Monthly Archives: July 2021

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Christmas In July Bar Crawl

Presented By Rathkamp Financial


Discover Downtown Chillicothe says passports are still available for the Christmas In July Bar Crawl, which will be held July 17th.

Wendy Bennett Chillicothe/Ross Chamber of Commerce says 50 West and Old Capital Brewing are also sponsors. 

She says- “Grab your team of elves and hit all of Santa’s favorite downtown Chillicothe stops and dress in your favorite holiday flair.”

Bennett encourages you to purchase your passports ahead of time, since the number of tickets are limited. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:

Passports can be stamped at the following locations:
50 West
Old Capital Brewing
The Pour House at Machinery Hall
Steiner’s Speakeasy
Cross Keys Tavern–Opening at 3pm
R Kitchen on Paint
Fire & Stone Pizzeria
Gustavo’s International Cuisine
Hometown Hibachi
First Capital Nutrition and Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

The D.O.R.A. is in effect for the event, 24/7.

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Sign-Ups Still On For Uptown Circleville 3-On-3 Basketball

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

There’s still time to sign up for the Uptown Classic 3-on-3 Tournament. Support Downtown Circleville Businesses by getting a team together, or you can attend the event on Saturday, July 24th.

This event is family friendly and allows for players of all ages and abilities. 

Entry fee is $100 per team and the entry deadline is July 14th.

The tournament benefits Uptown Circleville’s mission of building a stronger community. 

Team Divisions:

Men Division 1           Ages 12-13

Men Division 2           Ages 14-15

Men Division 3           Ages 16-17

Men Division 4           Ages 18-27

Men Division 5           Ages 28-34

Men Division 6           Ages 35 and older 

Women Division 7     Ages 12-14

Women Division 8     Ages 15-18

Boys Division 9           Ages 8-9

Boys Division 10         Ages 10-11

Girls Division 11         Ages 8-9

Girls Division 12         Ages 10-11

The Uptown Classic is also part of the Coughlin Event Series. It is planned in coordination of Uptown Circleville, the City of Circleville and Pickaway County Visitors Bureau. 

Participants can sign up by visiting uptowncircleville.com or stopping in at Pickaway County Welcome Center, 325 West Main Street or Christopher’s Boutique, 121 South Court Street in Circleville. For more information, call (740) 474-3636 or email jeffrawlins69@gmail.com.

Rain/Storm Date: July 25th

This event will comply with our local health department’s safety guidelines.https://form.jotform.com/210804274211039

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Swim Class For Developmentally Disabled Comes To Ross County

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

(Columbus) — The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) announces the expansion of the its iCan Swim Camp to Chillicothe, Ohio.

iCan Swim is designed to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their aquatic goals and learn valuable water safety skills during the weeklong program. iCan Swim is a program coordinated and managed by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) and in partnership with iCan Shine, a nonprofit organization that provides quality recreational programs for individuals with disabilities throughout the country.

DSACO brought the iCan Swim program to Columbus in 2019 in partnership with Goldfish Swim School. The incredible success of the program among swimmers with developmental disabilities helped fuel DSACO’s intent to offer this program to families in Chillicothe and its surrounding areas, in partnership with the YMCA of Ross County and the Pioneer Center.

”We are so excited to bring this program to Ross County as DSACO continues to expand its reach throughout Ohio! Creating pathways towards inclusion that help families—and communities—feel more empowered is a part of our mission, and we believe that this program is a win-win-win for everyone involved.”

The week-long camp will take place July 19 – July 23 at the YMCA of Ross County in Chillicothe, Ohio. Swimmers must be at least 3 years old by the start of the camp and have a disability. The fee to participate in the camp is $150. Swimmers who have a Down syndrome diagnosis qualify for DSACO’s Recreation Scholarship to assist financially with payment of the camp. More information and registration can be found on DSACO’s website at: dsaco.net/events/icanswim.

Additionally, DSACO is seeking volunteers for this program to act as physical, emotional, and motivational support to an assigned camper for the duration of the camp. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old, unless accompanied by an adult, and must be able to attend each of the 5 days of camp for the same session(s) each day. Volunteers must feel comfortable in water and know how to swim.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) is the leading source of information, support, and referral assistance to over 5,000 individuals, families, and community professionals throughout 23 Central and Southern Ohio counties. Our mission is to support families, promote community involvement, and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

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Chillicothe 5th Street Water Tower Painting Nears Completion

Presented By Classic Brands

Workers finishing up the new coat of paint and refurbishing the West 5th Street Water Tower.
Dan Ramey/Litter Media

The painting of the City of Chillicothe’s Fifth Street Water Tower next to Ohio University-Chillicothe is nearing completion after beginning in mid-May of this year.

