HOCKING HILLS : News

HOCKING HILLS WARRIOR DASH

hockinghillsnews — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:21:49 -0400

Day of Dash

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will be available on site, beginning one hour prior to the first wave of the day.
Your packet includes your race bib with safety pins, your chip timer, your t-shirt, your Warrior helmet, and any extra helmets or eye black that you may have purchased.
*Race packets and materials must be picked up on-site. They will not be shipped to participants.

What you need at Packet Pick-Up

Your photo ID (required at packet pick-up).
Guts.
An initialed, signed, and dated copy of the participant waiver. This is optional to bring with you, but will greatly help save some time in line! Click HERE to download.

Picking up a Friend's Swag

You may pick up the participant t-shirt and Warrior helmet. Race bibs, chips, and medals will not be released.
You will need the following two items in order to pick up the items:
◦Copy of your friend's photo ID.
◦Signed letter from your friend stating that you are allowed to pick up their packet.

*Race packets and materials must be picked up on-site. They will not be shipped to participants.

When to Arrive on Race Day

We recommend that you arrive at least one hour before your wave time. Remember that you will have to park, pick up your packet, attach your bib and chip and make your way to the starting line

Hocking Hills Events

hockinghillsnews — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:16:22 -0400

What's Happening in the Hills...

Planning a visit to the Hocking Hills State Park? The Hocking Hills State Park is part of a pilot program called "Carry In, Carry Out". This means whatever you carry into the park you need to carry out, all waste and recyclables. Most National Parks have already adopted this policy. Please help keep the Hocking Hills clean and green.

April 12,2012

SATURDAY - 9am; Volunteer Beautification at Lake Hope State Park; Do you love to garden? Lake Hope State Park needs your help getting all spruced up for the season. Flowers need to be planted, perennials need tending and landscaping needs attention throughout the park. Even if you're not a gardener you can help out. Your contribution to the beautification of Lake Hope State Park will be enjoyed by millions. Join this Lake Hope State Park Volunteer Day by calling Barb Saving at 877-403-4477 or sending an email to executivedirector@friendsofhockinghills.org. You will meet at the Lake Hope State Park Nature Center at 9am and go from there. Wear appropriate footwear, bring gardening gloves, water and a sack lunch.

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY - Crafter's/Yard Sale Campout Weekend - daily till dark; Campers at the Hocking Hills State Park will be camping out and offering up a wide selection of crafts and yard sale items. Visitors are welcome for only a $1 per vehicle fee. Campsites may be reserved by calling 1-866-644-6727 or online at http://www.ohiostateparks.org. For more information contact the Hocking Hills State Park at 740-385-6841. Hocking Hills State Park Campground is located on State Route 664 S.

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY - A Spring Literary Arts Festival "The Plot Thickens" Sponsored by the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library and the Friends of the Library:

Friday - "Clue" Game Casino Night - 7:30pm at VFW Hall Post 5299, McArthur; Join residents as guests in The Tudor Mansion along with Colonel Mustark, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green and Mrs. Peacock. The evening includes casino games, food a cash bar and music provided by the Artisan Jazz Trio. "Clue" game costumes are encouraged for fun but they are not required for admission. Admission is $5 and tickets are on sale at the Herbert Wescoat Library and at the door.

Saturday - 1:30pm - Keynote Presentation and Book Signing by Stephanie Barczewski, Ph.D., Professor of History at Clemson University and author of Titanic: An Night Remembered, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Presentation will be held at the Herbert Wescoat Library Meeting Room.

Saturday - 2:30pm - Keynote Presentation and Book Signing by Steve Hamilton, the 2011 Edgar Award winner for The Lock Artist and author of the Alex McKnight series.

Sunday - 2pm; Mystery Musicale: A Showcase of Local Entertainment;[/b][/color] the cost is $5 and tickets are available at the door - Vinton County High School Cafetorium

FRIDAY - Athens Film Festival: Better Than Something - 7pm; Once again Stuart's Opera House is thrilled to be the only non-Athens location for the annual Athens International Film and Video Festival! We are always happy to help kick things off on Friday night, this year we have BETTER THAN SOMETHING, a feature documentary about the controversial and prolific garage rock icon Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr, better known to the world as Jay Reatard. This intimate portrait, captured just months before his untimely passing, brings us incredibly close to Jay's complicated punk-rock world in Memphis, Tennessee. BETTER THAN SOMETHING eloquently interweaves cinéma vérité, interviews, and archival concert performances, and features scenes from an insightful and candid week spent with Jay, who reveals personal childhood stories and the struggles of life in Memphis. $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and children 12 & under; Stuarts Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville; 740-753-1924 for more info or visit http://www.stuartsoperahouse.org/ for tickets. For more info on the Athens Film Festival visit http://www.athensfest.org.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY - 4th Annual Ag Days - 9am to 4pm; Hit & Miss Engines, Blacksmith, Sawmill, Steam Engines, Antique Tractors, Threshing Machines, Corn Sheller, Wood Carver, Petting Zoo, Civil War Reenactment, Corn Hole and Hay Toss, Plenty of Good Food, Antique Tractor Pull, Garden Tractor Pull. Presented by Fairfield & Hocking County Farm Bureaus at the Hocking County Fairgrounds, 100 N Homer Avenue, Logan; for more info call 740-474-6284

SATURDAY - Waterfalls & Wildflowers Photography Workshop - 9am to 5pm; Hands-on photography workshop that provides practical and usable knowledge in nature photography. Workshops are held in the Hocking Hills State Park areas. Slide program and handout information. Lunch is provided. Photographer Eric Hoffman will conduct the workshop. $129; call 740-380-2039 or visit http://www.theoldbear.com/ to register for workshop.

