Monthly Archives: January 2022

News, Sports

Boating Safety Grant Awards Include Eastern Pike School

Presented By Classic Brands

(Columbus) – Fifteen community boating safety education programs received a total of $329,378 this year through the Boating Safety Education Grant Program, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
 
“The safety training provided by local grant recipients strengthens our efforts to make sure Ohioans enjoy a fun and safe boating experience,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.
 
ODNR increased funding this year which enabled four more organizations to receive funding. This year’s recipients include several local school districts which will be providing boating safety classes to their students in environmental science and recreation programs for the first time.
 
Individual grant awards provided by ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft range from $3,790 to $30,000. The grant program supports local purchase of safety equipment, such as kayaks, life jackets, and trailers.  
 
The grants are funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.
 
The following is a list of this year’s grants by county:

Athens County

  • Hocking College – $30,000

Delaware County

  • Adaptive Sports Connection – $29,989.02

Franklin County

  • American Kayaking Association – $21,858.25

Pike County

  • Eastern Local Schools – $30,000

Last year, 19 community organizations shared $250,000 provided by Ohio boaters and the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft to help fund community boating safety education programs.
 
Ohio law requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to be able to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they are to operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. Many of the programs also focus on boating skills development and basic water safety.
 
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is mandated by state law to provide boating safety education programs. The division accomplishes this mission by providing annual funding assistance to local communities and nonprofit organizations through a competitive grant program.

News

Fayette Fire In The Sky Seeks More Volunteers For 2022 Fireworks Show

Presented By Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

(Washington CH)- The date for the Fayette Fire In The Sky is scheduled for July 3, 2022. The group is also announcing they are excepting new members to join them in the show.

The group’s Facebook page says “You must be 18 years old, be able to pass an ATF, FBI, and BCI background check. Also we ask that you have a wonderful time working with others. If you are interested in joining, send a PM to them at Fire In The Sky and you will scheduled to meet with us.”

Fire In The Sky is presented by Fayette Fire In The Sky, a not for profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization which is comprised of more than 25 dedicated volunteer members serving the community.

Fire In The Sky originally formed in 2001 under the sponsorship of the Washington Fire Fighters Association and Local 699 (Washington Professional Fire Fighters). At that time, the need for an Independence Day fireworks display became necessary after the local Jaycees discontinued operations.

Sports

Adena Repeats As SVC Girls Basketball Champ

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

With two conference games to play, the Adena Lady Warriors have clinched no worse than a share of their second straight SVC Girls Basketball Championship. Adena sealed the deal with a 57-21 home victory against the Zane Trace Lady Pioneers.

Adena never trailed in the game, leading after each stop at 17-8, 30-14, 37-16 and the final of 57-21. The continuous clock went into play at 3:52 remaining as the Lady Warriors took a 35 point lead.

See game highlights and postgame interviews with Coach Andrew Day and Adena senior captain Cheyanne Ater, brought to you by Hometown-Motors, Inc. CLICK BELOW:

Sydney Foglesong led Adena’s attack with 11 points and 8 rebounds, Caelan Miner had 11 points and 6 steals, Sydney Ater scored 10 points, Emma Garrison added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, Cheyanne Ater 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals, Makaela Lovely 4 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals, Kiera Williams 3 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists and Kamryn Sowers scored 1 point.

Zane Trace was led by A. Johnson with 6 points, Kinley May 5 points, Emily Allen and Alera Crow each scored 4 points and B. Wade scored 2 points.

(Zane Trace at Adena- Litter Media/Mike Smith)

Adena improves to (11-1/14-2) while Zane Trace falls to (0-10/2-15) on the season. The Lady Warriors only need one win in their remaining two games to win the undisputed SVC crown.

Sports

Brian Smith Takes The Reigns As New Huntington H.S. Softball Coach

Presented By Chillicothe VAMC

Fresh-off a new hire of a new head football coach, the Huntington Local Board of Education has also hired a new head softball coach in Brian Smith. He fills the vacancy left by the departure of Coach Spenser Smith.

Smith is the former Huntington Baseball coach, where he led the Huntsmen to 41 wins in four years and a sectional championship in 2014. He has served as the Huntington assistant softball coach for the last four years as they won two sectional championships.  

“My main goal is to teach these young student athletes that hard work and dedication will not only help in Softball but in life. I want them to be held accountable because life holds us accountable. Also, very involved in community service in our community and to always make a positive impact in everything we do”, said Smith.

