March 19, 2020

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

FAR FROM HOME Changes can be seen across Athens over coronavirus concerns

Bars and restaurants adjust to closures…PG 9

Athens reacts to primaries cancellation…PG 12

Fests face the facts…PG 18

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Saying goodbye to senior year

A

t the beginning of the year, I wrote about my long distance relationship with Athens. I had been away all summer, and I could not wait to come back to enjoy the many lasts with my friends in a town I love so much.

Now, my time as a senior at Ohio University, as well as many others’, has been cut short.

It’s a sad, frustrating and scary time for evELLEN WAGNER eryone. As the cases in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ohio continue to grow and more precautions take hold, all OU students understand why decisions were made to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, it also means a lot of things will be missed by Athens residents and OU students — from classes being moved online to fest season being canceled.

Underclassmen are feeling sadness as they move out of their dorm and return to their hometown. Freshmen have just adjusted to being away from home, making friends and enjoying the freedom of college. Sophomores and juniors lost precious time at OU, but they still have the chance to make up for it next year.

Seniors are left with many questions about what the future holds. The remainder of senior year was meant to be a time of celebration, our last class and exams, crossing off our bucket lists and partying at our last fests. Now, seniors might not have the same graduation day that we have been working hard for the past four years since OU postponed spring commencement.

Last Spring Semester, many seniors celebrated many events that we did not know would be our last in Athens. We did not know the week before spring break would be the last time some of us would have a college experience.

I complained about waking up for my classes and the homework for each one. I complained about the many meetings and late nights I had at The Post. Looking back, it was these moments that made up the many things I loved about Ohio University and The Post.

I liked my schedule of classes. Each of my professors held meaningful discussions that made me want to go to class each day and be excited to learn. It gave me enough time for The Post, school work and some free time for myself.

As for The Post, I hosted my last daily budget meeting. I hosted my last weekahead. I hosted my last all-staff meeting.

It was those times of the week and semester that all of our

staff would be all together in one room. We would discuss content for the day, ideas, problems or just share some moments from our day.

Our Wednesday night late nights will not be the same.

Each week, we would sit in the design room, swapping computers to edit and PDF pages. We took breaks from the newsroom to walk and get snacks from Cafe Bibliotech. We had a Spotify late night playlist and YouTube videos on queue on a loop in the background to keep our energy up for the long night. Whether we left the newsroom at 10 p.m. or 3 a.m. having completed the paper, we woke up the next day feeling tired but proud of what we accomplished.

I will miss our end-of-the-year celebrations. I will miss seeing The Post’s staff for next year be hired and trained. I will miss our squirrel awards, senior send offs and passing along the MVP belt to another Postie.

I did not think the week before spring break would be the last time I would have that opportunity for things that just seemed to be a part of my everyday life. It feels like I took the time for granted while I had it.

It has not quite fully hit me yet that I won’t have the senior semester I always dreamed of having, and I know all seniors are feeling the same way.

When I make my drive back to Athens later this week, I am preparing myself for the shock over how much it has changed from the last time I was there. I understand the precautions that were made and will continue to practice them. However, it won’t be able to stop the sadness I feel for my time in Athens not being the same as what I was hoping it would be.

Ellen Wagner is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Ellen at ew047615@ohio.edu or tweet her @ewagner19.

COVER PHOTO BY MEAGAN HALL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLEN WAGNER DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Taylor Johnston

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Locals lend a hand Local business and school districts rally to feed students out of school

EMMA SKIDMORE STAFF WRITER

L

ocal Athens businesses and K-12 schools are providing free lunches to students who are unable to attend school due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Gov. Mike DeWine has called for all public universities and K-12 schools to close, possibly for the rest of the academic year. One of the main concerns of that decision was how food-insecure students would be provided meals without free or reduced school lunches available.

“It’s really just about the kids,” John Gutekanst, owner of Avalanche Pizza, said. “This area, it’s got a lot of wealth in it, but it’s got a lot of generational poverty in it. It’s tough, and it’s hard for these kids to get fed. The whole thing is there’s a lot of people who care, and we care a lot because it’s important that these kids get fed.”

Avalanche Pizza has been providing lunches through The Plains Library, which also has room for people to eat.

Gutekanst said Avalanche has also been working with and sending lunches to other local libraries.

“You start to realize that (if) you don’t take care of the community, the community is not going to take care of you,” he said.

Gutekanst said with people out of town due to the university and school closures, his business has been suffering along with many other local businesses. Nevertheless, Avalanche Pizza continues to uphold its tradition of community service.

“We’ve been in business 20 years here in Athens, and the community’s been very good to us, always,” he said.

“One time we took a truck down, all (kinds of) members of the communities joined in for Hurricane Katrina, and we took it down to Mississippi.”

Avalanche Pizza also bakes bread for the local food banks, Gutekanst said.

The lunches include various types of sandwiches and chips, Gutekanst said.

“It was families coming (with) four or five kids,” he said. “Getting a school lunch, no stigma attached or anything like that, it’s pretty cool. The great thing about it, it was delicious. It’s fresh bread, it isn’t old stale bread ...

This was made with love.”

Gutekanst said while making the lunches is labor intensive, it’s worth it. Thursday of last week, he said Ava-

Wings over Athens on Court Street offers a free meal to kids under 12 amidst the COVID-19 outbreak shutting down school systems.

(KELSEY BOEING / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

lanche made 80 or 90 lunches and aimed for 150.

“You see these kids, these little kid’s faces (when) they grab a bag,” he said. “One kid kept coming back for the hot sauce. We didn’t really have anything else to put in there because it was done at the last minute. And he just started opening them, and I’m like, ‘Dude, you love hot sauce.’”

Other businesses, such as Wings Over Athens, are doing free school lunch programs as well.

Dan Leyva, chief wing officer, said Wings Over is thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community. Wings Over Athens’ lunch program includes free meals for students under 12 every day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“During times of uncertainty, it’s even more import-

ant for us to be a place our community can count on,” Leyva said in an email. “We can only imagine the hardships some families are facing with school closures and reductions in the workforce, so we want to do something to help ease some of those burdens. A kid’s meal can put a smile on the face of a child, and to us, that’s priceless.”

Kim Goldsberry, an Athens City School Board member, was a founder of the Athens City School District Food Pantry. The pantry is also contributing to feeding children while they are out of school.

“With the food pantry, along with our service coordinator and our bus drivers, we’ll be able to help sustain children with lunches while we’re out of school,” she said.

Goldsberry said in order to be in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for social distancing, the set up of the food pantry will be changed.

“When clients come in, or families come in, it’s kind of like going to Kroger,” she said. “They just get what they need off the shelves. But because of the social distance, things are going to have bags ready ... so we’ll just walk them out to individual cars as they come.”