SATURDAY - Archery - 2pm; Learn to shoot a compound bow. Ages 8 and up; meet at the park office. Clear Creek Metro Park, 185 Clear Creek Road (just off US 33) call 614-508-8111 for more info.

SATURDAY - Hocking's Birds of Prey - 2pm; Join the Hocking Hills State Park naturalist at the Naturalist Cabin near Old Man's Cave Visitor Center for a closer look at Ohio's winged predators: hawks, owls, eagles and vultures. Hocking Hills State Park, State Route 664 S; Naturalist Cabin; call 740-385-6841 for more info; FREE

SATURDAY - Making Tracks - 3:30pm; Join the Naturalist at the campground amphitheater to explore our local wildlife and how to ID their tracks. Hocking Hills State Park, State Route 664 S; Campground Amphitheater; call 740-385-6841 for more info; FREE

SATURDAY - Sweet Second Saturday - 5pm to 8pm; On the second Saturday of each month, we dress up the dining room and have live music & great dinner specials. You can even bring a bottle of wine, if you like. Come join us for a great Saturday night out! Reservations appreciated, but not required. The Ridge Inn Restaurant, 16178 Pike St, Laurelville; 740-332-0300

SUNDAY - Rhonda Vincent - 3pm to 5pm; Stuart's welcomes back the "new Queen of Bluegrass" Rhonda Vincent for what promises to be another great show, this time a special Sunday matinee! If you are a fan of bluegrass it doesn't get better than this. With more than seventy awards to their name, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are the most celebrated band in bluegrass. $25 - $35; Stuart's Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville; 740-753-1924 or http://www.stuartsoperahouse.org/ for tickets.

TUESDAY - Cello and Piano Concert - 7:30pm; Featuring first time visiting Cellist Karen Becker and Director of Music Jeff Daubenmire in a performance of classical selections for cello and piano including notable works by Brahms, Boccherini, Faure', and Saint-Saens. Ms. Becker received her Bachelor of Music degree from Ohio University and her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas. She is Associate Professor of Cello at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln School of Music, and an active soloist and avid chamber player, having performed throughout the United States and abroad. She has served as cellist with the Omega String Quartet, quartet-in-residence for Lutheran Music Program and as principal cellist of both the Melkus Ensemble and International String Orchestra. Mr. Daubenmire holds degrees in music education and educational administration from Ohio University and currently serves as Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences at Hocking College. He is the Director of Music and Organist for the First Presbyterian Church and Organist for St. John Catholic Church, both of Logan. Concert is free; donations are welcome at the door to support future concerts. Reception to follow. First Presbyterian Church, 2 W. Hunter St. call 740-85-2242 or visit http://www.loganfirstpres.org for more info.

COMING IN MAY

SATURDAY, May 19th - Writing Workshop -Have you ever wanted to write a novel but don't know where to begin? Sherry Hartzler, author of Three Moons over Sedona and Island Passage, will guide you through those first pages of your novel. Learn how to grab the reader's attention in that first paragraph. Create "hooks" that make your novel a real "page turner." Sherry will conduct a workshop, Great Beginnings, on Saturday, May 19th at 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. The cost of this workshop will be $10.00, and the workshop will be limited to 25 people so reserve your spot today. Contact Audrey Martin, 740-596-1913 to reserve your space. 63775 SR 56, Creola, Ohio 45622, just 3 miles east of Ash Cave at Scenic Way Gifts and Art Glass Studio.

ONGOING:

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is now open for the 2012 season. Our season runs March 24th thru November 25th

NOW THROUGH May 20th - LOOKING FORWARD: Work by the Faculty of Columbus College of Art & Design - 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday, 1pm to 4pm Sunday; Michael Goodson, Curator, has recently arrived at CCAD from New York City and has assembled an exhibition pairing diverse work by ten of the school's faculty, for example: A deconstruction of William Tecumseh Sherman's War is Hell speech, literally word for word, dispersed throughout contemporary Lancaster for people to find and keep, juxtaposed with an installation reflecting a personal history of a childhood in rural Ohio. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E Main St., Lancaster; call 740-681-1423 for more info. FREE

Through April 28th - Logan-Hocking High School Art Exhibit Opening Reception - 6:30pm;[/b][/color] Annual art exhibit by the Logan Hocking High School Art Students. Exhibit features a well-rounded collection of medium used by students. The exhibit is both powerful and thought provoking. Regular exhibit hours are 3pm to 6pm, Tuesdays through Fridays and 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays; The Bowen House, 196 N Market St, Logan; call 740-385-0344 or visit http://www.bowenhouse.org for more info

Through 2012 - "Logan and Hocking County...A Timeline"

New Exhibit at the Historical Society features several hundred years of the county's history condensed into four panels on display. The timeline includes Native Americans, the first settlers (1798), the Civil War, the Hocking Valley Railway, and more...up to the year 1917, when Logan celebrated its centennial. Winter Hours: Fridays 1pm to 4pm & Saturdays 11am to 5pm; Hocking County Historical Society 64 N. Culver St.(740) 385-6026
http://www.hockingcountyhistoricalsociety.com

DAILY - PEARL'S is open 6am to 3pm (Sun - Thur) 6am to 8pm (Fri & Sat) - Spring is upon us, so we at Pearl's are pleased to announce seasonal hours are back in effect. Come and enjoy the great food at Pearl's and have a fun time while you are relaxing at our restaurant. Remember we are open on Sundays!!! 1545 E. Front St, (740)385-3663

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS - Seafood Fiesta! - 5pm to 8pm; M&M Family Diner in historic downtown Logan introduces their new hours and Seafood Fiesta, including a Fisherman's Platter of Flounder, Fried Shrimp and Fried Scallops, 'Pick a Pair' Surf & Turf and more. The new hours are Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7am to 2pm AND 5pm to 8pm; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 7am to 3pm and Sunday 8am to 2pm. M&M Family Diner, 34 W Main St., Logan 740-380-9181

FRIDAYS - All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry at The Olde Dutch - 4:30pm to 8pm; Deep fried Pollock, French Fries and Cole Slaw for just $7.99. The Olde Dutch Restaurant, 12791 St Rt 664 S, Logan; 740-385-1000

FRIDAYS - Prime Rib Night at the Millstone BBQ and The Brass Ring Restaurant. The Millstone BBQ is located near the Holiday Inn Express on Grey Street in Logan and The Brass Ring Restaurant is located at 14405 Country Club Lane (just off St Rt 328) in Logan.

