Author: Cheryl Stephen

Roy Mercer is a WWII vet and a walking, talking history book. At 96, he’s still as sharp as a tack and knows how to tell a great story.

With the passing of our heroic veterans, memories of WWII disappear every day. The sights, sounds, triumphs and losses - stories gone forever with the soldiers who hade it home from the world’s deadliest conflict.

Most WWII vets are 90-plus-years-old and their memory’s may not be what they once were.

As for Mercer, he still vividly recalls many events and details from his time overseas, where he fought with 693rd Field Artillery Battalion in Scotland, England, France, Germany and finally Austria.

Mercer left his Monroe County home for the frontlines in March of 1943, at the age of 19. When he returned in September of 1945, he couldn’t believe he had made it back alive. “I didn’t even catch a cold,” he joked.

At the end of the war, Mercer witnessed the Germans surrender in defeat as they marched out of Berchtesgaden, home of Adolf Hitler’s famous mountain retreat.

Hear Mercer describe the German’s historic surrender from Berchtesgaden

Mercer’s nephew, Wilfred Hodge, an infantryman who was about the same age as Mercer, wasn’t as fortunate. Hodge was killed in the line of duty in Belgium in November of 1944, when was hit with artillery fire.

Hodge was the son of Mercer’s older sister.

Both Mercer and Hodge were from the same small community of Jerusalem, in Southeast Ohio.

Like most WWII soldiers serving in Europe, Mercer slept outside on the ground every night.

Mercer shares a story of sleeping in a bed for the first time

When Mercer left for the war, his mother was ill with TB. When he returned, she was nearly bed-ridden and died a short time later.

Today, Mercer lives in the same quiet Jerusalem neighborhood he grew up in. He sits on his front porch when he’s not busy in his shop, where for many years he made intricate wooden grandfather clocks. He also worked in the oil fields for several decades.

If you pull up a chair, Mercer might share some stories of his WWII experiences, while leafing through a scrap book his family put together with pictures he sent home during the war.

An East Ohio nursing facility knew something was amiss when numerous COVID tests of staff and patients came back with a positive result - and no one had any symptoms.

Mason Bigler told WTRF TV it all began when they contracted with a private lab to do their testing. Bigler is the executive director of Rolling Hills Rehabilitation and Care Center in Bridgeport.

Bigler said that they swabbed the residents and employees last week, and the lab promised results within 48 hours. But days went by, and there were no results.

Labs typically use molecular tests, which involve inserting a 6-inch long swab into the back of the nasal passage through one nostril and rotating the swab several times for 15 seconds. This process is then repeated through the other nostril. The swab is then inserted into a container and sent to a lab for testing.

A positive result indicates an active COVID-19 infection but does not rule out bacterial infections or coinfections with other viruses. However, there’s a small chance that it could be a false positive, meaning that the test is positive, but you don’t have a COVID-19 infection.

Days passed with no results, and the facility was told that there was an equipment breakdown at the lab, and the lab sent their swabs to a third-party lab across the country.

Then, said Bigler, they started getting widespread positive test results back, both of the staff and residents.

A source at the facility said 18 positives were returned in all.

Bigler said he was convinced that the results were not accurate because no one had any symptoms. Bigler then contacted Wheeling Hospital in West Virginia and they agreed to do the re-testing.

At this point, 95% of the re-test results are back, and every one of them is negative, said the administrator.

“It just spotlights how poor the testing has been,” Bigler said.

In addition to COVID testing, there are antibody tests that scan a patient’s sample for evidence of past infections. Antibody tests cannot be used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection.

Recently, it was learned by The Atlantic that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several state health departments have been reporting COVID-19 diagnostic tests and antibody tests as one grand tally, rather than keeping their results separate, The Atlantic reported.

Reporting these numbers as a lump sum, rather than two distinct data points, presents several major issues.

Namely, combining the numbers could make America’s diagnostic testing capabilities and testing rates appear higher than they actually are, according to The Atlantic.

The tests serve profoundly different purposes, “positive” results from either test cannot be interpreted in the same way. Reporting all the positive results together, as one number, could skew our understanding of how many new COVID-19 cases emerge over time — a crucial metric to help control outbreaks as states begin reopening.

When told how the CDC chose to lump the results of both tests together, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute Ashish Jha told The Atlantic, “You’ve got to be kidding me … How could the CDC make that mistake? This is a mess.”

Combining these two signals makes the data difficult to interpret and could be misleading to the public, because the combined number does not reflect the rate of new infection (and the number of infectious people circulating) in their region, William Hanage, an epidemiology professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told The Atlantic. “Combining a test that is designed to detect current infection with a test that detects infection at some point in the past is just really confusing and muddies the water,” he said.

An Ohio legislator has taken up the fight for small businesses that are attempting to reopen under an administration that has come to be more punitive than supportive.

Bars and restaurants were permitted to open for outdoor dining late last week. Some of these establishments came under fire from Gov. Mike DeWine after alleged complaints of crowds and chaos. Indoor dining was reopened Thursday.