ACSD is also finalizing a plan to have bus drivers deliver food to families along their routes to aid in providing food, Goldsberry said.

“I’m not worried about us running out of food or us not having enough money to restock our food,” she said.

Arian Smedley, assistant superintendent for the Beacon School, said the school is using a bus system to help get food to students.

“We’re doing two runs, one in the morning (and) one in the afternoon, just to help students stay on their meal schedule,” Smedley said.

Texas Roadhouse reached out to the Beacon School and donated dinner rolls to be used for the lunches, Smedley said. She also said there have been minimal problems with the system, and the services extend to any siblings who have been affected by school closures.

“Just making sure when you get to the house, you’re connecting with someone to get it for you, that’s been the only kink so far,” she said. “And just making sure we capture everyone.”

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

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COVERING COVID-19 Covering the impact and effects of the coronavirus pandemic on campus and in Athens County

Over the past two weeks, Ohio University and the state of Ohio have taken measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

OU announced March 13 all in-person instruction will cease for the rest of the Spring Semester. This came after the original an-

nouncement of moving to online instruction until the end of March.

The university has also canceled all current and future travel programs until at least Fall Semester.

The Post will be following responses from

the university and city of Athens to the coronavirus in order to best inform the community and students of precautions, safety measures and more.

This landing page will be updated continually to reflect the most recent information.

OU to have online instruction for the rest of Spring Semester

OU cancels all summer travel programs

Mid-American Conference Tournament canceled in response to coronavirus outbreak

OU extends spring break for 1 week 4 / MARCH 19, 2020

Fests not allowed

by OU, Athens

Athens bars, restaurants forced to adjust, close in response to coronavirus

OU postpones all spring commencement ceremonies

This map provides the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in each Ohio county as of March 18. It will be updated online as new cases are confirmed.

# OF CONFIRMED CASES

0

1-10

11+

TOTAL CASES IN OHIO

88

Scan to access the landing page, which will be updated continually to reflect the most recent information

ATHENS

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

NEWS BRIEFS

OU to have online instruction for the rest of the semester; Athens water will not be shut off due to late payments EMMA SKIDMORE STAFF WRITER OU TO HAVE ONLINE INSTRUCTION FOR THE REST OF SPRING SEMESTER Ohio University announced Friday, March 13, that all campuses will be moved to online instruction for the remainder of Spring Semester.

Classes will begin remotely on March 23. Students residing in residence halls are barred from returning to campus unless it is to move out, according to a schedule set by the Division of Student Affairs.

Reimbursements for housing and dining plans are also being developed.

CAMPUS RECREATION CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Ohio University sent an email Sunday announcing all campus recreation facilities are closed.

It is unknown when they will reopen.

Affected buildings include the Aquatic Center, Bird Ice Arena, the Golf and Tennis Center, Ping Recreation Center and Walter Fieldhouse. All programming sponsored by Campus Recreation has also been

placed on hold.

Previously, OU announced that Campus Recreation facility hours would just be adjusted.

NCAA CANCELS REMAINING WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS The NCAA announced in a press release that all remaining winter and spring sports championships will be canceled to limit the spread of coronavirus. Three tournaments were canceled this past week due to the concerns.

The remainder of the MAC tournament was canceled on March 12 in response to the coronavirus outbreak in both a statement and a press conference.

The American Collegiate Hockey Association canceled its national tournament on March 12. Executive Director Craig Barnett said public health is of utmost concern for the ACHA, and the association felt canceling the tournament was the best course of action.

The NCAA Wrestling Tournament that was scheduled to take place from March 19-21 at U.S. Bank Arena in Minneapolis was also cancelled.

ATHENS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SUSPENDS IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION UNTIL MARCH 30 Athens City School District plans to resume face-to-face instruction after March 30, following Ohio University’s decision to suspend on-campus classes.

ACSD Superintendent Tom Gibbs said in an email that because of the district’s close relationship and proximity to OU, it is possible that those traveling over break could have been exposed to the coronavirus.

Sean Parsons, Athens City School Board president, said the health of students is a top priority, and the board will be taking steps to address issues such as food insecurity while students are out of school.

The school district has also cancelled all practices, meetings and public events, excluding the March 19 school board meeting. ACSD did not mention online instruction but plans to make up the missed school days through a revised calendar.

CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES WATER SHUTOFFS, 2020 CENSUS City Council members addressed concerns from residents about paying

for their utilities during their Monday night meeting.

Residents will not lose running water as a result of late payments, as some residents lost jobs due to the recent closure of restaurants and bars amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, said she has received calls about evictions during this time and believes it is a legitimate issue to look into.

Mayor Steve Patterson also advised university students to record Athens as their place of residence on the 2020 Census. Patterson said that the majority of a student’s time is spent in Athens even though classes are not currently in session.

He also announced the Athens Community Center will be closed, following the preschool and senior center.

City Council also received the annual report from the Athens Fire Department, which included a total of over 1,000 calls that were responded to, with about 552 false alarms.

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POLICE BLOTTER

Man’s trees are timbered; woman reports missing mail KIRSTEN THOMAS FOR THE POST YELLING TIMBER Over the weekend, a man who lives on Houston Road reported that some trees on his property were timbered.

A report was taken.

WE WEREN’T DOING ANYTHING Over the weekend, deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious vehicle on Monk Road.

Two men were in the car but were not doing anything illegal.

I DIDN’T SEND IT Deputies received a report of someone’s email being hacked over the weekend.

The person reported that several of their friends and contacts received suspicious emails from their account asking for money, which the individual did not send.

The individual changed their password and reviewed security settings.

BACKUP FOR BICYCLES? Extra patrol was requested over the weekend at the old Chauncey School in regard to multiple juveniles who were riding bicycles in the parking lot.

Criminal activity was not observed during patrol.

SORRY, MY CAR BROKE DOWN Over the weekend, deputies got a report of a suspicious vehicle near a Chauncey residence.

The caller said the vehicle pulled off the road near their home and had the hood up on the car.

Deputies located the vehicle and spoke to the person driving the car. The individual was having mechanical issues with the car and was trying to let it cool down before leaving.

GAMES

A MAJOR SCHEDULING ISSUE Deputies reported to State Route 691 in Nelsonville over the weekend due to a report of someone trespassing at an Airbnb.

After deputies spoke to the manager and the person involved, it turned out it was just a scheduling error.

No further action was needed.

WHO SET IT OFF? Over the weekend, deputies responded to The Plains for a commercial intrusion alarm that was activated.

The building was secure, and no evidence of tampering or forced entry was found.

The situation was determined to be a false alarm.

MAKING RENOVATIONS Deputies responded to Tomoko Trailer Park on Tuesday due to there being a possible trespasser in a vacant trailer.