“(I’m) So very blessed to be part of our township. I have been blessed to be a part of Baseball, Softball, girls basketball and boys basketball when Todd Kellough and Eric Snyder ran our basketball programs. Simply put, I just feel very blessed and honored to be a part of these young student athletes journey. And so thankful for our administration and our board of education. Go Green.”

News

Winter Nature Hike Slated For Jackson’s Katherine Lake

Presented By Classic Brands

(Jackson) – Families in southern Ohio will have a chance to celebrate the beauty of winter with a hike to admire the stunning views at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County.  The event, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9am-2pm.
 


Caption: A winter scene at the scenic Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve.


The family-friendly event will showcase the views of the more than 2,000-acre State Nature Preserve.  Lake Katharine contains stunning hemlock tree covered, 50+ foot tall sandstone cliffs that surround a beautiful lake. DNAP staff and guest experts will be on-site to share the preserve’s history. 

The Friends of Lake Katharine will have warm cocoa available at the main parking lot for people to enjoy after returning from a hike along one of the preserve’s scenic trails.

Visitors should park at the main parking lot at 1703 Lake Katharine Road, Jackson, OH 45640. Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing for the weather.

People visiting Jackson County are invited to make a stop at Jackson Lake State Park to work toward their winter hiking challenge sticker.  To complete the Ohio State Park challenge, download the DETOUR Ohio Trails App, available at detour.ohiodnr.gov, or in the Apple App or Google Play store. Then participate in hikes at state parks in 3 different regions of our state between January 1 and March 1, 2022.  Once you complete the hike, you can submit your information here.

News

Pike Water Company Performing Major Water Repair Project Near Lake White

Presented By Atomic Speedway

Pike County Water Company is announcing a major repair project that will be done in the Lake White area. The project was originally scheduled for January 28th, but due to bad weather, has been moved to 8:30am Monday, January 31st.

The following areas will have no water or low pressure due to a water leak repair, once the water is restored you will need to boil your water until further notice.

Repair work will be done in the area starting at the intersection of State Route 220 and State Route 551 going north to the intersection of State Route 220 and Fish & Game Road.

Customers will also be impacted on State Route 551, Gregory Road, Jefferson Road, Simonton Road, Lakeview Road, Lake White Road & Lake Road.

News

IMAP Training Gives Grant Boost for 3 Southern Ohio Schools

Presented By Classic Brands

(Columbus)—Ohio’s Office of Workforce Transformation has announced that 14 training providers located throughout the state will receive a total of $2.93 million in awards to support 2,336 credentials through the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP). Three of these are in southern Ohio, two of which are in Scioto County.

This is the second round of the initiative, which helps Ohioans who are low income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed participate in a training program and receive one or more technology-focused credential(s) for free.

The selected training providers, which include four-year universities, career centers, and private businesses, will be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each completed technology-focused credential issued.

“IMAP gives individuals the opportunity to earn in-demand, technology skills so they can get higher-paying jobs in a very short amount of time,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Ohio businesses across all industries need to compete in today’s economy, and this program provides them a pipeline of ready-to-go talent.”

A variety of credential pathways that align with specific job opportunities will be available for individuals including IT Support Specialist, IT Security Associate, IT Networks Specialist, Data Analyst, Web Developer, UX/UI Designer, Robotic Technician, Digital Marketing Specialist, Cloud Engineer, and more. Training will be offered in-person and online, allowing Ohioans to take advantage of IMAP from anywhere in the state.

Awarded training providers include:

  • Global Lynx, Inc.
  • MAX Technical Training, Inc.
  • Miami University
  • My Career IT LLC
  • National Center for Urban Solutions
  • Ohio University
  • Portage Lakes Career Center
  • Scioto County Career Technical Center
  • Shawnee State University
  • South-Western City School District
  • Strategic Leadership Solutions LLC
  • University of Cincinnati
  • WE CAN CODE IT, LLC
  • Youngstown State University

“Ohio is on the move, and we need more people skilled in high-tech jobs to keep the momentum going,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These credentials will mean better jobs and more pay for workers.”

Ohio has invested more than $5 million in IMAP over the last two years. The first round of IMAP awarded 11 training providers just under $2.22 million in September of 2020.

Individuals interested in earning a credential or learning more about the program can visit the recently updated IMAP website at: Workforce.Ohio.gov/IMAP.

