https://history.meigslibrary.org/files/original/48efbe0c2a9a1e9a7c9608c56478c80c.pdf 10d4bf256ff83baeaf8483286fd5c8fc PDF Text Text Children’s dental health The mysterious owls NEWS s 12 OPINION s 11 8 AM 2 PM 8 PM 29° 34° 23° Cold today with plenty of sun. Mainly clear tonight. High 34° / Low 14° Today’s weather forecast WEATHER s 4 C_ZZb[fehj�š�Fec[heo"�E^_e Breaking news at mydailysentinel.com Issue 35, Volume 76 6 deaths, 220 new COVID cases reported Saturday, February 19, 2022 s $2 Having a heart By Kayla (Hawthorne) Dunham khawthorne@aimmediamidwest. com (Editor’s note: Ohio Valley Publishing’s COVID-19 daily update will now be published on Tuesdays and Saturdays.) OHIO VALLEY — Since the publication of Tuesday’s update, there were six additional deaths, as well as 220 new COVID-19 cases, reported in the Ohio Valley Publishing area on Friday. In Gallia County, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reported four additional deaths associated with COVID19. One individual was in the 20-29 age range, two were in the 60-69 age range, and one was in the 70-79 age range. ODH also reported 94 new COVID-19 cases. In Meigs County, ODH reported a death associated with COVID19 of an individual in the 80-plus age range. ODH also reported 47 new COVID-19 cases. In Mason County, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), reported a death associated with COVID-19 of an individual in the 71-plus age group. DHHR also reported 79 new cases of COVID-19. Here is a closer look at the local COVID-19 data: Gallia County According to the 2 p.m. update from ODH on Friday, there have been 7,264 total cases (94 new) in Gallia County since the beginning of the pandemic, 391 hospitalizations (13 new) and 109 deaths (4 new). Of the 7,264 cases, 6,552 (216 new) are presumed recovered. See COVID | 12 FDA warns against using recalled infant formulas tied to infections By Matthew Perrone Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers, said it is recalling all potenWASHINGTON — tially affected products U.S. health officials manufactured at the warned parents on facility. The recall Thursday not to use three popular powdered affects certain lots of Similac, Alimentum infant formulas manuand EleCare with expifactured at an Abbott ration dates of April plant in Michigan that 1, 2022, or later. The investigators recently linked to bacterial con- product was distributed throughout the U.S. and tamination. overseas, the company The Food and Drug said in a statement. Administration said FDA staff are now it is investigating four inspecting Abbott’s reports of infants who were hospitalized after plant in Sturgis, Michiconsuming the formula, gan, where environmenincluding one who died. tal samples tested positive for the Cronobacter The agency said one bacteria. Inspectors of the cases involved have also uncovered salmonella and three potential manufacturinvolved Cronobacter ing problems, and past sakazakiim, a rare but records showing the dangerous germ that destruction of formula can cause blood infections and other serious See FORMULAS | 12 complications. Courtesy Ben Nease, Breakathon organizer and karate coach, is pictured holding the board for Ben Troyer during the 2021 board breaking event. Free heart screenings offered for area youth By Kayla (Hawthorne) Dunham khawthorne@aimmediamidwest. com MIDDLEPORT — Bitanga’s Martial Arts Center will be hosting free youth heart screenings on March 5. The screenings are funded from the 2021 Break-A-Thon. As previously reported by Ohio Valley Publishing, in the November 2021 BreakA-Thon, over $57,000 was raised for the heart screenings. Ben Nease, head instructor at Bitanga’s Martial Arts Center in Middleport, said there are funds for 300 screenings for the tri-county area. The clinic is available for individuals between the ages of 10 and 25. Participants must be preregistered for the event by going to bitangasmac. com. Nease told Ohio Valley Publishing that members of Bitanga’s were able to pre-register first, before the link was made available to the public. Bitanga’s Martial Arts Center does the annual Break-A-Thon to raise money for local causes. This year the theme was “Bitanga’s From the Heart” to “end cardiac arrest.” Nease previously told Ohio Valley Publishing statistics suggest 1 in 300 youth have an undetected heart condition. Past causes have included The Blakeslee Center, Save the Music, and Square One Domestic Violence Center and began in 2016. The event includes board breaking by students, a craft show, drawings and contests. © 2020 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Kayla (Hawthorne) Dunham is a staff writer for Ohio Valley Publishing. Reach her at (304) 675-1333, ext. 1992. AP Health Writer AIM Media Midwest Operating, LLC (USPS 145-966) Telephone: 740-992-2155 Publishes every Tuesday through Saturday. Subscription rate is $208 per year. WWII pilot known as ‘Candy Bomber’ dies By Colleen Slevin and Kirsten Grieshaber Associated Press DENVER — U.S. military pilot Gail S. Halvorsen — known as the “Candy Bomber” for his candy airdrops during the Berlin airlift after World War II ended — has died at age 101. Halvorsen died Wednesday following a brief illness in his home state of Utah, surrounded by most of his children, James Stewart, the director of the Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation, said Thursday. Halvorsen was beloved and venerated in Berlin, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Sentinel, 825 Third Ave., Gallipolis, OH, 45631. All content © 2020 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. which he last visited in 2019 when the city cel- ebrated the 70th anniversary of the day the Sovi- See CANDY | 12 Group of GOP voters sue to force legislative map fix By Andrew Welsh-Huggins Associated Press Prices are subject to change at any time. 825 Third Ave., Gallipolis, OH, 45631 Periodical postage paid at Pomeroy, OH Michael Probst | AP file “Candy Bomber” pilot Gail Halvorsen gives thumbs up in front of a World War II era C-47 transport aircraft with the name “The Berlin Train” in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2016. Halvorsen, known as the “Candy Bomber” for his airdrops of sweets during the Berlin Airlift nearly 75 years ago, died Wednesday. Halvorsen was 101. ets lifted their post-World War II blockade cutting off supplies to West Berlin with a big party at the former Tempelhof airport in the German capital. “Halvorsen’s deeply human act has never been forgotten,” Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey said in a statement. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also praised Halvorsen, who was born in Salt Lake City but grew up on farms before getting his pilot’s license. “I know he’s up there, handing out candy behind the pearly gates somewhere,” he said. After the United States COLUMBUS, Ohio — The stalemate over redrawing state legislative maps in the face of a court-set deadline is depriving voters of the rights to know their voting districts and interact with candidates ahead of elections, a group of Republican voters said Friday in a federal lawsuit seeking to force the implementation of a new set of maps. In a separate complaint, the League of Women Voters of Ohio on Friday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to force the Republican-dominated Ohio Redistricting Commission to explain why it declared an impasse a day earlier. The federal lawsuit was filed one day after Republicans on the Redistricting Commission stopped work without a solution, saying they saw no path forward that would both comply with orders from the state Supreme Court and meet state Constitutional requirements. The lawsuit requested that a three-judge panel force the implementation of House and Senate maps approved Jan. 22. The Ohio Supreme Court rejected those maps earlier this month, saying they remained gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. Unnecessary uncertainty about the 2022 election harms candidates’ abilities to run for office, the lawsuit said. The uncertainty also restricts voters “ability to assess candidate positions and qualifications, advocate for candidates, and associate with like-minded voters,” according to the lawsuit. See MAP | 12 �OBITUARIES/NEWS 2 Saturday, February 19, 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing THEIR VIEW DEATH NOTICE CALE MIDDLEPORT — Nancy Carolyn Roller Cale, 83, of Middleport, died February 16, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Services will be Monday, February 21, 2022 at Heath United Methodist Church, in Middleport, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Train stalls along WVa 2 By Brittany Hively in a very unfortunate spot for traffic,” Miller said. Miller reported that ASHTON, W.Va. — A there were no injuries or disabled train not only spills of anything envicaused a disturbance in traffic Thursday eve- ronmentally dangerous or hazardous. ning, but had the comTraffic reportedly munity buzzing. Mason County Sheriff resumed in the area shortly before 11 p.m. Corey Miller said the on Thursday. Prior to train had a technical issue, causing it to stall that, motorists sought detours, many attempton the tracks crossing ing to travel between Route 2 near Ashland Point Pleasant and Upland Road in Mason Huntington. High water County. along Mud Run Road The train stalled on also presented an issue the tracks at around along Route 2, with sim8:50 p.m. on Thursday evening, causing a back- ilar flooding reported along several back roads up in traffic, according in the area due to heavy to Miller. rains Thursday night. Miller said many Beth Sergent contribrumors swirled on social uted to this story. media about a derail© 2022, Ohio Valley ment with injuries and chemical spillage, but he Publishing, all rights reserved. said there was no truth behind the rumors. “[It] had some sort of Brittany Hively is a staff writer for Ohio Valley Publishing. Follow her technical issue that had on Twitter @britthively; reach her the train disabled, just at (740) 446-2342 ext 2555. bhively@aimmediamidwest.com Appreciating the nice guys One of the things I’ve always liked about watching football is what a team sport it is. For me, the Super Bowl was always the greatest showcase of team camaraderie available. I’d get frustrated when someone would jump on a team’s bandwagon simply because of a charismatic character on a team. (I’m looking at you, Patrick Mahomes, with whom my wife and 14-year-old daughter are obsessed.) This year, though, I switched teams on how I looked at the big game. This year, I’m learned to appreciate the individuals in the game. My breakthrough started a couple Sundays ago. My wife and I enjoyed a weekend in Las Vegas, not realizing the Pro Bowl was happening there. We found some reasonably priced tickets at my wife’s urging, since the stadium was so close to our hotel. I will admit that as much of a football fan as I am, I’d never watched an entire Pro Bowl before. I didn’t like the or the villain, but it focus on individual was fun. players. I didn’t That brings me like how running to this year’s Super backs were recBowl. While I ognized for their obviously cheered yards without realfor Ohio’s own izing some linemen Bengals, who’ve paved the way for David always been my those gains. Trinko “second team” It was fun to The Lima behind my Bears, I hear fans of rival found myself liking teams joke around News the Rams, too, for together in the some of the characters on stands and show apprethat team. ciation for one another’s It starts with Matthew stars of the past and presStafford, the quarterback. ent. I wore my Walter He spent the rest of his Payton jersey, and so many people stopped me career in Detroit, sufferto talk about their memo- ing through a sub-par roster with sub-par coaching ries of “Sweetness.” but still trying his hardest While the game itself to make the team a winwas a bit of a bore, I ner. In the offseason, the still walked away having team worked out a trade enjoyed myself. There to send him to L.A., and were a lot of interviews now we’re seeing how with players on the big good he could’ve been screen, giving them a with elite talent around chance to joke around him. It’s hard not to like and have fun. I found someone who worked myself liking players hard in obscurity for such as Maxx Crosby of years and now gets his the Raiders and Travis chance to shine. Kelce of the Chiefs after On the other end of the listening to them interact career spectrum is Joe with the fans via live interviews. Admittedly, it Burrow, the quarterback felt a little bit like profes- for the Bengals. He’s nailed down an uncomsional wrestling, playing mon mix of swagger and to the crowd as the hero respiratory illnesses that test positive for flu. Limited data on who is testing positive for NEW YORK — This flu suggest about twowinter’s mild flu season thirds are kids and young has faded to a trickle of cases in much of the U.S., adults. Kids have driven but health officials aren’t flu’s spread in past years, so “it’s quite possible ready to call it over. Since the beginning of we could see continued the year, positive flu test increases,” Brammer results and doctor’s office said. Dr. Angela Branche, visits for flu-like illness a University of Rochesare down. But second ter infectious diseases waves of influenza are specialist, called the flu not unusual, and some experts said it’s possible season unusual. “I don’t have any (flu) a late winter or spring cases in my practice this surge could be coming. week,” she said recently. “The question we’re Normally, doctors in asking ourselves now Rochester would be diagis: ‘Is this it, or is there nosing 50 to 100 flu cases more to come?’” said Lynnette Brammer of the a day around this time of Centers for Disease Con- year. It seems like the curtrol and Prevention. rent flu season is “easing COVID-19 cases have to the finish line,” said been falling, leading to Dr. William Schaffner, a decline in mask weara Vanderbilt Univering and behaviors that sity infectious diseases may have been keeping expert. But viruses can flu down this winter. As people are less