The water tower has a new City of Chillicothe logo and the tower is being painted all white.

The contractor completely removed both the interior and exterior paint on the Fifth Street elevated water storage tank, and is repainting it with a three coat system.

Moving backwards in the project phase, here is the evolution of the project as seen from photos Litter Media has taken of the painting work.


The (above) photo taken on June 18th shows the crown and wires used to drape a large curtain around the project, which keeps paint from landing on surrounding homes. The curtain was not present on the day our photo was taken due to the painters being off work that day.

The City of Chillicothe water tower on West 5th Street. Dan Ramey/Litter Media

Above is one of the photos from our original Litter Media article published on May 14th, where Chillicothe Utilities Director David Fishel said the painting of the Fifth Street elevated water storage tank was expected to take approximately 60 days to finish.

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Ohio Fireworks Bill Vetoed By Governor DeWine

Presented By Atomic Speedway

(COLUMBUS)—Governor DeWine this afternoon vetoed Senate Bill 113, which would have made changes regarding Ohio fireworks safety laws. The following is the text of the Governor’s veto message:

“Pursuant to Article II, Section 16, of the Ohio Constitution, which states that the Governor may disapprove of any bill, I hereby disapprove of Substitute Senate Bill 113 and set forth the following reasons for so doing as it is not in the best interest of Ohioans.

“Substitute Senate Bill 113 (SB 113) would allow the discharge, by nonprofessionals, of fireworks, including bottle rockets, firecrackers, and aerial fireworks, at all hours of the day (twenty-four hours per day) on a minimum of twenty-five (25) separate holidays in a calendar year (if certain holidays fall on a Sunday then two days would be allowed for that holiday increasing the number of allowable days).    

“The bill doubles the allowable square footage of fireworks stores, increasing them from 5,000 sq. feet to 10,000 sq. feet, without requiring adequate safety features in those stores with enhanced square footage.

“Since the Scottown, Ohio, (Lawrence County) fireworks store tragedy in 1996, there have been 2 major studies, one by Battelle Labs in 2000 and another study by Southwest Research Institute in 2008 (produced for the fireworks industry) to help find better ways to build and operate fireworks stores.  SB 113 does not require compliance with the safety measures outlined in these studies but nevertheless doubles the square footage of stores that are selling these devices to the public.

“SB 113 would be a dramatic change in Ohio law, which would make Ohio one of the least restrictive states in regard to fireworks laws.    

“For these reasons, this veto is in the public interest.”

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Storybook Trails Grant Funding Deadline Extension

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is giving organizations more time to apply for $50,000 in Recreational Trails Program grants to build new Storybook Trails throughout Ohio. The new deadline to apply for the funding is August 13th.
 
“Ohio’s Storybook Trails are a great way for families to spend time outside while enjoying a book,” said First Lady Fran DeWine. “We’re excited to share this opportunity to build more trails with various other partners throughout the state.” 

The $5,000-$10,000 grants are available to cities and villages, counties, townships, special districts, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.  Funding must be used for:

  • Storybook Trail construction or maintenance
  • Storybook trailhead construction or maintenance
  • Interpretive signage for a Storybook Trail

The Recreational Trails Program is a reimbursement grant program that provides up to 80% project funding. This grant program is federally funded and is administered by the ODNR in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. Applications for Storybook Trails through the Recreational Trails Program must be postmarked by August 13, 2021.  You can find the application and approval process here.
 
ODNR launched its Storybook Trail program in 2019 to promote the importance of literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with nature. There are currently 10 Storybook Trails at Ohio State Parks located at Alum Creek, Burr Oak, Dillon, Findley, Great Seal, John Bryan, Mary Jane Thurston, Maumee Bay, Sycamore, and Wingfoot Lake State Parks.  Each trail is approximately half-mile long with 15-20 child-height panels featuring pages of a children’s book and an activity to accompany the text on the page.  A Little Free Library can be found at each site and visitors can borrow books for free or donate books to the collection.
 
ODNR partnered with the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide story content for several of their trails and raise awareness of these valuable resources for Ohio families. The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library provides one free book every month to children enrolled in the program from birth to age five. To learn more about the program and how to participate, visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org.

Ohio is lucky to be filled with Storybook Trails created by all types of park and library districts across the state. Use our interactive map of Storybook Trails in Ohio to learn more about the trails and where you can find them here.

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RecoveryOhio Grants Aid In Illegal Drug Fight

Presented By Atomic Speedway

(COLUMBUS) – More than two dozen local drug task forces in Ohio will receive RecoveryOhio grant funding to support efforts that disrupt the drug trade and promote substance use awareness, prevention, and recovery.

