Monthly Archives: September 2021

News

ODNR Unveils Moonville Rail Trail

Presented By Classic Brands

(Zaleski) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has created a new space for recreation where abandoned mine land (AML) hazards existed in Vinton County.  Tuesday, ODNR Director Mary Mertz unveiled the Moonville Rail Trail at Ingham’s AML Economic Revitalization project.

(Photo Courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

 
“This area has been through a complete transformation and is now ready to welcome people onto its trails,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.  “People looking to enjoy the outdoors now have a new place to do things like hike, bike, or horseback ride.”
 
The Moonville Rail Trail is a 16-mile-long tourist destination in Vinton and Athens Counties that takes visitors through the beautiful woodlands of southeast Ohio, including Zaleski State Forest.  This two-phase project improved 4.1 miles of trail and helped open up 12.2 miles of rail-trail from Zaleski to New Marshfield, Ohio.
 
“We are so grateful for ODNR’s assistance that helped make this trail a reality,” Moonville Rail Trail Association President Brian Blair said.  “This trail not only lets us share the beauty of Zaleski State Forest but will also boost tourism in Vinton County.”
 
ODNR’s Division of Mineral Resources Management worked with a variety of local and regional partners to design and build seven new bridges and close AML openings.  Partners include:
 

  • Moonville Rail Trail Association
  • Vinton County Commissioners
  • Vinton County Development Department
  • Athens County Commissioners
  • Raccoon Creek Partnership
  • Zaleski State Forest
  • Lake Hope State Park
  • Uncle Bucks Riding Stable
  • Athens County Planning Office
  • Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau

 
Cost of this project was $1.65 million.  It was  funded through the AML Economic Revitalization program.  This program was created from federal funds set aside to specifically address AML issues and to generate economic growth in six Appalachian states and 3 Native American tribes that are experiencing job loss and economic decline related to reduced coal production.
 
ODNR administers both a state and federal AML program. Prior to 1972, Ohio statute did not require restoration of desirable environmental conditions to surface mined areas. In August 2019, ODNR’s AML program received the Abandoned Mind Land Reclamation Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior for its work on the Dessecker Mine Project in Tuscarawas County.
 
The Division of Mineral Resources Management oversees the safe and environmentally sound development and restoration of mineral and fossil fuel extraction sites. The division also restores abandoned mine land, enforces mining safety laws, and ensures the protection of citizens, land and water resources.

News

COVID-19 Shares Some Of Same Symptoms As Season Allergies

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

It’s allergy season. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share some symptoms, but not others.

Use this chart to compare the common symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies so you can tell the difference.

(Image Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control)

If you’re sick, you may need a COVID-19 test to confirm your diagnosis. Contact your physician for more details.

News

Applications Available For Broadband Expansion Funding

Presented By Classic Brands

(Columbus)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant  program will begin accepting applications online.

Funded as part of Ohio’s 2022-2023 operating budget, the program will provide $250 million in grants to internet service providers for the construction of broadband projects that improve high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas of Ohio. Projects will provide service access of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to residents in areas that do not have a provider that can supply service at this speed.

“This program is a key investment in Ohio’s future as we work toward eliminating the digital divide in our state,” said Governor DeWine. “Connecting our rural and underserved areas with reliable internet service will help bring these communities up to speed with the rest of the state and will be a driving force for economic growth.”

The Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant program, which was established in House Bill 2 sponsored by Rep. Rick Carfagna and Rep. Brian Stewart, is a key component of the DeWine-Husted Administration’s comprehensive Broadband Strategy that aims to build a high-tech broadband network throughout the state. Based on currently available information, 300,000 households in Ohio, representing approximately 1 million Ohioans, are estimated to lack access to broadband internet.

“This grant program is designed to help our local private and public sector partners expand high-speed, affordable internet in areas of Ohio that are presently underserved,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “To be a part of the modern economy, education and healthcare systems, you need to have access to reliable internet, and this effort aims to close the digital divide.”

Internet Service Providers can apply online from Sept. 6, 2021, until Nov. 8, 2021, at 5pm. Applications will be reviewed by the Ohio Department of Development and BroadbandOhio, which was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration in March 2020 to be the point of contact for all broadband projects in Ohio. Eligible applications will be sent to the Ohio Broadband Expansion Program Authority for approval and funding.

