Chillicothe Minister & Auctioneer Gathering Relief Supplies For Kentucky Tornado Survivors

Presented By McDonald’s, “I’m Lovin’ It!” & Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Dan DeGarmo appears with Dan Ramey on Litter Media LIVE Special Edition concerning Kentucky Tornado Relief

Southern Ohio area residents and businesses are being asked to do what they can to help with sending aid to tornado survivors in Kentucky. The Blue Grass State was one of several impacted by devastating storms over the weekend, which saw some of the worst destruction and death toll in Kentucky.

Dan DeGarmo, minister of The Church In Chillicothe and owner/operator of Double ‘D’ Auction House, is putting together a caravan of supply trucks to take to Bowling Green, Kentucky- which also suffered damage in the weekend tornadoes. The Bowling Green area also suffered damage from the storms, as it is located approximately 150 miles east of the much reported destruction of Mayfield, Kentucky.

Watch Dan Ramey’s Litter Media LIVE Special Edition interview with Dan DeGarmo, about the effort to take relief supplies to Bowling Green, Kentucky.

On Tuesday, December 14th, between 10am to 6pm, Double D’s box truck and trailers will be open and ready for anyone who would like to donate items for this relief effort. Located at 2000 Western Ave. in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Wednesday, December 15th – Trucks and trailers leave out at 9am to arrive at a predetermined location and begin the distribution of these needed items. Depending on time, we may head back on this day or we may grab a motel and head back in the morning on Thursday, December 16th.

WHAT IS NEEDED – Non-perishable foods, Toiletries, Water, Food & Gas Cards, Cash (I will be personally responsible and provide full accounting), New pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, Paper towels, toilet paper, Baby wipes, Disinfectant wipes, Cleaning supplies.

NOTE – If anyone else is interested in joining this convoy, please be present with your vehicles by 8:30am Wednesday. LOCATION – Double D’s Auction House. 2000 Western Ave. Chillicothe, OH 45601. You can contact DeGarmo at (740) 412-7866.

To see information on how to help The American Red Cross on other ways to contribute in assisting victims of the storms, go to our previous Litter Media story. CLICK HERE:

Red Cross Tornado Relief

Presented By Atomic Speedway & Chillicothe VAMC

The American Red Cross is seeking financial donations to assist survivors of the rash of deadly tornadoes that struck Kentucky and several other southern and midwest states, December 10th and 11th.

Dozens of people were killed by more than 30 tornadoes that hit late Friday through Saturday morning, with one estimated EF-5 tornado that National Weather Service investigators believe travelled non-stop for approximately 200 miles, leveling the Kentucky town of Mayfield. The town has a population of about 10,000 people, located in western Kentucky. The largest biggest devastation in a single community was seen in Mayfield, where a candle manufacturing factory was completely destroyed, while approximately 100 people worked a night shift.

How the Red Cross Responds After a Tornado

Tornadoes strike quickly, leaving communities around the country devastated in their wake. In the aftermath of a severe storm or tornado, the American Red Cross provides many relief services, including:

Halloween Festival Grant Program Application Deadline

Presented By Classic Brands

(Chillicothe) – The Board of Directors of the Chillicothe Halloween Festival are excited to announce that its Community Grant Program is accepting applications through December 27, 2021. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that reside in and serve Ross County residents can apply for funding through this program.

Additionally, the Board of Directors was able to increase the budget of the Community Grant Program to $2,500 for this year after a successful return following the pandemic. Although the budget has been increased, there is a maximum limit per application to no more than $1,500 requested by any organization. This limitation allows the Board of Directors to best award funding to multiple organization to best serve the community.

Applications can be obtained through the Chillicothe Halloween Festival’s website at www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com and clicking on the Grant Program tab. Completed applications can be returned to the festival’s mailing address: Chillicothe Halloween Festival, Community Grant Program, 230 N. Plaza Blvd., Chillicothe, OH 45601 or submitted via email to grants@chillicothehalloweenfestival.com. All applications must be received by the deadline of December 27, 2021 to be considered for funding through the 2021 Community Grant Program.

Jackson Outlasts McClain in FAC Battle, 31-28

Presented by Rathkamp Financial

Jackson gets the leg up in the Frontier Athletic Conference standings improving to 2-0 after handing McClain its first loss on the season, 31-28.

“We won’t play a more tough team than McClain. Hats off to them because they’re well coached and those kids are physical” Max Morrow told Litter Media after the game. “We were down and we fought back… no one in this game was gonna get a big lead” said Morrow.

It was the fourth consecutive road game for McClain who entered the contest 3-0. The Tigers worked the inside game to reach the charity stripe early, sinking 5-of-6 free throws with a pair of field goals for an early 9-5 lead through the first period.