The alleged trespasser was actually the owner of the trailer. The man said he is currently remodeling the trailer.

LOST MAIL Deputies took a report Tuesday regarding stolen mail that was found on the roadway.

Deputies found the mail and returned it to its owners.

WHO WAS IN MY MAILBOX? On Tuesday, deputies responded to Fisher Road for a possible theft report.

The individual reported that her mailbox was open, and her mail was gone.

The case is being referred to the postmaster.

@KIRSTENTHOMAS36 KT531818@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

Resources available around Athens for students, residents A list of resources that are available for Ohio University students, community members, and K-12 students TAYLOR BURNETTE FOR THE POST

The CATS Cupboard Food Pantry is located on the fifth floor of Baker Center. (ANTHONY WARNER/ FOR THE POST)

I

n the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there are still many resources in the area for those in need.

RESOURCES FOR OU STUDENTS: The CATS Cupboard Food Pantry will remain open for students in Athens and is currently making plans for food donations to students moving out of residence halls. Updates can be found on the Ohio University alerts page at ohio.edu.

Raccoon Creek Outfitters, an outdoor equipment shop in Albany, 74815 U.S. Highway 50, is opening its doors to college students regardless of their ability to pay.

“We will make sure you have plenty of food and drinks. We understand that you have no funds, that is completely fine, we’ve got you. You are not alone,” Bobbi Hoy, owner of Raccoon Creek Outfitters, said on Facebook. Hoy asked students in need to contact her.

Charter will offer free Spectrum in8 / MARCH 19, 2020

ternet to K-12 and college students who do not already have access, according to a Charter press release. Installation fees will be waived, and services will be free for 60 days.

RESOURCES FOR ATHENS RESIDENTS: The Athens County Food Pantry will be open during its normal hours, according to its Facebook page. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its usual location, the Athens County Job and Family Services building, 13183 State Route 13, Millfield.

The Southeastern Ohio Foodbank has a list of food pantries available to those in Athens County that can be found on its website.

United Appeal Athens County has a community research directory available for Athens residents, which includes information about food pantries and other resources.

Mutual Aid Southeast Ohio, a grass-

roots organization of concerned citizens, is looking to centralize volunteer efforts and provide help to those in need during this time. It has a Google form to match those who are looking for need or looking for help with resources.

Athens County residents in need of assistance can contact the Athens County Emergency Food Line at 1-800338-4484 to find out if they are eligible to receive a food box and to find the closest location to pick up a box of food.

Hopewell Health Centers has a compiled list of regular community meals with times but suggests calling the number before attending to see what is currently being offered.

RESOURCES FOR K-12 STUDENTS: The Ohio University Inn, 331 Richland Ave., Athens, will be offering free peanut butter sandwiches through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wings Over Athens, 33 N. Court St., Athens, is providing one free meal to

each K-12 child per day during operating hours.

The Tri-County Career Center will be distributing breakfast bags that include five days’ worth of breakfast items like Pop-Tarts, fruit and cereal at the Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St., Nelsonville, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, and will be available for any K-12 student.

Though schools are closed, school breakfast and lunch programs will continue, and grab-and-go meals are available for students.

This list is not complete. Please contact Taylor at tb040917@ohio.edu with any additional information on these programs and services or other programs and services you would like included on this list.

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU

COVID-19 CLOSURES Athens bars, restaurants forced to adjust, close in response to coronavirus TAYLOR BURNETTE FOR THE POST GEORGE SHILLCOCK FOR THE POST

O

hio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order to close restaurants and bars across the state by 9 p.m. on Sunday is forcing many Athens eateries and dives to make difficult decisions on how to best serve the public and its employees.

Like many other bars in town, The Union is being forced to close its doors, leaving a large number of people without employment for the foreseeable future.

When Cullen Beach, a 27-year employee of The Union, first heard the news, he said it came as no surprise that the governor was moving to prohibit dine-in experiences.

“It’s kind of frustrating,” Beach, a manager, said. “Our prerogative is to just move forward.”

On Court Street and West Union Street, businesses are displaying signs alerting their customers of new procedures, with The Union’s simply stating “It sucks, but safety first.”

Union Street Diner, or USD, owner Timothy Carman said the diner was already considering a reduction in operating hours prior to Sunday. His business has since implemented changes such as all employees wearing elastic or latex gloves and even displaying a sign outside recommending sick customers order carryout.

“It’s unfortunate, and it’s definitely going to cost a lot of jobs and a lot of hours,” Carman said. “The students not being here already had a large enough impact.”

USD will likely transition to carryout only but will attempt to stay open 24 hours a day. Carman expects this to have a huge impact on his workers and hopes the state government will provide some source of unemployment compensation for those affected by this.

Earlier Sunday, Lieutenant Gov. Jon Husted announced the state has plans to extend benefits to workers in quarantine or whose businesses are closed because of the virus, according to an article from NBC4.

Extending unemployment benefits to affected businesses and workers isn’t the only effort being made by the state of Ohio. Bars and restaurants are now permitted to return unopened, high proof liquor products that have been purchased within the past 30 days to the wholesale contract liquor agency they purchased it from.

The contract liquor agencies in Athens

County are Kroger, 919 E. State St., and Busy Day Market, 30 W. Stimson Ave. The buyback program is only for restaurants, businesses and F2 permit holders, a permit for those with a temporary permit for an event. The liquor agencies will call the Liquor Enterprise Service Center for approval.

“We’re just trying to … find ways to help out those small and large businesses with their wholesale purchases, and they may or may not choose to do that,” Brian Hoyt, stakeholders relations manager with the JobsOhio beverage system, said.

Carman and Brenen’s Coffee Cafe owner Joshua Thomas believe their businesses will be able to weather the storm because they have been around for a long time, but they both say newer businesses are at risk of closing down.

“It wouldn’t shock me to have the students come back in the fall or even in the summer and find they are missing a couple of their favorite local places,” Thomas said.

Brenen’s is one of many businesses in Athens that has already begun the change to a carryout-only model. Thomas and his wife, Jessica Thomas, spent Saturday and Sunday cleaning the restaurant and putting up chairs.

“My wife and I are upset, and we’re disappointed, and we’re worried, and we’re panicked,” Thomas said.

Other delivery-centric businesses, like Avalanche Pizza, could expect to see an increase in orders and customers as dine-in experiences are shut down.

Chris Tricarichi, general manager and managing partner of Avalanche, said while Avalanche could see an increase in commerce, it is trying to mitigate any transmission of the infection by limiting staff and customers in the building.

Aside from new cleaning procedures, Avalanche is requiring face masks to be worn by employees, and it is displaying a sign preventing customers from directly approaching the counter.

“We will most likely not be able to keep up with the increased business,” Tricarichi said. “We’re also not sure as to what our supply chain will look like.”