cautious, be unpredictable. “As the flu-ologists like flu or other respiratory viruses can surge, Bram- to say, ‘if you’ve seen one flu season, you’ve seen mer said. one flu season,’” he said. Indeed, some indicaLast winter’s flu seators of flu activity have inched up the last couple son was virtually nonexistent. Experts credit of weeks: a count of flumask wearing, social related hospitalizations and the percent of speci- distancing, school clomens from patients with sures and other measures AP Medical Writer 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 space-available basis and in chronological order. Events can be emailed to: TDSnews@aimmediamidwest.com or GDTnews@aimmediamidwest.com. Saturday, Feb. 19 CHESTER — The Return Jonathan Meigs Chapter NSDAR will meet at 1 p.m. in the dining hall of the Chester Academy, weather permitting. Program by Donna Jenkins. Exciting things are planned. All members are encouraged to attend. Social distancing/masks rules apply. Monday, Feb. 21 LETART — Regular meeting of the Letart Township Trustees will be held 5 p.m., Letart Township Building at 49380 SR 124. GALLIPOLIS — American Legion Lafayette Post #27, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #27 and Auxiliary E-Board jointly meets at 5 p.m., post home, McCormick Road, all members urged to attend. RIO GRANDE — Cadot-Blessing Camp #126 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War meets 1 p.m., Bob Evans Farms Homestead House; the SUVCW is the legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the nation’s first Veterans Organization organized in 1866; purpose is educational, patriotic and historic preservation of those “Who wore the Blue” and preserved the Union of the United States of America; any male with Civil War ancestors invited to attend. Tuesday, Feb. 22 GALLIPOLIS — Sons of the American Legion Squadron #27 meets 5:30 p.m., post home on McCormick Road, followed by Auxiliary meeting at 6 p.m., all member urged to attend. POMEROY — Acoustic Night at the Library will be at 6 p.m. Bring an instrument and play along in this informal jam session at the Pomeroy Library. Held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. CONTACT US 825 Third Ave., Gallipolis, OH, 45631 740-446-2342 All content © 2022 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. 2102 bsergent@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 David Trinko is editor of The Lima News, a division of AIM Media Midwest. Reach him at 567242-0467, by email at dtrinko@ limanews.com or on Twitter @ Lima_Trinko. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. Mild flu season waning, but is it really over? By Mike Strobbe GALLIA, MEIGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS down-to-earth wholesomeness I can’t quite understand or explain, but I certainly appreciate it. I’ve had respect for him ever since his speech after winning the Heisman Trophy highlighted food insecurity in his hometown of Athens, where I lived when attending Ohio University. He took a moment of personal triumph and used it to shine a light on an important issue. There are countless other good-guy characters on the rosters for both teams. It’s nice to see in a league that often hypes brash, me-first personalities, which sometimes leads to bad behavior off the field. These nice fellows make it easier to root for the individuals on the field and hope for their success. That made a game we can all appreciate, win or lose for either team. GALLIA, MEIGS COMMUNITY BRIEFS Editor’s Note: Gallia Meigs Briefs will only list event information that is open to the public and will be printed on a space-available basis. Community Fun Fair BIDWELL — A Community Fun Fair, presented by River Valley FFA, is set for Monday, Feb. 21 at River Valley High School from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets four for $1; meal is $8 includes chicken barbeque, scalloped potatoes, green beans, desert and drink; cornhole competition with cash prize offered, registration $20 a team. Games, karaoke and more. Email gl_mhuck@gallialocal.org for more information. Holiday closures MEIGS COUNTY — All Meigs Library locations will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Feb. 21. GALLIPOLIS — The Bossard Memorial Library will be closed in observance of the President Day holiday on Feb. 21. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 22. POMEROY — The Meigs County Health Department will be clocked in observance of Presidents Day on Feb. 21. Normal business hours will resume at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22. to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some doctors were nervous about how things would go this winter, wondering if last year’s lull would cause flu immunity to wane. Also, fewer children and adults got flu shots this year, according to preliminary CDC data. The worry seemed to be legitimized by an early November flu outbreak at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where more than 700 cases were reported. The illnesses were caused by a certain version of flu — called Type A H3N2 — that traditionally leads to more hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among the elderly. Worse, many of the infected kids were vaccinated, and investigators concluded the shots offered low levels of protection. That strain later became the main cause of flu illnesses across the country. But this season has nevertheless turned out to be tame. That was a surprise, said Dr. Edward Belongia, a flu expert at the Wisconsin-based Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. “We have occasionally seen other very mild flu seasons, but not where H3N2 is the dominant strain. That’s what really makes it odd,” he said. The season peaked in December, just as COVID-19 cases surged, driven by the more transmissible omicron variant, Branche observed. Flu cases dropped as more people masked up and took other steps to prevent coronavirus from spreading, she noted. Even at its height, the flu season was not nearly as bad as some of the pre-pandemic flu seasons driven by H3N2 strains. Experts aren’t sure why. Some wonder whether the coronavirus essentially muscled aside flu and other bugs. Scientists say they don’t fully understand the mechanism behind that. Of course, a highly effective vaccine would help lessen the severity of a flu season. But researchers say the flu strain that’s been circulating is a mismatch for this year’s vaccine. The CDC has not yet released estimates of the current vaccine’s effectiveness but it is expected to do so next week. Storytime at the library MEIGS COUNTY — Story Time is held at each Meigs Library location weekly. Bring your preschoolers for stories and crafts. Mondays at 1 p.m. at Racine Library; Tuesdays at 1 p.m. at Eastern Library; Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at Pomeroy Library; and Thursdays at 1 p.m. at Middleport Library. COVID-19 vaccine clinics POMEROY — Mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics are being offered across Meigs County. The schedule is as follows: Friday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Blakeslee Center, 100 Blakeslee Drive, Middleport; Friday, March 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m at Coolspot Country Market, 41670 Ohio Route 7, Reedsville; Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Roadside Hot Spot, 53160 Nu Beginning Road, Portland. For clinic questions call 740-593-2432. Needlework Network POMEROY — Join the Needlework Network on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Riverview Room at the Pomeroy Library. Socialize and craft with experienced fabric artists. Bring your work in progress to share with the group. Beginners welcome. �NEWS Ohio Valley Publishing Saturday, February 19, 2022 3 Families sue W.Va. school district over Christian assembly By Leah Willingham lated the constitutional rights of students by promoting and advancing CHARLESTON, W.Va. the Christian religion, as well as by coercing stu(AP) — A group of pardents into participating in ents and students are Christian religious activsuing a West Virginia ity,” the suit reads. The school district for allowing an evangelical preach- Freedom From Religion Foundation is a nonprofit er to hold a religious that promotes the separarevival assembly during the school day earlier this tion of church and state. The suit follows a walkmonth that some students out at Huntington High were required to attend. The suit, filed in a U.S. School last week where more than 100 students District Court in West left their classrooms Virginia on Thursday on chanting, “Separate the behalf of families by the church and state,” and, Freedom From Religion “My faith, my choice.” Foundation, says the The Associated Press Cabell County school system in the southwest- left a voicemail with Cabell County Schools ern part of the state has spokesperson Jedd Flowa systematic history of disregarding the religious ers requesting comment Thursday afternoon. Durfreedom of its students and instituting Christian ing an interview with The Associated Press earlier religious practices. this month, Flowers said “For years, school systhe assembly was suptem employees have vio- Associated Press posed to be voluntary, but two teachers brought their entire classes to the assembly. Flowers called it an honest mistake by the teachers. “It’s unfortunate that it happened,” Flowers said. “We don’t believe it will ever happen again.” In a statement on Friday, Cabell County Schools Superintendent Ryan Saxe said the district is investigating the revival event and that he believes some students’ rights have been violated. Saxe is named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit says that on Feb. 2, two Huntington High School teachers escorted their entire homeroom classes to an assembly hosted by evangelical preacher Nik Walker, who had been leading revivals in the Huntington area in recent weeks. Students, including a Jewish student who asked to leave but was not permitted to do so, were instructed to close their eyes and raise their arms in prayer, according to the lawsuit. The teens were asked to give their lives over to Jesus to find purpose and salvation. Students said they were told that those who did not follow the Bible would go to “face eternal torment.” The mother of the Jewish student who was forced to attend the assembly is among the suit’s plantiffs, along with the Huntington High student who organized last week’s walkout. During the assemblies, students and their families were encouraged to join evening services at a nearby church, where they could be baptized. Nik Walker Ministries also visited another district school, Huntington East Middle School, on Feb. 1 and held a similar assembly. Saxe said last week that the district honors students’ rights to express their views and respects their right to religious expression but that “forcing religious expression on those with differing beliefs is not acceptable and is not in alignment with district, state, or federal policy and will not be tolerated by my administration or the Board of Education.” Freedom From Religion Foundation lawyers say that religious services — voluntary or not — should not be allowed during school hours. The foundation alleges it has written several legal complaint letters over the course of years that have been ignored by the school district. In 2017, the foundation alerted Cabell County Schools about two separate religious assemblies that were held during the school day at Huntington High School, according to the lawsuit. In 2019, the foundation said it wrote to the district regarding concerns that adults had created and were running religious clubs within Cabell County Schools. Plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction barring the district from sponsoring any religious worship services, adultled religious activities during the school day or participating in such events with students during the school day. They are also seeking damages of $1 per plaintiff, plus costs and attorneys’ fees. Pelosi opens Biden State of the Union speech to full House By Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro Pelosi’s office released the guidelines Thursday from Associated Press the Sergeant at Arms’ office in consultation with the Office of the PhysiWASHINGTON (AP) cian. — All members of ConViolations of the guidegress are being invited lines for social distancing to attend President Joe and mask wearing during Biden’s upcoming State the event “will result in of the Union address, the attendee’s removal,” crowding the House chamber for the first time the memo said. Everysince the outbreak of the one will be required to be virus-tested ahead of pandemic as the White time —- rules that have House tries to nudge been flouted by some COVID-19 toward the nation’s rear-view mirror. lawmakers who have spurned pandemic guideIt’s a further step lines. No guests will be toward normalcy, yet allowed. the big annual speech a Some Biden allies are week from next Tuesday could still turn into a new fretting that the Capitol scene could add fuel to and disruptive display the fire, or that anti-mask of national tensions and frustration over trying to conservative Republicans move past the pandemic. could use the speech for some stunt or protest. House Speaker Nancy Biden’s chief of staff Ron Klain, on Capitol Hill to meet Thursday with Senate Democrats, left the private lunch saying, “I think people are looking forward to the State of the Union.” Biden’s address to Congress will play out against what Vice President Kamala Harris has called a “malaise” over the persistence of COVID and growing public impatience to get back to normal after two years of restrictions. Even Democratic-run state and local governments are lifting restrictions as cases, hospitalizations and deaths decline. However, the State of the Union setting — Capitol Hill — remains one of the most significantly disrupted workplaces in the country, something of a ground zero for culture wars over the lingering pandemic restrictions and security concerns from the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Pelosi indicated last week that lawmakers are aiming for “fuller participation” than last year, when attendance was limited. She said, “I think the people are ready to pivot in a way that shows to the American people we largely have been vaccinated here.” Seating for Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress last April was capped at about 200 — about 20% of usual capacity for a presidential presentation. Though the Capitol and other federal properties set their own rules, the District of Columbia’s indoor mask requirement for most indoor gatherings and businesses is to be lifted on the same day as Biden’s address, the White House says it will be going by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. All year, the White House has taken extraordinary precautions to keep Biden from getting the virus, including requiring high-quality masks in his vicinity and limiting his travel and participation in large events. In addition to members of Congress, the State of the Union audience traditionally includes Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices and military leaders. It’s not yet clear if they will be invited. Thursday’s memo included congressional staff and invited press. A speech to a full House chamber would be by far the densest audience of Biden’s presidency to date. The debate over rules on wearing masks and getting vaccinated has become a major front in the nation’s culture wars, breaking down along regional and political lines. Scenes of maskless celebrities enjoying the Super Bowl — when schoolchildren in some jurisdictions are required to wear masks even when outside at recess — have drawn criticism for unfairness. Then, now & A humble beginning was the first step to a lasting legacy. In 1910, Dr. Charles Holzer established the first hospital in Southeast Ohio. Today, Holzer remains committed to our communities. Offering convenient access with providers who care, we fulfill Dr. Holzer’s dream of quality care, close to home. We’re your first stop in healthcare, then, now, and forever. When it comes to your health — Think Holzer First! 