SUNDAYS - $5 Brunch at the Lodge, most entrees are $5 - 10:30 - 2:30; The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Hills; 29042 Hide-A-Way Hills Rd, Sugar Grove; 740-569-7944 for more info

SUNDAYS - Breakfast Buffet with Omelet Station and Pancake Station - 10am to 1pm at the Millstone BBQ. The Millstone BBQ is located near the Holiday Inn Express on Grey Street in Logan; 740-385-5341

MONDAYS through THURSDAYS - Bush's Restaurant Deals of the Week; Buy one dinner at $7.99 or more and get the second one half price (of equal or lesser value); Bush's Restaurant, 428 E Front St, Logan; 385-7639

TUESDAYS - "Wing Night" at The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Hills - 5pm to 9pm; $.49 wings with choice of 6 sauces (dine in only) and Comfort Food Tuesday's; New Menu starts Feb 7th, It is going to even better than the last menu, stop in and try something new, Veal Parm perhaps or even a Shrimp Po Boy. The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Hills; 29042 Hide-A-Way Hills Rd, Sugar Grove; 740-569-7944 for more info

MONDAYS - Acrylic Painting Workshop - Join Artist Suzanne Hiser in painting flowers this 2 hour workshop on Mondays from 10am-12pm. She will work with you on drawing, shaping and shading techniques that will bring out the beauty of our spring flowers. Fee: $25; All supplies are provided and suitable for all ages. Contact Audrey Martin, 740-596-1913 to

WEDNESDAYS - Yoga in the Hills - Blue Valley Massage & Traveling Spa - call 888-74-PEACE (747-3223) for location; $10 5pm to 6pm; This class is offered surrounded by the beauty of the Hocking Hills. Weather permitting classes are outside on our wonderful deck among the trees. This class is perfect for the beginner or those recovering from injuries. Groups are welcome! Call ahead for details - we may be having class, with our wonderful instructor, at a waterfall near you!

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS - Beginner Bead Making Class - 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm; (1 hour class) Beginner Bead Making Classes. Have fun learning to melt glass while making your own glass beads and charms for bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Everything is supplied that you need to make beautiful glass beads. Ages 14 and up. $25 per person; call for reservations and class times - 740-385-1384; Liquid Light Gallery, 18345 Krinn Unger Keck Rd, Logan

THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS - Stained Glass Workshop - 10am to noon; Learn basic copper foil stained glass techniques with Audrey Martin. Classes are two hours long and all supplies are provided. At the end of the class you will walk away with your completed project and the knowledge to dive into more sophisticated glass projects. Fee: $25; All supplies are provided. Contact Audrey Martin, 740-596-1913 to schedule your stained glass workshop. 63775 SR 56, Creola, Ohio 45622, just 3 miles east of Ash Cave at Scenic Way Gifts and Art Glass Studio. Call for additional days and times.

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Flea & Farmers' Market at Hocking Hills Market; US 33, Rockbridge

Every Saturday & Wednesday - Athens Farmers Market's - 10am to 1pm. Come meet the farmers and producers behind the local food movement. Look for vendors selling produce, meats, eggs, cheese, jarred products, baked goods and lots more. Location: Market on State, 1002 E State St , Athens; for more info call 740-593-6763 or visit http://www.athensfarmersmarket.org/

DAILY - Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum - Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm; Sun 11am to 5pm; Rev. Paul Johnson began his collection over 20 years ago. His Pencil Sharpener Museum, previously located at his home, has been moved to the Welcome Center and is open daily. This amazing collection of over 3400 pencil sharpeners has been featured in national magazines and is reputed to be the largest collection in the United States. Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, 13178 St. Rt. 664 S, Logan; 740-385-9706; FREE

DAILY (Mon - Sat) The Columbus Washboard Company Museum and Gift Shop - There is so much history from our company and building's past that we wish to share it with everyone. The tour will not only provide historical information, but will also include the opportunity to observe the manufacturing of washboards, and participate in making music with the washboard. The factory will operate daily, as usual, with our washboards being produced one at a time by hand. We are the only manufacturer of washboards remaining in the United States. Our gift shop features our washboards, memorabilia and new line of vintage soaps. The Museum is a WiFi hotspot and offers snacks and beverages, for a place to relax and take care of business. Tours will be offered Monday through Friday at 10:00am, noon, and 2:00pm; Saturdays by appointment. Special arrangements will be made for large groups. Museum hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm; $4 for tour which includes souvenir magnet. Columbus Washboard Factory, 14 Gallagher Ave, Logan; 740-380-3828

Grants sought for bike path extensions in Athens County

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:34:50 -0400

By SARA BRUMFIELD

BIKE PATH EXTENSIONS TO THE HOCKHOCKING ADENA BIKEWAY

Grants will be sought for several bike path extensions in Athens County, officials say.

The county is putting forth two proposals, and the city of Athens also is applying for funds.

According to County Planner Bob Eichenberg, the county is applying through the Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Department of Natural Resources for funding for two Hockhocking Adena Bikeway extensions — although he said he’d be surprised if both are funded.

Eichenberg said the county’s top priority is extending the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway to Athens High School and The Plains, since it would require less local match money. The .79-mile extension would tie into the bikeway at Eclipse Company Town and connect to North McDonald Street in The Plains, thus tying the bikeway into that community’s street system.

