C o n t i n u i n g To P r o u d l y S e r v e C a r r o l l C o u n t y S i n c e 1 8 3 1 $1.00
Thursday, March 19, 2020
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Our world turned upside down COVID-19 causes school, business and election closures as residents hunker down By KIMBERLY LEWIS FPS Editor In one week, everyone’s world changed because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). On March 9, Ohio Department of Health Officials were reporting their first cases of the pneumonia-like virus. By March 17, Ohio had 67 cases, including three in Stark County and one in Tuscarawas County. Symptoms, which generally appear two to 14 days after exposure, include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. In response to the upswing in cases, Governor Mike DeWine announced March 11 Ohio schools would be closed for three weeks, starting March 16. The news left district officials scram-
bling on how to offer remote access learning and how to feed those students breakfast and lunch. Area schools cancelled all student programs, including musicals, and sports. By March 17, schools had plans in place to provide meals (see story below). Colleges and universities have closed and have sent the students home where they will attend online classes. DeWine also prohibited mass gatherings of more than 100, which was reduced later by the Centers for Disease Control to 50 and President Donald Trump to 10. DeWine announced March 15 the closure of all bars and restaurants, allowing restaurants only to offer carryout meals. A list of restaurants offer carryout may be found on page 3. Area nursing homes are closed to visitors. People are encouraged to lift the
FPS Photo / Kimberly Lewis
Only six packages of toilet paper were on the shelf Tuesday afternoon at Carrollton’s Discount Drug Mart. Those packages were gone within minutes after this picture was taken. Area residents, like people through the country, were on the hunt for toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies as states began reporting people testing positive for COVID-19.
residents’ spirits by sending cards. Last week residents hit the stores looking for the “essentials” - toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies. Those items are still hot commodities this week with Discount Drug Mart and Dollar General’s new supply of toilet paper disappearing within hours. Residents are encouraged to stay home, practice social distancing (staying at least six feet from another person) and to wash their hands. As Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton explained last week, “On the front end of a pandemic, you are an alarmist. At the back end, you didn’t do enough.” Carroll County Health Department Administrator Amy Campbell stressed that hand washing is the one of the important things people can do to combat the disease because the soap and water kills the germs that cause the disease. She noted hand sanitizer should only be used when people are out in public. Campbell also explained that “social distancing” is being used to slow down the spread of the disease, which will enable area hospitals the ability to provide care without stressing the system. Social distancing is especially important for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, Campbell explained as they are at a greater risk for the disease. The FPS is committed to giving you information as accurately and as quickly as it can. The staff will update its Facebook page with any notices or changes as they are announced by government officials. The staff are also listing any cancellations or postponements as they come in. For more information or for questions about the Coronavirus/COVID-19, residents are encouraged to see coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASKODH.
Ohio schools would be closed for three weeks. He has initially indicated the students may return April 6, but that is subject to change during the COVID-19 outbreak. Carrollton
Free lunch and breakfast for students are available from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. weekdays at the Carrollton ele-
See FOOD, PG. 6
Ohio Farm Bureau County Presidents’ Trip
Day One: Setting the Stage By GEORGETTE HUFF FPS Contributor
The Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual county presidents’ trip to Washington, D.C. was held as scheduled March 10-12. As this year’s local media representative, I had been given an outline of what to expect by colleagues who had attended previous events. Basically, I was told to expect a three-day whirlwind of speeches, meetings and briefings, interspersed with social activities, all designed to give Farm Bureau members a forum to discuss specific issues and concerns with their counterparts across the state and with legislators. An unexpected difference this year was a call from Dan Kirk, president of the Carroll County Farm Bureau, the evening before our flight, offering me the option to back out due to growing alarm over the spread of COVID-19. He said he was “all in” on going, but would understand if I wasn’t. The truth is, the thought had crossed my mind. I’m in the age range where the virus has done the most harm. Should I stay home? Would the risk of catching the virus be significantly higher if I went? So many questions, so little time to ponder; nevertheless, I said, “So am I.” Despite overcast skies and a slight drizzle, the walking tour of the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King,
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Jr. memorial sites upon arrival in our nation’s capital was refreshing after an early morning drive to the Pittsburgh airport followed by a bus ride from the Baltimore airport. After the tour, we assembled at our hotel for opening remarks from Michael Sistak, director of Grassroots Program Development for the American Farm Bureau. Noting that nearly 50 percent of Americans are now living in 39 major metropolitan areas, Sistak said fewer legislators have the direct connections to farm life that were common throughout the 1900s, when the rural population was higher. Still, he said, the Farm Bureau has “a lot of rural clout” in shaping legislative priorities. Sistak used “Advo-Cats” as an example. The advocacy program was started at the University of Arizona when few rural communities were left in the state and there was no concentrated effort to engage the attention of advocates. From an early coalition of alumni, staff and students, the group then engaged parents, civic and business groups, and agriculture-based organizations including the Arizona Cattlemen’s Association, building a 2000-person base that conducted weekly “Wildcat Wednesday” advocacy events. Their efforts paid off in 2016, when the state legislature agreed to provide $16 million in funding for the state’s first veterinary school. Frank Burkett III of Massillon, president of the Ohio Farm Bureau, contin-
