(Washington CH) – The Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District hosted its 10th annual bird count as part of the 122nd year Audubon Christmas bird count on Wednesday December 15th.
Data comes from over 2000 circles. The count runs from December 14th to January 5th. A fifteen-mile circle is identified and locations within the area are included. The circle can then be counted every year to compare the results.
This year, included in the count were sites in the City of Washington Court House, local farms, and Deer Creek State Park and Wildlife areas. This year 11 people participated and 37 species were counted.
(Back row Larry Hamilton, Malcolm Miller, Carolyn & Jack DeWeese, Sarah Schott, Roger Griffitts, Brigitte Hisey
Front row: Sara & Don Creamer, Jen Dennison Megan Case)
Highlights of the count include one snow goose which has only been spotted two other years and five eagles which is a high for the group. Also, more duck species where spotted compared to the last couple of years. The ducks included, Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, and Northern Shovelers. 54 American Crows, Red Tailed Hawks and American Kestrels also had higher counts than in past years.
If you would like to participate next year, contact Brigitte Hisey at (740) 636-0279 or e-mail at brigitte.hisey@fayette-co-oh.com.
While many fairs and festivals are planning for their events to be held in 2021, the Washington Court House Scarecrow Festival is announcing they are cancelling this fall’s event.
The Scarecrow Festival Committee posted the announcement on the City of Washington Court House Economic Development Facebook page.
The 2021 festival was scheduled for September 17th-19th.
This decision in Washington Court House comes despite the recent announcement from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, which stated that fairs and festivals would be permitted to move forward with their 2021 events. DeWine said the events could be held- using whatever health safety precautions would be needed at that point in the pandemic.
As the July 4th holiday weekend approaches, many people wanting to watch community fireworks exhibits will have several to choose from in the Scioto Valley region.
With Columbus’ “Red, White and Boom” postponed from their typical July 3rd show, it makes smaller communities more of the places to be to celebrate America’s Independence holiday weekend.
The City of Columbus says there is a possibility they could conduct their show later in 2021, although nothing official has been determined.
For Chillicothe’s July 4th fireworks, the city had already approved $15,000 for the show, as they have in recent years. Mayor Luke Feeney says this year’s donations have been very good.
The restricted area for Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park.The map for getting in and out of Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe.
As a side note, the Jeep Fest will also be taking place during the day July 4th at the Ross County Fairgrounds. But, Mayor Feeney added that Jeep Fest won’t be ramped up in the city as big as 2019 due to the lack of planning time, since we are just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The 2021 City of Chillicothe fireworks will be on the 4th of July at approximately 9:45pm.
The best place to observe the fireworks is from the floodwall in the park.
Those viewing from the floodwall should not place tents or other items that will completely block the blacktop portion of the wall. Blocking the path creates a safety hazard for those trying to walk and hampers emergency personnel from getting through.
After fireworks are over, traffic will be under the direction of police officers and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. See attached map for details on traffic patterns. There will be NO left turns for N/B traffic on High St. and Yoctangee Parkway. Police Officers on bikes, UTVs and cruisers will be providing security and traffic control. Please see attached map.
As always, no alcohol is to be consumed in Yoctangee Park. Illegal/prohibited Fireworks are also strictly prohibited as we want everyone to have a safe 4th. We also discourage the public from setting off explosive fireworks in neighborhoods as it disturbs animals and residents alike.
The Chillicothe Fire Department has also asked fireworks viewers to stay out of restricted areas, this includes the waterway behind the city park annex, which will be patrolled. See attached map provided by the FD. The annex will be closed in the early morning of the 4th to allow setup.
We remind everyone not to drink and drive and have a designated driver. If ride share is available, it should be utilized, along with local Taxi services.
Here is a list of area Independence fireworks shows still planned for 2021:
(July 2) The Chillicothe Country Club will be having their annual Fireworks. Only members are allowed on the property, but they encourage everyone to find a spot off of the property where you can enjoy the show.
(July 3) Washington Court House Hillsboro Wellston Portsmouth Chillicothe Paints (after the game)
(July 4th) Chillicothe Ashville
(July 5th) Lancaster
Most of the shows begin at 10pm at the latest, with some starting at dusk.
