https://history.meigslibrary.org/files/original/3dff1b16bb82c154589efb18271d5f85.pdf 1de1365fc8ef193d68b03a501ec9d954 PDF Text Text Winter sports magazine Johnson on electoral certification Lady Eagles win INSIDE NEWS s 2 SPORTS s 4 C_ZZb[fehj�š�Fec[heo"�E^_e Breaking news at mydailysentinel.com Issue 3, Volume 75 Wednesday, January 6, 2021 s 50¢ New cases reported in region Mason Co. returns to ‘Red’ Staff Report OHIO VALLEY — New COVID-19 cases were reported in Gallia, Mason and Meigs Counties on Tuesday. The Ohio Department of Health reported 24 new cases and one new hospitalization in Gallia County as part of Tuesday’s update. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reported 17 new cases of COVID-19 in Mason County on Tuesday morning. The Meigs County Health Department reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 (12 confirmed, two probable) on Tuesday. Local Schools Eastern Local School District announced on Tuesday “a positive COVID-19 case involving student or staff member at Eastern High School.” According to the letter from Supt. Steve Ohlinger, “Due to the individual not being in the school setting since prior to the holiday break, no contact with other students or staff has occurred.” Here’s a closer look at coronavirus cases across our area: Gallia County ODH reported a total of 1,747 total cases of COVID-19 (since March) in Gallia County as part of Tuesday’s updates. This is an increase of 24 since Monday’s update. ODH and the Gallia Health Department have reported a total of 23 deaths, 101 hospitalizations (1 new), and 1,399 presumed recovered individuals (28 new) as of Tuesday. Andrew Welsh-Huggins | AP, File In this Nov. 18 file photo, Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine discusses the most recent data on Ohio’s soaring coronavirus cases during a news briefing. Ohio to move to 2nd phase of distribution COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Teachers and other school employees, people older than 65, and individuals with severe medical disorders will be included in the second phase of coronavirus vaccine distribution in the state, to start in about two weeks, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday. About 2.2 million people are in this second group, and the state expects about 100,000 vaccines for the first week of what’s known as Phase 1B, with the amount to be ramped up. The governor said the goals of the first and second phases of the vaccine remain the same: to save lives and protect the most vulnerable, to protect health care workers, and to allow children to return to school by March 1. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted added that by providing the vaccine to people older than 65, nursing home residents and those with congenital medical issues, “Ohio has chosen to prioritize the populations that are most likely to die without it.” Vaccines will have been administered at four of every five nursing homes by the end of the week, DeWine said, while noting he remains concerned only about 40% of nursing home workers are opting for the shot. Concern about vaccine side effects, the vaccine still being new, belief the risk of COVID-19 has been exaggerated, and a general mistrust of vaccinations are among reasons workers are citing, said Ursel McElroy, the director of Ohio’s Depart- ment of Aging. “We know that people are hesitant, but we’re hoping that their hesitancy is temporary and we can replace it with confidence,” McElroy said. The health commissioner in Erie County offered vaccines to 80 police officers and deputies last week even though they’re not on the state’s priority list because not enough frontline health care workers had signed up to be inoculated. Health See OHIO | 3 See CASES | 3 MCHD provides coronavirus vaccine update By Brody Davis Special to the Sentinel POMEROY — The Meigs County Health Department has received multiple calls in regard to the COVID-19 vaccine and the phases of administration. These phases have been outlined by the State of Ohio and are being followed by health departments throughout the state. Currently, the State implemented phase approach contains foour phases with each of these phases broken down into sub-phases such as phase 1A and 1B. Currently the Meigs County Health Department is vaccinating Phase 1A individuals which include: · Home health workers · Hospice workers · Emergency medical services responders · Primary care practitioners · Free-standing emergency department, urgent care, pharmacy, and dialysis center providers not See MCHD | 8 AIM Media Midwest Operating, LLC (USPS 145-966) Telephone: 740-992-2155 Publishes every Tuesday through Saturday. Subscription rate is $208 per year. Prices are subject to change at any time. 825 Third Ave., Gallipolis, OH, 45631 Periodical postage paid at Pomeroy, OH POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Sentinel, 825 Third Ave., Gallipolis, OH, 45631. All content © 2021 The Daily Sentinel, an edition of the Gallipolis Daily Tribune. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. Troopers seize $102K worth of meth, cocaine MEIGS COUNTY — Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed felony drug charges against two North Carolina men after a traffic stop in Meigs County. During the traffic stop, troopers seized three pounds of methamphetamine and 30 grams of suspected cocaine worth approximately $102,000. On Jan. 2, at 7:29 p.m., troopers stopped a 2010 Mazda with North Carolina registration for a speed violation on U.S. 33. While interacting with the occupants, OSHP | Courtesy This photo provided with the corresponding story by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. troopers detected an odor of marijuana and observed marijuana residue throughout the vehicle. The occupants were asked to exit the vehicle and a probable cause search revealed the contraband. The driver, Jeffery Evans, 55, Sparta, N.C., and passenger, Maxamillion Millian, 20, Elkin, N.C., were incarcerated in the Middleport Jail and charged with possession and trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine, all first-degree felonies. If convicted, each could face up to 44 years in prison and up to an $80,000 fine. Information from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Yost provides review of fight against human trafficking Staff Report COLUMBUS, Ohio — The fight against human trafficking was and remains a top priority for Attorney General Dave Yost during 2020 as his office continued its multifaceted approach to end labor and sex trafficking in Ohio. “In 2020, advances were made towards our goal where no one is bought or sold in Ohio,” Yost said. “While there is much more work to do, the review of our many successes will guide our future actions.” A comprehensive approach across the office contributes to the fight against human trafficking, including the attorney general’s Human Trafficking Initiative, Ohio Organized Crime Investigation Commission task forces, Crime Victims Services section and Policy and Legislative section, among others. Through demand reduction operations, prosecutions, education, training and legislation, much work was accomplished during 2020 to raise awareness about human trafficking. Rescues, Arrests and Prosecutions During the third week of October, more than 50 law enforcement agencies and non-governmental partners throughout Ohio collaborated on Operation Autumn Hope, a comprehensive effort aimed at breaking the cycle that fuels sex trafficking. The successes of Operation Autumn Hope: 109 human trafficking victims were rescued by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, Columbus Police’s PACT Unit and the Cuyahoga County Human Trafficking Task Force. 76 missing and exploited children cases were cleared, including 45 through physical recovery by the U.S. Marshals. 22 individuals seeking to have sex with a minor were arrested by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 157 men were arrested on charges of soliciting and other crimes by law enforcement agencies in Cuyahoga, Franklin and Lucas counties. Ohio Organized Crime Investigation Commission task forces completed long-term investigations and conducted human trafficking stings that resulted in a combined 121 arrests, including: In February, the Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force secured indictments for the human trafficking crimes of Dr. Randolph Brown and Joyce Richmond, both of Cuyahoga County. See YOST | 3 �OBITUARIES/NEWS 2 Wednesday, January 6, 2021 OBITUARIES CHARLES L. ‘CHUCK’ THAXTON KAREN CLARK several nieces, nephews, BIDWELL — Charles L. “Chuck” Thaxton, 84, brothers-in-law, sisters-incommunity to Bidwell, Ohio went to law and extended family LANGSVILLE keep the blood meet his heavenly father members. — Karen Sue drive going as Monday, January 4, 2021. In addition to his Clark, 74, of scheduled. Away He was born in Charles- mother he was preceded Langsville, Ohio, from these work ton, West Virginia Januin death by stepfather, Ed passed away related endeavors, ary 19, 1936 to the late Duty. peacefully at her Karen enjoyed Cressel Blankenship Duty. Funeral service will be home on Jan. 2, sewing, cooking Charles married Leora held 1 p.m., Thursday, 2021. She was and sports. She was Smith in Porter, Ohio January 7, 2021 at the born at Akron General on July 25, 1959 and she Faith Baptist Church, Hospital to Roy Bierhup always there to mend a garment or to create survives. He retired from Rodney, Ohio with Revand Ruth (Kreibel) on a full ensemble as she Shell Chemical Company, erend Jim Lusher officiatSept. 