In recognition of the tireless efforts of workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Renaissance Theatre has announced that it will offer a complimentary ticket voucher to employees of its partner businesses in these sectors. Vouchers may be redeemed for one ticket to any show in the 2020-2021 Renaissance season, which will be announced Friday, June 5th at 6:00 PM in a virtual “Season Preview” event. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
The numbers were expected, however seeing them in black and white is unsettling.
On Wednesday, unemployment rates for Ohio’s counties and metropolitan areas were released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
On May 24, we shared information about Ohio’s overall unemployment rate, which stood at 16.8%. Some 823,700 fewer Ohioans had non-agricultural positions in April than in the previous month. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
This past week marked the three month mark since the first post on 1812Blockhouse about the COVID-19 pandemic. A review of stories shows that the first time the virus was mentioned was in late February with a piece focusing on Richland Public Health’s advice on how to prepare for its arrival.
On March 19, Richland Public Health reported the first confirmed case of the virus in Richland County, less than two months after the country’s first reported case in Washington State. More…
By: Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio officials have been drawing tight the state’s budgetary belt as they see revenue plummet due to coronavirus shutdowns. But hidden in the carnage is a pot of money they’ll have to use as they plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
Earlier this month, with April tax revenues far below what was budgeted, Gov. Mike DeWine announced $775 million in spending cuts for the remaining months of the fiscal year — $465 million to education, $210 million to Medicaid, and the remaining $100 million in cuts to be spread across other state agencies. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
It may have been on the agenda for discussion and a first reading only, but the proposed COVID-19 2020 Preparedness and Response Coordinator position for Mansfield City Schools was discussed at some length during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Mansfield City Schools Board of Education.
The matter came up quickly with the first shared public comment near the start of the meeting, which came in the form of a question from Katie Ellington. In response, Superintendent Stan Jefferson shared details of the proposed position. More…
By: Jake Zuckerman, Ohio Capital Journal
Health authorities are investigating two separate COVID-19 outbreaks at food plants in Hancock and Clark counties.
The Clark County Combined Health District has identified 20 cases of COVID-19 associated with Dole Food Company’s Springfield salad plant, which employs more than 700 workers, a department spokeswoman said Tuesday. Of the 20, 12 are Dole employees, and eight are contacts of employees.
The first case was detected April 22. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
At its regular Council meeting on Monday evening, Shelby City Council heard an update on city finances that contained some generally good news.
Finance and Personnel Committee Chairperson Garland John Gates shared a financial report that included a general review of fund balances. Gates said that year to date income tax income is actually up over 2019, and that the City’s General Fund is in basically “good shape.” More…
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BAR/RESTAURANT SAFETY CHECKS:
Governor DeWine announced today that he is assembling an enforcement team to ensure that bars and restaurants are operating safely under the Responsible RestartOhio plan.
Bars and restaurants reopened to patrons for outdoor dining on Friday. Dine-in service is scheduled to resume on May 21. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
Almost all public meetings held by local governments and school districts continue to be held via livestreaming, either via Facebook, YouTube, or by being broadcast on other online applications like Zoom.
The change in Ohio’s Sunshine Laws that gave rise to the ability to conduct meetings in this matter was enacted in March by the Ohio General Assembly. Certain conditions must be met, however participation in these meetings via the internet is allowable. More…
Whether it’s a passion to perform a porch concert or create in a visual arts medium, Ohioans are continuing to create and inspire.
Our favorite artists teach and learn in Ohio’s schools, and their creative pursuits also are continuing throughout the ordered school-building closure. An effort has been launched to make sure these artistic artifacts are chronicled and curated for all to see.
The Ohio Department of Education has joined other statewide organizations to introduce Ohio Arts at Home. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
It’s time to play ball! Well, maybe.
On Saturday, the Toledo Blade reported that the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) is lifting its no-contact period for baseball, golf, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, and tennis, while spring sports seasons remain cancelled.
This will be effective on May 26.
In a letter sent on Friday evening, OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass attempted to clarify the situation caused with several announcements from Columbus and previous OHSAA statements. More…
On Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided the following sector opening dates established as part of the Responsible Restart Ohio plan. These new dates include Child Care, Campgrounds, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Gyms and Fitness Centers, No Contact and Limited Contact Sports Leagues, Public and Club Pools, and Horse Racing without spectators present.
CHILD CARE: MAY 31
Beginning Sunday, May 31, childcare providers in Ohio will be permitted to reopen if these providers can meet required safety protocols. More…
Coronavirus, Featured, Public Health, Responsible Restart Ohio
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
On Friday, folks in several Richland County communities should pay attention to things flying overhead.
In specific, look to see a C-130 aircraft from the 179th Airlift Wing, stationed at Mansfield Lahm, as the Wing conducts a series of flyovers that will take them to sites across central, east central, and north central Ohio.
The aim is to flyover cities and hospitals as a salute to heroes fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. More…
On Tuesday, the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) announced a free, daily check-in by phone service for Ohio’s older residents to ensure their well-being amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and beyond. The program was announced during Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s daily news conference.
The “Staying Connected” service is open to Ohio residents age 60 or older who have a valid phone number. Those living alone in the community are encouraged to consider enrolling. More…