Until it is able to hire more delivery drivers to keep up with the increased demand for delivery, Avalanche will be moving to a carryout-only system. As Avalanche looks for new drivers, Tricarichi said Avalanche is hoping to hire more people like bartenders who are now without a job and need a way to make money.

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU @SHILLCOCKGEORGE GS261815@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

The quiet streets of Athens The streets of Athens and Ohio University campus are empty as residents are asked to stay insides, restaurants are carry-out only and students were asked not to return to campus (RIGHT) Courtside in Athens remains closed following Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio’s state-wide response to the coronavirus threat, which states that all bars and restaurants should now only be providing carryout service.

(ERIN BURK/ FOR THE POST)

(ABOVE) A sign outside of Brenen’s coffee shop on Court Street states that the establishment is still open for carry out and call ahead orders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.(MEAGAN HALL/ FOR THE POST) (LEFT) Nelson Commons remains closed following the university’s decision to go to online classes for the rest of the semester.

(KELSEY BOEING/ DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) (RIGHT) A sign outside of Court Street Coffee in Athens stating that the shop is still open amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

(KELSEY BOEING/ DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

10 / MARCH 19, 2020

Residence halls empty as students leave Ohio University students move out of their dorms a few months early after coronavirus concerns cause OU to move to online classes (LEFT) Joe Schaffranek helps Kaylyn Schaffranek move out of Bromley Hall on March 17, 2020, after Ohio University moved to online teaching for the rest of the semester due to the COVID-19 threat. (ERIN BURK / FOR THE POST) (BELOW) Kheara Wright packs her car to its maximum capacity while moving out of her dorm in Luchs Hall on Monday, March 16, 2020.

(NATE SWANSON / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Kaylyn Schaffranek, who is a Resident Advisor in Bromley Hall, sticks a poster back onto the wall while moving out of the building on March 17, 2020, after Ohio University moved to online teaching for the rest of the semester due to the COVID-19 threat. (ERIN BURK / FOR THE POST)

Ben Peters helps Sarah Horne load a mattress pad into her car amidst moving out of Hoover House due to restrictions enacted by Ohio University making students living in on-campus dorms to move out throughout the week. (NATE SWANSON / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

< Early voters wait in front of the Athens

Board of Elections to vote in the primary elections on March 16, 2020.

(RYAN GRZYBOWSKI / FOR THE POST)

Ohio’s elections suspended Ohio’s elections were suspended until June 2, leaving confusion among Athens County voters GEORGE SHILLCOCK FOR THE POST The status of Ohio’s elections were up in the air for much of the day Monday, leaving some voters wondering whether or not voting would occur as scheduled Tuesday.

Since then, the state of Ohio’s primaries are still somewhat unclear. For much of the latter half of the primary election eve, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Franklin County courts debated over whether to postpone voting due to the outbreak of

the COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic.

In the end, DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, prevailed, suspending the election until Tuesday, June 2.

Athens County Board of Elections Director Debbie Quivey and much of her staff had just finished wrapping up what they believed was the final day of preparation Monday afternoon when the news broke. “(Acton) had the right to stop the election from happening today because there was a chance of there being more than 50 people gathering at a time, and she saw it as a health hazard,” Quivey said. “When you look at it from that point, I think the

right decision was made ... I just think it should’ve been done earlier.”

Quivey, her staff and all boards of elections in Ohio received a directive from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose outlining the suspension of the March 17 primary election and what should be done between now and June 2.

The directive told all board of elections to post notices on their websites, social media and outside offices and polling locations, notifying voters of the suspension.

It also asks all offices to remain open to receive absentee ballots and ballot requests on March 17 but orders them not to tabulate or report any election results.

While the election day has moved, voter registration will not reopen because the deadline passed on Feb. 18. In-person absentee voting, or early voting, will not continue, but voters can still request an absentee ballot application to submit through the mail. These applications must be postmarked by May 26.

All absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 1 and must be received

by June 12, according to the directive from LaRose.

The Ohio House of Representatives is

also moving to address the suspension and postponement of election day. Speaker of the House Larry Householder, a Republican, attempted to call in other members for an unscheduled session to address this but chose to leave it until next week when the assembly meets on March 24.

“No Ohio voter should ever wonder when they have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Householder said in a memo.

Householder said he is working with Democratic Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes to organize members from both parties to address it. He said the power to adopt, change or extend the date of an election rests with the general assembly.

With concerns over the virus and confusion about the election, Ohio could see a record drop in voter turnout. According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, the lowest turnout in a presidential primary election since 1986 was in 2012 at 25.52%.

As Ohio’s response virus outbreak intensifies, the Athens County Board of Elections has stepped up its efforts to sanitize everything in the office during early voting hours prior to March 17. Quivey said they normally sanitize and clean voting stations and provide hand sanitizer, but the virus has forced them to be more intense.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL Ohio University’s Jason Preston carries the ball down the court with pressure from the defense. The Bobcats beat the Kent State Golden Flashes 76-69 on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (ASHLYNN MCKEE / FOR THE POST)

The defining moments of Ohio’s season MATT PARKER SPORTS EDITOR Admittedly, this list feels incomplete.

Who knows what other moments could have potentially been on here had the Mid-American Conference Tournament not been canceled because of the coronavirus.

Ohio, like every other team in the nation, is now sitting at home away from the court and wondering what could have been. Could the Bobcats have beaten Akron and have a decent shot to the championship?

Unfortunately, these are questions that Ohio won’t get the answers to. And while there are plenty of thoughts about what could have been, there’s reason to analyze what was.

This wasn’t the ending that Ohio and its fans deserved. It wasn’t the ending any team and its fans deserved. However, it was the one it was dealt. Even with the sour ending, there were still more positives in retrospect under coach Jeff Boals in his first season at Ohio.

And with that, here are the top five moments from the Bobcats’ 2019-20 season: JASON PRESTON Not a singular moment defines exactly what Preston meant to Ohio this season.

That’s because every moment he was on the court defined what he meant. The 6-foot-4inch sophomore guard was instrumental in the Bobcats’ season.

He averaged 16.8 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 7.4 assists per game. He commanded Ohio’s offense whether he had the ball in his hands or not. Preston’s ability to find an open player and overall set Ohio up for a successful offensive possession in general is perhaps what stood out most.

Preston made the hard passes look like basic fundamentals. When Ohio needed him most, he delivered. His performance in the final minutes at Miami on March 6 where he scored seven points to help the Bobcats win might be his most impressive feat of the season. That includes posting several double-doubles, a triple-double and having the second-most total assists in the nation with 238.

A NEW 3-POINT KING Jordan Dartis, like seniors across the country, didn’t get the ending to a career he deserved.

Dartis, a fifth-year who came back after missing a season because of injury, was the one player that had much experience in Division I basketball at the start of the season for Ohio.