1-855-4HOLZER (1-855-446-5937) www.holzer.org OH-70262205 �NEWS/WEATHER 4 Saturday, February 19, 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing Biden ‘convinced’ Putin’s decided to further invade Ukraine By Vladimir Isachenkov, Yuras Karmanau and Zeke Miller Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine — U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday he’s “convinced” that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to launch a further invasion in Ukraine, including an assault on its capital, Kyiv, as tensions spiked along the militarized border with attacks that the West called “false-flag” operations meant to establish a pretext for invasion. On Friday, a humanitarian convoy was hit by shelling and pro-Russian rebels evacuated civilians from the conflict zone. A car bombing hit the eastern city of Donetsk, but no casualties were reported. After weeks of saying the U.S. wasn’t sure if Putin had made the final decision to launch a wide- Efrem Lukatsky | AP People light candles and lay flowers on Friday to the memorial dedicated to people died in clashes with security forces at the Independent Square (Maidan) in Kyiv, Ukraine. People gathered to commemorate the Maidan protest movement and the events which took place in late February 2014 that led to the departure of former Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich and the formation of a new government. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced massive nuclear drills to flex its military muscle, and Putin pledged to protect Russia’s national interests against what it sees as encroaching Western threats. Biden reiterated his threat of massive economic and diplomatic sanc- spread invasion, Biden said that assessment had changed, citing the Americans’ “significant intelligence capability.” “As of this moment I’m convinced he’s made the decision,” Biden said. “We have reason to believe that.” He reiterated that it could occur in the “coming days.” 8 AM WEATHER By Amy Forliti, Steve Karnowski and Tammy Webber Associated Press The report blamed the accident on “instantaneous overload fracture” of a bolt holding in a plate on the ride. A female guest was waiting to ride the coaster when she was struck by a “small metal object” that came off the coaster as it neared the end of its run, according to the Agriculture Department’s Division of Amusement Ride Safety. The guest was treated at a Sandusky hospital before being moved to another facility. The severity of her injury was unclear. The coaster, which opened in 2003, launches riders on a straightaway at 120 mph (193 kph) before it climbs a hill and then comes back down. The ride lasts less than 20 seconds. TODAY 29° 2 PM MINNEAPOLIS — Kim Potter, the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser when she fatally shot Daunte Wright, was sentenced Friday to two years in prison. Wright’s family denounced the sentence as too lenient and accused the judge of giving more consideration to the white officer than the Black victim. Potter was convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 killing of Wright, a 20-year-old Black motorist. She was sentenced only on the more serious charge in accordance with state law. Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, said after the sentencing that Potter “murdered my son,” adding: “Today the justice system 34° 23° HEALTH TODAY AccuWeather.com Asthma Index™ Temperature 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. Precipitation 54°/28° 48°/30° 71° in 1948 -1° in 1958 24 hours ending 3 p.m. Fri. 0.64 Month to date/normal 3.73/2.06 Year to date/normal 8.70/5.16 Snowfall (in inches) 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. 2 24 hours ending 3 p.m. Fri. Trace Month to date/normal 1.9/3.9 Season to date/normal 17.7/13.3 WEATHER TRIVIA™ SUN & MOON Q: How are heating degree days calculated? Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Sun. 7:14 a.m. 6:11 p.m. 10:34 p.m. 9:27 a.m. MOON PHASES Last Feb 23 New First Full Mar 2 Mar 10 Mar 18 SOLUNAR TABLE The solunar period indicates peak feeding times for fish and game. Major Today 1:26a Sun. 2:17a Mon. 3:09a Tue. 4:02a Wed. 4:58a Thu. 5:54a Fri. 6:52a Minor 7:37a 8:28a 9:21a 10:15a 11:12a 12:09p 12:36a Major 1:49p 2:40p 3:33p 4:28p 5:26p 6:24p 7:23p Minor 8:00p 8:51p 9:45p 10:41p 11:39p ---1:07p WEATHER HISTORY More than 60 twisters on Feb. 19, 1884, ripped through Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, killing 420 people. With warmer air’s return in late February, the South often has its first tornadoes. A: 65(F) minus the average temperature for the day. Today 7:15 a.m. 6:10 p.m. 9:27 p.m. 9:01 a.m. 0-2 Low; 3-4 Moderate; 5-6 High; 7-8 Very High; 9-10 Extreme AIR QUALITY 0 50 100 150 200 300 MONDAY 63° 49° Warmer with plenty of sun Warmer with clouds and sun Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows. Chillicothe 28/15 Waverly 28/15 Lucasville 31/17 Portsmouth 32/18 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. Fri. Flood 24-hr. Location Stage Level Chg. Willow Island 37 12.74 -0.27 Marietta 34 23.27 +5.13 Parkersburg 36 22.93 +0.55 Belleville 35 12.66 -0.30 Racine 41 11.59 -1.62 Point Pleasant 40 27.06 +1.35 Gallipolis 50 12.16 -0.11 Huntington 50 26.79 +0.37 Ashland 52 34.48 +0.02 Lloyd Greenup 54 12.33 none Portsmouth 50 28.45 +7.95 Maysville 50 35.48 +1.18 Meldahl Dam 51 30.71 +9.21 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 63° 52° their most dire warnings yet that Moscow could order an invasion of Ukraine any day. “We remain, of course, open to and desirous of diplomacy ... but we are also committed, if Russia takes aggressive action, to ensure there will be severe consequence,” Harris said at the annual Munich Security Conference. While Russia snubbed this year’s conference, lines of communication remain open: The U.S. and Russian defense chiefs spoke Friday, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for de-escalation, the return of Russian forces surrounding Ukraine to their home bases, and a diplomatic resolution, according to the Pentagon. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to meet next week. ogy to Wright’s family, then spoke directly to his mother: “Katie, I understand a mother’s love. I’m sorry I broke your heart ... my heart is broken and devastated for all of you.” The judge, who imposed a sentence below state guidelines, called it “one of the saddest cases I’ve had on my 20 years on the bench.” Judge Regina Chu said she received “hundreds and hundreds” of letters in support of Potter. “On the one hand, a young man was killed and on the other, a respected 26-year veteran police officer made a tragic error by pulling her handgun instead of her Taser.” Chu said the lesser sentence was warranted because Potter was “in the line of duty and doing her job in attempting to lawfully arrest Daunte Wright,” and Potter was trying to protect another officer who could have been dragged and seriously injured if Wright drove away. THURSDAY 59° 37° Warm with periods of rain Mild; cloudy, then partly sunny FRIDAY 56° 40° 48° 23° Cloudy with a chance of rain Rain possible in the morning; cloudy NATIONAL CITIES Marietta 30/15 Belpre 31/15 Athens 29/14 St. Marys 31/15 Parkersburg 32/14 Coolville 30/15 Wilkesville 30/14 POMEROY Jackson 32/13 30/14 Ravenswood Rio Grande 32/15 33/15 Centerville POINT PLEASANT Ripley 26/15 GALLIPOLIS 34/14 33/14 33/14 Elizabeth 32/14 Spencer 32/14 Buffalo 34/15 Ironton 34/18 Milton 35/16 Ashland 34/19 Grayson 35/19 St. Albans 37/15 Huntington 38/17 NATIONAL FORECAST 110s 100s Seattle 90s 47/39 80s 70s 60s 50s 40s 30s San Francisco 20s 65/48 10s 0s -0s Los Angeles 77/48 -10s T-storms Rain Showers Snow Flurries Ice Cold Front Warm Front Stationary Front “She never once said his name. And for that I’ll never be able to forgive you. And I’ll never be able to forgive you for what you’ve stolen from us,” said Wright, who also sometimes uses the last name Bryant. “Daunte Demetrius Wright, I will continue to fight in your name until driving while Black is no longer a death sentence,” she said. Potter offered an apol- Murray City 29/14 McArthur 29/12 500 Primary pollutant: Particulates Logan 30/13 Adelphi 29/14 South Shore Greenup 34/19 31/17 34 murdered him all over again.” She also accused the judge of being taken in by “white woman’s tears” after Potter cried during her pre-sentencing statement. Speaking before the sentence was imposed, a tearful Wright said she could never forgive Potter and that she would refer to her only as “the defendant” because Potter only referred to her son as “the driver” at trial. 52° 30° 0 AccuWeather.com Cold Index™ (in inches) SUNDAY Cold today with plenty of sun. Mainly clear tonight. High 34° / Low 14° Statistics through 3 p.m. Fri. Nicole Neri | AP Daunte Wright’s parents, Aubrey Wright and Katie Wright, who also sometimes uses the name Katie Bryant, react after former Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter was sentenced to two years in prison Friday in Minneapolis. Potter was convicted in December of both first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 killing of Wright, a 20-year-old Black motorist. EXTENDED FORECAST 8 PM ALMANAC High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low 50% of the ground forces deployed in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border have moved into attack positions nearer the border. That shift has been under way for about a week, other officials have said, and does not necessarily mean Putin has decided to begin an invasion. The defense official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal U.S. military assessments. The official also said the number of Russian ground units known as battalion tactical groups deployed in the border area had grown to between 120 and 125, up from 83 two weeks ago. Each battalion tactical group has between 750 and 1,000 soldiers. Vice President Kamala Harris said the U.S. still hopes Russia will de-escalate but is ready to hit it with tough sanctions in case of an attack. U.S. leaders this week issued Potter sentenced to 2 years in Daunte Wright’s death State clears Cedar Point in Ohio roller coaster accident COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — There’s no evidence that Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio acted illegally or had reason to believe one of its rides, the world’s second-tallest roller coaster, was unsafe before an object flew off it last year and struck a woman in the head, the state concluded in an investigation released Friday. As a result, no sanctions were recommended against Cedar Point amusement park for the Aug. 15 accident involving the 420-foot (128meter) tall Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster, the Ohio Department of Agriculture said. Cedar Point is closely reviewing the report and the ride will remain closed for the 2022 season, said spokesperson Tony Clark. tions against Russia if it does invade, and pressed Putin to rethink his course of action. He said the U.S. and its Western allies were more united than ever to ensure Russia pays a price for the invasion. While Putin held out the possibility of diplomacy, a cascade of developments this week have have further exacerbated East-West tensions and fueled war worries. This week’s actions have fed those concerns: U.S. and European officials, focused on an estimated 150,000 Russian troops posted around Ukraine’s borders, warn the longsimmering separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine could provide the spark for a broader attack. As a further indication that the Russians continue preparations for a potential invasion, a U.S. defense official said an estimated 40% to Clendenin 35/16 Charleston 38/15 Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Winnipeg 16/1 Billings 53/35 Minneapolis 18/17 Montreal 26/1 Detroit 21/9 Toronto 22/9 Chicago 23/18 Washington 49/22 Denver 55/34 Kansas City 37/32 Chihuahua 66/41 Monterrey 67/48 Today Sun. Hi/Lo/W 55/30/s 32/24/pc 58/35/s 45/22/s 