Eichenberg said the path would be built parallel to Johnson Road along the county’s 60-foot right-of-way, leaving a safe buffer between the bike path and the busy road.

He said the estimated construction cost would be $586,245, with ODOT paying for 80 percent. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources would pay for 80 percent of the remaining construction cost, plus engineering for the project, if the proposal is approved. The remaining local share of the project would be $48,577.

The second county project would connect the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway on East State Street to County Road 24A (South Canaan). This path would run parallel to Route 50 near Holzer Clinic. The total length of the extension would be 1.53 miles and would cost $1.13 million to construct. After ODOT and ODNR grants, the local match would be $86,476.

The city of Athens is applying for a grant from ODNR to extend the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway from the West State Street Park across the Hocking River to connect to the abandoned railroad bed that is being developed into the Moonville Rail Trail. The extension would be approximately 1,000 feet and cross a former railroad bridge over the Hocking River.

According to City Project Manager Jessica Adine, the project includes redecking the bridge to make it a smoother ride for bicyclists. The extension is the first phase of a plan to connect the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway to University Estates, just off Route 682.

Andy Stone, city engineer and public works director, said the estimated total project cost of phase one is $221,000. He said he is applying for $132,000 in the grant and hoping to either use in-kind labor or local funds to pay for the rest of the project. He said if the project is funded, he’ll likely use crushed stone as a base for the trail and eventually upgrade to asphalt.

Because the extension will be in the city’s wellhead protection area, environmental considerations must be taken before asphalt is considered.

The Moonville Rail Trail is not yet complete, but it would follow the former railroad base. The goal of the Moonville Rail Trail Association is to extend the trail from Red Diamond, which is near the village of Zaleski, through the hills of Vinton County to Athens County near Grosvenor, just west of the city of Athens. The group has been planning to connect to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway since 2001.

The deadline for the county and city grant applications is Monday.

The Athens Conservancy is also working to obtain grants to obtain former railroad rights-of-way to connect portions of Athens, Rome and Troy Twps. to create a countywide trail.

Most of the rights-of-way the group is interested in obtaining are in the Stewart and Torch areas.

In a previous interview with The Messenger, Conservancy Vice President Phil Cantino said the group has no definite plan for the trail yet, but would like to see a hiking/bicycling trail across the county that may one day connect to Washington County or to Columbus.

He said West Virginia has a rail trail that runs across the state and up to Washington, D.C. Cantino said he’d like to see a similar project in Ohio.

Hocking Hills Lake Hope History

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:34:25 -0400

Hocking Hills-Lake Hope

A natural paradise, Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 18,200-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. Abandoned mines, ancient mounds and beautiful scenery provide interest and pleasure for hikers, photographers, nature lovers and historians alike at one of Ohio's most historic and scenic state parks.

lake_hope.pdf
Nature of the Area

Lake Hope State Park is truly a nature lover's dream. In the forest-draped hills, the observant visitor can discover the abundant natural resources of this wild and scenic park.

Although most of the forest was cut to fuel the iron smelting industry that once flourished here, the land has recovered and supports a magnificent, second-growth forest. Oak and hickory are the dominant trees while the woodland floor harbors a fascinating assemblage of shrubs and wildflowers. The yellow lady's slipper ,one of the rarest and most showy orchids, blooms in secluded hollows. Other spring wildflowers such as blue-eyed mary, bloodroot and wild geranium can be found in abundance.

Deer and wild turkeys are often seen in a number of park locations. Of the many animals inhabiting the park, none is as popular as the beaver. As nature's dam builders, the beavers are found in numbers and can be observed near the quiet inlets of the lake.

History of the Area

Though the roar of the iron furnaces no longer echoes through the hills of Vinton County, there are many reminders of days gone by at Lake Hope State Park. Situated at the heart of Ohio's Hanging Rock iron region, Lake Hope State Park reflects the rich history of much of southeastern Ohio.

The Hope Furnace was built here over 100 years ago to process the iron ore extracted from the region's sandstone bedrock. The iron resulting from the ore smelting process was used to produce many different items, including ammunition and cannon for the Union Army during the Civil War. Hundreds of men labored cutting timber, working the furnace and driving teams of mules hauling iron ore to the furnace. Charcoal fires were tended 24 hours a day; so much wood was required for this process that the surrounding hillsides were almost completely stripped of their timber. At the height of the Hope Furnace's production, Ohio was one of the nation's leading producers of iron. As time passed, iron ore was discovered farther west and Ohio's reputation as a major iron producer waned.

By 1900, nearly all of the major furnaces in southern Ohio were shut down. Today, the Hope Furnace chimney and some of the foundation are all that remain of the structure. In the vicinity of the chimney, one may find pieces of slag, the cast-off residue from the smelting process. These pock-marked, glass-like piece shave now become a part of the forest floor. The forest we now see is one that has grown back where hundreds of years ago a primeval forest once stood.

For a time, coal was an important Vinton County export. A number of mines tunneled into the hills and large quantities of coal were transported out in ox-drawn coal cars. Most of the mines were abandoned early in this century.

Lake Hope State Park was created in 1949 when the Division of Parks and Recreation came into existence.

Dining Lodge

The rustic dining lodge, built of native stone and lumber, offers a spectacular view of the lake. The dining lodge featuresa restaurant, meeting room, snack bar as well as lodge and cabin reservation office. Souvenirs and firewood are available for purchase.

Cabins

Lake Hope offers family, standard and sleeping cabins for overnight visitors. All cabins have linens, while the family housekeeping and standard cabins have towels and complete cooking utensils. Guests at the sleeping cabins must provide their own cooking utensils. The standard and sleeping cabins are finished in native hardwood and have wood burning fireplaces. Groups may reserve Laurel Lodge, a rustic structure with a beautiful stone fireplace, which sleeps 24 persons, provides kitchen facilities and is open year round.