Rep. Jon Cross has become an ambassador of sorts, helping small business owners who are seeking clarity regarding regulations set forth by the Governor, but who have instead been threatened and bullied.

On Monday, DeWine warned restaurant and bar owners that they could lose liquor licenses or face criminal charges if they don’t comply with social-distancing requirements and other measures.

Cross said that what business owners need is clarity, not threats.

“There’s a lot of confusion in the marketplace,” said Cross. “What we need are ambassadors going to these restaurants and bars, not to come in like a swat team, but to say, ‘How can we help you?’

“When the Governor comes out and uses the words ‘marshal’ and ‘surge’ and ‘criminal prosecution’ when referencing his restaurant and bar police going after these establishments as they try to carefully and safely reopen is really unjust and uncalled for.”

Cross said that while there is a necessity for safety regulations and consistency, there is a lot of confusion around them and Ohioans do not need to be marshaled and policed.

“I am putting the state of Ohio on notice,” said Rep. Jon Cross. “If you’re going to go bully our small businesses owners, I’m going to be there to defend them and protect them, as they try to reopen while adhering to rules set forth by the Governor.

“We’ve got to be helpful, thoughtful,” said Cross. “Clarity is needed, and a positive and energetic attitude. We don’t want people to be fearful. We want people to open up safely and with confidence.”

DeWine said more workers are being summoned to supplement the 70-member state Investigative Unit that polices liquor laws, to check virus-precaution compliance at bars and restaurants.

Local officials will work with the pandemic patio patrol as well, with the governor not immediately able to place an estimate on the increased numbers that will enforce the state’s regulations.

Violation of a public health order during a pandemic is punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.

Cross said most of the law enforcement personnel he’s spoken with say that they are just as frustrated as everyone else. “Our law enforcement wants to be protecting our public. They don’t have time to go around and deal with the Governor’s administrative codes.”

Cross said that small businesses make Ohio competitive, and to put them under would only harm the state.

What’s more, Cross said, “We don’t need to add to the pain and suffering of these small business owners that are already hurting after a shutdown of 60-plus days.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Cross. “I’m glad I’m in the position I am because now is the time you’ve got to step up and fight and defend.”

Cross has become a folk hero to Ohio’s small business owners and to those who believe in less government control. His commitment and common-sense approach have attracted a following to his Facebook page.

Facebook: State Representative John Cross, 83rd House District

Rep. Cross (R-Kenton) and a Rep. Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) recently introduced the Business Fairness Act, HB 621. In short, the bill would allow small businesses to remain open in times of crisis, just like big box stores, such as Walmart and Costco.

Said Cross, “When bureaucrats and deep state government officials get out of line and try to go around the legislative body, that’s when we have to step up and be tough. We do this by passing thoughtful and carefully crafted legislation.”

Cross said that one of the main goals of the Ohio House is to keep Ohio’s small businesses alive and thriving.

“We are trying to be helpful and to provide positive leadership,” said Cross. “That’s how you get your state turned around.”

Cross plans to be at Indian Lake over Memorial Day weekend, after a tip that local establishments there will be the target of DeWine’s policing unit.

Cross said in a social media post: “I look forward to meeting with Indian Lake Restaurant & Bar owners on Friday. I’m hearing that Governor Mike DeWine’s “restaurant/bar police” will be targeting Indian Lake!

“Thank you for the invite Indian Lake Chamber! I’m proud to represent (parts) of Indian Lake, a real gem for Ohio. AND I’ll continue to fight like hell not to let DeWine’s police squad threaten or bully our small business owners!

“I’m watching your actions Logan County Health District!”

State Representative Jon Cross (center) with small business owners Matt Brown and Brett Wiford of Iron City Sports Bar on their one-year anniversary of opening in October, 2018.

BREAKING NEWS:
Judge orders Immediate Reopening of Gyms and Fitness Centers

Judge Eugene Lucci CALLS OUT Gov. DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton

Today a lawsuit filed by Finney Law Firm, LLP and the 1851 Center forced the reopening of gyms and fitness centers in Ohio.

Lake County Common Pleas Judge Eugene Lucci provided the following powerhouse statement regarding his decision.

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It appears this decision will make it difficult if not impossible for Dr. Acton to implement forced closures in the future.

The Ohio Legislature is working on a legislative remedy that would limit the powers currently afforded to the Director of the Department of Health. Should the legislation pass the Health Director would be able to shut down the state for 14 days and then seek legislative approval for any additional actions.

The plight of a little girl with an aggressive form of brain cancer helped to bring about tremendous positive change for thousands of sick children throughout Ohio and neighboring states.

Seven-year-old Autumn Wehr has both parents with her today at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, after the hospital lifted a ban that permitted only one visitor per 24-hour period.

Autumn’s ordeal drew attention to the one-visitor regulation that many considered unnecessary and cruel, as it meant that only one parent could be with a hospitalized child.

Autumn was admitted to the hospital last Saturday with a prolonged seizure and placed on a ventilator. Only her her mother could be with her, while Autumn’s father was not permitted inside. Autumn was listed as critical.

She is the daughter of Carrie and Bradley Wehr of Jerusalem, Ohio.