49/18/s 53/35/pc 55/30/pc 39/18/sf 38/15/s 61/27/s 50/35/s 23/18/s 30/18/s 24/12/sf 28/15/s 66/42/s 55/34/s 32/26/s 21/9/pc 81/67/pc 66/44/s 23/16/s 37/32/s 69/46/s 58/34/s 77/48/s 38/23/s 83/68/pc 18/17/c 48/24/s 59/48/s 41/22/sf 60/38/s 73/52/pc 46/21/s 78/50/s 28/13/sf 32/14/sf 60/26/s 56/22/s 32/26/s 55/34/s 65/48/s 47/39/r 49/22/s Hi/Lo/W 61/36/s 30/27/c 62/47/s 37/35/s 42/28/s 36/4/sn 45/27/pc 34/30/s 55/33/s 54/36/s 52/23/pc 47/34/s 55/39/s 45/40/s 50/35/s 71/58/pc 60/31/pc 57/28/s 40/35/pc 80/67/pc 68/60/pc 52/38/s 59/42/s 70/52/s 69/50/pc 71/53/pc 61/45/s 78/71/pc 42/14/c 63/46/s 67/58/pc 37/32/s 70/49/s 80/60/s 40/31/s 78/49/s 45/34/s 30/28/pc 53/33/s 48/31/s 58/43/s 57/32/pc 58/45/pc 46/37/sh 45/34/s EXTREMES FRIDAY Atlanta 58/35 El Paso 66/39 New York 41/22 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 National for the 48 contiguous states High Low 90° in Immokalee, FL -38° in Seagull Lake, MN Global Houston 66/44 High Low Miami 83/68 111° in Mandora, Australia -62° in Delyankir, Russia Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice. �COMICS Saturday, February 19, 2022 5 OH-70268477 Ohio Valley Publishing BLONDIE By Dean Young and John Marshall BEETLE BAILEY By Mort, Greg and Brian Walker BABY BLUES PARDON MY PLANET By Vic Lee By Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman CONCEPTIS SUDOKU by Dave Green %\�'DYH�*UHHQ CRANKSHAFT By Tom Batiuk & Dan Davis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ���� 'LIILFXOW\�/HYHO Today’s Solution ���� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � THE BRILLIANT MIND OF EDISON LEE � � � � � � � � � Written By Brian & Greg Walker; Drawn By Chance Browne By Bil and Jeff Keane �����&RQFHSWLV�3X]]OHV��'LVW��E\�.LQJ�)HDWXUHV�6\QGLFDWH��,QF� HI AND LOIS By Chris Browne � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �'LIILFXOW\�/HYHO THE FAMILY CIRCUS HAGAR THE HORRIBLE By John Hambrock Today’s answer ZITS RHYMES WITH ORANGE Hank Ketcham’s DENNIS THE MENACE By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman By Hilary Price THE LOCKHORNS By Bunny Hoest & John Reiner �����&RQFHSWLV�3X]]OHV��'LVW��E\�.LQJ�)HDWXUHV�6\QGLFDWH��,QF� � � �S ports 6 Saturday, February 19, 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing MLB cancels spring games through March 4 By Ronald Blum AP Baseball Writer Ross D. Franklin | AP A practice field at the Cincinnati Reds spring training complex in Goodyear, Ariz. sits empty Wednesday as pitchers and catchers are not starting spring training workouts as scheduled. The Major League Baseball lockout entered its 79th day Friday and will prevent pitchers and catchers from taking the field for the first time since October. NEW YORK — Major League Baseball canceled the first week of spring training games through March 4 in the first public acknowledgement of the disruption caused by the lockout. The announcement Friday came with the work stoppage in its 79th day, and a day after economic talks between the management and the Major League Baseball Players Association lasted just 15 minutes. Negotiators are set to resume bargaining on core economics on Monday, and MLB said members of the owners’ negotiating committee will attend the session, just the seventh on the central issues of the dispute since the lockout began Dec. 2. Spring training was to have started this week, and the exhibition schedule had been set to begin on Feb. 26. There were 16 games set for that day, including the World Series champion Atlanta Braves playing Boston in Florida and the renamed Cleveland Guardians taking on Cincinnati in Arizona. “We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of spring training games until no earlier than Saturday, March 5,” MLB said in a statement. “All 30 clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands.” MLB told the union it thinks Feb. 28 is the last possible date to reach an agreement that would allow a timely start to the season. The union didn’t respond to MLB on whether it agrees with that date or thinks there is additional time. This is the third straight disrupted spring training, damaging local tourism economies in Florida and Arizona. Games were cut short on March 12, 2020, because of See MLB | 7 White Falcons top Braxton Co. Wahama opens conference tourney with 92-52 rout of Eagles By Colton Jeffries cjeffries@aimmediamidwest.com MASON, W.Va. — The Wahama boys basketball team picked up a 92-52 victory over the Braxton County Eagles (11-8) at home Thursday evening in the opening round of the Little Kanawha Conference Tournament. The White Falcons (12-9) doubled the Eagles’ point total in the first quarter, going into the second quarter with a 24-12 lead. The White and Red kept their high offensive output going in the second set of eight minutes, scoring 25 points to go into the locker rooms with a 49-22 advantage. The home team had their best quarter in the third, netting 27 points while keeping Braxton County to 14 points to go into the final quarter up 76-36. While both teams scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t nearly enough to disrupt Wahama from winning. Leading the White Falcons in scoring was sophomore Sawyer VanMatre, who recorded 13 field goals and four free throws for a total of 30 points. Behind him was junior Josiah Lloyd, who got two 3-pointers, nine field goals and one free throw for 25 points. Rounding out the Wahama scoring were Ethan Gray with 12 points, Harrison Panko-Shields with eight points, Bryce Zuspan with seven points, Michael VanMatre with four points, Wyatt Harris with three points and Eli Rickard with three points. Leading the Eagles was Lane Marrow and DJ Coomes with 13 points each. Marrow had one 3-pointer and five field goals while Coomes got one 3-pointer, four field goals and two free throws. The White Falcons will be back on the court at 7 p.m. Saturday when they play in the LKC Night of Champions. © 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Colton Jeffries can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. OVP SPORTS SCHEDULE Saturday, Feb. 19 Girls Basketball (8) Meigs vs. (1) Sheridan at Southeastern HS, 1 p.m. (6) South Gallia vs. (3) Ports ND at Piketon HS, 1 p.m. (5) Hannan at (4) Wahama, 7 p.m. Wrestling Class AA-A Region IV tourney, 10 a.m. OHSWCA girls championships at Hilliard Davidson HS, 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 Wrestling OHSWCA girls championships at Hilliard Davidson HS, 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 21 Boys Basketball Waterford at South Gallia, 7 p.m. John Raoux | AP Alex Bowman climbs out of his car after he qualified second for the NASCAR Daytona 500 on Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR revs up at Daytona New car, new teams, new look for 2022 By Jenna Fryer AP Auto Racing Writer DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Brad Keselowski knew his father was losing his battle with cancer when he promised him he’d win last year’s Daytona 500. His effort ended in a fireball when Keselowski was involved in a last-lap crash while racing for the victory. “I knew he was pretty sick and his prognosis was he wasn’t going to make it through the summer. I said, ‘Dad, we’re going to win the Daytona 500,’” Keselowski said. “It’s bittersweet that it didn’t happen while he was still alive.” Bob Keselowski died in December, and his son is back at Daytona International Speedway still trying to fulfill his promise. Keselowski will try to snap an 0-for12 streak in NASCAR’s season-opening race with his new team. He left Team Penske a month before his father died to join the ownership group of Jack Roush’s organization. The rebranded RFK Racing team swept both Daytona 500 qualifying races to put Keselowski next to teammate Chris Buescher in the second row for Sunday’s start. The wins Thursday night were the first in any race since 2017 for a Roush organization in need of Keselowski’s engagement to return to the ranks of NASCAR’s elite. And, after a Hendrick Motorsports rout in Daytona 500 time trials, the Ford fleet has shown to be race ready. Ford drivers swept the first four spots in Thursday night’s first qualifying race, then swept the top three in the second race. “I’m excited internally for us, what we believe we have, the capability we have and the opportunity ahead of us for the rest of the weekend and the rest of the year,” Buescher said after Keselowski visited him in Daytona’s victory lane. The Ford camp absolutely has its strategy figured out for Sunday, when all its drivers are expected to work together to ensure a blue oval makes it to victory lane. That’s proven to be the most effective approach among the manufacturers, but it’s more important than ever this year as Sunday marks the official debut of NASCAR’s new Next Gen car. The car is designed to cut costs, help the smaller teams compete with NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations, improve the on-track product and give the manufacturers more brand identity. But the Next Gen also provides an affordable entryway for potential new owners — two of whom will be part of the Daytona 500 for the first time: — Floyd Mayweather Jr. is expected to be at the track when the boxer’s No. 50 Chevrolet for The Money Team Racing makes its debut with Kaz Grala. — Jacques Villeneuve, the former Formula One champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, will make his first Daytona 500 start for European startup Team Hezeberg. —- And businessman John Cohen got into the race with Greg Biffle, who, at 52, will be the oldest driver in the field when he makes the start for NY Racing. Cohen and Mayweather are both Black and representative of NASCAR’s push to increase diversity. Michael Jordan last year formed a team with driver Bubba Wallace, Pitbull joined an ownership group, and Cohen now has a partnership with the competition arm of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program. NY Racing is hoping to build a full-time program around an upand-coming Black driver. And, on Sunday, Jusan Hamilton will become the first Black race director to call the Daytona 500 in its 64th running. “I hope it sets a positive example for others that, regardless of race and background, if you work hard and have a mindset toward your goal, it is achievable,” the 31-yearold Hamilton said. FanDuel lists both three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and reigning NASCAR champion Kyle Larson as the 19-2 race favorites. Larson, powered by Hendrick engines, will lead the field to the green flag following his polewinning run on Wednesday. He’ll start alongside teammate Alex Bowman, who earned a front-row start for the fifth time in his career, and Hendrick drivers have early control of the race for the seventh time in the last eight years. Larson led a race-high 34 laps starting from the pole in his Thursday night qualifier before fading behind the Fords to finish seventh, two spots behind teammate Chase Elliott. Hamlin finished 15th in the second qualifier — far behind his organized Toyota teammates that finished fourth through seventh in the same race. “There’s good parity across the cars — we saw the Chevys were fast in qualifying, and in practices different cars, different teams and different (manufacturers) have been fast,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Racing. Rushbrook also noted the strong showing from Keselowski and the “reenergized” RFK Racing group, which had lagged far behind other Ford teams and last qualified a driver for the playoffs in 2019. See NASCAR | 7 �SPORTS Ohio Valley Publishing Saturday, February 19, 2022 7 CFP to remain 4 teams through 2025 By Ralph D. Russo AP College Football Writer What started last summer with the enthusiastic unveiling of a plan for a 12-team College Football Playoff has come to a halt with the cold, hard reality that expansion will not happen until at least 2026 — if at all. The CFP is set to remain a four-team format through the 2025 season after the administrators who manage the postseason failed to agree on a plan to expand before the current contracts run out. “I’m disappointed we couldn’t get something in place,” American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco told The Associated Press on Friday. “Time was running out. The disappointment also stems from the fact that I think we will eventually get there and I think 12-team is still the most likely scenario.” The CFP management committee, comprised of 10 conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, met by video conference earlier this week. Aresco, who released a Roger Steinman | AP file The College Football Playoff logo is displayed on the field at AT&T Stadium. The College Football Playoff is set to remain a four-team format through the 2025 season after the administrators who manage the postseason failed to agree on an expansion plan before the current contracts run out. A person involved with the decision told The Associated Press on Friday that the CFP management committee, comprised of 10 conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, met by video conference earlier this week. letter Monday detailing the obstacles to expansion, said the purpose of the call was to determine if anyone’s position had changed. “Positions hadn’t changed. So at that point, I guess the implications were clear,” he said. Unable to break an impasse, the commissioners decided to abandon efforts to implement a 12-team format for the 2024 season and recommended staying with the current model to the presidents who oversee the playoff. The Board of Manag- ers accepted the recommendation Thursday and directed the commissioners to continue discussions on a new format to go into effect for the 2026 season. “I don’t think it becomes any easier,” Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey said. “In fact, I think it becomes more complicated.” As Aresco said: “After 2025 there is no playoff.” The decision to shelve early expansion comes as no surprise. The commissioners left their last in-person meetings in early January gridlocked and unable to produce the unanimous consensus needed to move forward with a 12-team proposal they