His recovery from hip surgery paid off when his name was announced in The Convo as a starter multiple times this season. But the largest payoff happened after he set the record for most 3-pointers in a

career for Ohio.

His 291st 3-pointer happened on the left wing in the opening moments of the Bobcats’ blowout win over Miami on Feb. 8. Dartis finished his career with 314 career 3-pointers.

STRONG START TO NEW ERA It’s well-known that Boals calls Ohio his dream job. At the start of the season, it easily could’ve turned into a nightmare.

A roster filled with unknowns in the form of seven freshmen. Players coming back from injury. The challenge of establishing a culture and a new system. Growing pains. A fourgame losing streak in the midst of conference play. An inability to finish games.

But it all was pushed to the side with a final record of two games above .500. Every player, besides Dartis and Sylvester Ogbonda, returns next season. The MAC’s upper teams from this season featured senior-heavy lineups, and now, it’s set to be Ohio’s turn.

MADNESS AT MILLETT Ohio was in the midst of a 10-point deficit to Miami with 3:47 left in the game.

Rather than panic and call it a game, it rallied and found ways to win. Preston scored seven points to bring the game to a 63-63 tie with 1:56 left.

Freshman Miles Brown scored the final four points for Ohio, including a putback op-

portunity for the game winner in the Bobcats’ 67-65 win over the RedHawks.

The win secured Ohio a home game for the first round of the MAC Tournament, but it also showed the growth that the young roster had made from the beginning of conference play to the end.

BLOWOUT WIN AND A TICKET TO CLEVELAND In what’s now its final moment of the season, Ohio’s 85-65 win over Central Michigan in the first round of the MAC Tournament will stand as one of the Bobcats’ best wins of the season.

They opened the game with an offensive aggression that resulted in a lopsided 27-9 run in the game’s first 10:50. All of Ohio’s offensive talent was showcased throughout the game.

Preston was nearly unstoppable from anywhere on the court. Ben Vander Plas in the paint was a force to reckon with. Jordan Dartis shot 75% from beyond-the-arc in his final game in The Convo.

The win gave Ohio its first trip to Cleveland for the first time since 2017.

@MATTHEWLPARKER5 MP109115@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

UNCLE SAM

Canceling in-person classes is smart.

Holding them online isn’t.

SAM SMITH is a junior studying geography at Ohio University

Following the appearance of COVID-19 in Ohio, Ohio University President Duane Nellis announced that OU will cancel in-person classes through the rest of the semester. That was the right decision.

While some claim that the coronavirus is no more severe than the flu, COVID-19 is different in significant ways. While the flu infects more people, the World Health Organization says that COVID-19 has a death rate of about 3.4% — roughly 34 times greater than that of the flu.

Furthermore, we know far less about COVID-19 and how to treat it. The flu, by comparison, is well understood and

even has a vaccine. It also takes longer for COVID-19’s symptoms to show, which offers more time for people to unknowingly spread the virus.

Additionally, even though the average, healthy adult may not be in grave danger, those they could infect might be at greater risk. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control says the elderly and those with underlying conditions are much more susceptible to experiencing severe effects from COVID-19. This certainly applies within the context of a university where immunocompromised people play active roles in the commu-

nity. So, the decision to cancel in-person classes is a prudent way to limit the spread of COVID-19. Still, continuing to hold online classes — and not canceling them altogether — poses many issues independent of the coronavirus.

The president’s statement asks that students remain in their hometowns.

Students in residence halls are not even allowed to return without specific permission. As such, students are expected to complete their studies from home, which causes accessibility issues. Many poor people or those who live in rural areas — like much of Southeast Ohio — do not have reliable devices or internet connection in their homes. While students in such a scenario could go to public spaces to use reliable devices and connections, doing so defeats the purpose of canceling in-person classes because it still requires public interaction. Furthermore, not everyone has access to the transportation required to access such spaces.

Secondly, Blackboard and other university websites are notoriously unreliable, with regular crashes and counter-

intuitive interfaces. That will be made worse through increased traffic from online courses. Third, there are many elements of in-person classes that cannot be translated to online formats. Finally, online studying is not an effective learning technique for some students.

That is partly why many of us chose to physically attend OU rather than enrolling in online programs.

Societally, we tend to demand maximum productivity at all costs. Technology has nourished that phenomenon: just 20 years ago, it would have likely been impossible to perform a sudden transition to online courses. Still, just because we can do something does not mean we should.

Expecting professors and students to rapidly adapt to an entirely different educational format is a great setup for disorganization, confusion and anxiety.

Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Sam know by tweeting him @sambobsmith_.

GOURMAND GRUENBERG

Caloric caffeine quarantine NOAH GRUENBERG is a junior studying music composition at Ohio University

For the students at Ohio University, spring break started with the utmost excitement and spiraled into what many could call dread and displeasure. Many of us are weathering the storm and holding on. Despite disease and its presence, we still have to eat. I was given this idea in an Airbnb in Alabama over spring break while

14 / MARCH 19, 2020

watching Bobby Flay.

When preparing steak, a dry rub is often used to change the texture and flavor profile of the meat while cooking. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning — the permutations on dry rub are as numerous as the number of cooks that use them. What stood out to me was the choice to use

coffee as a dry rub for the steak. As a student who has to be forced awake in the morning, I have nothing but love and respect for the crushed bean. This had to be tested at once.

The selected cut to test the coffee rub on was the highly decorated filet mignon. In the steak world, the filet sits on a throne for its luscious texture.

When cooked properly, it melts in the mouth. Along with the coffee, I used dry mustard, paprika and salt. The result, after searing, was more than I could have hoped for. The texture was divine, a salty and light crunch to the outside, but the inside melts away like butter. The taste, frankly, was a shock.

I expected a bitter element from the coffee, but the result was savory and pleasing to the palate. This is a food

I insist on anybody having to try. No excuses, everyone is stuck in their homes anyway.

This experience is demonstrative of the fact that even under our nose, the things we know and take for granted can have utility and versatility we’ve yet to think of. Even beyond the field of food, experiment and take risks that are out of the blue. Subvert what you take for granted, and see what life grants back from it.

Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Noah? Email him at ng119217@ohio.edu.

9 songs for your social-distancing ears Isolation is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be silent

JACK HILTNER FOR THE POST There’s nothing quite like a recommended quarantine or self-isolation to kick off one’s spring, especially if the end of the tunnel isn’t anywhere in sight. While it may be difficult to remain positive with everything going on in the world, music seems to be a pacifying constant.

Songs across genres have provided a sense of stability for listeners — they have for years — but they’ve also been used for charity, raising awareness and general listening.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Lil Wayne organized a festival of concerts to raise funds for New Orleans. Events for other disasters have followed, each designed with a purpose to instill a sense of community and support. The primary difference between then and now is the time frame — all those events came after the disasters, not during.

