colors that Ohio has to offer, which is why Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced the state’s intent to designate portions of Paint Creek and its tributaries as Ohio’s 16th state scenic river.
“We are proud that Ohio has the first and oldest Scenic Rivers Program in the nation and the addition of the Paint Creek and some of its tributaries as the state’s 16th scenic river system only strengthens our commitment to that program,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “The Paint Creek system will provide excellent opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy one of Ohio’s most natural river corridors.”
“Ohio’s wild and scenic rivers provide people a chance to paddle through some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes,” Director Mertz said. “Paint Creek is not only a hotspot for kayakers and a place for families to enjoy a natural getaway, this designation also means protecting clean water for communities and wildlife habitat.”
The Paint Creek system qualifies for the Ohio’s Scenic Rivers Program because of its outstanding water quality, natural river corridor, unique geological features, and rich cultural history. The system supports approximately 118 fish species and at least 11 rare and endangered species of plants and animals including two federally endangered species of freshwater mussels: the snuffbox and rayed bean.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency classifies Paint Creek and many of its tributaries as Exceptional Warmwater Habitat (EWH) streams, which is the highest aquatic life use designation that can be assigned to a river or stream. The Paint Creek State Scenic River Designation Study was completed as part of the process.
The draw of the Paint Creek system spreads beyond the gorges and rapids boating enthusiasts encounter. The final miles of the main stem reveal the iconic Copperas Mountain cliff behind Paint Valley High School. The designation of this waterway will ensure more people can catch a glimpse of this immense shale exposure.
The river system also rolls through the city of Bainbridge which has been called “Leaf Country, U.S.A!” because of the vibrant color that emerges in the fall months. Paddlers can stop off in the third week of October for the three day Fall Festival of Leaves held every year to highlight the fall foliage.
ODNR will hold two public information sessions/open houses to receive public input regarding the proposed designations. The sessions will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Carlisle Community Building 9 South Paint Street Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rocky Fork State Park East End Overlook 6451 Lucas Lane Hillsboro, Ohio 45133
If approved, 81.7 miles of Paint Creek and its tributaries the North Fork, Rocky Fork, and Rattlesnake Creek would be designated as state scenic rivers in Highland and Ross counties. This would bring the total area designated to more than 911 miles of river in Ohio.
The mission of the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program is to work cooperatively with local communities and other partners to facilitate the protection of Ohio’s remaining highest quality waterways.
(ATHENS) — Ohio University Head Football Coach Frank Solich announced today that he is stepping down from his position to focus on his health, after an unprecedented successful 16 seasons leading the Bobcats, which included 11 bowl appearances, four Mid-American Conference East titles and a Top 25 ranking.
Following Solich’s announcement, Director of Athletics Julie Cromer announced that Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Tim Albin has agreed to become the new head football coach, agreeing to a four-year contract.
“After 55 years in coaching, including 16 at Ohio University, it is time for me to step away to focus on a cardiovascular health issue,” said Solich, a former Home Depot National Coach of the Year (1999) and MAC Coach of the Year (2016). “I’ve appreciated the support of Bobcat fans over the years, and I know they will continue to support Coach Albin. After working directly with Tim for 21 consecutive years, including six at the University of Nebraska, it’s clear to me he is prepared to continue our work and move the program forward. I am happy for Tim and his family.”
Solich owns a career coaching record of 173-101. His 173 overall wins rank as the fourth most among active NCAA FBS head coaches. He is the winningest head coach in Mid-American Conference history with 115 overall victories while his 77 conference-only wins rank second to former Central Michigan head coach Herb Deromedi’s 90. His 16 years of service match Deromedi’s (1978-93) for the most in MAC history. Ohio is 115-82 during the Solich era. His 115 victories are the second-most in program history behind Don Peden (121; 1924-46). Ohio has gone 77-46 in conference play since Solich’s arrival in Athens in 2005.
“We are so grateful for all that Coach Solich has given to Ohio University and, especially, to our football program,” Cromer said. “He has elevated our program to incredible heights and his legacy rests not only in the on-the-field accomplishments, but also in the lives of hundreds of Bobcats who learned about football — and life — from Coach. I am excited that he has agreed to serve as a close advisor to me and as a resource to our students, coaches and staff. We look forward to opportunities in the coming year to show our appreciation for Coach Solich and to celebrate his legacy.”
OHIO has had a run of 12-straight non-losing seasons that has included 11 winning campaigns and six years with at least nine victories, including a 10-win campaign in 2011. The 2012 season began with the Bobcats earning a signature win at Penn State, upsetting the Nittany Lions by a score of 24-14. Ohio captured division titles in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2016. Solich led the Bobcats to 11 of their 13 bowl appearances and the first five bowl victories in program history, with back-to-back wins in the 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and ’12 Independence Bowl and back-to-back-to-back victories in the 2017 Bahamas Bowl, ’18 DXL Frisco Bowl and ’20 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (2019 season).
“Coach Solich has been a deeply valued part of the Ohio University family not only for his record on the field but also for his support of student athletes and their success at OHIO and after graduation,” said Ohio University President Hugh Sherman. “I’m thankful for his leadership and for the continuity that Tim Albin will bring as he steps into the role of head football coach. He knows our program and our players and has been a significant part of the team’s success.”
Albin joined the Ohio Football coaching staff as offensive coordinator in 2005, reuniting with Solich after four seasons together at Nebraska. The 2021 season will mark Albin’s 17th year in Athens. Since his arrival in Athens, Albin has produced offensive units that have consistently ranked among the top of the Mid-American Conference. He also has directed an offensive attack that has practically rewritten all of Ohio’s rushing, passing records, and scoring records. In the past 10 seasons, Albin’s offensive units rank No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on the Ohio all-time Top 10 single season scoring list. The Bobcats 368 points in 2018 rank fourth on the all-time list.
“We are so fortunate to have someone with Tim’s experience, character and vision already within our program,” Cromer said. “There are few situations where a transition can be as seamless as this one. Tim has been an integral part of the sustained success of OHIO football and with his leadership we expect to maintain our competitive pursuit of MAC Championships, even as he establishes his own imprint on the program. We are excited for Tim to lead our football program.”
Albin spent the 2004 season as offensive coordinator and running backs coach at North Dakota State, helping the Bison to an 8-3 record and No. 25 national ranking in their first season at the Division I-AA level. NDSU finished the season averaging 378.5 yards of total offense, including 192.4 on the ground, and had four offensive players named first-team All-Great West Football Conference. Albin served with Solich at Nebraska from 2000 to 2003. He started with the Cornhusker program as a graduate assistant, a position he held for three seasons before being promoted to running backs coach and passing game coordinator for the 2003 season. Prior to his stint at Nebraska, Albin was the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State for three seasons, winning the NAIA national championship in 1999 with a 13-0 record. He was named NAIA Football Coach of the Year by Rawlings and American Football Coach Magazine as the Rangers recorded their first undefeated season in history.
“It is truly an honor to lead the Ohio University football program and I want to express my gratitude to President Sherman and Director of Athletics Julie Cromer for their belief in me,” Albin said. “I am forever indebted to Coach Solich for all that he has offered me and taught me through the years, and I know he will always be part of our program. Our team will provide an unmatched student-athlete experience both on and off the field and we will graduate young men prepared to succeed in life. With the help of our incredible staff I know great things lie ahead, and our work continues.”