had been haggling over since June. The presidents did not fully close the door on early expansion after that meeting, but hope for an agreement was clearly fading. A few days after the meetings in Indianapolis, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips took the strongest public stance yet against early expansion, saying a new CFP format should not be a priority with so much uncertainty throughout college sports. On Friday, the commissioners finally signaled they have given up on on trying to implement expansion for the final two years of the CFP’s 12-year deal with ESPN — a failure that will cost the conferences an estimated $450 million in additional revenue. Now they will focus their attention on building a new model for beyond the 2026 season when there are no agreements in place. Phelan M. Ebenhack | AP William Byron, left, laughs with Jeff Gordon, center, and crew members on pit road before a NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto race Thursday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Gordon comfy in new role with Hendrick By Dan Gelston AP Sports Writer DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Jeff Gordon called NASCAR races for Fox when his old boss popped in for a visit and left behind a note. Rick Hendrick had good-naturedly posted hours of his 12-plus-hour work days for his former star driver. Those are the grueling demands of the job when you own more than 100 car dealerships and have your name on the winningest organization in stock car history. “I knew I could never live up to that,” Gordon said, laughing. Now look at Gordon. For the first time in his 50 years, Gordon jokes that he finally has a real job (minus the TPS reports). Yes, he has an office and a desk and if he needs to punch a clock, well, Gordon could start with one of the nine grandfather clocks he won at Martinsville. And his day starts as soon as the working dad drops his two kids off at school. Gordon has settled into his daily role at Hendrick Motorsports as the new vice chairman and the secondranking team official to the 72-year-old Hendrick. The move positioned Gordon to one day succeed Hendrick and run the operation. The real-world gig for the four-time champ already came with an early performance review from Hendrick. “He’s showing up on time with his game-face on,” Hendrick said. Whew! Next stop, employee of the month. Few drivers ever showed up in the big moments quite like Gordon. He won 93 races — third on the career list — and four Cup titles before retiring in 2015. He won the Daytona 500 in 1997, 1999, and 2005. Gordon now has a hand in all aspects at Hendrick, from competition meetings and marketing to securing sponsorship and social media ideas. He’s a mentor of sorts to Hendrick’s four Cup drivers -- defending champion Kyle Larson, 2020 champion Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman. And why not? Gordon blended wild Gu takes 3rd Olympic medal By Bernie Wilson of U.S. skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin after she failed to medal in any of the five individual races BEIJING — Eileen she entered. Gu turned the Beijing Gu is also a model and Olympics into her own her face is on advertisepersonal playground. ments all over Beijing. In the city. In the mounShe’s been photographed tains. Spinning, flipping for Vogue, Victoria’s and flying above three difSecret, Louis Vuitton, ferent venues. Tiffany and more. Born The American-born in San Francisco, she will Gu came into the Games enroll at Stanford in the hoping to win three gold Lee Jin-man | AP fall. medals in freestyle skiing On Friday, she while representing China, Gold medal winner China’s Eileen Gu celebrates during the venue award ceremony for the women’s halfpipe at the 2022 Winter remained undefeated in where her mother was Olympics Friday in Zhangjiakou, China. the halfpipe with excepborn. She didn’t, but she tional performances on did come away with two her first two runs. She with the criticism she golds and one silver, mak- deserved it and I really scored 93.25 on her first received for competing earned it.” ing her the first actionShe won the gold medal for China rather than the run and 95.25 on her secsports athlete to win ond run. United States. three medals at the same in the Olympic debut of “She has basically set But a lot of it was due women’s freeski big air in Olympics. a level that’s pretty unatto her skill, confidence front of an old steel mill The 18-year-old Gu tainable for a lot of us,” and personality. in the city. She took the capped her global comsaid American Carly MarIf there’s a face of joy silver in slopestyle on the ing-out party Friday by at the Beijing Games, it’s gulies, who finished 11th. Secret Garden course, winning the gold medal She also has three Gu and her ever-present in women’s halfpipe. She where elements were stuffed Bing Dwen Dwen smile. It was a remarkcarved out of snow to had such a big lead after able contrast to the tears mascots that are given to resemble portions of the two runs that she was all medalists. The masof Russian figure skater Great Wall. Finally, she able to take a carefree cots are so popular that dominated in the halfpipe. Kamila Valieva after final run down the halfpeople stand in line for her shocking litany of Well known in China pipe. hours in the city trying before these Games, she’s mistakes left the heavily “I was very emotional to buy one. Gu got into favored teenager off the now a household name at the top and I chose to do a victory lap,” Gu said. back in the United States podium in women’s figure the spirit of the Beijing Games by wearing a furry skating, and the disapand around the world. “Because I felt like, for pointment and self-doubt panda hat on the podium. the first time, I like really Part of that had to do AP Sports Writer that depressed attendance. Negotiations have been taking place at the offices From page 6 of MLB and the union in the coronavirus pandem- New York. The players’ association was discussic, leading to opening ing whether any players day being pushed back from March 26 to July 23 will attend the next sesand each team’s schedule sion. For the most part, cut from 162 games to owners and players have 60. While spring training joined the bargaining by started on time last year, Zoom. Colorado Rockies CEO Dick Monfort, pandemic restrictions chairman of the owners’ led to capacity limits labor policy committee, and free agent reliever Andrew Miller both attended the Jan. 24 session, the first in-person bargaining during the lockout. “We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side,” MLB said. “On Monday, members of the owners’ bargaining committee will join an in-person meeting with the players’ association and remain every day next week to negotiate and work hard towards starting the season on time.” Spring training workouts were to have started Wednesday. “The clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the clubs to any spring training games that are not taking place,” MLB said. win through the rest of the season. I think they can do it.” The race sold out more than a month in advance and NASCAR expects at least 120,000 spectators on Sunday. Daytona limited its spectators last season because of COVID-19, and the 2020 event four weeks before the pandemic shut down U.S. sports was its last packed house. ThenPresident Donald Trump was the grand marshal that day and Secret Service checks to enter both the garage and the fan zone created a bottleneck of irritated fans waiting in long lines. First-year track president Frank Kelleher said the Daytona staff has worked closely with vendors to prepare for the race and participated in several job fairs to ensure it had a large enough workforce. “We’re not immune to the crisis when it comes to labor and supply chain,” said Kelleher, who noted the track hosted more than 160,000 in November for a four-day rock music festival. The Rolex 24 at Daytona last month was also problemfree. “We’ve been hosting numerous job fairs and if you need 700 employees, let’s make sure we have 1,000 on deck,” Kelleher said. “We’re ready to roll this weekend.” NASCAR From page 6 “That team has been working so hard for so long, and they had success for so long,” Rushbrook said. “They’ve certainly had some hard years. To see the smiles (after the qualifiers), not just Jack Roush in victory lane ... they want to win on Sunday. They want to TAX SERVICE Individual - Business Gary Jarvis CPA Inc. OH-70268885 MLB success with off-track celebrity like no other driver before him (and maybe since). Gordon has encouraged the drivers to step out of their professional comfort zone and find new ways they could promote themselves and the sport. Gordon should know how to stretch beyond racing. He hosted “Saturday Night Live,” voiced multiple cartoon characters, and acted in various TV shows, movies and commercials. “If the drivers are growing their following, then likely the sport is benefiting from it, too,” Elliott said. “I think he’s just trying to help everybody win.” Winning is still what Hendrick does best. Hendrick swept the front row for Sunday’s Daytona 500 with Larson on the pole and Bowman starting outside. It was the seventh pole in the last eight Daytona 500s for Hendrick. The team’s dominance was launched by Gordon, handed off to seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson and could seemingly continue for decades. Hendrick said he was close to signing Byron and Elliott to contract extensions and hoped both drivers — like Gordon — would finish their careers with the organization. Gordon, the face of NASCAR as it exploded in popularity in the 1990s, had an equity stake in Hendrick Motorsports since 1999, and his interest in the business side of the sport only grew, even as he called races in the Fox Sports booth. So did his realization he wasn’t done making a difference at Hendrick. “I always thought if I’m not the one driving the car, then the championships or wins won’t mean as much,” Gordon said. “I beg to differ. I think in some ways that it’s as rewarding, in other ways even more rewarding, because I’m connecting with Rick.” Gordon wanted more than a seat at the table. He needed more seats in the pit box after he was squeezed out at the championship race last season. Did he get some? “Oh, yeah,” he said. Of course he did. 126 Second Ave. Gallipolis, OH �NEWS 8 Saturday, February 19, 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing Ottawa crackdown: dozens arrested after 3-week protest By Rob Gillies, Wilson Ring and Robert Bumsted Associated Press OTTAWA, Ontario — Police arrested scores of demonstrators and towed away vehicles Friday in Canada’s besieged capital, and a stream of trucks started leaving under the pressure, raising authorities’ hopes for an end to the three-week protest against the country’s COVID-19 restrictions. By midafternoon, at least 70 people had been arrested, mostly on mischief charges, and nearly two dozen vehicles had been towed, including all of those blocking one of the city’s major streets, authorities said. One officer had a minor injury, but no protesters were hurt, interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell said. Police “continue to push forward to take control of our streets,” he said, adding: “We will work day and night until this is completed.” Those arrested included at least four protest leaders. The crackdown on the self-styled Freedom Convoy began in the morning, when hundreds of police, some in riot gear and some carrying automatic weapons, descended into the protest zone and began leading demonstrators away in handcuffs through the snowy streets as holdout truckers blared their horns. Tow truck operators — wearing neon-green ski masks, with their companies’ decals taped over Cole Burston | The Canadian Press via AP A man is arrested by police at the protest against COVID-19 measures in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, on Thursday. By midafternoon Friday, at least 70 people had been arrested, mostly on mischief charges. on their trucks to conceal their identities — arrived under police escort and started removing the hundreds of big rigs, campers and other vehicles parked shoulder-to-shoulder near Parliament. Police smashed through the door of at least one RV camper before hauling it away. Scuffles broke out in places, and police repeatedly went nose-to-nose with the protesters and pushed the crowd back amid cries of “Freedom!” and the singing of the national anthem, “O Canada.” Police said late in the afternoon that protesters had assaulted officers and tried to take their weapons. Some began dismantling equipment at a stage where they had played music for weeks, saying they didn’t want it to get destroyed. Many protesters stood their ground in the face of one of the biggest police enforcement actions in Canada’s history, with officers drawn from around the country. “Freedom was never free,” said trucker Kevin Homaund, of Montreal. “So what if they put the handcuffs on us and they put us in jail?” But a steady procession of trucks began leaving Parliament Hill in the afternoon. “There are indications we are now starting to see progress,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. Police would not disclose how many protesters or vehicles remained downtown. All indications were that police would be working into the weekend to clear the area. The capital and its paralyzed streets represented 289.03 ACRE GALLIA COUNTY FARM & EQUIPMENT AUCTION Located @ 1253 Cadmus Rd. Patriot, Ohio 45658. 