Here are some tunes to help put the deafening silence on hold during this period of social distancing: UPBEAT AND FEEL-GOOD SONGS “Boss B----” by Doja Cat After becoming increasingly popular on TikTok, this absolute bop gained traction following several trends.

Featured on the soundtrack for Birds of Prey starring Margot Robbie, the song’s popularity has only continued to flourish. The fast beat elevates moods, and learning all the words is strangely satisfying and will no doubt make you feel like a boss b----.

“My Type” by Saweetie Go hard or go home, right? If you’re looking to party the night away with your small circle of friends, this song is just for you. Turn up the volume all the way, and have fun. Hiphop is changing, and “My Type” shows the genre will only be traveling in one direction: upward.

“Physical” by Dua Lipa Dua Lipa knew exactly what she was doing when she kicked off the new year by dropping this song. “Physical” provides an updated definition for what to expect in the pop genre, which is no small feat after her previous songs have set that bar. If you want to get your blood pumping, this song is the perfect opportunity.

GENERALLY GROOVY “Talk (feat. Disclosure)” by Khalid

Scan the QR code to see the curated playlist on Spotify ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR JOHNSTON

If a strong beat and groovy lyrics is something you want, this one’s for you. After spending 46 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, “Talk” remains one of Khalid’s most successful songs to date. The song details the beginning of a relationship and the desire to go slow and simply talk. ”If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys There’s no better time for a blast from the past than being holed up in your home for a few days, right? With just over 420 million streams on Spotify, the 2003 song solidified Keys in the music spotlight. “If I Ain’t Got You” is great if you’re in the mood for romance and reminiscing.

“Don’t Stop The Music” by Rihanna This Rihanna track is another dose of nostalgia for your ever-secluded afternoon, but a classic nonetheless. While Rihanna hasn’t released any songs in a while, there’s nothing wrong with a good throwback, especially when everyone knows the lyrics. If you want a song that is appreciated by all, keep this one in the running. The song still packs the punch it did after being released nearly two decades ago, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

DOWN IN THE DUMPS, BUT NOT FOR LONG “Good Thing (feat. Kehlani)” by Zedd Sometimes being alone is everything you need, and

that’s OK — Kehlani feels the same way in this song, too.

“Good Thing” doesn’t focus on the negatives of being single. It instead brings the positives to light. Not only does she point out that she feels more free, she also has been able to discover what she wants out of life, and she’s OK with that.

“Strawberries and Cigarettes” by Troye Sivan For those who are in the mood to over-analyze a past relationship, give this song a listen and leave it on repeat.

While the song was originally written for the movie Love, Simon, it’s not bound in its significance. There are moments that spark memories of previous relationships for lots of people every day, and Sivan clearly understood that and wanted others to know as well.

“Ribs” by Lorde If there was one song to summarize the teenage experience, Lorde’s “Ribs” is it. If you really wanted to go through your high school and early college memories, the track would play in the background and be completely appropriate. Don’t let the song get you down, but instead use it to lift you up as you get back on track.

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you could try to learn include photography, how to moonwalk, whistle with your fingers and juggling.

do o t s

EXERCISE Although fitness and recreation centers are closed in Ohio, you can get creative in and out of your house on ways to exercise.

YouTube is full of 10-minute workout videos, including cardio, abs and full body workouts. There are also videos for meditation and yoga.

These easy videos can help you get your body moving, and you don’t need gym equipment to do them.

When the weather is nice, go on a run or take a bike ride to get a break from the indoors. These are both activities you can do on your own and around your neighborhood. If you have a dog, you can take time each day to play fetch with them in the yard or take them for a walk to get outside for a bit.

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NETFLIX PARTY This takes a whole new meaning to “Netflix and chill.” Netflix Party is an extension you can download on Google Chrome. When you pick the show you want to watch with your friends, you can share the link with each other and begin watching the show. Click on the Netflix Party icon once the show starts to play and chat with your friends while you watch. You can connect with anyone who has the extension and the link to join the party.

It’s the best way to be entertained and feel a little less lonely while watching your favorite movies and television shows.

SPRING CLEANING What time is better to clean out all of your clutter than when you’re stuck inside with all of it? Take the time to give your apartment a proper clean, clean out that closet you have been avoiding and pick some clothes to donate.

Once the precaution about the coronavirus is lifted, donate your clothes and furniture to local thrift stores in Athens, such as ReUse Thrift Store, 751 W. Union St., and Goodwill, 175 Columbus Road.

LEARN A NEW SKILL With all the time you have, take some time to learn a new skill. You can download an app, like Duolingo, to learn a language or learn to play the guitar on YouTube. Other random skills

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IN THE KITCHEN We all have spent hours scrolling through our social media feeds and wasting time watching recipe videos that we swear one day we are going to make. Now is the time to do it!

When you go to the grocery store to stock up on food for the week, pick up extra ingredients for a couple recipes. You can make something new as a change-up to a normal dinner or a special dessert that you would not normally have.

h il e you s

q elf

Here are some ideas to keep you entertained over the next couple of weeks

O

ELLEN WAGNER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF hio University students will be spending a lot of time indoors now that classes have been moved online for the rest of the semester. Students have their schoolwork, but that can get boring after a while. Whether you are in your hometown or back in Athens, here are some creative ideas to help get you through your quarantine boredom:

READ A BOOK Everyone has a book list that they have been wanting to get through but have not had the time.

Stock up on books at the library or the book store before you begin your self-quarantine.

Not sure what to read? Check out Amazon’s 100 bestselling books to get some ideas. They can be downloaded on a Kindle or be shipped to your house.

ARTS AND CRAFTS A good way to relax your mind is through an art project. However big or small, it can keep your mind occupied without having to focus on anything too straining.

There are many websites that can teach you basic skills for sketching, painting and sewing. You could even just buy a coloring book to do in your free time. More complicated projects could include do-it-yourself furniture repair.

@EWAGNER19 EW047615@OHIO.EDU ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR JOHNSTON

16 / MARCH 19, 2020

EDITORIAL

Covering the coronavirus pandemic as student journalists Just because we are not on campus, it does not mean we are done as student journalists

I

n the past week, Ohio University moved to online classes for the remainder of the semester. It came as a shock to all students, especially seniors.

As classes move online, many students are unsure of what it means to learn from home. For The Post, it brings its own set of challenges to manage a staff and produce content remotely.

It is important that we work closely with our business manager in the coming weeks to make sure that advertisements are in place and distribution of our paper is confirmed. As the weeks go on, we plan to continue these check-ins to make sure everything is running smoothly for the print edition of our paper.