More information on the new Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant is available on the Broadband.Ohio.Gov.

News

Funding Available To Improve Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

(Photo from Audubon.org)

(Columbus) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has designated a new priority area in Ohio focused on improving and creating northern bobwhite quail habitat. Private landowners and producers can apply for funding through the NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Interested landowners in the selected townships are encouraged to contact their local NRCS service center, ODNR private lands biologist or Pheasants Forever biologist to learn more.  

“Private landowner involvement is such an important part of preserving this iconic species,” said Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service Acting State Conservationist Lori Ziehr.  “The northern bobwhite quail is an edge species, and through priority area funding, we can incentivize and promote conservation practices that generate the high-quality early successional habitat crucial to their survival.”

Ohio is near the northern edge of the species’ range, and winter weather conditions can contribute to dramatic fluctuations in bobwhite quail populations. Mild winters often boost bobwhite quail populations in areas with suitable habitat, while harsh winters with prolonged snow and ice cover have an adverse impact.

The Ohio State University has identified edge habitat and woody escape cover, both essential during the winter months, as critical factors in quail survival. The selected townships shown on the priority area map have been identified by the Ohio Division of Wildlife as the areas of highest concern within Ohio’s bobwhite quail range.

“The Ohio Division of Wildlife is committed to restoring Ohio’s quail population through EQIP and increasing suitable habitat,” said Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “We are proud to work with our partners to keep the momentum going in a positive direction for this cherished bird as well as other edge species.”

Quail Forever also supported the creation of the priority area and is prepared to lend a hand implementing the program. 

“Quail Forever strives to conserve Ohio’s quail populations through passionate work by wildlife biologists and grassroots chapter volunteers,” said Quail Forever’s Ohio State Coordinator Cody Grasser, “Thanks to strong partnerships with NRCS and the Ohio Division of Wildlife we have team members implementing EQIP in each of the priority area townships and are excited to present landowners with this unique opportunity.”

Landowners in the selected townships interested in EQIP Quail Priority Area funding should reach out to their local Ohio USDA service center or visit the Ohio NRCS EQIP webpage for more details. Click here for a fact sheet on prioritized conservation practices and additional resources. 

EQIP QUAIL Priority Townships

NRCS conservation practices including hedgerow plantings, wildlife habitat plantings and early successional habitat development will receive increased ranking points within the priority area townships. Landowners who implement these practices will not only promote bobwhite quail habitat, but further enhance their property value to other species such as songbirds, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and pollinators. 

News

Adena Health Foundation Scioto Valley Golf Classic

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(Greenfield) – They say a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office.

You can put that theory to the test, make some new friends and, most importantly, help Adena Health System further enhance care to the communities it serves by forming a team to play in or becoming a sponsor of Adena Health Foundation’s 2021 Scioto Valley Golf Classic.

The classic, taking place Friday, September 24, at Crown Hill Golf Club in Williamsport, Ohio, will be an 18-hole scrambles format with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Proceeds from this year’s classic will benefit the Adena Greenfield Expansion Project supporting construction of a new 8,500-square-foot medical office building attached to Adena Greenfield Medical Center.

The tournament entry fee is $125 per player or $500 per four-person team, which will include greens fees, cart, a light breakfast, lunch, two drink tickets and a raffle ticket per golfer and some swag.

For those who may wish to support the event and Adena Greenfield Medical Center expansion in another way, several sponsorship levels are available to consider. Depending on sponsorship level, available benefits include such things as listings of company information on sponsorship banners, complimentary entries into the event, raffle tickets and/or company name on a hole or tee sign.

For more information about the event, to register a team or inquire about sponsorships, contact the Adena Health Foundation at 740-542-4483, email rberno@adena.org or visit Adena.org/golf2021. 

Over the next five years, the new medical office building is expected to bolster patient access to specialty care, increase available healthcare provider days and allow for future service growth within the hospital through the repurposing of space. Other benefits include bringing all AGMC hospital services under one roof, improving patient and visitor parking options, providing a more efficient layout for patients that decreases wait times and several others.

The project also will allow for an expansion of patient specialty services for residents of Greenfield and surrounding areas, enhancing Adena’s ability to provide quality care and a heightened patient experience closer to home.