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Authorities had hesitated to move against the protests, in part because of fears of violence. The demonstrations have drawn right-wing extremists and veterans, some of them armed. With police and the government facing accusations that they let the protests get out of hand, Trudeau on Monday invoked Canada’s Emergencies Act. That gave law enforcement extraordinary authority to declare the blockades illegal, tow away trucks, arrest the drivers, suspend their licenses and freeze their bank accounts. Ottawa police made their first move to end the occupation late Thursday with the arrest of two key protest leaders. They also sealed off much of the downtown area to outsiders to prevent them from coming to the aid of the protesters. The emergency act enabled law enforcement authorities to compel tow truck companies to assist. Ottawa police said earlier that they couldn’t find tow truck drivers willing to help because they either sympathized with the movement or feared retaliation. As police worked to dismantle the siege, Pat King, one of the protest leaders, told truckers, “Please stay peaceful,” while also threatening the livelihoods of the tow truck operators. “You are committing career suicide,” King warned on Facebook. “We know where the trucks came from.” King himself was later arrested by officers who surrounded him in his car. Ottawa police had made it clear for days that they were preparing to retake the streets. On Friday, even as the operation was underway, police issued another round of warnings via social media and loudspeaker, offering protesters one more chance to leave and avoid arrest. Some locked arms instead as officers formed a line to push them back. Dan Holland, a protester from London Ontario, packed up his car as police closed in. “I don’t want to get beat up by this police,” he said. Children bundled up in coats and hats stood amid the crowd. Police said the protesters had put the youngsters in the middle in the confrontation. The Freedom Convoy demonstrations initially focused on Canada’s vaccine requirement for truckers entering the country but soon morphed into a broad attack on COVID-19 precautions and Trudeau’s government. Ottawa residents complained of being harassed and intimidated by the truckers and obtained a court injunction to stop their incessant honking. Trudeau portrayed the protesters as members of a “fringe” element. Canadians have largely embraced the country’s COVID-19 restrictions, with the vast majority vaccinated, including an estimated 90% of the nation’s truckers. Some of the vaccine and mask mandates imposed by the provinces are already falling away rapidly. The biggest border blockade, at the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, disrupted the flow of auto parts between the two countries and forced the industry to curtail production. Authorities lifted the siege last weekend after arresting dozens of protesters. Take the 5th? The choice could soon be Trump’s in NY probe By Jim Mustian and Eric Tucker Associated Press NEW YORK — To plead the Fifth, or not to plead the Fifth? That is the question Donald Trump may face after a New York judge ordered the former president to testify in a longrunning state civil investigation into his business practices. Trump’s lawyers are almost certain to appeal Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling Thursday that Trump and his two eldest children, Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., have 21 days to comply with a subpoena seeking their testimony in a probe by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Barring a successful legal challenge, Trump would face a decision between answering questions under oath or remaining silent and invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination — a tactic he has equated with evidence of guilt. “The mob takes the Fifth,” Trump told a campaign crowd in Iowa when running for president. “If you are innocent, do not remain silent,” Trump tweeted in 2014, offering free advice as Bill Cosby faced a flurry of sexual assault accusations. “You look guilty as hell!” Aside from any legal considerations, refusing to answer James’ questions carries political risks. “For a former president and potential candidate for the office to take the Fifth would really Mark Lennihan | AP file Donald Trump, chairman and CEO of the Trump Organization, poses with his children, from left, Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, at the opening of the Trump SoHo New York in 2010. Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump and his two eldest children, Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., to comply with subpoenas issued in December by New York Attorney General Letitia James in New York state’s civil investigation into his business practices. be remarkable,” said Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University. “The problem with appearing — at least as his lawyers will see it — is that Trump can’t be controlled and he’s likely to say things that will cause more trouble for him and his family.” Trump’s own lawyers acknowledged during a court hearing Thursday that the former president faces risks by sitting down with attorneys heading up an investigation he long has derided as a “witch hunt.” James, a Democrat, says her investigation has uncovered evidence Trump’s company used “fraudulent or misleading” valuations of his assets to get loans and tax benefits. Manhattan’s district attorney is also investigating, and if Trump were to testify in the civil probe, anything he says could be used against him in a criminal proceeding. Last year, the district attorney’s office charged Trump’s company and longtime finance chief in what prosecutors called a “sweeping and audacious” tax fraud scheme. But even remaining silent could hurt a potential criminal defense, Trump’s attorneys said. “If he goes in and follows my advice, which will be you cannot answer these questions without ... immunity because that’s what the law provides, and take the Fifth Amendment, that’ll be on every front page in the newspaper in the world. And how can I possibly pick a jury in that case?” attorney Ronald Fischetti said during Thursday’s hearing. Trump would not be afforded “a blanket assertion” of his Fifth Amendment right but be required to invoke it “individually for each question that’s being asked,” said David S. Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor. “It’s a very long and drawn-out process,” he said. That was the case in 1990, when Trump refused to answer 97 questions in a divorce deposition. �NEWS/CLASSIFIEDS Ohio Valley Publishing Saturday, February 19, 2022 9 Judge rejects effort by Trump to toss Jan. 6 lawsuits By Colleen Long incitement not protected by the First Amendment.” “Only in the most extraordinary circumWASHINGTON — A stances could a court not federal judge on Friday rejected efforts by former recognize that the First President Donald Trump Amendment protects a President’s speech,” to toss out conspiracy lawsuits filed by lawmak- Mehta wrote. “But the ers and two Capitol police court believes this is that officers, saying in his rul- case.” The order is the latest ing that the former presiexample of growing legal dent’s words “plausibly” peril for the former presiled to the Jan. 6, 2021, dent. Just hours earlier, insurrection. the National Archives U.S. District Court said records found at Judge Amit Mehta said in his ruling that Trump’s Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort contained classiwords during a rally before the violent storm- fied information and that it had notified the Justice ing of the U.S. Capitol Department. were likely “words of Associated Press On Thursday, a judge in New York ruled that Trump and two of his children must answer questions under oath in New York state’s civil investigation into his business practices. Another judge ordered that his company’s financial chief be subjected to questioning in another probe by the District of Columbia attorney general’s office. And earlier this week, the firm that prepared Trump’s annual financial statements said the documents, used to secure lucrative loans and burnish Trump’s image as a wealthy businessman, “should no longer be relied upon.” During a planned rally on the Ellipse just hours before Congress was to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, Trump told his supporters to “Fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” He said, “(We’re) going to try to and give (weak Republicans) the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country,” and then told the crowd to “walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.” Mehta said Trump’s speech could have directed people to break the law. But the judge dismissed similar charges made against Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. and lawyer Rudy Giuliani, saying their speech was protected by the First Amendment. Mehta did not yet rule on another motion to dismiss from Alabama Republican Rep. Mo Brooks, also named in the suits. The lawsuits, filed by Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., officers James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby and initially by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., argued that Trump, Trump Jr., Giuliani and Brooks made “false and incendiary allegations of fraud and theft, and in direct response to the Defendant’s express calls for violence at the rally, a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol.” Thompson later dropped out of the lawsuit when he was named to lead the Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. The NAACP continued in his stead. The lawsuits cite a federal civil rights law that was enacted to counter the Ku Klux Klan’s intimidation of officials. They spell out in detail how National Archives: Trump took classified items to Mar-a-Lago By Farnoush Amiri Associated Press WASHINGTON — Classified information was found in the 15 boxes of White House records that were stored at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, the National Archives and Records Administration said Friday in a letter that confirmed the matter has been sent to the Justice Department. The letter from the agency follows numerous reports around Trump’s handling of sensitive and even classified information during his time as president and after he left the White House. The revelation could also interest federal investigators responsible for policing the handling of government secrets, though the Justice Department and FBI have not indicated they will pursue. Federal law bars the removal of classified documents to unauthorized locations, though it is possible that Trump could try to argue that, as president, he was the ultimate declassification authority. No matter the legal risk, it exposes him to charges of hypocrisy given his relentless (740) 446-2342 or fax to (740) 446-3008 XXX�NZEBJMZTFOUJOFM�DPN�t�HEUDMBTTJöFET!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN HEUMFHBMT!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN attacks during the 2016 presidential campaign on Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server as secretary of state. The FBI investigated but ultimately did not recommend charges. Trump recently denied reports about his administration’s tenuous relationship with the National Archives and his lawyers said that “they are continuing to search for additional presidential records that belong to the National Archives.” The letter from the archivists in response to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, (740) 992-2155 or fax to (740) 992-2157 XXX�NZEBJMZTFOUJOFM�DPN�t�HEUDMBTTJöFET!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN HEUMFHBMT!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN Check out our &ODVVLÀ�HGV online! %DVHPHQW :DOOV %UDFHG +XQGUHGV 2I /RFDO 5HIHUHQFHV /LFHQVHG� %RQGHG ,QVXUHG FREE ESTIMATES 24 Hours (740) 446-0870 www.rogersbasementwaterproofing.com The following is a summarized version of legislation adopted at the February 15, 2022, meeting of the Gallipolis City Commission: " RESOLUTION R2022-03: A RESOLUTION NAMING GALLIPOLIS CITY MANAGER DOW W SAUNDERS FOR THE V ILLAGE OF THE CITY OF GALLIPOLIS APPOINTMENT TO THE DISTRICT 15 PUBLIC WORKS INTEGRATING COMMITTEE. " RESOLUTION R2022-04: A RESOLUTION NAMING GALLIPOLIS AUDITOR SHELLY L CLONCH AS ALTERNATE FOR THE VILLAGE OF THE CITY OF GALLIPOLIS APPOINTMENT TO THE DISTRICT 15 PUBLIC WORKS INTEGRATING COMMITTEE. " ORDINANCE O2022-03: AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE BY ADOPTING CURRENT REPLACEMENT PAGES. (Annual update to city codified ordinances) The full text of this legislation is available at the Office of the City Auditor, on the City's website (www.cityofgallipolis.com), and at the Bossard Library. 825 3rd Ave. Gallipolis, OH has a Part-Time Position Mail Clerk-Dock Worker Call or email Derrick Morrison 304-674-9208 or dmorrison@aimmediamidwest.com OH-70272850 from divulging. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, said in a statement Friday that “these new revelations deepen my concern about former President Trump’s flagrant disregard for federal records law and the potential impact on our historical record.” She added, “I am committed to uncovering the full depth of the Presidential Records Act violations by former President Trump and his top advisors and using those findings to advance critical reforms and prevent future abuses.” (304) 675-1333 or fax to (304) 675-5234 8QFRQGLWLRQDO /LIHWLPH *XDUDQWHH (VWDEOLVKHG ���� Want To Buy that had been torn up by the former president had been transferred to the agency. “Although White House staff during the Trump Administration recovered and taped together some of the torn-up records, a number of other tornup records that were transferred had not been reconstructed by the White House,” the letter continued. Lawmakers are also seeking information about the contents of the boxes recovered from Mar-a-Lago but the agency cited the records act as holding them back XXX�NZEBJMZTFOUJOFM�DPN�t�HEUDMBTTJöFET!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN HEUMFHBMT!BJNNFEJBNJEXFTU�DPN ROGERS BASEMENT WATERPROOFING MERCHANDISE Absolute Top Dollarsilver/gold coins, any 10k/14k/18k gold jewerly, dental gold, pre 1935 US currency, diamonds, MTS Coin Shop 151 2nd Avenue, Gallipolis. 446-2842 which is investigating, also details how certain social media records were not captured and preserved by the Trump administration. And it also says that the agency learned that White House staff frequently conducted official business using unofficial messaging accounts and personal phones. Those staff did not copy or forward their official messaging counts, as required by the Presidential Records Act. 