Autumn’s family sent out a plea via social media, asking for help from the public and from Ohio representatives.

Senate President Larry Obhof heard about the family’s plight and intervened on their behalf, asking the hospital to allow both parents to be permitted in the room, considering Autumn’s grave condition. On Sunday both parents were allowed to be with their child. But when Monday came, the father was again unable to get in the hospital.

“There are literally families camped out in chairs in the parking lot because that is the only way they can be here together,” said Carrie in a Facebook post on Monday.

Carrie said she did not simply want an exception made for her family, she wanted the rules changed for everyone.

The hospital’s new policy took affect today. It says that all inpatients will be limited to two visitors in their rooms. The visitors cannot change during the child’s stay, and they must be healthy and over the age of 18.

Visitors will undergo temperature screens and will be provided a hospital-grade mask to wear for the duration of the visit, according to Children’s website.

Calls to Children’s media line were not returned before this article was published.

Ohioans are being called back to work this week as more and more businesses reopen, but childcare will not be available to working families until Sunday, May 31, at the earliest.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced that daycares will be allowed to reopen, but they won’t be the same as before. Class sizes will be significantly reduced, and other mandatory policies and practices must be in place. Infants and toddlers will be restricted to six per room with a maximum of nine permitted per room for older children. Masks and other precautions for staff members will be a requirement.

DeWine said more details on those requirements will not be made public until Friday.

State Representative Susan Manchester is calling for the governor’s administration to make reopening childcare a priority so that Ohioans can return to work with confidence that their children are being cared for and safe.

Most childcare providers are fundamentally small businesses. It is unknown how many will decide not to come back after being closed for over nine weeks. Daycare services operate on a narrow profit margin and some may decide that reopening is futile.

For those do reopen, it will be necessary to significantly increase rates due to smaller class sizes. This will hit families at the lowest income levels the hardest.

The childcare sector, which was already fragile and in need of strengthening and expansion, now appears it will be weakened further and may be inadequate to meet demand and unaffordable to lower-income families.

This will undeniably put added stress on Ohio’s working families.

“We know that Ohio’s childcare providers will need assistance as they reopen,” said DeWine.

He said Ohio is utilizing more that $60 million in federal dollars through the CaresAct funding to provide reopening grants to Ohio’s childcare providers. DeWine said these grants will be available to both public and private daycares for two to three months. More information will be posted on the state website.

DeWine announced that summer day camps can reopen on May 31st as well if they can meet safety protocols. Protocols will be released by the end of the day tomorrow.

Rep. Manchester urged the administration to form a workgroup devoted to planning for statewide access to childcare. “As Ohioans return to work, working parents need immediate access to reliable, safe and quality childcare,” Manchester said in a letter to the governor’s administration.

“Childcare programs already adhere to strict cleanliness and disinfecting standards and have indicated their willingness to comply with any additional requirements deemed necessary,” the representative said.

Lack of childcare is not a valid excuse for not returning to work, according to the state. Businesses have reportedly been told to report employees to the unemployment office if they refuse to return to work so that benefits to those individuals can be stopped.

We are very saddened to learn that Andrew “Andy” Thompson, former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, died suddenly today. Thompson represented District 95 from 2011 to 2018. He was unable to run for re-election due to term limits.

Thompson also served on Marietta City Council since 2005 and was co-publisher of his family’s magazine, Bird Watcher’s Digest. He was Eastern Ohio Development Director for Appalachian Ohio.

Thompson was married to Jade Thompson and the couple resided in Marietta. He was 57.

Thompson was a great conservative who cared deeply about all of his district and especially his home of Washington County. Those who knew Thompson say he was kind, generous and authentic. He will be missed.

Parents of young children and owners of childcare centers are anxiously awaiting word from Gov. Mike DeWine on when or if day cares will be allowed to reopen.

With over 90 percent of the economy authorized to reopen by week’s end, parents are left hanging with no direction from authorities on what to do for childcare.

Last week DeWine said he would make an announcement on Monday regarding childcare. When Monday rolled around, DeWine said more time was needed to study the issue.

Barbers, salons and spas will reopen Friday and restaurants will be allowed to offer outdoor dining. But still no word from the governor on what parents are to do with their children.

Some think the reason for the delay is that health officials are looking for a link between Kawasaki’s Disease and COVID in children. So far, this is simply a theory and not backed up by any scientific data.

The majority of studies indicate that children are less susceptible to the virus. Children also have been found not to spread it, even when they do become infected. Essential workers have had childcare available to them all along with no spread of the virus being reported.

While lack of childcare leaves parents in a lurch, childcare centers themselves are becoming increasingly desperate, saying their small businesses are on the verge of collapse. Most childcare centers are private businesses, with ongoing rent and utility costs. The majority have had little to no income throughout the course of the shutdown.

What’s more, childcare centers will likely face additional expenses as they prepare to fully reopen, with social distancing requirements that will limit the number of children they can serve, reducing their revenue. Home-providers are not available for state unemployment benefits because they are classified as independent contractors.

It is hoped that DeWine will authorize childcare centers to reopen along with other Ohio small businesses.