A total of $2 million in grants from Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund will be awarded among 27 existing drug task forces to intensify their efforts to identify high-level drug traffickers, dismantle large drug trafficking organizations, interrupt the flow of money and drugs from international cartels, and prevent the sale of illegal narcotics to those suffering from substance use disorder.

This includes more than $63,000 for the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, which involves Ross, Pickaway, Pike, Fayette, Highland and Hocking counties.

Grant funding will also be used to support the mission of Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative which aims to increase substance use and mental health awareness, implement age-appropriate prevention education in schools, connect those who need help with treatment, and promote recovery.

“Local drug task forces are the first line of defense against the traffickers who are putting drugs into the hands of those battling addiction,” said Governor DeWine. “This funding will provide vital tools in the area of drug use prevention, education, and treatment that will promote effective strategies to reduce the prevalence of substance use disorders and overdoses.”

Examples of programs that will be created or expanded with RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund grants include:

2021 RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Grants
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Pioneer School Receives Grant from Ohio Elks Association

Presented By Classic Brands

The Ohio Elks Association Cerebral Palsy Fund has awarded $3,900 to Pioneer School to fund student sensory boxes.

Due to the pandemic this past year, the current sensory room items were limited to only certain students who had very specific sensory needs.

With the limited space and interactions to meet protocols, many students were struggling with these changes because the need for sensory input is not something that can be scheduled. With input from Pioneer’s therapy staff and intervention specialists, sensory boxes were created for each student.

Beth Montgomery and Linda Overly, Members of the Chillicothe Elks Lodge #52, presented the check to Education Services Director Regina Speas last month.


The Ohio Elks Cerebral Palsy Fund Board was created to maintain, administer, contribute, and donate funds or property to any Ohio Chapter or branch of any nationally recognized or local organization in Ohio which maintains, as a function, the care, treatment, training, and rehabilitation of individuals with Cerebral Palsy.

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28th Annual Adena Summer VB Challenge

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

*REVISED*
Fifteen high school volleyball teams are expected to play in the areas longest running summer high school volleyball tournament, July 10th at the 28th Annual Adena Summer Volleyball Challenge, hosted at Adena High School in Frankfort.

A junior varsity tournament will be played at the same location on July 11th.

Three courts of pool play get underway at 9am, with each match consisting of two sets to 15 points, CAP. At the end of pool play, the finishing order for each pool will be determined and seeding for tournament play is scheduled to begin as soon as all courts are finished with pool play and team rankings are determined.  

The tournament format is best 2 out of 3 games to 25 (no cap), deciding game to 15 (no cap).

Pool A – Main Gym – Court 1
Adena, Washington CH, Jackson, Lancaster, Crooksville

Pool B – Main Gym – Court 2
Unioto, South Webster, Logan Elm, Hillsboro, New Lexington

Pool C – Auxiliary Gym
Zane Trace, Miami Trace, Buckeye Trail, Eastern Brown, Federal Hocking

JV tournament will be held on Sunday, July 11th.
Teams include: Adena, Logan Elm, Hillsboro, Eastern Pike, Zane Trace, Unioto, Jackson, Lancaster 1, Lancaster 2, Miami Trace, Washington CH, Eastern Brown.

*Spectator admission is free, but NO crock pots, food warmers or coolers will be permitted in the building. There will be a concession stand available both days*

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ODNR Firefighters Help Fight California Wildfires

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

(COLUMBUS) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry is sending crews to help battle wildfires across the country.  With a high risk of wildfires in northern California right now, ODNR has sent three highly-skilled firefighters along with one engine to help with fire suppression.
 
“Ohio is well prepared with trained and experienced crews, support staff, and resources for wildfire situations,” said Greg Guess, wildfire supervisor for the Ohio Division of Forestry. “Interagency cooperation is important for safe and efficient emergency management and wildfire suppression.”


In the spring and early summer, the Division of Forestry also helped in the Great Lakes region by sending fire engines and firefighters to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.  Other ODNR wildland firefighters have also assisted and returned from various states as overhead staff.  The firefighters served in dispatch units, provided advanced fire leadership, and worked in logistics support roles. The Division of Forestry will continue to support national wildfire suppression efforts throughout the summer by providing more engines, crews, and qualified individuals when they are needed.
 
Crews and overhead staff are normally assigned for two weeks but could be extended depending on the situation. Travel, equipment, and wage costs are reimbursed by the requesting federal or state agency.
 
Here in Ohio, the Division of Forestry trains federal, state, and local agencies in safe and effective wildland fire suppression, manages prescribed fires for forest regeneration, and provides wildfire suppression assistance to other states as part of the national effort to keep communities safe.
 
Ohio crews and individual management personnel have assisted with hurricanes, floods, and wildfire incidents since 1986.