Camping

A beautiful 223-site campground is suitable for tents or trailers. The campground includes heated shower houses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables and fire rings. Forty-six sites have electric hookups. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove and other equipment, and two camper-cabins can be rented during the summer months by reservation. Pets are permitted on a limited number of sites. A group camp is available for organized groups on a reservation basis. A horsemen's camp is offered for bridle trail users in Zaleski State Forest.

Boating

Boats with electric motors only may be used on the lake. Canoes and rowboats are available for rent.

Fishing and Hunting

Anglers will find good catches of bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass at Lake Hope. Hunting is permitted in the adjacent Zaleski State Forest. A valid Ohio hunting or fishing license is required.

Swimming

A fine swimming beach is located near the dam. Facilities include a bathhouse with restrooms, showers and change booths and a concession building where food and beverages can be purchased.

Picnicking

Picnic areas with tables and grills are located at many secluded and scenic areas around the park. Two picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation.

Trails

Fifteen miles of hiking trails traverse the lake and scenic woodlands of the Lake Hope area and offer opportunities for photography and nature study. In the adjacent state forest, a21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites is available. Backpackers must register upon arrival. Thirty-three miles of bridle trail are available for riders with their own mounts in the state forest.

Connect Ohio formulates 2-year broadband plan for Hocking Hills

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:32:29 -0400

Connect Ohio formulates 2-year broadband plan for Hocking Hills

HOCKING COUNTY - As part of Gov. Strickland's effort to get statewide broadband to all four corners of Ohio, a representative from Connect Ohio, the agency responsible for helping the Appalachian region achieve this goal, visited Thursday to discuss the steps needed to make it happen within two years.

Gary Lambert, southeast region field director for Connect Ohio, noted the goal of Connect Ohio is to "accelerate technology in the state and close the digital divide." He said having broadband across all areas of the state, especially southeastern Ohio, is important for economic development. "Businesses don't ask when broadband will get here (when they look to move here). They say 'we are thinking of locating here; where's the broadband.'"

Connect Ohio is a public-private partnership that works with businesses, government entities and universities to bring affordable broadband access to Ohio, and is an additional resource for the Hocking-Perry-Vinton Regional Network (HPVRN), which has already submitted a broadband proposal to the Ohio Broadband Council (OBC).

That proposal is still awaiting approval. According to the proposal itself, having broadband in all three southeastern counties (Hocking, Perry and Vinton), would help promote "job growth, telemedicine capabilities, reduction in government costs, increased capabilities and support to both K-12 schools and institutes of higher education, as well as improved availability of affordable broadband service to rural residential families throughout the three counties."

If approved, the OBC could provide state assistance and a community access point (CAP), could be created in Logan which would broadcast broadband to a variety of locations such as government buildings, Hocking College and the Hocking Valley Community Hospital. The broadband would then spread to Perry and Vinton counties and would include wireless distribution to rural areas in both Perry and Vinton Counties.

Connect Ohio has done an analysis of all the potential broadband transmitter locations within Hocking County and has created a methodology for the expansion of broadband coverage into rural parts of the county.

According to Connect Ohio's assessment, the county terrain could make the project difficult. "The terrain in Hocking County can best be described as 'unforgiving and treacherous,'" humorously reads the report.

The estimated cost for infrastructure equipment and labor in the county is approximately $270,000. That estimate doesn't include the price of networking equipment, additional structural analysis of towers (which range in price from $1500 to $5,000 per study), tower rental and electricity at the tower sites or customer equipment.

According to Lambert, 92 percent of Ohio has broadband availability in the state, however, only 45 percent use it. He noted that 350,000 families in Ohio don't have broadband access, and most live in the Appalachian region. "We want to have a good adoption rate," Lambert continued. "Of that 45 percent who don't use it, only 18 percent say they can't have it because of cost. The others don't know how to use it."

He noted a similar effort in Kentucky increased broadband availability by 45 percent in three years.

Hocking County Commissioner Greg Green noted he has received phone calls from citizens who believe once broadband is in the county, that it will be free, which isn't the case. "Folks are getting the perception they'll be getting this free. But we're really making it affordable to them," he said.

Lambert was quick to point out that affordability is a major goal of Connect Ohio, but that "it will take time to do this right."

Towards the end of the meeting, Lambert asked for people in the following areas to bring five to 10 people to the next meeting: business and industry, k-12, healthcare, library, higher education, community based or faith based organizations, government, tourism and agriculture.

The following people will represent the nine areas: business and industry, Bill Rinehart of the Logan-Hocking Chamber of Commerce; K-12, Gary Kanade, information technology of the Logan-Hocking School Board; healthcare, Brian Longnecker, network technician for the Hocking Valley Community Healthcare; library, Dutch Yunge, board member of the Logan-Hocking County District Library; higher education, Jerry Hutton, dean of the Hocking College Energy Institute; community and faith based organizations, commissioner Green; government, Hocking County Auditor Ken Wilson; tourism, Hocking County Tourism Director Karen Raymore; and agriculture, Anthony Chesser of the Hocking County Farm Bureau.

Nelson 33 Bypass Project

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:31:55 -0400

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
District 10 • 338 Muskingum Drive • Marietta, Ohio 45750 • http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Districts/D10

US 33 Nelsonville Bypass Groundbreaking:

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Nelsonville_Bypass_Info.pdf

Phase Details

October 13, 2009 marked the official groundbreaking for Phase II and III of the Nelsonville Bypass, Ohio's largest single investment of stimulus funds.

Phase I Update

Phase I of the Bypass (non-stimulus project) has been completed.

Phase II Update

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2012
- The majority of the excavation and embankment is complete. The decks are complete on two sets of bridges (West interchange Road and SR 278). The beams are set on the Company Road bridge.