20, 1946. enjoyed using her talent Apple Grove, West Viring. Burial will follow at She was preceded in for others. The owner ginia following 32 years Vinton Memorial Cemdeath by her husband Alva and daughter, Beth of many classic recipes, of employment, a veteran etery, Vinton, Ohio where she was never afraid try of the United States Navy, Full Military Honors will in 2016. be conducted by Vinton She is survived by her something that was com- member of Faith Baptist American Legion Post remaining children, Tara pletely new. Just recent- Church, Rodney, Ohio ly she wondered what all where he served as a dea- #161. Family and friends Clark and Matt (Meliscon and Sunday School may call at the church sa) Clark and grandchil- of the fuss about InstaTeacher. He loved the from noon to the time of dren, Adra McClintock, pots was and she was service. Brenna McClintock and gearing up to explore all Cleveland Browns and that options that they was happy to see them PLEASE NOTE: To Audrey Clark. offer. Karen was also an make the playoffs. respect the safety of the Karen was a member avid football fan. It did Those left to cherish family and in accordance of Rocksprings United not matter what teams his memory with his wife with CDC Regulations Methodist Church. She were playing, she would Leora are their children: and current COVID-19 grew up on a hog and Tamie (Gene) Welch, Pandemic Protocol, face turkey farm in Wellston, be watching. She had Oak Hill, Ohio, Margie coverings are required, Ohio, and found her pas- particular love for her 3 B’s. The Bobcats, The (Jamie) Prosser, Aynor, and social distancing is sion showing Milking South Carolina, Nikki requested in the funeral Short Horns at the Jack- Buckeyes and The Bengals. She never missed a (Ray) Perry, Pickeringhome during visitation son County Fair and at ton, Ohio, and Steve the Ohio State Fair. She game. She would often hours. We respectfully moved on from the farm make Alva blush with (Angie) Thaxton, Vinton, ask that visitors not linas she enrolled in medi- her enthusiasm. Ohio; grandchildren: Ben ger during the visitation Graveside services cal laboratory training at (Natalie) Welch, Amber hours. We and the family will be held at noon Holzer Hospital which Fenwick, Lindsey (Shaun) thank you for this considled her to move to Meigs on Thursday, Jan. 7, Northup, Dustin (Kaila) eration. County when she accept- 2021, at Meigs County Thaxton, Cole Thaxton, Online condolences can ed a position at Veterans Memory Gardens. Callbe sent to the family at Kayla and Emma Perry, Memorial Hospital. Her ing hours will be held www.mccoymoore.com Hannah (Daniel) Evory, on Wednesday from position, for which she McCoy-Moore is honored Ian (Ali) Prosser and was very proud, kept her 4-6 p.m. at the Ewingto serve the Thaxton Callie Prosser; eight Schwarzel Funeral Home great-grandchildren; closely tied to her comfamily. munity. It was this work in Pomeroy. A luncheon RICHARD INNIS that inspired all three of will held immediately following the graveside her children to pursue services at the EwingInnis; grandsons Justin careers in healthcare. PATRIOT — Richard Karen made the difficult Schwarzel Family CenInnis, 85, of Patriot, Ohio (Heather) Lane, Matthew ter. Friends are encour(Elizabeth) Lane, and choice of leaving VMH passed away Monday, aged to sign the online for a new position at January 4, 2021 in Holzer Corby Lane; one grandguestbook at ewingfudaughter Laura Innis; and Camden Clark MediMedical Center, Galliponeralhome.net. five great grandchildren. cal Center. This was lis, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the No services will be a rewarding position He was born July 3, held. Hall Funeral Home which she enjoyed until family hopes to carry on 1935 in Columbus, Ohio the legacy that Karen and Crematory, Proctorher retirement in 2012. son of the late Burl and established by askAfter her retirement, Beatrice Whiteman Innis. ville, Ohio is assisting ing all to remember to Karen spent her free He is survived by his wife the family with arrangedonate life by becoming Dorothy Schumn; former ments. Condolences may time at the Mulberry be expressed to the family Community Center coor- an organ donor and by wife Doris Crothers; a donating blood if able. at www.ehallfuneralhome. dinating the Red Cross daughter Karen (John) Also special donations com. Blood Drive where she Lane; one son David can be made in Karen’s would compete with name to the Cystic her previous numbers. SWISHER Although the COVID-19 Fibrosis Foundation at POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Jeffery “Jeff” Swisher, www.cff.org, or by conpandemic, drastically age 71 of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died January 4, 2021 limited her ability to be tacting Cystic Fibrosis at The Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Foundation, 4550 Montout in the community, Services for Jeff will be Thursday, January 7, 2021 Karen never shied away gomery Ave. Suite 1100, and are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to N. Bethesda, MD 20814. Crow-Hussell Funeral Home. from her service to her GALLIA, MEIGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Editor’s Note: The Daily Sentinel and Gallipolis Daily Tribune appreciate your input to the community calendar. To make sure items can receive proper attention, all information should be received by the newspaper at least five business days prior to an event. All coming events print on a spaceavailable basis and in chronological order. Events can be emailed to: TDSnews@aimmediamidwest. com or GDTnews@aimmediamidwest.com. Card Shower Margaret Pope will be turning 102 on Jan. 14th. Cards can be sent to 2600 German Hollow Rd. Patriot, Ohio 45658 Cancellations GALLIPOLIS — The Jan. 11 meetings of the Dovel Myers Post #141 DAV, and AMVETS Post #23 have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thursday, Jan. 7 POMEROY — The Meigs Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will hold its annual organizational meeting at noon at the district office at 113 E. Memorial Drive, Suite D, Pomeroy, followed by the regular monthly meeting. CHESTER — Chester Shade Historical Association will be having its regular board meeting at the Court House in Chester at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. We will be observing Covid 19 rules of social distancing. Masks will be required. CHILLICOTHE — The Southern Ohio Council of Governments (SOCOG) will hold its next board meeting at 9 a.m. via electronic communication. Please contact the number below for an invitation to participate. Board meetings usually are held the first Thursday of the month at 27 West Second Street, Suite 202, Chillicothe Ohio 45601. For more information, call 740-7755030, ext. 103. CONTACT US 825 Third Ave., Gallipolis, OH, 45631 740-446-2342 All content © 2021 Gallipolis Daily Tribune and The Daily Sentinel edition. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT/ GROUP PUBLISHER Lane Moon lmoon@aimmediamidwest.com EDITOR Beth Sergent, Ext. 1992 bsergent@aimmediamidwest.com MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Hawley, Ext. 2555 shawley@aimmediamidwest.com SPORTS EDITOR Bryan Walters, Ext. 2101 bwalters@aimmediamidwest.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Matt Rodgers, Ext. 2095 mrodgers@aimmediamidwest.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Derrick Morrison, Ext. 2097 dmorrison@aimmediamidwest.com GALLIPOLIS — The Sons of the American Legion Squadron #27 will meet at the legion home on McCormick Road at 6 p.m. All members are urged to attend. Friday, Jan. 8 GALLIPOLIS — The O.O. McIntyre Park District Board, regular monthly meeting, 11 a.m. in the Park Board Office at the Gallia County Courthouse, 18 Locust Street. Monday, Jan. 11 BEDFORD TWP. — Bedford Township trustees will hold their regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Bedford townhall. GALLIPOLIS — Gallipolis Township Trustees will hold their annual reorganization meeting, 6 p.m., Gallipolis Township Building, 106 Liberty Avenue, Gallipolis. MIDDLEPORT — The Middleport Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. Ohio Valley Publishing Johnson statement on 2021 electoral college certification WASHINGTON, DC — On Tuesday, Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement regarding the Jan. 6 Electoral College certification: On Wednesday, I will support objections to the certification of the Electoral College vote of Pennsylvania, and possibly other states on grounds that they: potentially violated the U.S. Constitution; disregarded their own state election laws; and/or failed to count all legal Johnson ballots. The Democrats and their allies in the mainstream media hide behind bullying, spin, and carefully crafted talking points to distract from this fact. But most of the people I represent know the truth – that between the news media acting as the public relations department of the Democrat party, Big Tech’s big thumb on the social media and search results scales, and credible allegations of election fraud in some states, many believe the 2020 election wasn’t fair. In 2005, former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker co-chaired a bipartisan commission on election reform. Their official report stated that mail-in voting “remains the largest source of potential voter fraud.” Given that 2020 saw more mail-in voting than anytime in American history, it’s no surprise that there are hundreds of sworn affidavits that point to instances of potential fraud and election irregularities. While some courts have reviewed these allegations, many dismissed them on a partisan basis. The most egregious of these was in Pennsylvania – led by a liberal Democrat governor, a liberal Democrat Attorney General and liberal Democrats on the state supreme court. Despite the fact that Article VII Section 14 of the Pennsylvania Constitution does not permit mass mail-in voting, Pennsylvania officials allowed it anyway. I don’t expect that this effort to scrutinize the parts of our election system that have the greatest potential for fraud - and the least amount of voter trust - will change the ultimate outcome of the 2020 presidential election. But I was elected to do the right thing for our Constitution and for our nation. Simply rubber stamping these slipshod and partisan-laced electoral outcomes is wrong. I’m not interested in hearing lectures from Democrats after they’ve objected to the certification of every Republican presidential win this century. Following the 2016 election, multiple House Democrats attempted to object to the electoral votes from several states. There was even a concerted effort to persuade individual electors to switch sides. The left and their cheerleaders in the mainstream national media lauded this effort. Democrats did the same after the 2000 and 2004 elections, with a senator joining the effort in the 2004 instance. So, the Democrats and their media allies are lying when they say this week’s electoral vote challenge is unprecedented, or that it undermines our democracy. By definition, no one who is following constitutional procedures and federal law can be credibly described as undermining democracy. Politicians who advocate for the tearing down of historical statues, attempt to abolish the police, and allow violent criminals to victimize law-abiding Americans unchecked — these are the people who are undermining democracy. I am also not swayed by the cries of “undermining democracy” from the same people who spent the last fourplus years actively sabotaging and undermining a duly-elected president with false allegations and unprecedented media bias. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day. Which is why I can say that, in 2005, even Nancy Pelosi was right when she made this statement on the floor of the U.S. House as George W. Bush’s victory was being challenged through the same process that will play out in Congress this week: “Today we are witnessing democracy at work. This isn’t as some of our Republican colleagues have referred to it, sadly, as frivolous. This debate is fundamental to our democracy. The representatives of the American people in this house are standing up for three fundamental American beliefs: The right to vote is sacred; that a representative has a duty to represent his or her constituents; and that the rule of law is the hallmark of our nation.” -Nancy Pelosi, January 6, 2005. I do not take this action lightly, and I take no comfort in it. And, despite some of the liberal news media spin, very few people want to overthrow the results of a legitimate presidential election. But a majority of Americans – including me – want to ensure the integrity of future presidential elections. The Constitution gives Congress a role to play in this regard and I intend to do my constitutional duty. Submitted by the office of Congressman Bill Johnson. GALLIA, MEIGS BRIEFS COVID-19 supplies ment office at 34110 Fairgrounds Road, Pomeroy, OH 45769. VINTON — Raccoon Township will be distributing miscellaneous COVID-19 related supplies at 1856 Pleasant Valley Road, Vinton, on Saturday, Jan. 16, starting at 8 a.m. for as long as supplies last. Straw available Annual report available POMEROY — The Meigs County Transportation District 2020 Annual Financial Report for the year ending December 31, 2020 is complete and available for review in the Meigs County Highway Depart- MIDDLEPORT — The Meigs County Humane Society will be providing straw for pet bedding during the months of November, December, January, and February. Vouchers may be picked up at the Humane Society Thrift Shop, 253 North Second Street, Middleport, for a fee of $2. Vouchers are to be redeemed at Dettwiller Lumber in Pomeroy. For more information call 740-992-6064. �NEWS Ohio Valley Publishing Cases From page 1 Age ranges for the 1,747 total cases reported by ODH on Tuesday are as follows: 0-19 — 222 cases (2 new cases, 1 hospitalization) 20-29 — 300 cases (3 new cases, 5 hospitalizations) 30-39 — 236 cases (4 new cases, 3 hospitalizations) 40-49 — 267 cases (6 new cases, 4 hospitalizations) 50-59 — 252 cases (7 new cases, 9 hospitalizations) 60-69 — 207 cases (20 hospitalizations, 3 deaths) 70-79 — 146 cases (2 new cases, 26 hospitalizations, 9 deaths) 80-plus — 117 cases (1 new hospitalization, 33 total hospitalizations, 11 deaths) Gallia County is currently “Orange” on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System map after meeting two of the seven indicators on Thursday. Meigs County The Meigs County Health Department reported 12 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two new probable cases on Tuesday. These cases of COVID-19 bring Meigs County to 1117 active cases, and 954 total cases (892 confirmed, 62 probable) since April. There have been a total of 820 recovered cases, 52 hospitalizations and 17 deaths since April. Age ranges for the 954 Meigs County cases, as of Tuesday, are as follows: 0-9 — 29 cases 10-19 — 87 cases (2 new cases) 20-29 — 140 cases (1 new case, 1 hospitalization) 30-39 — 129 cases (2 new cases, 3 hospitalizations) 40-49 — 146 cases (1 new case, 2 hospitalizations) 50-59 — 138 cases (5 new cases, 3 hospitalizations) 60-69 — 125 cases (2 new cases, 13 hospitalizations, 3 deaths) 70-79 — 99 cases (16 hospitalizations, 4 deaths) 80-89 — 42 cases (1 new case, 8 hospitalizations, 7 deaths) 90-99 — 16 cases (5 hospitalizations, 3 deaths) 100-109 — 1 case (1 hospitalization) For more data and information on the cases in Meigs County visit https://www.meigs-health. com/covid-19/ . Meigs County remained “Red” on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System after meeting two of the seven indicators on Thursday. Mason County DHHR reported 1,108 total cases (since March) for Mason County in the 10 a.m. update on Tuesday morning, 17 more than Monday. Of those, 1,073 are confirmed cases and 35 are probable cases. DHHR has reported 17 deaths in Mason County. According to DHHR, the age ranges for the 1,108 COVID-19 cases DHHR is reporting in Mason County are as follows: 0-9 — 19 cases 10-19 — 91 cases (plus 2 probable cases (1 new)) 20-29 — 174 cases (plus 5 probable cases, 1 new confirmed case) 30-39 — 123 cases (plus 7 probable case, 3 new confirmed cases) 40-49 — 159 cases (plus 6 probable cases, 2 new confirmed cases) 50-59 — 180 cases (plus 4 probable cases (1 new), 2 deaths) 60-69 — 157 cases (plus 6 probable case (2 new), 3 death, 3 new confirmed cases) 70+ — 170 cases (plus 5 probable cases, 12 deaths, 4 new confirmed cases) On Tuesday, Mason County returned to “red” on the West Virginia County Alert System map. Mason County’s latest infection rate was 59.26 on Tuesday, with a 8.34 percent positivity rate. Surrounding counties are red. All counties in West Virginia were “red” on Tuesday, except for seven, which were “orange.” Ohio The Ohio Department of Health reported a 24-hour change of 7,580 new cases on Tuesday (21-day average of 7,412). There were 104 new deaths (21-day average of 76), 538 new hospitalizations (21-day average of 322) and 44 new ICU admissions (21-day average of 35) reported in the previous 24 hours, according to Tuesday’s update. West Virginia As of the 10 a.m. update on Tuesday, DHHR is reporting a total of 93,162 cases with 1,442 deaths. There was an increase of 1,276 cases from Monday and 46 new deaths. DHHR reports a total of 1,558,860 lab test have been completed, with a 5.12 cumulative percent positivity rate. The daily positivity rate in the state was 12.01 percent. There are 27,316 currently active cases in the state. DHHR reported on Tuesday that 56,354 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to residents of West Virginia. So far, 103,375 doses have been received by the state. Kayla (Hawthorne) Dunham and Sarah Hawley contributed to this story. (Editor’s Note: Statistics reported in this article are tentative and subject to change. This was the information available at press time with more to be added as it becomes available.) © 2020 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 3 TODAY IN HISTORY trial of President Donald Trump. (The Senate voted against calling witnesses.) Facebook said it would ban “deepfake” videos, the false but realistic clips created with artificial intelligence, as it stepped up efforts to fight online manipulation. As he recovered from surgery on his injured hip, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said he would enter the NFL draft. (He would be the fifth player drafted, and was chosen by the Miami Dolphins.) of a 43-year-old man in a 54-year-old patient (the recipient died 15 days Today is Wednesday, later). Jan. 6, the sixth day of In 1993, jazz trumpeter 2021. There are 359 days Dizzy Gillespie, 75, died left in the year. in Englewood, N.J.; ballet Today’s Highlight in History dancer Rudolf Nureyev died in suburban Paris at On Jan. 6, 2001, with age 54. Vice President Al Gore In 1994, figure skater presiding in his capacity as president of the Senate, Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the leg by Congress formally certian assailant at Detroit’s fied George W. Bush the winner of the bitterly con- Cobo Arena; four men, including the ex-husband tested 2000 presidential of Kerrigan’s rival, Tonya election. Harding, went to prison for their roles in the On this date In 1412, tradition holds attack. (Harding pleaded that Joan of Arc was born guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution, this day in Domremy. but denied any advance In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married knowledge about the assault.) his fourth wife, Anne of In 1998, in a new bid Cleves. (The marriage lasted about six months.) to expand health insurance, President Clinton In 1912, New Mexico unveiled a proposal to became the 47th state. In 1919, the 26th presi- offer Medicare coverage dent of the United States, to hundreds of thousands Theodore Roosevelt, died of uninsured Americans in Oyster Bay, New York, from ages 55 to 64. In 2003, Iraqi President at age 60. Saddam Hussein accused In 1941, President U.N. inspectors of engagFranklin D. Roosevelt, ing in “intelligence work” in his State of the Union instead of searching for address, outlined a goal suspected nuclear, chemiof “Four Freedoms”: cal and biological weapFreedom of speech and ons in his country. expression; the freedom In 2005, former Ku of people to worship God Klux Klan leader Edgar in their own way; freedom from want; freedom Ray Killen was arrested on murder charges 41 from fear. years after three civil In 1968, a surgical team at Stanford Univer- rights workers were slain in Mississippi. (Killen sity School of Medicine was later convicted of in Palo Alto, California, led by Dr. Norman Shum- manslaughter and sentenced to 60 years in way, performed the first prison; he died in prison U.S. adult heart transin 2018.) plant, placing the heart In 2017, Congress certified Donald Trump’s presidential victory over the objections of a handful of House Democrats, with Vice President Joe Biden pronouncing, “It is over.” Ten years ago: U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced he would cut $78 billion from the Defense Department budget over the next five years, an effort to trim fat in light of the nation’s ballooning deficit. Vang Pao, a revered former general in the Royal Army of Laos who’d led thousands of Hmong guerrillas in a CIA-backed secret army in the Vietnam War, died in Clovis, California, at age 81. Five years ago: North Korea said that it had conducted a powerful hydrogen bomb test, a claim greeted with widespread skepticism. Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Actor-comedian Pat Harrington Jr., 86, died in Los Angeles. One year ago: Throngs of Iranians attended the funeral of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who’d been killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept while praying over the casket. Former White House national security adviser John Bolton said he was “prepared to testify” if subpoenaed by the Senate in its impeachment Today’s Birthdays Country musician Joey Miskulin (Riders in the Sky) is 72. Former FBI director Louis Freeh is 71. Rock singer-musician Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) is 70. Singer Jett Williams is 68. Actor-comedian Rowan Atkinson is 66. World Golf Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez is 64. Actor Scott Bryce is 63. Rhythm-andblues singer Kathy Sledge is 62. TV chef Nigella Lawson is 61. Rhythmand-blues singer Eric Williams (BLACKstreet) is 61. Actor Norman Reedus is 52. TV personality Julie Chen is 51. Actor Danny Pintauro (TV: “Who’s the Boss?”) is 45. Actor Cristela Alonzo is 42. Actor Rinko Kikuchi is 40. Actor Eddie Redmayne is 39. Retired NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is 39. Actor-comedian Kate McKinnon is 37. Actor Diona Reasonover is 37. Rock singer Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) is 35. Ohio them. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Ohio did not increase over the past two weeks, going from 8,393 new cases per day on Dec. 21 to 7,483 new cases per day on Jan. 4, according to Associated Press analysis of data provided by the COVID Tracking Project. But Ohio’s coronavirus overall case numbers, deaths and hospitalizations are still too high to grant a waiver to the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew to accommodate football fans who want to go to bars to cheer on the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State in the next week, DeWine said. The Cleveland Browns’ playoff game against Pittsburgh is Sunday and Ohio State plays Alabama Jan. 11 for the national college football championship. Both games will last well past 10 p.m. “We just can’t do it. We cannot add to the problem,” DeWine said. mission, which includes a diverse group of law enforcement officers, social service providers, academic experts and government partners, worked in 2020 to enhance Ohio’s response to human trafficking. The commission met quarterly to compile information, collaborate on initiatives and make recommendations to the attorney general’s office. The commission added a subcommittee on healthcare and a committee of human trafficking survivors this year. Additionally, staff members of the AG’s Human Trafficking Initiative worked to: Collaborate with community stakeholders, including local human trafficking coalitions, Ohio Realtors, My Project USA, ONCAC, Adult Advocacy Centers, the Renee Jones Empowerment Center, Out of Darkness, Sanctuary Night, SEOLS, the Sisters of SCPA, Freedom 4/24 and many others. Train non-traditional partners, such as Columbia Gas and AEP employees, to recognize the signs of human trafficking while working in the community. Deliver presentations to local, state and national groups to help raise awareness of human trafficking. initiatives to strengthen the laws around human trafficking, we reached out to the General Assembly to introduce multiple ideas on how to increase the tools we have available to combat human trafficking. The passage of House Bill 431 is one of those successes that highlighted the ideas brought before the legislature. The highlights of HB 431 include: Expands protections for human trafficking victims under the age of 18. Prosecutors are no longer required to demonstrate fraud, force or coercion for 16- and 17-year-old victims of human trafficking. Creates the offense of engaging in prostitution, prohibiting a person from recklessly inducing, enticing or procuring another person to engage in sexual activity for hire. Increases the penalty for engaging in prostitution to a first-degree misdemeanor with a requirement that the offender attend an educational program or treatment program and pay a fine of up to $1,500. “So much has been done this year to bring awareness to evil that is human trafficking, but now is not the time to let up,” Yost said. “Results are achieved through hard work, continued dedication and accountability – we all have a role to play.” Legislation As part of our offices’ Information provided by the office of Attorney General Dave Yost. The Associated Press From page 1 Commissioner Peter Schade said he didn’t want to sit on the stockpile and was trying to get the vaccine out as fast as possible to those who want it. “I felt I was OK doing what I was doing, but I shouldn’t have done it,” he said Tuesday, adding that he’ll stick to the state’s priority list from Yost now on after talking with state health officials this week. Hospitalizations related to the coronavirus remain high at around 4,400 patients, almost three times the number in November, said Dr. Bruce Vanderoff, the Ohio Health Department’s chief medical officer. On Monday, Columbus hospitals had to enact a “citywide emergency patient diversion” to send patients to emergency rooms at hospitals best able to handle of a human trafficking operation carried out by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. From page 1 Chiles not only operated a human trafficking ring, Also in February, the task force learned, Youngstown resident but also provided illegal Ronald Hellman Jr. was narcotics that caused the sentenced to 15 years overdose death of a young in prison after pleading Columbus mother. guilty to felony charges In October, Portsmouth of trafficking in persons, attorney Michael Mearan promoting prostitution was indicted on 18 felony and sexual battery. The counts related to human Mahoning Valley Human trafficking that spanned Trafficking Task Force 15 years and involved six (MVHTTF) investigated Hellman and several victims. The case is ongoing. criminal associates who In December, the Libtrafficked young women, erty Township Police including juveniles, and Department, in conjunctargeted women exiting tion with the MVHTTF, drug rehabilitation. conducted a single-day In March, a one-day human trafficking sting human trafficking operathat led to the arrests of tion conducted by the 14 men. MVHTTF in Trumbull County led to the arrests of eight men seeking to Collaboration and Education buy sex via the internet. In January 2020, more In August, three Colum- than 600 people attended bus men were indicted on the inaugural Ohio Attor23 felony charges as part ney General’s Human Trafof a human trafficking ficking Summit, themed investigation conducted “Hope in Action.” The by the Central Ohio event focused on conHuman Trafficking Task necting people and other Force. resources in the statewide Also in August, two fight against human trafAustintown Township ficking. men – Robert Basic and Registration is curRyan Marenkovic – were rently open for the 2021 arrested on felony charges Human Trafficking Suminvolving child pornogra- mit, scheduled virtually phy as part of an investifor Jan. 14. To learn more gation conducted by the about the event, visit MVHTTF. https://www.ohioattorIn September, Paul neygeneral.gov/HumanChiles (aka “Tommy Trafficking-Summit. Guns”) was indicted on The Attorney General’s 19 felony charges as part Human Trafficking Com- �Sports 4 Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Ohio Valley Publishing Meigs fends off Lady Bulldogs, 46-41 By Bryan Walters third quarter run that allowed AHS to knot things up at 32-all headed into the finale. Mallory Hawley netted eight THE PLAINS, Ohio — Finishpoints down the stretch for Meigs, ing what they started. The Meigs girls basketball team which paced the 14-9 charge to close regulation and wrap up the made a 14-9 fourth quarter run and ultimately held on for a 46-41 2-possession outcome. MHS made 19 total field goals victory over host Athens in a — including three trifectas — and Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division matchup on Monday night at also went 5-of-15 at the free throw line for 33 percent. McAfee Gymnasium. Hawley led the guests with a The visiting Lady Marauders game-high 16 points, followed by (4-3, 3-3 TVC Ohio) had five different players score during a 15-8 Rylee Lisle with 10 points and Delana Wright with 10 markers. first quarter surge, but the Lady Andrea Mahr was next with Bulldogs (1-8, 0-5) countered with a small 7-5 run to end the first half four points, while Mara Hall and Maggie Musser completed the looking at a 20-15 deficit. Alex Hawley | OVP Sports winning tally with three and two Kesi Federspiel and Kianna BenMeigs freshman Delana Wright (11) finishes a fast break with a layup, markers respectively. during the first half of the Lady Marauders loss to Alexander on Dec. ton respectively poured in seven Athens netted 16 total field and six points as part of a 17-12 14 in Rocksprings, Ohio. bwalters@aimmediamidwest.com goals — including three 3-pointers — and also went 6-of-13 at the charity stripe for 46 percent. Federspiel paced the hosts with 14 points, followed by Haylie Mills with nine points. Kianna Benton and Annika Benton were next with six markers each, while Harper Bennett and Bailey Cordray-Davis completed the tally with respective efforts of four and three points. Meigs returns to action Thursday when it travels to McArthur for a TVC Ohio matchup against Vinton County. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. © 2021 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-4462342, ext. 2101. Rio women reach .500 mark with rout of Cougars By Randy Payton For Ohio Valley Publishing RIO GRANDE, Ohio — The University of Rio Grande outscored the University of CincinnatiClermont in three of four quarters and rolled to an 88-62 win over the Cougars, Monday afternoon, in non-conference matinee women’s basketball action at the Newt Oliver Arena. The RedStorm won for a third straight time, evening their overall mark at 6-6. UC-Clermont was playing in its season opener. The Cougars jumped to a 4-0 lead to begin the contest, but Rio Grande responded with 17 of the game’s next 22 points and never looked back. The RedStorm built a 10-point lead by the close of the opening quarter and a 20-point advantage by halftime. The Cougars did manage to close the gap to 14 points when a three-pointer by Victoria Brooks made it 60-46 with 8:37 remaining in the game, but Rio Grande scored the next seven points to restore a 21-point cushion and led by no less than 16 points the rest of the way. The RedStorm’s largest lead of the day — 27 points — came with 50 seconds left when a bucket by sophomore Courtney Pifher (New Washington, OH) made it 88-61. Rio Grande shot just under 52 percent from the floor in the second half (15-for-29) and finished the game 22-for-28 at the free throw line (78.6%). The RedStorm also enjoyed a 47-38 edge in rebounding. Eleven of the 12 players who saw action in the winning effort scored, with sophomore Hailey Jordan (Columbus, OH) leading the way by netting a game-high 16 points. Freshman Aleea Crites (Parkersburg, WV) narrowly missed a double-double performance with 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds, while also blocking three shots. Senior Chyna Chambers (Columbus, OH) completed Rio’s trio of double-digit scorers with 12 points. She also had a game-high five assists and a team-best three steals. UC-Clermont shot just 35.9 percent from the floor overall (23-for-64) and hit just five of its 26 three-point tries (19.2%). The Cougars also committed 27 turnovers. Brooks and Kristi Duncan finished with 12 points each to pace Clermont in the loss. Brooks also had a game-high four steals and Duncan had a team-high seven rebounds. Ashley Moore added 11 points for the Cougars. Rio Grande is scheduled to return to action on Thursday night in its River States Conference opener against rival West Virginia University-Tech. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center in Beckley, W.Va. OVP SPORTS SCHEDULE Wednesday, Jan. 6 Boys Basketball Eastern at Federal Hocking, 7:30 Girls Basketball Federal Hocking at South Gallia, 7:30 Wrestling Trimble at River Valley, 6 p.m. Ironton, Alexander, Marietta at Gallia Academy, 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 Girls Basketball Waterford at Southern, 6 p.m. Ironton at Gallia Academy, 6:30 Trimble at South Gallia, 7:30 Federal Hocking at Eastern, 6 p.m. Meigs at Vinton County, 7:30 River Valley at NelsonvilleYork, 7:30 Friday, Jan. 8 Boys Basketball South Gallia at Eastern, 7:15 Chesapeake at Gallia Academy, 7:30 River Valley at Athens, 7:30 Southern at Belpre, 7:15 Photos by Alex Hawley | OVP Sports Eastern sophomore Juli Durst (21) leads a fast break, during the first half of the Lady Eagles’ 52-42 victory on Monday in Tuppers Plains, Ohio. Lady Eagles stymie South Gallia, 52-42 By Alex Hawley ahawley@aimmediamidwest.com TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — The Lady Rebels had a rally, but the Lady Eagles had an answer. The South Gallia girls basketball team trimmed its once 13-point deficit down to four points with 4:22 left in Monday’s Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division bout in Meigs County, but host Eastern sank 10-of-11 foul shots over the remainder, sealing the 52-42 victory. Eastern (3-6, 2-3 TVC Hocking) — which never trailed in the game — fought through ties at 2-2 and 4-4 in the opening period, and led 11-8 eight minutes into play. EHS started the second period with a 12-to-2 run for its largest lead of the game, at 23-10 with 2:36 left in the half. South Gallia (5-4, 2-3) ended the half with a 7-to-3 spurt, making its deficit 26-17 at the break. Eastern led by as many as 11 points in the third period, but South Gallia was within four, at 31-27, with 1:44 left in the stanza. The Lady Eagles were back up by eight after a bucket on each side of the quarter break, but South Gallia scored seven of the next 10 and trailed 38-34 with 4:22 to play. Eastern claimed the next six points for a 10-point edge, but SGHS was back to within seven, at 44-37, with 2:00 remaining. EHS capped off the 52-42 victory, hitting 8-of-8 foul shots in the final two minutes. For the game, EHS shot 18-of-50 (36 percent) from the field, including 0-of-3 from three-point range, while SGHS was 15-of-50 (30 percent) from the field, including 2-of-17 (11.8 percent) from beyond the arc. At the foul line, Eastern went 16-for-21 (76.2 percent) and South Gallia made 10-of-11 (90.9 percent). Eastern won the rebounding battle by a 34-to-25 count, includ- South Gallia freshman Macie Sanders (4) shoots a two-pointer, during the second half of the Lady Rebels’ 52-42 loss on Monday in Tuppers Plains, Ohio. ing 18-to-8 after halftime. The Lady Eagles also earned a 12-to-10 edge in offensive rebounds. EHS committed 22 turnovers, three more than SGHS. The hosts combined for 12 steals, 10 assists and a block, while South Gallia collected 12 steals, nine blocked shots and five assists. EHS sophomore Sydney Reynolds led the victors with a double-double of 33 points and 13 rebounds, hitting a dozen field goals, as well as 9-of-12 foul shots. Jennifer Parker had nine points and six rebounds in the win, while Juli Durst recorded eight points and team-highs of four assists and four steals. Hope Reed rounded out the EHS scoring with two markers. Leading SGHS, freshman Macie Sanders tallied 16 points, five rebounds, and team-highs of four blocks and three steals, while fellow freshman Tori Triplett had 15 points and a team-best three assists. Ryleigh Halley scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in the setback, while Jessie Rutt marked five points. Makayla Waugh led the guests on the glass with six rebounds. The Lady Eagles and Lady Rebels are scheduled to rematch on Feb. 4 in Mercerville. Each team is set to face Federal Hocking next, with the Lady Lancers visiting SGHS on Wednesday, and EHS on Thursday. © 2021 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. �SPORTS Ohio Valley Publishing Federal Hocking fends off Lady Tornadoes, 64-28 By Alex Hawley ahawley@aimmediamidwest.com STEWART, Ohio — Tough to recover that kind of start. The Southern girls basketball team trailed host Federal Hocking 21-1 a quarter into Monday’s TriValley Conference Hocking Division bout inside McInturf Gymnasium, where the host Lady Lancers wound up with a 64-28 victory. The Lady Tornadoes (0-7, 0-6 TVC Hocking) bounced back with a dozen points in the second quarter, but the hosts tallied 18 and headed into halftime with a 39-13 edge. A 15-to-6 third period gave the hosts a 54-19 lead to start the fourth quarter. Federal Hocking (7-3, 2-2) outscored SHS 10-to-9 in the finale, finishing off the 64-28 victory. For the game, Southern sank 11 two-pointers, and 6-of-12 (50 percent) foul shots. Meanwhile, Federal Hocking was 5-of-7 (71.4 percent) from the free throw line, to go with 19 two-pointers and seven triples. Kayla Evans led the Purple and Gold with a dozen points, seven of which came in the fourth quarter. Lila Cooper was next with seven points, followed by Hanna Smith with five. Kass Chaney and Kelly Shaver rounded out the guests’ scoring with two points each. Paige Tolson paced the hosts with 27 points, 15 of which came from beyond the arc. Makynlee Baker and Isabella Mcvey scored eight points each in the win, Alexis Smith added six, Ava Tate tallied four, while Kylie Tabler came up with three points. Ava Tolson, Kyndal Snedden, Tiffany Allen and Stella Gilcher scored two points each for the Maroon and Gold. The Lady Tornadoes will look to flip the script when the Lady Lancers visit Racine on Feb. 4. Next, Southern is slated to host Waterford on Thursday. © 2021 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 5 Taylor gets vote of confidence COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Less than 24 hours after Cincinnati fell flat in the final game of another frustrating season, Bengals President Mike Brown made it clear he still thinks coach Zac Taylor is the guy who can turn the ship around. So the 37-year-old Taylor, 6-25-1 in his first two years as a head coach, will get another chance, perhaps this time with a mostly healthy team, a proper training camp, fewer COVID-19 issues, and some new players to shore up disappointing offensive and defensive lines. There likely will be some different assistant coaches, too. “We remain bullish on the foundation Zac is building, and we look forward to next year giving our fans the winning results we all want,” Brown said in a statement released by the team Monday morning. “In Zac’s two years, we have added many new starters and contributors through the draft, we have invested heavily in free agency, and we have acquired a talented young quarterback with a bright future.” Even after stumbling to a 2-14 finish in 2019, the Bengals were full of optimism. They used their first pick in the NFL draft to take Heis- man Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, and they spent liberally on free agents to shore up the defense. But hardly anything went as planned. With featured running back Joe Mixon and high-priced free-agent defensive lineman D.J. Reader already sidelined with injuries, Burrow blew out his knee on Nov. 22 and was done for the season. Injuries decimated the offensive line — even at full strength the unit was mediocre at best — and defensive backfield. Guys were on and off the COVID-19 list. Veteran defensive end Carlos Dunlap complained too loudly about his lack of use and was traded. The Bengals (4-11-1) managed to string wins together in Weeks 15 and 16. Amid lots of talk about Cincinnati finishing strong, the motivated Baltimore Ravens came to town for the finale on Sunday They showed the Bengals how much work they still have to do to become a contender in a division that sent every team but Cincinnati to the playoffs. The Ravens’ 38-3 win was notable not only for the heroics of quarterback Lamar Jackson but also because it was the most rushing yards — 404 — ever surrendered by a Cincinnati defense. “This season we faced challenges with injuries at key positions and missed opportunities,” Brown said. “That adversity and hard work will help us next season. We’ll enter the offseason looking to shore up our weaknesses and amplify the strengths of our talented young core.” Taylor said Brown’s public expression of support was “enormous.” “Certainly, I’m tired of losing,” he said. “We put in a lot of work and believe in the players we have, the coaches we have, and certainly expect to win a lot more football games than we have. That’s certainly the standard we have to set going forward.” Burrow expressed his confidence in the direction of the team, tweeting Monday: “We have a great foundation and great people at the top. Look forward to giving the fans what they deserve.” Farewell to A.J.? A.J. Green, one of the greatest players in Bengals history, likely will be wearing another NFL uniform next season. He made $18 million for 2020 under the franchise tag with hopes of earning another longterm contract. Instead he had the least-productive Alabama, Ohio State travel different paths to title game By John Zenor The Associated Press Alabama breezed through the regular season and college football’s semifinals, surviving a solitary scare in the Southeastern Conference championship game to reach its expected destination. Ohio State wasn’t exactly a shoo-in with its abbreviated schedule but resoundingly proved it belonged in the College Football Playoffs with a semifinal thrashing of Clemson. The Buckeyes and Crimson Tide traveled different paths to get to Monday’s title game at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, but both had to navigate the challenges of a pandemicaltered season “I know this has been a little bit of a trying year for a lot of folks,” Nick Saban, the top-ranked Crimson Tide’s coach, said Monday. It’s not a finale that could be taken for granted. No. 3 Ohio State’s odyssey included an abbreviated Big Ten season with three games canceled because of COVID19 issues, including the Buckeyes’ own outbreak. “This team, this program, we persevered through so much,” Ohio State running back Trey Sermon said Monday. “To have the opportunity to play on such a big stage, it means a lot to us. “We’ve been through a lot. I mean, we fought to just play, and just to be able to get the job done, to make it to this level, it just means a lot to us.” The Tide (12-0) advanced with a 31-14 win over Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl, played in Arlington, Texas not southern California in yet another example of just how different this season has been. Before that Alabama navigated 11 straight SEC games, including wins over three teams currently ranked among the top 11 before facing Notre Dame. The Tide also won the Iron Bowl against Auburn with offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian — who takes over the Texas Longhorns program following the game — running the show while Saban was sidelined by COVID-19. In addition to Sarkisian’s imminent departure, Alabama has to take care of some Heisman Trophy business while preparing for the matchup with Ohio State. Both wide receiver DeVonta Smith and quarterback Mac Jones are among the four Heisman finalists, along with quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and Kyle Trask of Florida. Smith isn’t interested in talking about the award being handed out virtually on Tuesday, saying his focus is on preparing for the Buckeyes. “Right now I’m not really worried about the Heisman Trophy,” he said. Monday’s game is a rematch of a semifinal game in the first College Football Playoffs six years ago. Ohio State (7-0) won that meeting en route to the national title. There were questions whether this Buckeyes team deserved to be in CFP, but Ohio State routed favored Clemson, erasing sentiments that another Tigers-Crimson Tide title showdown was all but inevitable. If Smith shared those expectations, the Alabama wide receiver kept them to himself. “I mean, I’m not part of the committee, so I have no say-so in who they put in and who they wanted to put in,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, we just show up here, practice, and get ready for whoever the next opponent is.” The big question for Ohio State Monday was the health of quarterback Justin Fields, who took a vicious shot to the side in the first half against Clemson. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day didn’t give details on the nature of provide any detailed updates Monday on the QB’s injury but said: “I definitely expect him to play.” Here’s a look at each team’s path to the Monday’s showdown: the Gators 52-46 in the SEC championship game. Najee Harris scored five touchdowns, three receiving and two rushing. Best player: Smith has shattered Alabama and SEC receiving records with a season that has made him a leading Heisman Trophy candidate. Smith caught three touchdown passes against Notre Dame. Ohio State Overview: Like many teams, Ohio State faced major obstacles during the pandemic. First the Big Ten canceled fall football. After an about-face, an abbreviated scheduled led to questions about Ohio State’s inclusion in the final four. The Buckeyes validated the decision, going up three touchdowns by halftime against Clemson in the semifinals. Best regular season win: 42-35 win over No. 7 Indiana, a victory that lost some of its luster after the Hoosiers fell to Mississippi in the Outback Bowl. The Alabama Buckeyes withstood a chalOverview: Has mostly lenge after giving up two coasted into the title game with few challenges, outscor- touchdowns early in the ing opponents by an average fourth quarter. Toughest hurdle: The of 48-19 points. The Tide Buckeyes silenced the nayranks second nationally in scoring offense, behind only sayers with a 49-28 win over Clemson and Lawrence. Kent State, fifth in scoring Best Player: Fields looked and sixth in total offense. like a Heisman contender Best regular season win: much of the season, before While the win over No. 5 a lackluster performance in Texas A&M looms largest now, then-No. 2 Alabama ral- the Big Ten championship game against Northwestern. lied from a halftime deficit against third-ranked Georgia Then he outshined Lawrence with an impressive, with 21 unanswered points 22-of-28, 385-yard perforin a 41-24 win. mance when he set a Sugar Toughest hurdle: Florida. Bowl record with six touchThe Tide withstood a second-half rally attempt to beat down passes. NBA tells teams rules on mask-wearing will get tougher MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is adopting a tougher policy regarding masks, telling teams Monday that players on the active roster will have to wear the face coverings in the bench area until they enter games. That memo, obtained by The Associated Press, was released on the same day the Brooklyn Nets ruled All-Star forward Kevin Durant out for Tuesday’s game against Utah in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols for dealing with coronavirus. Among the new rules, which take effect Tuesday: players who are dressed for games and eligible to participate must wear a face mask until they enter the game, all players and coaches must wear face masks when outside the team environment if they are around other players and coaches, and players must report the names of any private trainer, therapist, chiro- practor or other specialist who they work with outside of the team facility. It’s the latest update to a plan the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are continuing to evaluate, especially lately given the continued uptick in cases following the holiday season. If players are working with trainers or therapists away from the team facility, they’re also being reminded to wear masks and take all possible precautions. season of his 10-year career, and Cincinnati is unlikely to spend big on him again. The 32-year-old Green’s 65 career touchdowns are one behind the franchise record held by Chad Johnson. Quarterback Brandon Allen tried to get him the record Sunday, targeting him three times in the red zone on a second-half drive, the last pass intercepted in the end zone. It was a microcosm of Green’s season. Overshadowed by Tyler Boyd and rookie Tee Higgins, Green likely will go looking for a fresh start. “Anything’s possible,” Green said. “I can’t believe how fast it went by. This is my 10th season. It’s been a blessing. The last two years I’ve been hurt, but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything. They made me a better person, a better football players and a better man.” Decisions, decisions The Bengals also will have to decide whether to make a move on veteran defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who made $11.6 million in the second year of a four-year contract. The 32-yearold Atkins played in only eight games because of a shoulder injury and didn’t have a sack. Browns’ Stefanski positive for COVID-19, out of playoff game CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns will play their first playoff game since 2002 without first-year coach Kevin Stefanski, who tested positive for COVID-19 just two days after leading the team back to the postseason. The team announced Stefanski’s positive result on Tuesday — 18 years to the day since the Browns’ last postseason game. Also, Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge also tested positive along with two staff members — tight ends coach Drew Petzing and defensive backs coach Jeff Howard. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach Sunday. Bitonio and Hodge played in Sunday’s win over the Steelers, who rested quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and several other top players to be fresh for the playoffs. NFL rules state that anyone testing positive must sit out at least 10 days. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said there is no change to the status of Sunday night’s game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. He added the league is continuing to conduct standard contact tracing to identify any possible high-risk close contacts. “If any players or personnel are identified as such, they would remain apart from the team and facilities for five days from the last exposure to a positive individual,” McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press. “They would be eligible to return to the team and play in the game.” It’s a major blow to the Browns (115), who qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons on Sunday with a 24-22 win over Pittsburgh — ending the league’s longest playoff drought. They’ll play the Steelers again this week in the first round of the AFC playoffs. Cleveland has been hit hard by the virus. The Browns were without six players, including top cornerback Denzel Ward, and three assistant coaches last weekend for their biggest game in years after a rash of positive tests. On Monday, Stefanski said he didn’t want to get into any “hypotheticals” regarding Ward or any of the other infected players. Now, he’ll only be able to work virtually this week to prepare Cleveland for its first playoff game since Jan. 5, 2003 — a 36-33 loss at Pittsburgh. �COMICS 6 Wednesday, January 6, 2021 BLONDIE Ohio Valley Publishing By Dean Young and John Marshall BEETLE BAILEY By Mort, Greg and Brian Walker Today’s answer CRANKSHAFT By Tom Batiuk HAGAR THE HORRIBLE HI AND LOIS By Chris Browne Written By Brian & Greg Walker; Drawn By Chance Browne THE BRILLIANT MIND OF EDISON LEE By John Hambrock BABY BLUES ZITS By Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman PARDON MY PLANET By Vic Lee CONCEPTIS SUDOKU by Dave Green %\�'DYH�*UHHQ RHYMES WITH ORANGE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � By Hilary Price �'LIILFXOW\�/HYHO Hank Ketcham’s DENNIS THE MENACE THE LOCKHORNS By Bunny Hoest & John Reiner THE FAMILY CIRCUS � � � � � � � � � � � � ���� Today’s Solution By Bil and Jeff Keane see what’s brewing on the job market. EURZVH�MREV�‡�SRVW�\RXU�UHVXPH�‡�JHW�DGYLFH jobmatchohio.com �����&RQFHSWLV�3X]]OHV��'LVW��E\�.LQJ�)HDWXUHV�6\QGLFDWH��,QF� � � � � � �CLASSIFIEDS Ohio Valley Publishing (740) 446-2342 or fax to (740) 446-3008 XXX�NZEBJMZTFOUJOFM�DPN�t�HEUDMBTTJöFET!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN HEUMFHBMT!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN Autos For Sale The following vehicle(s) will be available for public sale on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Dave's Supreme Auto Sales LLC, 1393 Jackson Pike Gallipolis, OH 45631, at 1:00 pm. VIN: 2C3CA5CV2AH206257 2010 Chrysler 300 VIN: JS1VS52A562100315 2006 Suzuki VS8 VIN: 2CNALDEC5B6246635 2011 Chevy Equinox VIN: SAJDA24C2YLF13831 2000 Jaguar XJ8 VIN: 1FTDF1825VKC35243 1997 Ford F-150 VIN: 5NPE24AF4HH472498 2017 Hyundai Sonata Check out our &ODVVLÀ�HGV online! (304) 675-1333 or fax to (304) 675-5234 XXX�NZEBJMZTFOUJOFM�DPN�t�HEUDMBTTJöFET!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN HEUMFHBMT!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN Local legal office looking for a receptionist / legal assistant. Position is part-time with potential to become full-time. Experience in basic office procedures, customer service, word, excel, and multi-line phone systems. Candidate should have skills to self-prioritize, multi-task, communicate well and attention to detail. Send resume to Blind Box2 825 3rd Ave. Gallipolis, Oh 45631 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GALLIA COUNTY, OHIO TAX EASE OHIO LLC Plaintiff, vs. ELSIE B. CRAIGO, et al. Defendants. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GALLIA COUNTY, OHIO CASE NO.: 19 CV 108 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION CASE NO.: 20-CV-80 Defendants, Elsie B. Craigo and any unknown spouse, next of kin, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of Elsie B. Craigo, are hereby notified that they have been named Defendants in the above entitled action wherein the Plaintiff is requesting the Court that it be granted the following relief: A. On all Tax Certificates and accrued interest as stated in paragraph 8 of the amended complaint filed herein; B. Costs and attorney's fees in accordance with RC §5721.30 through §5721.43, or otherwise; C. Judgment be rendered in favor of the Plaintiff and/or Gallia County Treasurer for any delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, interest and charges on the parcel not covered by the above-mentioned Tax Certificates which accrues prior to the entry of Confirmation of Sale; D. The Tax Certificates be deemed a valid first statutory lien on the Property pursuant to ORC §5721.10 and §5721.35, and otherwise, for the amount owing, together with Plaintiff's advances for demolition and other costs, the amount owing on subsequent tax certificates acquired by Plaintiff concerning the Property, taxes, assessments, and other charges, costs and attorney's fees; E. Such lien(s) be foreclosed, that the Court make findings in accordance with ORC §5721.39 (A) and (B), and that unless the amount found due, including Plaintiff's attorney's fees and costs relating directly or indirectly to the Tax Certificates, be tendered to the Plaintiff prior to the filing of an Entry of Confirmation of Sale in this matter, the equity of redemption of all Defendants be foreclosed; F. All Defendants in this action be required to answer as to any claim they may have in or to the Property or be forever barred from any such claim; G. An order be issued to the Sheriff to sell the Property, as provided by ORC §5721.19 and §5721.37 or otherwise according to any applicable procedures provided in ORC §323.65 to §323.79; or in the alternative, if the County Auditor or Fiscal Officer determines that the true value of the Property is less than the redemption price on the Tax Certificates, a decree transferring and vesting fee simple title to Plaintiff free and clear of all liens, pursuant to ORC §5721.37 (F), and that the right of redemption of any part hereto be forever barred; H. The Property be ordered advertised and sold by the Sheriff according to law; I. The Plaintiff be paid from the proceeds of the sale, the amount due it and in accordance with ORC §5721.37 (F) and §5721.39 (D); J. The costs of this action, including the cost of the Preliminary Judicial Report and the Final Judicial Report, as provided in ORC §5721.37 and 5721.39 be taxed as costs and paid from the proceeds of such sale; K. The fees and costs of the private attorney representing the Plaintiff in this action, as provided in ORC §5721.37 and 5721.39 be taxed as costs and paid from the proceeds of such sale; L. Upon the fulfillment of all conditions for forfeiture of the Property as provided in ORC §5721.40, the Court issue an order forfeiting the Property to the Plaintiff, and directing the County Auditor, Treasurer, and/or Fiscal Officer, to remove and cancel all property tax and other liability imposed upon the Parcel prior to the date of recording the deed as specified in ORC §5721.40; and M. That the Court grant such additional relief as Plaintiff may be entitled to at law and/or in equity. The within case has been filed in the Common Pleas Court, Gallia County, Ohio, located in the Gallia County Courthouse, 18 Locust Street, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 in the case number shown above. Defendants, Elsie B. Craigo and any unknown spouse, next of kin, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of Elsie B. Craigo, must file a response in the above captioned case within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication hereof. If said Defendants fail to file such response, judgment by default may or will be granted for the relief demanded. TAX EASE OHIO II, LLC Plaintiff, vs. LARRY L. GILMORE, et al. Defendants. NOTICE BY PUBLICATION Defendants, Larry L. Gilmore, Amanda M. Gilmore, and the Gallia County Treasurer, are hereby notified that they have been named Defendants in the above entitled action wherein the Plaintiff is requesting the Court that it be granted the following relief: A. In Rem Judgment in favor of Plaintiff as to the following: B. On all Tax Certificates and accrued interest as stated in paragraph 8 of the Complaint filed herein; C. Costs and attorney's fees in accordance with RC §5721.30 through §5721.43, or otherwise; D. Judgment be rendered in favor of the Plaintiff and/or Gallia County Treasurer for any delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, interest and charges on the parcel not covered by the above-mentioned Tax Certificates which accrues prior to the entry of Confirmation of Sale; E. The Tax Certificates be deemed a valid first statutory lien on the Property pursuant to ORC §5721.10 and §5721.35, and otherwise, for the amount owing, together with Plaintiff's advances for demolition and other costs, the amount owing on subsequent tax certificates acquired by Plaintiff concerning the Property, taxes, assessments, and other charges, costs and attorney's fees; F. Such lien(s) be foreclosed, that the Court make findings in accordance with ORC §5721.39 (A) and (B), and that unless the amount found due, including Plaintiff's attorney's fees and costs relating directly or indirectly to the Tax Certificates, be tendered to the Plaintiff prior to the filing of an Entry of Confirmation of Sale in this matter, the equity of redemption of all Defendants be foreclosed; G. All Defendants in this action be required to answer as to any claim they may have in or to the Property or be forever barred from any such claim; H. An order be issued to the Sheriff to sell the Property, as provided by ORC §5721.19 and §5721.37 or otherwise according to any applicable procedures provided in ORC §323.65 to §323.79; or in the alternative, if the County Auditor or Fiscal Officer determines that the true value of the Property is less than the redemption price on the Tax Certificates, a decree transferring and vesting fee simple title to Plaintiff free and clear of all liens, pursuant to ORC §5721.37 (F), and that the right of redemption of any part hereto be forever barred; I. The Property be ordered advertised and sold by the Sheriff according to law; J. The Plaintiff be paid from the proceeds of the sale, the amount due it and in accordance with ORC §5721.37 (F) and §5721.39 (D); K. The costs of this action, including the cost of the Preliminary Judicial Report and the Final Judicial Report, as provided in ORC §5721.37 and 5721.39 be taxed as costs and paid from the proceeds of such sale; L. The fees and costs of the private attorney representing the Plaintiff in this action, as provided in ORC §5721.37 and 5721.39 be taxed as costs and paid from the proceeds of such sale; M. Upon the fulfillment of all conditions for forfeiture of the Property as provided in ORC §5721.40, the Court issue an order forfeiting the Property to the Plaintiff, and directing the County Auditor, Treasurer, and/or Fiscal Officer, to remove and cancel all property tax and other liability imposed upon the Parcel prior to the date of recording the deed as specified in ORC §5721.40; and N. That the Court grant such additional relief as Plaintiff may be entitled to at law and/or in equity. The within case has been filed in the Common Pleas Court, Gallia County, Ohio, located in the Gallia County Courthouse, 18 Locust Street, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 in the case number shown above. Defendants, Larry L. Gilmore and Amanda M. Gilmore, must file a response in the above captioned case within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication hereof. If said Defendants fail to file such response, judgment by default may or will be granted for the relief demanded. Jenny M. Evans (#0089201) Attorney for Plaintiff 463 Second Avenue, P.O. Box 1231 Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 Ph: (740) 446-4344 / F: (740) 446-1738 jmevanslaw@gmail.com 1/6/21,1/13/21,1/20/21,1/27/21,2/3/21,2/10/21 Jenny M. Evans (#0089201) Attorney for Plaintiff 463 Second Avenue, P.O. Box 1231 Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 Ph: (740) 446-4344 / F: (740) 446-1738 jmevanslaw@gmail.com 12/23/20,12/30/20,1/6/21,1/13/21,1/20/21,1/27/21 Hungry for a new opportunity? General Mills, located in Wellston, Ohio is hiring Production Operators for their 2nd and 3rd shift teams. Pay rates start out between $16.70 and $18.30 per hour, with excellent benefits. Apply online today at http://careers.generalmills.com OH-70211928 AUTOS (740) 992-2155 or fax to (740) 992-2157 XXX�NZEBJMZTFOUJOFM�DPN�t�HEUDMBTTJöFET!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN HEUMFHBMT!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN Wednesday, January 6, 2021 7 General Mills – Making Food the World Loves and Needs. �NEWS/WEATHER 8 Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Daily Sentinel MCHD US: Hack of agencies ‘likely Russian in origin’ From page 1 By Eric Tucker vaccinated by hospitals or healthcare systems · Dental providers · Public health employees who are at risk of exposure or transmission, such as vaccinators · Mobile unit practitioners · Federally-qualified health center providers · High-risk ancillary health care staff members Once phase 1A is complete the health department will be moving on to phase 1B which includes school staff, individuals over the age of 65, and those living with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders. According to Governor DeWine during his Jan. 5, press conference, phase 1B will begin in approximately two weeks, and the State will be issuing the guidance on the distribution to this phase in the coming days. Unfortunately, the Meigs County Health Department is currently only receiving 100 doses of the Moderna Vaccine per week, which will limit how the vaccine will be distributed in accordance with the forthcoming guidance. Once this information is provided to the health department, we will utilize our current emergency response plans to distribute the vaccine in the most feasible manner. It is important to note that individuals who choose not to get their vaccine in the appropriate phase may have to wait until the vaccine is opened to the general public in phases 3 and/ or 4. The vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 and to decrease the severity of illness in people who catch the virus that causes the disease. Vaccination will help prevent serious hospitalizations and deaths and allow us to more quickly return to normal. Using all the precautions available to help prevent the spread of the virus continues to be critical until a substantial number of individuals have been vaccinated. Individuals need to continue to wear masks, avoid mass gatherings, and practice social distancing to further reduce your chance of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Proper prevention measures coupled with the vaccine will provide the best protection from COVID-19. If you have any further questions on the COVID-19 vaccination, you can visit https:// coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccination-program. For Meigs County vaccination information, visit the Meigs County Health Department website at www.meigs-health.com, or call the health department at 740-992-6626. Information provided by the Meigs County Health Department. TODAY 8 AM Larry King, hospitalized with COVID, moved out of ICU WEATHER 38° 37° The AccuWeather.com Asthma Index combines the effects of current air quality, pollen counts, wind, temperature, dew point, barometric pressure, and changes from past weather conditions to provide a scale showing the overall probability and severity of an asthma attack. The AccuWeather.com Cold Index combines the effects of local weather with a number of demographic factors to provide a scale showing the overall probability of transmission and symptom severity of the common cold. 1 24 hours ending 3 p.m. Tue. 0.0 Month to date/normal Trace/0.9 Season to date/normal 9.0/5.5 WEATHER TRIVIA™ SUN & MOON Q: Where did the word chinook originate? Thu. 7:47 a.m. 5:23 p.m. 1:37 a.m. 1:03 p.m. MOON PHASES Last Jan 6 New First Full Jan 12 Jan 20 Jan 28 SOLUNAR TABLE The solunar period indicates peak feeding times for fish and game. Today Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Major 5:33a 6:21a 7:08a 7:57a 8:48a 9:43a 10:40a Minor 11:45a 12:09a 12:55a 1:43a 2:34a 3:28a 4:25a Major 5:57p 6:46p 7:35p 8:25p 9:18p 10:14p 11:11p Minor ---12:33p 1:21p 2:11p 3:03p 3:58p 4:55p WEATHER HISTORY OH-70215316 On Jan. 6, 1884, Atlanta, Ga., had a low of 1 below zero. On the same date in 1983, all 50 states had at least one reporting point with abovefreezing temperatures, which is very rare for winter. 