Sports

Ridenour Hits Milestone Volleyball Career Mark- Adena & Circleville Win VB Invite Titles

Presented By Atomic Speedway

High school volleyball took centerstage with three big stories from Saturday.

AARON RIDENOUR GAINS CAREER WIN #500

Photo Courtesy of Logan Elm Twitter

Logan Elm Volleyball Coach Aaron Ridenour gained his 500th career varsity win as the Braves took the runner-up position at the Unioto Invitational, Saturday.

Ridenour’s Logan Elm squad fell in the title match to rival Circleville after winning two matches to get to the final. Their (25-21, 25-13) win over Washington CH was followed by a (21-25, 25-23, 25-18) win over Chillicothe- which gained Coach Ridenour his milestone 500th career victory. Ridenour has also coached at Madison Plains, Bloom Carroll and Unioto.

UNIOTO VOLLEYBALL INVITATIONAL

Circleville won the team title at the Unioto Invitational with a (25-14, 25-13) win over McClain, then a sweep of Unioto (25-10, 25-19). The Tigers concluded with a (19-25, 25-11, 25-17) title match win over Logan Elm.

Courtesy of Circleville Volleyball Twitter

ADENA WINS LEHMAN CATHOLIC INVITATIONAL

Courtesy of Adena Volleyball

At the Lehman Catholic Invitational, (6-0) Adena ran the table with three victories to claim the team title for the first time in the 17 years they have been playing in the annual showcase of some of the top Division 3 and 4 teams in Ohio.

The Warriors beat Lima Central Catholic (25-15, 25-16), then thumped tournament host Lehman Catholic (25-11, 25-8). In the finals, Adena breezed by Fairlawn (25-13, 25-15) for the championship.

Previous to this, Adena’s best finish was in 2014 where the Warriors were runner-up.

Sports

Washington CH Rallies To Beat Paint Valley

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

Watch the Litter Media Game of the Week Postgame Show with Dan Ramey and Mike Smith. CLICK HERE:

The (2-1) Washington CH Blue Lions scored 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to beat the Paint Valley Bearcats 32-29. The Bearcats led 29-12 with 10:08 left in the game, when WCH started their come-back.

WCH scored on their opening drive as Troy Thompson connected with AJ Dallmayer on a 22 yard TD pass at 6:23 of the first quarter. The PAT was blocked and the Blue Lions were up 6-0.

That was the only score of the opening quarter, but Paint Valley struck quickly in the second period when Dax Estep found Dillon McDonald down the left sideline for a TD at the 10:51 mark. The PAT kick by Cole Miller made it 7-6 Bearcats.

WCH was driving when Troy Thompson hit Calum Brown on a big pass play deep in PV territory. But, on the next play, Paint Valley’s Cole Miller intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it 38 yards.

Later in that drive, Trent Mettler took a Dax Estep pass for a TD, followed by 2-point conversion for a 15-6 Bearcats lead with :44 remaining in first half. PV then held WCH inside the 20 on their last possession of the half and led 15-6.

Litter Media/Mike Smith

The third quarter saw Paint Valley’s Cavan Cooper grab a pick-six for a score at the 8:38 mark for a 22-6 lead, following the PAT kick.

The Blue Lions’ Rishuan Burns scooped up a Paint Valley fumble and took it the house at 7:11 of the third quarter. The PAT failed and PV’s lead was cut to 22-12.

The third quarter ended at 22-12 and PV with the ball.

The Bearcats’ Cordell Grubb appeared to seal the deal with a 14 yard TD run, followed by a PAT kick for a 29-12 lead with 10:08 left in the game.

That’s when Washington CH would start their 20-0 run for a come-back win.

Driving down the field, Rocky Jones scored on a 5 yard run with 8:33 left. The PAT was missed and Paint Valley’s lead was cut to 29-18.

Washington’s defense held PV and got the ball back on a punt. Two pass completions later, the Blue Lions connected on a 40 yard TD pass from Raleigh Haithcock to Isaiah Haithcock with 3:17 left. The 2-point conversion failed and Paint Valley was down to 29-24.  

Again, the WCH defense would stop Paint Valley and get the ball back with about 2:00 to play.

The Lions drove down the field and took the 30-29 lead when Raleigh Haithcock fired a 5 yard TD pass to AJ Dallmayer for the score with 33 seconds remaining. The two point conversion succeeded when Haithcock connected with Tanner Lemaster in the back corner of the end zone for a 32-29 lead.