According to Phase II ODOT Project Engineer, Cary Betzing, about 3.6 million cubic yards of dirt has been moved which is about 82 percent of the total. Crews have begun driving piling at the 1967 bridge over Company Road. Concrete decks have been placed on both the right and left bridges over West Interchange Road. Crews are also roughing in sub-grade near the West Interchange Road. A new wildlife crossing was installed on the West end of the project.

UPDATE JUNE 2011
- Crews have excavated 3.16 million cubic yards of the 4.36 million to be moved on the job.

Work on Bridge 1908 Lt. and Rt., over West Interchange Road, is ongoing. Crews will be placing concrete decks on bridge in June.

Phase II is scheduled to be completed earlier than originally projected, the new date is 11/26/2012.

UPDATE December 2009
- Kokosing has begun clearing and grubbing and will start bridge work after the holidays.

On August 27, 2009 Phase II of the Nelsonville bypass was awarded to Kokosing Construction Company for $45.2 million.

Phase II consistst of 3.16 miles of four-lane highway earth work and 4.56 miles of four-lane paving plus the west interchange. Construction on Phase II will begin October 2009.

Phase III Update
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2012- The project will finish up once the Elm Rock Road tie-in and the US 33 and SR691 intersection is complete. Excavation is 92% complete and the grouting work is 90 % complete

UPDATE JUNE 2011Crews have been busy at work on Phase III. According to Daniel McDonald, ODOT Project Engineer, Beaver Excavating has excavated about 4.5 million cubic yards of the project's total 6.9 million cubic yards.

UPDATE July 2010 - The larger of the two phases, Beaver Excavating has excavated more than 3.2 million cubic yards of dirt and embankment since October 2009.

A unique construction feature of Phase III includes mine grouting, in which Phase III requires an estimated 500,000 cubic yards of grout to fill old abandoned mine voids.

“At one time Nelsonville had a huge coal mining industry,” explained Daniel McDonald, ODOT Project Engineer. “However, there were minimal mining regulations in the early 1900’s and many of the mines were just abandoned. These old mine voids need to be filled to prevent any slippage along the highway.”

UPDATE April 2010 - Crews continued to work over the winter months clearing trees and moving earth. To date, more than 2.1 million yards of dirt have been moved on the project. As well, the approach slabs for the twin bridges on Twp Rd 36 have been completed and the approach slabs for the new SR 691 bridge are currently being constructed. Finally, embankment work is being done on the section of new SR 78.

On August 6, 2009 Beaver Excavating from Canton, Ohio was awarded the $92.88 million contract for Phase III of the US 33 Nelsonville Bypass - the single largest stimulus investment project in Ohio with a total investment of $150 million. Construction is slated to begin September 2009.

PHASE III UPDATE
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2012
The project will finish up once the Elm Rock Road tie-in and the US 33 and SR691 intersection is complete. Excavation is 92% complete and the grouting work is 90 % complete.

UPDATE JUNE 2011
Crews have been busy at work on Phase III. According to Daniel McDonald, ODOT Project Engineer, Beaver Excavating has excavated about 4.5 million cubic yards of the project's total 6.9 million cubic yards.

UPDATE July 2010
- The larger of the two phases, Beaver Excavating has excavated more than 3.2 million cubic yards of dirt and embankment since October 2009.

A unique construction feature of Phase III includes mine grouting, in which Phase III requires an estimated 500,000 cubic yards of grout to fill old abandoned mine voids.

“At one time Nelsonville had a huge coal mining industry,” explained Daniel McDonald, ODOT Project Engineer. “However, there were minimal mining regulations in the early 1900’s and many of the mines were just abandoned. These old mine voids need to be filled to prevent any slippage along the highway.”

UPDATE April 2010
- Crews continued to work over the winter months clearing trees and moving earth. To date, more than 2.1 million yards of dirt have been moved on the project. As well, the approach slabs for the twin bridges on Twp Rd 36 have been completed and the approach slabs for the new SR 691 bridge are currently being constructed. Finally, embankment work is being done on the section of new SR 78.

On August 6, 2009 Beaver Excavating from Canton, Ohio was awarded the $92.88 million contract for Phase III of the US 33 Nelsonville Bypass - the single largest stimulus investment project in Ohio with a total investment of $150 million. Construction is slated to begin September 2009.

Phase III will begin near Doanville and focus on constructing 3.87 miles of four-lane highway. Also included in Phase three is the construction of the US 33 / SR 78 / SR 691 interchange. The project will reroute SR 78 1.63 miles through the Happy Hollow Area to form the interchange.

Southeastern Ohio broadband project awarded stimulus funds

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:31:36 -0400

HOCKING COUNTY — After months of waiting, it was announced Wednesday that the second phase of the Connecting Appalachian Ohio Broadband Plan was funded with a $66 million federal stimulus grant. The project will create 725 jobs during its construction, in addition to the economic opportunities created by the broadband network in Southeastern Ohio

Space: Big broadband grant to mean 725 new jobs

U.S. Rep. Zack Space announced during a conference call Wednesday morning a $66 million grant that will bring broadband Internet access across Appalachian Ohio.
Space, a Democrat from Dover, said he has been working on the Connecting Appalachian Ohio Broadband Plan since he was elected to Ohio's 18th Congressional District in 2006. The district includes the northern portion of Athens County.

In his announcement, Space said the plan is expected to create 725 jobs during its construction, in addition to the economic opportunities created by the broadband network. The grant is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the money will help lay a fiber-optic network that is expected to expand broadband in 34 counties throughout the region.

"Pure and simple, this is about jobs," Space said. "The truth is that many businesses today simply won't go to a place where they don't have access to both a good workforce and a broadband network. There's no doubt that we have the workforce, and this funding will provide the technology we need to attract new industry to Ohio."