0-2 Low; 3-4 Moderate; 5-6 High; 7-8 Very High; 9-10 Extreme A: It was the name of an Indian tribe of the Columbia River Basin Today 7:47 a.m. 5:22 p.m. 12:27 a.m. 12:33 p.m. Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Cloudy Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows. AIR QUALITY 0 50 100 150 200 300 Air Quality Index: 0-50, Good; 51-100, Moderate; 101-150, Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200, Unhealthy; 201-300, Very unhealthy; 301-500, Hazardous. Source: Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services OHIO RIVER Levels in feet as of 7 a.m. Tue. Location Willow Island Marietta Parkersburg Belleville Racine Point Pleasant Gallipolis Huntington Ashland Lloyd Greenup Portsmouth Maysville Meldahl Dam Level 12.63 23.91 26.20 12.50 12.88 29.09 12.99 34.34 39.14 12.45 35.90 39.20 37.00 Lucasville 41/27 Portsmouth 41/28 500 Primary pollutant: Particulates Flood Stage 37 34 36 35 41 40 50 50 52 54 50 50 51 Waverly 39/28 24-hr. Chg. +0.31 -0.41 -0.24 -0.33 -0.16 -0.91 -0.83 -0.36 -0.25 -0.11 -0.80 -0.10 -0.40 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2021 SUNDAY 35° 25° 41° 27° Chilly with areas of low clouds Clouds limiting sun Belpre 39/27 Athens 39/28 42° 28° 47° 27° Mostly cloudy St. Marys 38/28 Parkersburg 37/28 Coolville 38/28 Elizabeth 39/27 Spencer 39/27 Buffalo 42/27 Ironton 40/31 Milton 41/28 St. Albans 42/28 Huntington 39/29 NATIONAL FORECAST 110s 100s Seattle 50/41 90s 80s 70s 60s 50s 40s 30s San Francisco 56/47 20s 10s 0s -0s Los Angeles 71/51 -10s T-storms Rain Showers Snow Flurries Ice Cold Front Warm Front Stationary Front TUESDAY Intervals of clouds and sunshine NATIONAL CITIES Wilkesville 41/27 POMEROY Jackson 41/28 41/27 Ravenswood Rio Grande 40/28 42/27 Centerville POINT PLEASANT Ripley 40/28 GALLIPOLIS 42/28 40/28 42/28 Ashland 41/31 Grayson 42/30 MONDAY Marietta 38/27 Murray City 39/27 McArthur 39/28 South Shore Greenup 40/31 40/27 65 Logan 39/27 Adelphi 39/26 Chillicothe 38/28 SATURDAY 37° 26° Mostly cloudy 0 AccuWeather.com Cold Index™ (in inches) FRIDAY Cloudy today with a flurry. Low clouds breaking tonight. High 42° / Low 28° Temperature Snowfall THURSDAY 42° 30° AccuWeather.com Asthma Index™ 24 hours ending 3 p.m. Tue. 0.03 Month to date/normal 0.38/0.48 Year to date/normal 0.38/0.48 EXTENDED FORECAST 8 PM HEALTH TODAY (in inches) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — George Whitmore, a member of the first team of climbers to scale El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and a conservationist who devoted his life to protecting the Sierra Nevada, has died. He was 89. Whitmore died on New Year’s Day from complications caused by COVID-19, said his wife, Nancy. She said Whitmore, a cancer survivor, was extremely careful about wearing a mask and his family doesn’t know where he contracted the virus. LONDON — Britain’s statistics office says about one in every 50 people in England had the coronavirus in the last week. The Office for National Statistics says in London the figure is even higher. It estimates that one in 30 people in private households in the British capital had Statistics through 3 p.m. Tue. 39°/30° 42°/25° 70° in 1939 -3° in 1981 George Whitmore, legendary climber of El Capitan, dies Stats: 1 in every 50 in England had COVID-19 in last week ALMANAC High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low the coronavirus in the week between Dec. 27 - Jan 2. The figure doesn’t include people in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. Prime Minister Boris Johnson put England into a national lockdown to try to slow the spread of the virus and the country is accelerating its vaccination program. Johnson says 1.3 million people have received at least one shot of the two-dose inoculation regime since injections began in early December. That includes almost a quarter of people over 80 in England. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Veteran talk show host Larry King, suffering from COVID-19, has been moved out of the intensive care unit at a Los Angeles hospital and is breathing on his own, a spokesman said on Monday. King was moved to the ICU on New Year’s Eve and was receiving oxygen but is now breathing on his own, said David Theall, a spokesman for Ora Media, a production company formed by King. The 87-year-old broadcasting legend shared a video phone call with his three sons, Theall said. 2 PM 33° that “dozens of incredibly high-value targets” have been infiltrated by elite, state-backed hackers. The executive, Charles Carmakal, would not name the targets. Nor has Microsoft, which says it identified more than 40 compromised government and private targets, most in the U.S. U.S. officials, including then-Attorney General William Barr and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and cybersecurity experts have previously said Russia was to blame. But Trump, in a series of tweets late last month, sought to downplay the severity of the hack and raised the unsubstantiated idea that China could be responsible. Tuesday’s statement makes clear that is not the case, saying the intrusions are likely “Russian in origin.” Russia has denied involvement in the hack. IN BRIEF Brody Davis is the public information officer and the emergency response coordinator at the Meigs County Health Department. Precipitation lar network-management software from an Austin, Texas, company called SolarWinds. Of those 18,000 customers, the statement said, “a much smaller number have been compromised by follow-on activity on their systems,” with fewer than 10 federal government agencies falling into that category. The Treasury and Commerce departments are among the agencies to have been affected. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said after a briefing last month to the Senate Finance Committee that dozens of email accounts within the Treasury Department had been compromised and that hackers had broken into systems used by the department’s highest-ranking officials. A senior executive of the cybersecurity firm that discovered the malware, FireEye, said last month a sustained and dedicated effort to remediate,” said the statement, distributed WASHINGTON — Top by a cyber working group national security agencies comprised of the FBI and other investigative agenin a rare joint statement cies. Tuesday confirmed that The hacking campaign Russia was likely responsible for a massive hack of amounts to Washington’s worst cyberespionage failU.S. government departure to date. The intruders ments and corporations, rejecting President Donald had been stalking through government agencies, Trump’s claim that China defense contractors and might be to blame. telecommunications comThe statement reprepanies for at least seven sented the U.S. government’s first formal attempt months when it was discovered. Experts say that to assign responsibility gave the foreign agents for the breaches at mulample time to collect tiple agencies and to data that could be highly assign a possible motive damaging to U.S. national for the operation. It said security, though the scope the hacks appeared to be intended for “intelligence- of the breaches and exactly gathering,” suggesting the what information was sought is unknown. evidence so far pointed The hacking campaign to a Russian spying effort was extraordinary in its rather than an attempt to scale — 18,000 organizadamage or disrupt U.S. tions were infected earlier government operations. this year by malicious code “This is a serious comthat piggybacked on popupromise that will require Associated Press Clendenin 37/22 Charleston 39/28 Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Winnipeg 30/24 Montreal 30/18 Billings 47/32 Minneapolis 33/23 Chicago 35/30 Denver 46/25 Toronto 34/25 Detroit 37/29 New York 41/32 Washington 46/32 Kansas City 41/33 City Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Atlantic City Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Charleston, WV Charlotte Cheyenne Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Las Vegas Little Rock Los Angeles Louisville Miami Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland, ME Raleigh Richmond St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Seattle Washington, DC Today Thu. Hi/Lo/W 47/25/s 23/21/sn 54/37/pc 46/33/s 45/29/s 47/32/pc 43/33/c 38/29/pc 39/28/c 50/31/s 42/23/s 35/30/c 39/28/c 36/31/sf 37/29/c 57/39/r 46/25/s 37/26/sn 37/29/c 82/72/pc 70/44/r 37/27/c 41/33/r 59/40/pc 48/36/r 71/51/pc 42/30/c 73/60/s 33/23/c 50/34/pc 66/51/c 41/32/pc 47/33/c 68/49/s 43/31/s 71/45/pc 35/28/c 37/25/pc 49/30/s 47/30/s 44/33/c 39/23/s 56/47/c 50/41/c 46/32/s Hi/Lo/W 50/26/pc 27/22/sn 50/40/r 49/32/s 45/26/s 43/28/sn 42/31/c 41/26/s 42/30/pc 50/33/c 46/24/pc 36/31/c 38/28/c 35/28/c 38/28/c 54/37/pc 48/24/pc 34/23/pc 35/26/c 82/68/pc 60/39/s 36/28/c 37/26/c 61/41/s 41/31/r 70/52/s 42/31/c 76/64/pc 31/20/c 45/34/r 59/41/c 43/29/s 44/29/pc 74/55/pc 44/28/s 71/44/s 36/25/c 38/20/pc 48/34/pc 47/29/pc 38/30/sf 38/24/c 58/51/pc 50/42/c 46/32/s EXTREMES TUESDAY National for the 48 contiguous states Atlanta 54/37 El Paso 59/29 High Low 82° in Harlingen, TX -2° in Crane Lake, MN Global Chihuahua 59/31 Houston 70/44 Monterrey 79/37 Miami 73/60 High Low 107° in Mandora, Australia -64° in Toko, Russia Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 01. January Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 6, 2021 bierhup clark innis swisher thaxton