Sports

Ed Yates Hired To Lead Huntington Huntsmen Football Program

Presented By McDonald’s

The Huntington Huntsmen have a new head football coach with the hiring of one of their assistants, Ed Yates. Yates takes over the coaching position left vacant by the resignation of Scott Keller, who has since been added to Chillicothe’s football staff under new head coach Scott Bartholomew.

Ed Yates, Head Coach – Huntington Huntsmen Football Photo by Paradise Ater for Litter Media

Yates has succeeded as head coach in both baseball and softball at various schools, and has been instrumental in successful football programs as an assistant coach. Ed will also remain the baseball coach at Huntington.

Ed Yates communicated with Litter Media’s Mike Smith on why he felt impressed to apply for the football position at Huntington.

“I love the students at Huntington and believe in them in the classroom as well as in sports. I would like to reflect Jesus in everything I do. I want to live a life where they can see someone who’s consistent and real in what they say they believe”, said Yates.

“I want them to see that they can use the game of football to learn life lessons on how to deal with the success and defeats that this life will throw at them. I would like to bring a positive role model figure into their lives that will show them how to become young men who will one day become awesome husbands and fathers to their families.”

Ed says he believes that discipline is what our young people need in all aspects of life. “I want to teach them that being disciplined is freeing. If we are a disciplined team, we will be free of the many negative consequences that come from being undisciplined. If we will keep our focus on taking care of us and doing things right, the other stuff will take care of itself.”

Here is the impressive resume of coaching stops for Ed Yates:
(DC beside the years that I’ve been Defensive Coordinator)…
*Bradford (Kent Shaffer)- 1989, 1990
*Greenfield McClain (Troy Dawson) – 1991
*Adena (Jake Grooms) – 1992, 1993
*Madison Plains (Tony Brake) – 1994 (DC)
*Adena (Howard Zody) – 1995, 1996, 1997
*Adena (Paul Thomas) – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
*Chillicothe (Ron Hinton) – 2016
*Huntington (Scott Keller) – 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Baseball- Head Coach
*Madison Plains – 1995
*Adena – 1997-2007, 2011-2012
*Huntington – 2018 – Present

Softball – Head Coach
*Adena – 2009, 2010

Cross Country – Head Coach
*Adena – 2012, 2013, 2014

News

ODH Releases New Guidelines For COVID Contact Tracing

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

(Columbus)- The Ohio Department of Health has notified local health departments and K-12 school superintendents about new protocol for COVID-19 Contact Tracing. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, Director, Ohio Department of Health made the announcement January 26th with a letter to each entity.

“As COVID-19 has evolved, public health mitigation strategies have had to adjust periodically to address new challenges. The quick spread of the Omicron variant and its rapid clinical course have made universal contact tracing, case investigation and exposure notification impractical when combined with newly reduced timelines for quarantine and isolation.”

Therefore, effective immediately:
• The Ohio Department of Health recommends that local health departments (LHDs) shiftfrom universal contact tracing, case investigation and exposure notification to a cluster- or outbreak-based model. This strategy prioritizes people in high-risk settings, such as congregate residential settings (e.g., shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes) or for certain circumstances such as outbreaks or clusters in specific settings or in relation to initial cases or clusters associated with new variants, as appropriate.

• Schools may discontinue universal contact tracing but are expected to assist LHDs with contact tracing, case investigation and exposure notification related to outbreaks or clusters in schools as determined by the LHD. K-12 schools should continue to follow ODH’s protocol, “Mask to Stay, Test to Play,” and allow asymptomatic students to attend school while wearing a mask if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The best place for kids is in school, in-person, full-time.

• ODH also will change the school case reporting cadence to weekly. Schools should report positive student and staff cases to their LHDs by close of business on Fridays. LHDs will continue to report on the same weekly cadence. This schedule will begin on Friday, Feb. 4. ODH will continue to evaluate related school reporting requirements.LHDs should continue providing education and messaging to the general public about steps to take after exposure or a positive test. The attached flow chart may be shared with the public to explain how they should proceed after testing positive for COVID-19 or being exposed to someone who has COVID-19.

• Please encourage people to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are the best prevention tool we have against severe illness and death.

• Reinforce the importance of mask wearing, physical distancing, improving ventilation, hand washing, cough etiquette, testing, and staying home if you are sick.

“This is also a good time to remind the public of mitigation strategies that work against transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.” :246 North High Street 614 I 466-3543 Columbus, Ohio 43215 U.S.A. www.odh.ohio.gov The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider of ADA Services.