Space said that bringing broadband access to the dramatically underserved Appalachian Ohio region will create economic opportunities for businesses in rural areas.

"For almost four years, I have been fighting with every fiber of my being to bring broadband to our region," Space said. "Today, this vision which I've worked tirelessly to develop begins to become a reality, and we can all proclaim that a new day in rural Ohio has come. This is about putting us on an even playing field and allowing us to fairly compete with the rest of the world."

In a release, Space said that the 18th District lags behind the state average in both computer ownership and broadband adoption. Of the 705,000 households in the region served by Connecting Appalachian Ohio, 457,000 are underserved and an additional 125,000 are entirely unserved.

Space said that businesses without access to a broadband network are proven to possess significant economic disadvantages compared to those businesses with broadband.

Under the plan, he announced, 592 sites will be directly connected to a fiber network, including 25 community colleges, 15 university campuses and four career training centers; 34 county 911 public safety answering points; 212 health-care facilities; 231 K-12 school buildings and 34 industrial parks.

Eco-Tourism Spring Break Alternative:

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:31:16 -0400

Eco-Tourism Spring Break Alternative: Ohio

Source: Tara Dodrill-Yahoo! News

You want to go on spring break but your budget is tight and gas prices rise more every day. There are low-cost eco-tourism opportunities waiting for you in southern Ohio. Even if a long drive or short flight is required to reach the Buckeye State your wallet will not be emptied with an off the beaten path eco-retreat. You can explore the caves and hills of the Hocking Hills region for free and stay at a host of "green" lodging facilities.

The Hocking Hills region of rural Ohio is one of the best kept vacation destination secrets. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will find a haven of recreational options which are either free or far less than a ticket to a major theme park. After an exciting day of hiking to Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls and by the Devil's Bath Tub, you can relax in a rustic cabin in the woods. Although you will not have oceanfront views or throngs of drunken coeds next door, there is more than enough excitement to keep you entertained on your earth-friendly journey. A portion of Ash Cave is handicap accessible and allows those with mobility issues to watch the cascading waterfall near the lip of the main cave.

You can go zip lining through a canopy of tall of trees at the Hocking Peaks Outdoor Adventure Park or roll 600 feet down a hill inside an OGO ball. The massive orbs are gravity powered and are currently only available in three locations in the United States. The zip line course stretches for several miles and is not only the highest in the state, but also includes an aerial obstacle course. If you are traveling as a family, the little ones can traverse the youth course and water slide.

Moonville Rail Trail offers seclusion and rugged trails for muscle-powered activities. You can ride horses along the old railroad bed and through a 100 year old tunnel. You can hike for miles and never see another person or a power line above your head. Zaleski State Forest and Lake Hope State Park offer boating, fishing and mountain biking activities.

Campgrounds, horse camps, lodges, chalets and cabins ranging from rustic to luxurious are all available within one mile of the Hocking Hills State Park. You can enjoy an outdoor sunrise yoga session, meals comprised of locally grown food from the Traveling Gourmet and spa services either at your lodging site or one of the local spas. If you are would like to do a bit of shopping, downtown Logan features antique stores, art galleries and scores of gift shops with homemade items from local residents. Hocking House and the Hocking Hills Visitor Center are located near the main entryway to the Hocking Hills are showcase all the activities in the region.

GOP plan to allow drilling in parks draws fire

hockinghillsnews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:30:54 -0400

GOP plan to allow drilling in parks draws fire

Eco-activists say proposal to raise funds through sale of rights to oil, natural gas could spoil Ohio's preserves

By Bob Downing
Beacon Journal staff writer

Republicans in the Ohio Legislature want to open Ohio's state parks and preserves to new drilling for natural gas and oil.
The proposal — similar to an effort that failed in 2008 — quickly came under fire from Ohio environmental groups. The measure has support from state oil and gas drillers.
State Rep. John Adams, R-Celina, and 25 other House members introduced House Bill 133 this month. It would open 203,000 acres of state land to gas and oil companies submitting the highest bids.
Proceeds from the leases and royalties would go into a state fund that state agencies could use for capital projects and operating costs, according to the bill.
A new five-member state panel — the Oil and Gas Leasing Board — and not the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would handle the leases.
The chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Mineral Resource Management and the chief of the Division of Geological Survey would sit on the board.
John Husted has been head of mineral resource management since 2007. He started at the state agency in 1980. Larry Wickstrom has been the geological survey chief since 2007. He started at the state agency in 1983.
Gov. John Kasich would appoint the remaining members of the panel, two from the oil and gas industry and one from an Ohio environmental group.
Additional drilling is needed in Ohio to
stabilize energy prices for residents and to assure that Ohio's natural resources are used responsibly, the bill says.
The legislation was referred to the House's Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is reviewing the legislation, spokeswoman Laura Jones said.
The agency must be satisfied that public safety and natural resources would be protected before it would proceed with any drilling, she said.
It is also important that "an efficient and fair process" be in place to handle leases and payments, she said.
David Mustine, the new director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, told the Columbus Dispatch in January that his agency was open to drilling because it could provide needed funds for his agency.
Ohio's state parks face a $560 million repair backlog, officials said.
Kasich has said he favors drilling in the state parks.
Drillers are mostly interested in shale from 5,000 to 8,000 feet under the eastern half of Ohio.
Drilling advocates have said Ohio could get $30 million a year that could be earmarked for park improvements.