Paint Valley was pinned deep in their own territory on the ensuing kick-off and WCH three plays later recovered a PV fumble to seal the win.

Raleigh Haithcock was our Litter Media McDonald’s Player of the Game.

Washington CH improves to (2-1) and faces Minford while Paint Valley drops to (1-2). PV opens SVC play next week against Westfall.

In other area games:
Washington CH 32, Paint Valley 29 … Chillicothe 32, Walnut Ridge 0 … Miami Trace 40, Logan Elm 0 … Sciotoville East 42, Southeastern 24 … East Clinton 33, Hillsboro 14 … Zane Trace 28, Vinton County 21 … Piketon 62, Lucasville Valley 36 … Portsmouth West 41, Adena 12 … Waverly 47, Unioto 10 … Huntington 28, Northwest 20 … Jackson 24, Tri-Valley 3 … Heath 45, Circleville 0 … Teays Valley 23, Ashland 21 … Saint Charles 14, Amanda Clearcreek 9 … Bloom Carroll 23, Jonathan Alder 3 … Fairfield Union 26, Lakewood 12 … Wheelersburg 35, Russell, Ky. 16 … Rock Hill 23, Oak Hill 0 … Portsmouth 56, Deer Park 21 … Minford 27, Wellston 18 … Marietta 36, Athens 28 OT … Point Pleasant 26, Gallia Academy 22 … Alexander 55, Belpre 14 … Liberty Union 14, Nelsonville York 6 … Ironton 20, Fairland 14 … Lancaster 34, Olentangy 15 …

News

Street Painting In Chillicothe

Presented By Atomic Speedway

(Chillicothe) – Mayor Luke Feeney and the City of Chillicothe Engineering Department announce that crews will be painting the downtown streets and curbs beginning September 7, 2021, weather permitting.

All work will begin at 8am and continue until finished.  If possible, please avoid using these streets during these times. The streets will be passable, but expect delays and use caution and exercise patience when approaching construction vehicles and workers.

September 7, 2021 – Paint Street (From 5th to Water Street)

September 8, 2021 – Water Street (Mulberry Street to Walnut Street)

News

AAA7 Offers Telephone Support Group For Caregivers

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

Caregivers are a vital part of the healthcare system – they provide loving and essential care to their family or loved one. 

As part of their role, it is important for caregivers to have a resource to reach out if they need help and support. Through the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7), a Caregiver Telephone Support Group is available for the ten core counties the Agency serves which include Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. 

The next call will take place on Thursday, September 16th from 1:30pm– 2:30pm.  All family caregivers are welcome and invited to participate.  Each month, the group offers caregivers time to gain and give support with other caregivers and resources, and educational topics related to caregiving. The monthly telephone support group is facilitated by staff with the Caregiver Support Program at the AAA7. 

The telephone option provides caregivers with the opportunity to learn and gain support from each other without leaving their homes.

News

Former Fayette County Jail Site Being Prepared For Possible Plaza Area

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What had been the Fayette County Jail since its construction in 1884 at 113 East Market Street in Washington Court House, is no more.

The former jail has been completely demolished and removed from the site, except for more than two dozen limestone blocks that came from the original jail.

Litter Media/Mike Smith

The site was being graded down on September 3rd upon Litter Media’s visit to the project site. Once that is completed, the site will remain vacant until late spring, when a proposed concrete patio with landscaping and a few new trees could be added as a new public plaza area. Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth says they are still in the “thinking stage” on how the limestone blocks could be utilized in a manner that can depict their historical significance.

Litter Media/Mike Smith

The Fayette County Commissioners have stated they believe the plaza will become a nice area for county employees along with the general public to eat lunch or utilize it as a relaxation station.

Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth told Litter Media’s Mike Smith that they saved the limestone blocks in hopes they could be used somehow in the design of the proposed courthouse plaza, or for some other historic commemorative use. “We have reason to believe the limestone might have been taken from a local quarry, which is another reason we wanted to save as many of them as possible”, said Stanforth.

He added that masonry bricks taken off the former building, were not stable enough to be used for any future project, so they were given to local citizens as keepsakes of the historic building.

The former jail became obsolete after the new $21 million law complex was completed and occupied on Robinson Road.