The second quarter was different. In fact, the fourth followed suit as McClain managed just four points in each. Jackson would take advantage.

In the second quarter, Jacob Winters was strong in the paint hitting three field goals to pull the Ironmen within three points. Meanwhile, the Tigers managed just two buckets, one each by Kendall Toney and Wesley Potts.

Before the half, Boston Campbell dropped in a couple of free throws and to give Jackson a 14-13 entering the intermission. The Tigers had gone empty five of their last six possessions to close out the period.

The two fought through a see-saw third with McClain regaining the lead 24-23. But as in the second, the Tigers had difficulty finding the basket in the 4th quarter.

The two clubs exchanged leads five times in the fourth with McClain going ahead 24-21 on a spin and shot by Bryson Badgley. Jackson closed the gap from the stripe, with Campbell knotting the score at 26. The sophomore guard drained the net from the corner on an assist by Holden Blankenship to send the Ironmen ahead 29-26. Tristan Prater and Winters combined for for two free throws to secure the lead and wouldn’t yield to the Tigers.

McClain was scoreless the final 5:29 following a bucket by Potts.

“Both teams shot the ball terribly, but both teams knew what the other was doing offensively” said Morrow.

The stat Joe Stewart had an issue with was his team’s 18 turnovers. “The fact is, we just didn’t get it off the defensive boards that we needed to.” The Tigers were patient offensively, but simply had trouble finding the bottom of the basket to get what they needed.

“We’re quite a bit better than we were a week ago in regard to patience in the offense, working for something good” said Stewart. “They contested everything, we just didn’t have enough answers on that end of the floor. The errors with the ball… We have nine offensive rebounds in the second half, if we just get some more shots, then we’ll have extra opportunities.”

Campbell led all scorers with 10 points for Jackson and was selected the McDonald’s Player of the Game. Badgley paced McClain with 9 points and had to sit for most of the fourth quarter after picking up a fourth foul inside 60 seconds of the period

Jackson plays Athens Saturday night and McClain will host Miami Trace in their home opener on Tuesday.

SCORING:

JACKSON (31): Boston Campbell 10, Jacob Winters 7, Tristan Prater 7, Nate Woodard 6, Evan Jarvis 1.

MCCLAIN (28): Bryson Badgley 9, Braden Wright 6, Kendall Toney 5, Wesley Potts 4, Seth Wise 2, Preston Saunders 2.

Other FAC Games:

Chillicothe 54, Miami Trace 48 (OT)

Washington 58, Hillsboro 51

Unioto Opens SVC Boys Basketball With OT Win Over Zane Trace

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc. & Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Two old SVC basketball rivals opened 2021-22 conference play against each other Friday and the game turned out like many of their other contests over the years- going down to the wire.

Unioto won a 53-51 OT thriller over Zane Trace, in a match-up that many believe will be the top two teams in SVC Boys Basketball this season.

(DeSean Branson connect at foul line. Photo: Litter Media/Mike Smith)

Unioto’s DeSean Branson, for the second time this season, hit a shot in the closing seconds to win the game. He hit a mid-court shot last week for a non-conference win at Logan. Branson led all scorers with 20 points.

The score remain close most of the game, with neither team gaining more than a 4-5 point lead.

The Shermans led 10-9 after one quarter and a Blake Hoops runner off the glass sent both teams to the locker room at halftime even at 18-18. Unioto held a 37-33 advantage after three periods to set up the fourth quarter battle.

Zane Trace grabbed a brief 38-37 lead with 4:37 to play in regulation, only to see the Shermans take the lead back on their next trip down the floor.

Unioto point guard Blake Hoops left the game with an ankle injury in the closing minutes, having scored 10 points at that point.

ZT’s Xzander Ream connected on a driving bucket and was fouled, making the free throw for 41-39 ZT lead. Unioto answered with a Ben Spetnagel bucket and a free throw for a Unioto 42-41 lead with 2:30 left.

Both teams traded buckets to get to 45-45 and Unioto with the ball in the closing seconds. The Pioneers’ 6’8 senior Donivan Baker stepped in front of a Shermans’ pass in the high post to keep Unioto from winning at the end of regulation.

With the score tied 47-47 in the overtime, Ben Nichols of Zane Trace fouled out, which was followed by a technical foul being called against ZT. Unioto’s Ben Spetnagel proceeded to connect on all four free throws for a 51-47 lead. But, the Pioneers came right back to go on a 4-0 run to even the game 51-51.