As of now, we are planning on printing our weekly tabloid for the next two weeks. However, we have reduced the number of papers that will be printed. Instead, the print edition will mostly be sent to subscribers of The Athens Messenger and businesses. As for the month of April, conversations are still going on about what will be done. We will see how the next few weeks will go and determine if we will have to cut some of our print editions for the next month.

However, this will not affect the work our staff is devoted to doing. We have been doing our best to get out content over the past week regarding coronavirus, or COVID-19.

We built a landing page to house all of the coverage surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and how it is affecting Ohio University and Athens County. This page will serve as a spot for our readers to navigate to when they want to read the most recent updates or check the interactive map to see the counties that have confirmed cases.

As a staff, we are relying heavily on communicating. As it is something that we struggle with in-person, we are try-

(VANESSA ABBITT / FOR THE POST)

ing our best to use online tools to continue to communicate with one another so that we can get news out to our readers. Whether it be Slack, Google Hangouts or some other form, someone is usually around to respond.

We are also taking this time as a learning opportunity. As editors, we had the chance to collaborate with student newsrooms across the country to

talk about how they are covering the pandemic. Some issues were similar while others were different. We were able to discuss how we were handling reporting remotely, sharing story ideas and the best ways to communicate and check in on our staff members during this time.

We know that the news of classes going online for the remainder of the

semester came as a shock to students and our staff, but we appreciate the work they have been doing despite the unusual circumstances.

Just because we are not on campus, it does not mean The Post is over. This is going to be a time of transitioning and learning for us all, but we are working together to get creative in the ways we will produce our content.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Ellen Wagner and Digital Managing Editor Taylor Johnston. Post editorials are independent of the publicationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news coverage.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

Nick Powell (left), Jake Butler (middle) and Paula Stevens (right) hold up peace signs during Mill Fest on Saturday.

(ANTHONY WARNER / FOR THE POST)

FESTS

FACE

FACTS

Athens spring culture canceled amid coronavirus concerns 18 / MARCH 19, 2020

KERI JOHNSON STAFF WRITER The coronavirus disease, also called COVID-19, has ushered in an unforgettable, world-stopping pandemic. Its effects on everyday life seem to be growing each day.

In-person college classes, K-12 public schools, special events, such as Ohio University’s spring 2020 commencement, bars, tattoo parlors and sit-in dining services have all been temporarily halted as precautionary measures — for what looks to be indefinitely. And, notably, festgoers for spring 2020 will not be permitted to gather.

The novel coronavirus, once a horrific disease with headlines about the other side of the world, is now close to home.

As of March 18, Ohio has 88 confirmed cases of the virus across the state — a number that grows each day.

DEATH OF FESTS Fest Season was set to begin the weekend of March 20.

The annual spring party season usually kicks off with Milliron Fest. Following more and more news saturated with COVID-19, some students also had apparently organized an impromptu-fest called Corona Fest and created a GroupMe chat with over 2,000 members.

But Brick Life Entertainment, a promotion party group, pulled out of both Corona Fest and Mill Fest, Caity Stegmaier,

a DJ with Brick Life, said. Brick Life is known throughout Athens for its social media presence, partying and DJ promotion.

Brick Life events can be found almost every week Uptown.

It was a difficult choice for Brick Life to make, Stegmaier said.

“Most (of us at Brick Life) are seniors,” Stegmaier, a senior studying music production, said. “It was tough because (since) last week so much has changed. People have come to us and been in support or not. Even though it’s not completely up to us, it seems like people think we run it all.”

Brick Life made the decision to pull out to guard its name, Stegamaier said. Though embedded in OU’s party culture, Brick Life does not have total control in situations such as these.

Stegmaier also said Brick Life was concerned over partygoers’ safety, both in their health and in partying itself. “(With the) cap on 100 (people), we didn’t know what the Athens Police Department would do (to bust up parties),” she said. “We want to make sure students are still healthy. We want younger students to still be OK.” Stegmaier said other fests may be possible down the road, pending the state of the pandemic at later times.

BAR HALT Making the adjustment to carryout service only hasn’t been easy for Jackie O’s Brewpub and Public House Restaurant, Michelle Oestrike, vice president of Jackie O’s, said in an

email. Jackie O’s has temporarily laid off over half of its staff during one of the busiest times of year for Athens.

Both Jackie O’s Brewpub, 22 W. Union St., and Taproom, 25 Campbell St., are open for carryout food and beer. Jackie O’s will even be offering a delivery service out of the Public House starting Thursday.

The best thing people can do to support Jackie O’s is to buy its beer, Oestrike said.

“Please bear with us as we figure out these new systems,” Oestrike said. “We appreciate everyone’s support.”

Jackie O’s neighboring bar, The Union, 18 W. Union St., is offering carryout options, too.

“Our main thing (is) we are (effectively) closed,” Adomas Fabin, a bouncer at The Union, said. “We’re not doing shows ... We’re selling any beer that we have in our stock ... at a reduced price.”

People are coming out to buy The Union’s beer, Fabin said. A lot of regulars are coming through as well as local figures from Athens’ scene. The Union is going to sell until it runs out. “(Our) main thing is helping us get rid of this carryout stuff,” Fabin said. “Not losing, not gaining (money), and putting us in a neutral spot.”

Like Jackie O’s, The Union has let go of some of its staff. Fabin and his fellow staff are filing for unemployment.

The Union is known as somewhat of a haven for musicians and an undisputed spot for locally-grown tunes. But show cancellations and postponements make for a resting period of sorts, Fabin said. The local music scene finds itself in an odd situation right now.

“One good thing this might provide for local music scene (is) time to take a break (and) recalibrate,” Fabin said. “As long as bands keep (a) presence in the scene, I think they’ll be fine.”

Fabin himself has had to cancel house shows he booked for fests, including Mill, High, Congo and Palmer. He doesn’t expect a quick return to business as usual, but he thinks The Union will be OK in the long run.

“I think we’ll be fine,” Fabin said. “It’ll be an excitement to come back out.”

SENIOR SADNESS Like many other students set to graduate this May, Zachary Logsdon, a fifth-year studying meteorology, faces uncertainty.

At the time of the interview, he didn’t know if he’d walk for spring 2020 commencement — and as of March 18, he won’t since it has postponed until further notice.

As a first generation college student, commencement took on a bigger, more special meaning for him. Logsdon was also disappointed in Fest Season’s de facto cancellation. As a senior, he wanted his last spring to go out with a bang.

“Everything was ripped away sooner than expected,” Logsdon said.

Logsdon life faces even more uncertain-

ty now, as he is out of a job. As an employee at The Over Hang, 63 N. Court St., Logsdon finds himself out of work.

“I will probably have to go home as well,” Logsdon said. “The bars in general have been slower, sort of uncertain and stressful for all of us.”

Lodgson said he spent time until closing with friends at his favorite Athens bars.

