Events are cancelled, revamped

Our look back at the year continues

Our look back at some of the stories of 2020 continues here with the second quarter of the year. April

Officials with the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure announced they were cancelling the 2020 bike tour, which was scheduled for an overnight visit in Wapakoneta, citing Gov. Mike Dewine’s health order restricting mass gatherings. Officials said they hoped to recreate the same route in 2021.

With child care centers closing their doors, the Wapakoneta YMCA applied for — and received — certification to provide pandemic child care to the children of essential workers, even while their regular child care site was relocated to Harvest Baptist Church during the Y’s expansion construction.

Dewine’s first stay- at- home order, written to expire April 6, was extended to May 1 as state officials continue to work with local municipalities to keep residents safe from the spread of the virus. Retailers — locally and state- wide — were scrambling to comply with orders to allow customers into their facilities.

As people sheltered in place, schools, businesses and organizations got creative with reaching their audiences. The Auglaize County Historical Society, for example, turned to Facebook live to present its first of many programs. In April, they featured “Following the Donner Party.”

With fewer people leaving their homes, some legislative authorities began taking measures to prepare for a drop in sale tax revenues. The Auglaize County commissioners asked department heads to make plans to cut spending by 10 to 20 percent.

Remote visits with the Easter Bunny, and a city- wide Easter egg hunt marked the Easter holiday in 2020.

It was mid- month when Ohio legislators started clamoring for a jump start for businesses openings, claiming the governor was suppressing the state’s economy. Rep. Craig Riedel weighed in with the county commissioners as did Sen. Rob Mccolley. On April 15, the Auglaize County Health Department confirmed there were 15 cases in the county.

The West Ohio Food Bank started making regular visits to Wapakoneta, distributing thousands of pounds during each visit. St. Paul United Church of Christ partnered with the Lima- based

food bank, which was assisted by the Ohio National Guard during the distributions.

Dewine announced schools would continue to teach remotely for the rest of the year; it was the start of cancellations of traditional end- of- the- year activities such as proms, sports banquets and graduation.

As the West Benton Street construction project ramped up into high gear, the removal of an Osage Orange tree at the corner of West Benton and Willipie streets trigged some consternation among local residents.

An historic byway around Wapakoneta, designed to honor Astronaut Neil Armstrong was approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

May

While May brought about the re- opening of some business and county offices, it also say the start of the cancellation of summer festivals. Wapakoneta High School’s graduation was converted to a drivethrough event, the Day of Prayer was broadcast on- line, plans for the county fair continued to be made and the city’s garage sale weekend was still on schedule.

Retailers and restaurants prepared to welcome customers back into their stores, albeit with limitations on numbers and assurances there would be indications keeping people six feet apart and providing hand sanitation stations.

In early May, the county health department reported 42 cases of the coronavirus.

Day care centers, camps and pools were given the OK to reopen in May, and local people continued to make and distribute masks while the debate on the effectiveness of masks raged on.

Waynesfield- Goshen schools held their graduation parade, free community meals continued to be planned, libraries phased in re- opening plans and the 2019 Anniversary Celebration Committee was named the Stahr Award winner for its contributions to increasing tourism during the year- long celebration and commemoration of Astronaut Neil Armstrong and his first steps on the moon.

By the end of the month the state fair was cancelled, some churches began to allow their congregations to meet in person again, and gyms made preparations to welcome back their

members.

June

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library came to Auglaize County, thanks to the United Way thanks to the county commissioners, the Wapakoneta Rotary Club, the St. Marys and Wapakoneta community foundations and the Minster Service Club.

County fair officials were still in limbo about this year’s fair, surveying local residents about attending livestock shows and wearing facemarks. The Junior Fair was given a thumbs up; the jury was still out on whether a full fair was a good idea or even allowed.

Commissioners opted to move forward with a 10 percent budget reduction early this month to help keep the budge balanced.

Assisted living facilities started to make accommodations to allow visitors, with outdoor, limited sessions put in place along with plexiglass cubicles to help keep residents safe from the virus.

The First on the Moon Committee unveiled the first of its public art installations in 2020, vinyl- covered electric boxes at the three- way intersection of Mechanic, Auglaize and Hamilton

streets. The St. Joe Festival Committee announced it would modify its event, which would still feature the Sizzle drawing and fireworks. Plans for the Summer Moon Festival progressed as well, with the Moon Market a go regardless of what else was to be decided for the mid- July event.

The Armstrong Museum reopened to visitors, implementing a controlled entrance policy, Lucky Steer Restaurant was written up in Landline, a national trucking industry magazine, for its help in feeding truckers at the start of the stay- at- home order and local school officials started the process of planning for the start of the 2020/ 2021 school year.

Two incidents involving law enforcement ended the month. A Wapakoneta man was arrested after he was found hiding in a Mechanic Street attic, trying to avoid police who wanted to serve him with a indictment for another charge. A couple days later, officers responded to a report of shots being fired at the Laurelwood Apartments, where later a former Cridersville police officer was charged in the incident. Will continue in Wednesday's edition