Unioto took the ball on their final possession with 11 seconds remaining. The inbound pass went to DeSean Branson who dribbled through three Pioneers’ defenders, shooting a soft shot off the glass for the 53-51 lead. Zane Trace’ desperation shot from 3/4 quarter fell short, giving the Shermans the overtime 53-51 win.

Unioto’s scoring was:
DeSean Branson 20
Blake Hoops 10
Ben Spetnagel 10
Jordan Perkins 7
Evan Park 5
Gabe Corcoran 1 

Zane Trace scoring was:
Ben Nichols 15
Xzander Ream 11
Donivan Baker 8
Kyle Stonerock 6
Nalin Robinson 5
Carter Hill 4

Unioto’s DeSean Branson was named our McDonald’s Player of the Game.

Unioto improves to (1-0/3-1) as Zane Trace falls to (0-1/1-3)

The Shermans travel to Piketon on Saturday while Zane Trace is at Huntington.

In other SVC action Friday:
Westfall 59, Southeastern 54
Piketon 41, Adena 39
Paint Valley 56, Huntington 38

Waverly Official Reappointed To State Fire Council

Presented By Classic Brands

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has made the following appointments:

  • Randolph R. Armbruster of Waverly (Pike Co.) has been reappointed to the State Fire Council for a term beginning December 10, 2021, and ending November 1, 2026.
  • Joshua Scott Smith of Gallipolis (Gallia Co.) has been reappointed to the Rio Grande Community College Board of Trustees for a term beginning December 10, 2021, and ending October 10, 2026.

Businesses Asked To Join Reindeer Games At Pike County Fairgrounds

Presented By McDonald’s, “I’m Lovin’ It! & Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

(Waverly) — Area businesses are being encouraged to participate in the Community Action Committee of Pike County’s “REINDEER GAMES” event from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, December 15th at the multipurpose building in the Pike County Fairgrounds (311 Mill Street Piketon). 

Community Action Committee of Pike County

This is a no-cost event for the community to enjoy holiday fun with themed games, snacks for children, and a visit with Santa Claus and live reindeer. In addition to these holiday attractions, Community Action would like to have Local Businesses participate in this event.

There is no fee to participate and tables are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses are asked to provide either a holiday gametreator holiday craft for children in addition to handing out literature. This will ensure that the spirit of the event is being shared by all who attend.

Around 400 attendees are anticipated to attend- based on the Trunk-or-Treat turnout.

Safety continues to be a top priority, therefore face coverings and social distancing is highly recommended and appreciated. 

If you would like to reserve a table to attend the event, please contact Erica Jones (ejones@pikecac.org) or Adam Days (adays@pikecac.org) at (740) 289–2371.

Wreaths Across America

Presented By Atomic Speedway

(Chillicothe) — The Nathaniel Massie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are announcing they have placed over 1,000 wreaths on the graves of veterans in Ross County. 

The wreath laying is part of a national program; Wreaths Across America, that will take place December 18, 2021.  The local ceremony will be in Soldiers Square at Greenlawn Cemetery at noon, which is located on Eastern Avenue in Chillicothe.

The public is invited to participate in the laying of the wreaths.

Every veteran is remembered as his or her name is spoken aloud to keep the memory alive for family, friends, and the community at a time of year when they are missed the most. The D.A.R. says- “This is an excellent opportunity for youth groups, churches, and families to take part in honoring our veterans.” 

If you purchased a wreath for your personal use, it should be picked up at 11am on December 18th at the garage in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Adena’s Ellie Harper Signs With Ohio State University Women’s Rowing

Presented By Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Chillicothe VAMC

While known to most area sports fans as an All SVC, All District and All Ohio Volleyball player at Adena, senior Ellie Harper has signed her national letter of intent for The Ohio State University Women’s Rowing team.

Litter Media’s Mike Smith talked with Ellie Harper about her opportunity to be a part of an elite NCAA Division 1 Rowing program, that has brought The Ohio State University several recent national championships. (CLICK INTERVIEW BELOW)

Harper was a three-time All SVC, All District and All Ohioan in volleyball, helping to lead the Adena Warriors Volleyball to back-to-back SVC titles, three straight regional tournament appearances and a State Final Four slot in 2021. She was a four-year letter winner with the Warriors.

Harper said she always wanted to attend The Ohio State University to study and said her volleyball coach Laura Smith had asked her last year if she would be interested in the OSU Women’s Rowing Team.

Ellie has since visited OSU’s training site, which is home to multiple NCAA National Championship Rowing Teams.

Ellie is the daughter of Shawn and Michelle Harper of Frankfort.

(Photo Below: Harper is joined by many of her Adena Volleyball teammates during her signing event)