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Special Note: Residents that want to save decorations must remove them by April 1st, 2022 so that the cemeteries can be prepared for spring. 2/19/22,2/26/22 �10 Saturday, February 19, 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN WOMEN’S HEALTH with Minimally Invasive GYN Surgery Dr. Sam Badran is a board-certified surgical gynecologist. When a woman needs surgery, Dr. Badran believes the most important priority is managing her safety as a patient. His second priority is to perform the woman’s surgery in a minimally invasive way so that she can recover and get back to living life quickly. Dr. Badran has the expertise and Pleasant Valley Hospital has the technology to do both things well. These are among the many ways that Pleasant Valley Hospital is making a difference in women’s health. OH-70269440 SAM BADRAN, MD, FACOG Schedule Your Consultation Today 2520 Valley Dr. • Point Pleasant, WV • 304.857.6503 pvalley.org �Opinion Ohio Valley Publishing Saturday, February 19, 2022 11 THEIR VIEW Travels to a different Hilton Head There are few experiences I’ve enjoyed in my life more than travel. To me, they’re the longer versions of the weekend, of which I’ve also been a big fan. Often, I’ll get the question as to why, at 70, I still work full time. Like a lot of life’s decisions we make, actually, there’s more than one reason. I suppose one is habit, since working is something I’ve done since the age of 14 when, two years after I was actually legally allowed to obtain a work permit, I thinned corn on an experimental farm in addition to mowing many a summer lawn and shoveling quite a few winter driveways. Another reason I still work is because I’ve been blessed with both mental and physical health. When so many others my age and even younger are not able, I can. However, there’s another very John important reason. Truth be told, Grindrod never in my life have I ever experiGuest enced that special joy of wrapping columnist up a good week of work or, onceupon-my-teaching times, that last day before Christmas or summer vacation. Of course, the ends of school years weren’t vacation gateways but a chance to work another job for the city of Lima Parks and Recreation and take on some extra bartending shifts until it was time to head back to school. When it comes to my leisurely travels, for more than 20 years, those have been enhanced by my Lady Jane, who’s been in the passenger seat gleefully studying her map and entertaining me with her occasional chirps. So, on the day after Christmas a few weeks ago, having secured a rental from Vacation Rentals by Owners, we began our trip to Hilton Head Island, a place we’ve visited several times through the years on the week between Santa’s arrival and the arrival of that New Year’s baby with the top hat sporting the next year’s numerals. I was using my final vacation days my company affords, which always sweetens a vacation experience, when some of the travel expenses can be offset by paid vacation days. Our overnight layover was in Asheville, N.C., which would allow some time to check off one of Jane’s desires, spending some time at South Carolina’s only national park, Congaree, less than 200 miles from Asheville and only about 150 miles from Hilton Head. As for Congaree, the highlight besides the fact that there is free admission is the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Trail, which put us above the abundant wetlands that stretched out below, marshes liberally dotted by bald cypress trees, water tupelos and loblolly pines that reach to dizzying heights and are hundreds of years old. We were especially impressed with the views of Weston Lake from the boardwalk. Following a sumptuous picnic table lunch right out of one of a road trip’s best assets, our cooler filled with our favorites, it was off to complete our journey to the island named for Captain William Hilton, who identified a headland close to the entry to Port Royal Sound in 1663. It was indeed Hilton’s Port Royal Sound part of the island that he first spotted where we would be staying. For all who’ve visited Hilton Head, and Ohioans have a long history of flocking to the island, it’s a well-known fact that the island’s configuration resembles a tennis shoe, with the toe of the shoe being Harbour Town to the south. Well, Port Royal Sound on the opposite end, above the shoe’s heel. After a monstrous traffic jam on Interstate 95, one that extended off Exit 28 onto Route 462 and again onto Route 170 and yet again onto U.S. 278 that comes onto the island, a jam that pushed an original Garman ETA from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30, we wearily pulled our bags and cooler into the condo in The Spa at Port Royal. The length and depth of the traffic jam onto the island would prove to be an early indication as to how Hilton Head has changed since our earlier trips there between Christmas and New Year’s in the early 2000s. While the island wasn’t deserted, there were far, far fewer people walking the beaches, using the bike paths and driving the streets than what we experienced this time. One thing that hadn’t changed about the island, and I would discover this in trying to find our way to our rental after dark on the drive in, was the absence of any significant lighting. For those of you who’ve visited, I think you’ll agree that trying to find your way around at night unless you’re a native is like being in a cave without a lantern. By week’s end in our condo, I had accumulated quite a list of improvements should the VRBO folks send me a survey (which they ultimately did). A new mattress for the one I found way too soft, a new couch in the living area to replace the one with a sagging seating surface and a TV guide that would make finding programming were three such items I shared, along with a couple other what I think would be upgrades. Realizing I’ve done my fair share of complaining this week, let me focus on the positives next week as I wrap up my latest travel log. John Grindrod is a regular columnist for The Lima News, a division of AIM Media Midwest, a freelance writer and editor and the author of two books. Reach him at grinder@wcoil.com. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. THEIR VIEW Owls on a snowy night Late on a recent night — when a sensible fellow would be tucked in bed — I donned the expedition-weight down-filled parka purchased decades ago on the unlikely possibility of a mid-winter Antarctica visit. Thus bundled, I deserted the woodstove’s cozy warmth and stepped into the winter darkness outside. February’s waxing Snow Moon was on the rise, flooding the snowcovered ground and the woods across from the cottage with pale silver light. A few yards from where I stood, the Stillwater slipped steadily along — a swirling, ebony ribbon reflecting scintillating highlights from the star-spattered sky. It was cold, somewhere in the single digits. I snuggled deeper into my protective coat. Suddenly, from somewhere not too far downstream, came the eerie, interlocutory hoot of a great horned owl: “Who? Who? Who-o-oo-o?” The sound seemed to float through the chilled darkness. I felt the hint of an involuntary shiver crawl down my spine, as the hairs on the back of my scalp made to rise. Again the owl called… gers of death. For and from the millennia, as men streamside huddled round a woods across and winter’s fire, telling upstream, a second tales and looking voice answered: fearfully into the “Who? Who-o-onight, it was said o-o!” Owls are as Natural that to hear the call was an much a voice of Wanders owl’s omen of impending winter nights as Jim death. Margaret the moan of wind McGuire Craven wove her and the crackle of bestselling book, ice. Their voice is ‘I Heard the Owl Call My as forlorn as the season Name,‘ around this legitself. An ancient mutend, as told through the tering from the season’s tribal stories of the Indian impenetrable shadows, perhaps finding its impe- peoples of the Pacific tus in the spirit of Boreas, Northwest. Mere superstition? that old Greek god of winQuaint folklore? Or were ter and the north wind. those malevolent birds Moreover, for centusomehow putting a hex ries, owls have carried a on me—marking my life? reputation as bearers of I didn’t think so. bad tidings. The language of owls Pliny the Elder wrote that when an owl appears is the mother tongue of a mid-winter Ohio night — “it foretells nothing but a shivery call of dominion evil, to be more dreaded and knowledge, an articuthan any other bird.” lation of nocturnal mysLilith, the dark Sumerian goddess of the under- tery, and one shared by the howls of northcountry world — whose name wolf-song. means “of the night” Yet as spooky as a hoot— was given owl-like features of wings and talons. ing owl might sound, my guess is those birds now She’s mentioned in the exchanging what some Bible, in Isaiah, where might mistake as dire a verse speaks of earth’s laments and impending eventual desolation and doom were more likely those forsaken creatures speaking of domesticity. which rest among the Their hoots were of proruins. creation. Cultures the world Great horned owls over have long taught begin their pre-nesting that owls were harbin- nuptials early, soon after the first of the year. They may actually be on the nest by the end of this month — and have young owlets hatched come early March. I’ve seen great horned nests built in suitable cavities in sycamores and beeches, and on the high stump of a storm-blasted oak. And I’ve watched and photographed a mother owl sitting atop her clutch while a winter storm ruffled her snowflake-covered feathers. It’s an unlikely sight, more than a bit disturbing. But one which plainly reveals the tenacity of this large predator. Moonlight poured across the moving water like light spilled from a pitcher. The chill had now pervaded my layers of clothing — even the fluffy parka. Still, the streamside owls kept on with their inquiries. “Who? Whoo? Whoooo?” The eternal owl question — and I suppose a fair one. However, I declined to answer. If they really wanted to know — they’d have to identify me on their own. Reach Jim McGuire at naturalwanders@gmail.com. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. TODAY IN HISTORY ment in phonograph or speaking machines.” In 1942, during World Today is Saturday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2022. War II, President Franklin There are 315 days left in D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, the year. which paved the way Today’s highlights in history for the relocation and internment of people of On Feb. 19, 2008, Japanese ancestry, includan ailing Fidel Castro ing U.S.-born citizens. resigned the Cuban In 1945, Operation presidency after nearly Detachment began dura half-century in power; his brother Raul was later ing World War II as some 30,000 U.S. Marines named to succeed him. began landing on Iwo Jima, where they comOn this date menced a successful In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was month-long battle to seize control of the island from born in Torun, Poland. Japanese forces. In 1807, former Vice In 1959, an agreement President Aaron Burr, was signed by Britain, accused of treason, Turkey and Greece grantwas arrested in the ing Cyprus its indepenMississippi Territory, in dence. present-day Alabama. In 1976, President (Burr was acquitted at Gerald R. Ford, calling trial.) the issuing of the internIn 1878, Thomas ment order for people of Edison received a U.S. Japanese ancestry in 1942 patent for “an improveAssociated Press “a sad day in American history,” signed a proclamation formally confirming its termination. In 2003, an Iranian military plane carrying 275 members of the elite Revolutionary Guards crashed in southeastern Iran, killing all on board. In 2019, President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to develop plans for a new Space Force within the Air Force, accepting less than the full-fledged department he had wanted. Amy Tan is 70. Actor Jeff Daniels is 67. Rock singer-musician Dave Wakeling is 66. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 65. Actor Ray Winstone is 65. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 63. Britain’s Prince Andrew is 62. Tennis Hall of Famer Hana Mandlikova is 60. Singer Seal is 59. Actor Jessica Tuck is 59. Country musician Ralph McCauley (Wild Horses) is 58. Rock musician Jon Fishman (Phish) is 57. Actor Justine Bateman is 56. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 55. Actor Bellamy Today’s Birthdays: Young is 52. Rock musiSinger Smokey cian Daniel Adair is 47. Robinson is 82. Actor Pop singer-actor Haylie Carlin Glynn is 82. Duff is 37. Actor Arielle Former Sony Corp. Kebbel is 37. Christian Chairman Howard Stringer is 80. Singer Lou rock musician Seth Christie is 79. Rock musi- Morrison (Skillet) is 34. Actor Luke Pasqualino is cian Tony Iommi (Black 32. Actor Victoria Justice Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is 74. Actor Stephen is 29. Actor Millie Bobby Brown is 18. Nichols is 71. Author �NEWS 12 Saturday, February 19, 2022 Addressing children’s dental health should brush February is teeth at least National Chiltwice a day with dren’s Dental fluoride toothHealth Month. paste. If your This month-long child is younger national health than 6, it is recobservance proommended that vides the opporMeigs you watch them tunity to promote Health brush. Per the good dental care Matters CDC, they should for children and Jennifer use a pea-size offer education resources on how Richmond amount of toothpaste and always to maintain good spit it out. Help your oral health. Cavities, child brush until they also known as tooth have good brushing decay, are the most common chronic diseas- skills. Children should es of childhood, but yet, start flossing when teeth begin to touch. It they are preventable. Children who have poor doesn’t matter if flossing occurs before or oral health often miss more school and receive after brushing, as long lower grades than chil- as it is done. You can use child-friendly plasdren who don’t. tic flossing tools to easUntreated cavities ily clean between your can cause pain, infecchild’s teeth until the tion, and can lead child learns to do it. to problems eating, A child’s diet is essenspeaking, playing, and tial for developing and learning. More than 1 maintaining strong and in 5 children aged 2 to healthy teeth. Incor5 years have at least one cavity in their baby porating good sources teeth, indicated per the of calcium to a child’s Center of Disease Con- diet will help build trol (CDC). To prevent, strong teeth. Yogurt, broccoli, and milk are protect, and maintain good sources of calyour child’s teeth, please follow the below cium. Having healthy eating habits will also steps. help with good dental Good dental health care. Eating fruits and starts in the womb. It vegetables for snacks is vital for pregnant women to practice good instead of candies and cookies and drinking dental hygiene. Durwater rather than juice ing pregnancy, women are more prone to gum or soda will eliminate excess sugar intake. disease and cavities, Bacteria in the mouth which can affect the baby’s health. Pregnant produces acid when a person eats sugary women should see a dentist before delivery, foods. This acid eats away minerals from the brush at least twice a tooth’s surface, making day, and floss daily. A the tooth weaker and tip for keeping your increasing the chance of teeth safe if you have developing cavities per nausea during pregthe CDC. nancy is to rinse your Dental sealants are a mouth with 1 teaspoon quick, easy, and painof baking soda in a glass of water after you less way to prevent most cavities children get sick. This will help get in the permanent remove stomach acid back teeth. According from your teeth and to the American Dental keep the enamel safe. Association, Children After baby is born, aged 6 to 11 years it is crucial to start a without sealants have good dental routine. almost 3 times more Wipe gums after each first-molar cavities than feeding with a clean children with sealants. cloth. This will aid in The sealant forms an wiping away bacteria extra barrier between and sugars that can the cavity-causing baccause cavities. Try to teria and your child’s avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle. This teeth. Sealants have can lead to tooth decay been shown to reduce the risk of decay by also known as “baby nearly 80% in molars, bottle tooth decay” per the ADA. which occurs when In conclusion, please a baby’s teeth have remember to follow prolonged exposure the above steps to help to sugar from drinks. your child maintain This tooth decay most good oral care. Schedoften occurs in the ule regular dentist upper front teeth, but appointments for cleanother teeth may also be affected. Babies put ings and check-ups, set a timer for 2 minutes to bed with a bottle or when a bottle is used a for brushing and praise pacifier have a tendency your child for doing a good job. Our mission for developing baby at the Meigs County bottle tooth decay, per Health Department is the American Dental to preserve, promote, Association (ADA). It is also important to and protect the health note that the next time and well-being of Meigs County. Instilling good your child’s pacifier oral care in children goes flying, don’t pick it up and put it in your will align with this mission. The Meigs County mouth to clean it. The ADA states that cavity- Health Department can causing bacteria can be also provide information on developing and passed through saliva, so you could potentially maintaining healthy eating habits for chilbe introducing germs to your child instead of dren and adults, which ultimately promotes protecting him or her good oral care. Please from them. The same goes for mealtime. Keep contact MCHD for utensils and your germs more information at 740-992.6626 or visit us separate for a healthy at www.meigs-health. mouth and body. Children should have com. a dental visit by the Jennifer Richmond is HR first birthday to spot Coordinator for the Meigs County signs of problems early. Health Department. Children 2 and older COVID Daily Sentinel Additional county case data since vaccinations began Dec. 14, 2020: Total cases since start of vaccinations: 5,483 (77 new); Total cases among individuals who were not reported as fully vaccinated — 4,651 (59 new); Total breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated — 832 (18 new); Total deaths among not fully vaccinated individuals — 70 (1 new); Total breakthrough deaths among fully vaccinated individuals — 6. A total of 12,006 people in Mason County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is 45.3 percent of the population, according Mason County to DHHR, with 10,099 According to the 10 fully vaccinated or 38.1 a.m. update on Friday percent of the population. from DHHR, there have Mason County is curbeen 6,374 cases (79 rently yellow on the West new) of COVID-19, in Virginia County Alert Mason County (5,894 System. confirmed cases, 480 There have been 28 probable cases) since the beginning of the pandem- confirmed cases of the ic and 87 deaths (1 new). Delta variant in Mason County. There are six DHHR reports there are currently 78 active cases confirmed cases of the and 6,209 recovered cases Omicron variant reported in Mason County. in Mason County. (Editor’s note: Case data includes both conOhio firmed and probable According to the 2 p.m. cases.) update on Friday from Case data is as follows: ODH, there have been 0-4 — 134 cases (4 2,129 cases in the past 24 new) hours (21-day average of 5-11 — 315 cases (4 3,806), 146 new hospinew) talizations (21-day aver12-15 — 324 cases (1 age of 213), 23 new ICU fewer) admissions (21-day aver16-20 — 450 cases (3 age of 21) and 121 new new) deaths in the previous 24 21-25 — 523 cases (7 hours (21-day average of new) 115) with 35,493 total 26-30 — 587 cases (4 reported deaths. (Editor’s new) Note: Deaths are reported 31-40 — 1,062 cases (7 two days per week.) new), 2 deaths Vaccination rates in 41-50 — 981 cases (17 Ohio are as follows, new), 3 deaths according to ODH: 51-60 — 827 cases (14 Vaccines started: new), 12 deaths 7,208,548 (61.67 percent 61-70 — 621 cases (9 of the population); new), 16 deaths Vaccines completed: 71+ — 550 cases (11 6,657,158 (56.95 percent new), 54 deaths (1 new) of the population). As of Feb. 9, ODH reports the following breakthrough information: COVID-19 Deaths among individuals not reported as fully vaccinated — 20,711; COVID-19 Deaths among fully vaccinated individuals — 1,040; COVID-19 Hospitalizations since Jan. 1, 2021 among individuals not reported as fully vaccinated — 62,937; COVID-19 Hospitalizations since Jan. 1, 2021 among individuals reported as fully vaccinated — 4,074. The FDA said it is working with federal and local authorities in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas— the states where the infant infections were reported. Abbott could not specify how many units the recall includes, but brands like Similac are among the best-selling formulas in the U.S. and overseas. “We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that trust and resolve this situation,” a company spokeswoman said in a statement. Abbott said parents can identify the recalled products by examining the number on the bottom of each container. The affected formulas have a number starting with 22 through 37, contain K8, SH, or Z2 and have an expiration date of April 1, 2022 or later. The company has also setup a website where parents can check if their products have been recalled: https://www.similacrecall. com/us/en/home.html. The company said its own testing of finished product didn’t detect any contamination. The recall does not affect liquid infant formulas or any other Abbott products. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. friends during the war. But his attitude changed, and his new mission was launched, From page 1 after meeting a group of entered World War II fol- children behind a fence at lowing the attack on Pearl Templehof airport. He offered them the Harbor, Halvorsen trained two pieces of gum that he as a fighter pilot and served as a transport pilot had, broken in half, and in the south Atlantic dur- was touched to see those who got the gum sharing ing World War II before pieces of the wrapper flying food and other supplies to West Berlin as with the other children, who smelled the paper. part of the airlift. He promised to drop According to his enough for all of them the account on the foundation’s website, Halvorsen following day as he flew, had mixed feelings about wiggling the wings of his plane as he flew over the mission to help the the airport, Halvorsen United States’ former recalled. enemy after losing He started doing so regularly, using his own candy ration, with handkerchiefs as parachutes to carry them to the ground. Soon other pilots and crews joined in what would be dubbed “Operation Little Vittles.” After an Associated Press story appeared under the headline “Lollipop Bomber Flies Over Berlin,” a wave of candy and handkerchief donations, followed. The airlift began on June 26, 1948, in an ambitious plan to feed and supply West Berlin after the Soviets — one of the four occupying powers of a divided Berlin after World War II — blockaded the city in an attempt to squeeze the U.S., Britain and France out of the enclave within Soviet-occupied eastern Germany. Allied pilots flew 278,000 flights to Berlin, carrying about 2.3 million tons of food, coal, medicine and other supplies. Finally, on May 12, 1949, the Soviets realized the blockade was futile and lifted their barricades. The airlift continued for several more months, however, as a precaution in case the Soviets changed their minds. approximately 45% of legislative seats to their party and 54% to the GOP, which roughly matches Ohio’s political breakdown. “Unfortunately, as a practical matter, it would appear — at least at this point — that this body is at an impasse,” said Secretary of State Frank LaRose, one of five Republicans on the commission. The stalemate raises questions for the fate of Ohio’s primary, still scheduled for May 3. LaRose has said the state is now precariously close to violating federal and state laws for carrying out the election. LaRose and other Republicans said the party’s expert mapmakers simply could not find a way to draw constitutional maps that met all the Ohio Supreme Court’s requirements. State Sen. Vernon Sykes, a Democrat and Redistricting Commission co-chair, criticized Republicans for what he said was a dereliction of duty as the state’s ruling party. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, a commission member, said Thursday it was a mistake to declare an impasse. From page 1 Case data is as follows: 0-19 — 1,451 cases (28 new), 12 hospitalizations (1 new) 20-29 —1,182 cases (20 new), 22 hospitalizations (1 new), 2 death (1 new) 30-39 — 1,0457 cases (8 new), 20 hospitalizations (1 new), 1 death 40-49 — 1,064 cases (10 new), 34 hospitalizations, 8 deaths 50-59 — 960 cases (12 new), 64 hospitalizations (2 new), 13 deaths 60-69 — 776 cases (10 new), 72 hospitalizations (4 new), 19 deaths (2 new) 70-79 — 472 cases (5 new), 98 hospitalizations (1 new), 26 deaths (1 new) 80-plus — 302 cases (1 new), 68 hospitalizations (3 new), 38 deaths Vaccination rates in Gallia County are as follows, according to ODH: Vaccines started: 13,874 (46.39 percent of the population); Vaccines completed: 12,700 (42.47 percent of the population). Meigs County According to the 2 p.m. update from ODH on Friday, there have been 4,466 total cases (47 new) in Meigs County since the beginning of the pandemic, 222 hospitalizations (3 new) and 78 deaths (1 new). Of the 4,466 cases, 4,094 (105 new) are presumed recovered. Case data is as follows: 0-19 — 868 cases (6 new), 8 hospitalizations 20-29 — 643 cases (8 new), 5 hospitalizations, 1 death 30-39 — 583 cases, 15 hospitalizations, 1 death 40-49 — 655 cases (6 new), 18 hospitalizations, Formulas From page 1 due to bacterial contamination. “We’re working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products, which we recognize include infant formula produced at this facility, while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas. 2 deaths 50-59 — 632 cases (8 new), 36 hospitalizations (1 new), 10 deaths 60-69 — 534 cases (5 new), 56 hospitalizations, 12 deaths 70-79 — 344 cases (6 new), 52 hospitalizations (1 new), 28 deaths 80-plus — 207 cases (8 new), 32 hospitalizations (1 new), 23 deaths (1 new) Vaccination rates in Meigs County are as follows, according to ODH: Vaccines started: 10,491 (45.79 percent of the population); Vaccines completed: 9,545 (41.67 percent of the population). Candy Map From page 1 Maps drawn by Democrats that their designers said were constitutional went down to defeat Thursday in a party-line vote shortly before the deadlock was declared. The Democratic maps would have delivered West Virginia According to the 10 a.m. update on Friday from DHHR, there have been 481,818 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, with 1,126 reported since DHHR’s update last update. DHHR reports 77,332 “breakthrough” cases as of Friday with 613 total breakthrough deaths statewide (counts include cases after the start of COVID-19 vaccination/ Dec. 14, 2020). There have been a total of 6,162 deaths due to COVID19 since the start of the pandemic, with 16 since the last update. There are 4,768 currently active cases in the state, with a daily positivity rate of 9.15 and a cumulative positivity rate of 8.38 percent. Statewide, 1,111,567 West Virginia residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 (62.0 percent of the population). A total of 53.5 percent of the population, 958,567 individuals have been fully vaccinated. © 2022 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved. Kayla (Hawthorne) Dunham is a staff writer for Ohio Valley Publishing, reach her at 304-675-1333, ext. 1992. � 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 02. February 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 February 19, 2022 cale