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ued the theme of starting at the grassroots level of building relationships by sharing farming experiences in order to attract new members and ensure the sustainability of the organization. Burkett said 2019 had been a “good year” due to loosening regulations in the Clean Water Act and the signing of the USMCA free trade agreement. He also touched on the action plan the organization is developing to ensure “continuity of operations” as employees are asked to work from home during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Dr. John Newton, AFB’s chief economist, painted a mixed picture of highs and lows. Noting the country is in the “eighth year of a down farm economy,” and commenting on the effects of tariffs, fluctuating trade figures with China and Japan, and the current estimate of $425 billion in real estate debt, Newton also said that “low interest rates have been consequential in helping farmers.” Newton predicted the demand for soybeans would reach a record high in 2020, and expects prices to be slightly higher for most commodities, with the exception of corn. Hog production is expected to break records; the cattle supply is expected to come down while beef consumption is
See FARM, PG. 10
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When many residents when to bed Monday, March 16, they were not sure if they would be heading to the polls to vote or not. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Monday afternoon they wanted to postpone Ohio’s primary election until June 2, citing the necessity to protect the health and safety of Ohio’s voters and pollworkers in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. After a Franklin County judge rejected LaRose’s lawsuit to postpone the election late Monday, DeWine and LaRose issued the following statement,, “The only thing more important than a free and fair election is the health and safety of Ohioans. The Ohio Department of Health and the CDC have advised against anyone gathering in groups larger than 50 people, which will occur if the election goes forward. Additionally, Ohioans over 65 and those with certain health conditions have been advised to limit their nonessential contact with others, affecting their ability to vote or serve as poll workers. Logistically, under these extraordinary circumstances, it simply isn’t possible to hold an election tomorrow that will be considered legitimate by Ohioans. They mustn’t be forced to choose between their health and exercising their constitutional rights.” At around 10 p.m., Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton ordered the polls closed on Tuesday, March 17, citing Revised Code 3701.13 to “make special orders ...for preventing the spread of contagious or infectious diseases.” “I make this order to avoid the imminent threat with a high probability of widespread expose to COVID-19 with a significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of the people in the general population, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions. Further, it is clear from history and experience that large number of people gather at polling locations which increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19,” she stated. On Tuesday, LaRose was asking the Ohio Legislature to change the primary election date to June 2. The board of elections were to stay open Tuesday to receive any absentee ballots through 7:30 p.m., but were prohibited from tabulating and reporting any results until the close of polls on June 2. According to the directive, voters who have not already votes may request absentee ballots from their local board of elections or by printing a request from their website, www.carrollcountyohioelections.gov. Government officials are recommending voters to use the absentee ballot instead of going to the polls because of the threat of COVID-19. These directives may change as this emergency progresses.
Commissioners monitor virus directives closely
Area schools scramble to feed children amid school closures Area school food service directors have spent the last few days scrambling to organize ways to feed their students during the the mandated closures. Governor Mike DeWine announced
Ohio Primary Election is postponed, in-precinct voting cancelled at 11th hour
By NANCY SCHAAR FPS Correspondent
Carroll County Commissioners received the most recent updates on the coronavirus situation during their meetings on March 12 and March 15. Carroll County Health Department Director of Nursing Kelly Englehart, Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Cottis and Health Department Administrator Amy Campbell provided the latest information regarding the risk and threat of the COVID-19 virus. Englehart said that the health department is aware of every directive coming from the state Health Department. On Thursday, Englehart reported that four cases have been confirmed in Ohio including one in Stark County, that appears to be a case of community transmission because the man had not left the area recently. “There will be a lot of cancellations in the next week or so. They are still trying to determine the life of the virus on surfaces, respiratory droplet infections and other risks,” stated Englehart. “Handwashing and keeping your ‘social distance’ is still the best plan we have,” said Englehart. Social distancing
means avoiding crowds and keeping yourself about six feet from other people. The board was told the people most at risk for serious infection are the elderly or those with heart or lung issues. The infection is generally milder for children. Cottis said that there are many levels to announcements and orders that are being issued by federal, state, and local authorities. “This virus is showing to be twice as communicable as the flu. We are trying to protect lives. We are trying to secure the health care system,” said Englehart. Englehart again emphasized that proper hand washing and hygiene, along with self-isolation, is still the best way to protect yourself. In other business commissioners: - APPROVED a contract with Jon Stewart Excavating of Cadiz for $15,300 for installation of one septic system on Kensington Road. - PLACED on file the monthly report from the Child Support Enforcement Agency. - RECEIVED the dog pound report for the week of March 8, showing eight impounded, one adopted out, three redeemed, zero destroyed, one citation issued for no license and no citations issued for running at large.
Courthouse implements new health safety measures By NANCY SCHAAR FPS Correspondent
The Carroll Courthouse Security Committee met early Monday morning, March 16, to discuss the protection of county employees at the courthouse, and members of the public who want access to the courthouse. Following the committee meeting, the Carroll County Board of Commis-
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sioners met and passed a resolution to be implemented immediately for entering the courthouse. The new “safe entry policy” will include a forehead scan to detect the presence of a fever. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed to enter the courthouse and will be advised to seek medical attention. This policy includes all employees and visitors to the courthouse. Carroll County deputies will be posted at the entrance to the courthouse.
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