West Branch State Park east of Ravenna and Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge are among the state sites drillers are most interested in, according to reports.
Ohio owns more than 590,000 acres in 75 parks, 21 forests, 135 nature preserves and 140 wildlife areas.
There is no ban on drilling in state parks or nature preserves, but current law does not permit state authorities to approve drilling permits. They must be approved by the Legislature.
Drilling is permitted in state forests and state wildlife areas.
There also might be some wells at parks and preserves that predate state ownership.
Environment Ohio, a Columbus eco-group, sharply rapped the bill.
"Ohio's state parks, from Hocking Hills to East Harbor, are special places set aside for Ohio families to hike, camp and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature," spokesman Julian Boggs.
"They were not intended to be drilling sites. This proposal violates the promise of our parks and would effectively turn public property over to oil and gas companies."
For Ohio lawmakers to put up "a sign outside our state parks that says 'open for drilling' is just crazy," Boggs said.
Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council called the bill "a promise breaker of the first order."
"The people of Ohio have been promised that our parks will be a refuge. People go to state parks to get away from everything, not to see, smell and hear drilling rigs and related operations," Shaner said.
"No one in Ohio believes that the price of natural gas or oil will drop one cent for Ohio residents if 'Drill, baby, drill!' becomes the watchword for Ohio state parks and state lands under our new governor."
Environmentalists hope that Kasich will change his mind and not open the state parks to drilling, he said.
"Does he want to be known as the governor who drilled Ohio's parks?" Shaner asked.
There is growing concern that horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing being used to reach gas and oil in the Marcellus shale under eastern Ohio and nearby states might create environmental problems, he said.
Drillers say those methods have been used for decades, are safe and do not threaten drinking-water aquifers.
The proposed legislation is "a way for Ohio to help itself," said Tom Stewart, executive director of the 1,500-member Ohio Oil & Gas Association.
Ohio is in a financial jam and cannot afford to care for its state parks, while new drilling leases would provide a big financial boost to the state, he said.
The key is to develop an open, transparent public process to assure that park resources are protected and allow drillers to bid for leases to make sure that the state gets the best financial offers, he said.
Such drilling takes place in Michigan and Pennsylvania parks without problems, he said.

Republicans in the Ohio Legislature want to open Ohio's state parks and preserves to new drilling for natural gas and oil.

The proposal — similar to an effort that failed in 2008 — quickly came under fire from Ohio environmental groups. The measure has support from state oil and gas drillers.

State Rep. John Adams, R-Celina, and 25 other House members introduced House Bill 133 this month. It would open 203,000 acres of state land to gas and oil companies submitting the highest bids.

Proceeds from the leases and royalties would go into a state fund that state agencies could use for capital projects and operating costs, according to the bill.

A new five-member state panel — the Oil and Gas Leasing Board — and not the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would handle the leases.

The chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Mineral Resource Management and the chief of the Division of Geological Survey would sit on the board.

John Husted has been head of mineral resource management since 2007. He started at the state agency in 1980. Larry Wickstrom has been the geological survey chief since 2007. He started at the state agency in 1983.

Gov. John Kasich would appoint the remaining members of the panel, two from the oil and gas industry and one from an Ohio environmental group.

Additional drilling is needed in Ohio to
stabilize energy prices for residents and to assure that Ohio's natural resources are used responsibly, the bill says.

The legislation was referred to the House's Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is reviewing the legislation, spokeswoman Laura Jones said.

The agency must be satisfied that public safety and natural resources would be protected before it would proceed with any drilling, she said.

It is also important that "an efficient and fair process" be in place to handle leases and payments, she said.

David Mustine, the new director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, told the Columbus Dispatch in January that his agency was open to drilling because it could provide needed funds for his agency.

Ohio's state parks face a $560 million repair backlog, officials said.

Kasich has said he favors drilling in the state parks.

Drillers are mostly interested in shale from 5,000 to 8,000 feet under the eastern half of Ohio.

Drilling advocates have said Ohio could get $30 million a year that could be earmarked for park improvements.

West Branch State Park east of Ravenna and Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge are among the state sites drillers are most interested in, according to reports.

Ohio owns more than 590,000 acres in 75 parks, 21 forests, 135 nature preserves and 140 wildlife areas.

There is no ban on drilling in state parks or nature preserves, but current law does not permit state authorities to approve drilling permits. They must be approved by the Legislature.

Drilling is permitted in state forests and state wildlife areas.

There also might be some wells at parks and preserves that predate state ownership.

Environment Ohio, a Columbus eco-group, sharply rapped the bill.

"Ohio's state parks, from Hocking Hills to East Harbor, are special places set aside for Ohio families to hike, camp and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature," spokesman Julian Boggs.

"They were not intended to be drilling sites. This proposal violates the promise of our parks and would effectively turn public property over to oil and gas companies."

For Ohio lawmakers to put up "a sign outside our state parks that says 'open for drilling' is just crazy," Boggs said.

Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council called the bill "a promise breaker of the first order."

"The people of Ohio have been promised that our parks will be a refuge. People go to state parks to get away from everything, not to see, smell and hear drilling rigs and related operations," Shaner said.

"No one in Ohio believes that the price of natural gas or oil will drop one cent for Ohio residents if 'Drill, baby, drill!' becomes the watchword for Ohio state parks and state lands under our new governor."

Environmentalists hope that Kasich will change his mind and not open the state parks to drilling, he said.

"Does he want to be known as the governor who drilled Ohio's parks?" Shaner asked.

There is growing concern that horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing being used to reach gas and oil in the Marcellus shale under eastern Ohio and nearby states might create environmental problems, he said.

Drillers say those methods have been used for decades, are safe and do not threaten drinking-water aquifers.

The proposed legislation is "a way for Ohio to help itself," said Tom Stewart, executive director of the 1,500-member Ohio Oil & Gas Association.

Ohio is in a financial jam and cannot afford to care for its state parks, while new drilling leases would provide a big financial boost to the state, he said.

The key is to develop an open, transparent public process to assure that park resources are protected and allow drillers to bid for leases to make sure that the state gets the best financial offers, he said.

Such drilling takes place in Michigan and Pennsylvania parks without problems, he said.