“We all went out to the bars last night until 9 o’clock,” he said. “With no (definite) future, it was kind of a goodbye to the bars as an undergrad.”

Saying goodbye as a senior has been the hardest part of this, he said. The goodbyes he bids to Athens, OU and the bars are abrupt and feel informal.

“We don’t really get to have that formal send-off,” he said.

Bobby Corns, a senior studying psychology, moved most of his belongings out of his rental housing March 17. He felt disheartened, like he was driving away without a solid goodbye.

“I’m just hoping that we return to normalcy,” Corns said. “I’m sure that many other seniors would appreciate just getting closure.”

Corns’ last semester didn’t really feel all that different, he said, but he was savoring the time he had left.

“I was trying to not waste a second,” Corns said. “(I was) trying to make a lasting impression, trying to experience Athens for what it is. I knew come May, things would change, but it’s March ... I’m just sad that it feels like it’s been pulled out of my hands.”

Corns was on tour with the Singing Men of Ohio when he heard the news of the transition to online classes. All university travel was to end, and it was time for him to pack up and go home.

For Corns, online classes are a new beast.

He’s not sure how they’ll work for him. Classes will begin Monday, March 23.

“Just as a student that’s never taken an online class, it’s kind of nerve-wracking,” Corns said. “I don’t know what to expect ...

(I’m) just confused and, like, uncertain.”

Corns also went on one last ride to the bars and restaurants. He’s hoping for one more crawl. Though he agrees with the precautions being taken, he recognizes how utterly confusing and heartbreaking the circumstances are.

“It may not be normal for a while, but those friendships and people you met and people you care about, they’ll still be there for you — that’s bigger than OU,” Corns said.

“Even though it’s sad and I’m very heartbroken, even though things didn’t go the way I thought they would, it’s the friendships and education and love for fellow bobcats that unites us.”

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with health restrictions and to meet staffing and hygeine demands, some of our member financial institutions have made a few changes in how they do business- but they are open!

HOCKING VALLEY BANK 740-592-4441 ALL Locations Regular Business Hours PEOPLES BANK 740-593-7761 ALL Locations Regular Business Hours Drive-thru available at most locations

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we’re open for business

with restrictions on how some businesses can operate, and to meet staffing and hygeine demands, some of our members have made a few changes in how they do business- but they are open!

DINING

AVALANCHE PIZZA 740-594- 4664 no delivery/carry-out only 11am - 10pm

BEVERAGE COURT STREET COFFEE 740-594-6777 Grab N Go | 7am-5pm DONKEY COFFEE donkeycoffee.com 740-594-7353 Order online/pick-up Mon-Fri 7am-6, Sat-Sun 8am-6

BAGEL STREET DELI 27 S Court Street 740- 593-3838 carry-out/delivery | 8am-8pm BRENEN’S CAFE 740-594-4475 Pick-up/carry-out | 7:30am-5 BUFFALO WILD WINGS 740-594-9464 carry-out | llam-lOpm

DUTCH CREEK WINERY 740-818-4699 Bottle Sales Carry-out | Sat 12pm-6pm

BUTCHER’S BITES info©butchersbites.com or message via Facebook Grab N Go carry-out | daily

JACKIEO’S PUBLIC HOUSE & JACKIEO’S TAPROOM 740-592-9686 Growler bottle & can sales carry-out | daily 12pm - 8pm

CASA NUEVA 740-592-2017 Carry-Out | llam-8pm

PLEASANT HILL VINEYARDS 740-502-3525 carry-out | 2pm-9pm THE PUB 740-592-2699 Carry-out | 10:30am-7pm THE UNION 740-447-5465 carry-out | daily 3pm - 7pm WEST END CIDERHOUSE & DISTILLERY 740-590-5364 Pre-arranged pickup growlers & spirits| Daily call ahead

LARRY’S DAWG HOUSE 740-592-3819 normal business hours Drive-Thru & pick-up 10:30am-9pm PLUS ONE PIZZA 740-594-9494 Pick-up/delivery daily llam-10:30pm PORK & PICKLES 503-709-5608 Pre-arranged delivery TACO JOHN’S Drive-thru only | 6:30am-ll TAVOLINO 740-592-2004 Closed Call to purchase gift certs.

TEXAS ROADHOUSE 740-589-7427 or use our App Curbside pickup Only Sun-Thur 11am-8pm Sat til 9

SPECIALITY

CIRO: ITALIAN KITCHEN & BAR BEDROCK PARTY RENTALS 740-594-7127 740-447-5121 quotes via phone & email Carry-out | Mon-Sat 4:30-9pm Mon-Fri 9-5 | Sat 9am-12pm call ahead to confirm CUTLER’S RESTAURANT 740-589-6661 THE CALM COMPANION Curbside only | 5pm-8:30pm 740-447-5131 Regular hours | 7:30-9am ECLIPSE COMPANY STORE drop off 4-6pm pickup 11309 Jackson Dr 740-677-4904 FEDEX OFFICE carry-out | 11am-8:30pm 740-592-4787 Mon-Fri 9am–9 Sat 10am–6 EL CAMINO Sun 12pm–6pm 740-589-7657 carry-out | Daily llam-9pm RIVER PARK/ RIVER’S EDGE/ on-line and by phone FLUFF BAKERY 740.593.7783 740- 249-4286 Virtual tours |Mon-Fri 9am-5 carry-out | 7:30am-3pm

RETAIL

THE DRUGSTORE AT O'BLENESS regular hours | 8:30am-7pm THE DRUGSTORE AT OU regular hours | 9am-5pm KINDRED MARKET 740-594-5463 regular hours curbside pickup available Mon-Sat 8am-8| Sun 10am-6 THE FARMACY NATURAL FOODS 740-593-7007 regular hours Delivery in Athens available Mon-Sat 9am-6 | Sun 10am-5 KEITH CHAPMAN JEWELER 740-593-7787 Design@keithjeweler.com by appointment- only KROGER 740-592-1598 reduced hours | 7am-10pm LITTLE PROFESSOR BOOK CTR 740-592-4418 Curbside p/u /delivery in Athens

Mon-Fri 9-6 |Sat-Sun 10-4

LANCE’S TRAILER SALES 740-592-8000 special payment/delivery opts.

Mon-Fri 8 am-6 | Sat 9-3pm LOWE'S 740-589-3750 regular hours Mon-Sat 6am-9 Sun 8am-9 SHRIVERS PHARMACY 740-447-9201 regular hours Delivery available Mon-Fri 9am-7 | Sat 9am-5 WALMART 740-593-3398 Reduced hours | daily 6am-ll

Please Note: The health restrictions are evolving on a daily basis, and while we have done our best to be timely with updates and chages to these listings- REMEMBER: if in doubt- please reach out