Issuu

OHIO

SEPTEMBER 2026

COOPERATIVE Logan County Electric Cooperative

Electric youth

Co-ops engage with their youngest members

ALSO INSIDE Farm Science Review ‘Flush’ with ideas Special report: Diseased deer

Keeping electricity

AFFORDABLE

Each day brings its new challenges and Ohio’s electric cooperatives help you power through them all. We have tools to help you use less energy and save more money with small, simple changes around your home. We are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power to our members.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

INSIDE

SPECIAL REPORT 26 DOUBLE TROUBLE

Ohio’s deer herd faces growing pressure from two deadly disease outbreaks.

FEATURES 21

‘FLUSH’ WITH IDEAS

From remote pit toilets to beautifully designed visitor facilities, Ohio is rethinking one of the most overlooked parts of the outdoor experience.

24 DISCOVERING SLOOPY

We all know the song, but very few know the story behind one of the most iconic gameday traditions in college football.

Cover image on most editions: Ohio’s electric cooperatives are always looking for ways to engage their younger members. Paulding Putnam line supervisor John McMaster demonstrates how dangerous electric wires can be during the co-op’s Member Appreciation Day event. This page: Outdoors editor W.H. “Chip” Gross came upon this white-tail deer skull in a field of trillium flowers during his wanderings around Ohio. Chip reports this month on a budding crisis among Ohio’s deer population — see page 26.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

UP FRONT

Celebrating our connections

he turn toward fall is a welcome reminder that, even in times of uncertainty, life keeps moving in familiar and welcome ways. School is beginning again, football season is getting underway, farmers are planning for the fall harvest, and those of us who golf keep trying to squeeze in that one more round before the weather freezes us out. Of course, fall in Ohio also means the Farm Science Review, one of the most important and impressive events in the Midwest. The Review, which will be Sept. 22 to 24 in London, is a showcase of technology, techniques, machinery, and more educational opportunities than you could imagine, all on the cutting edge of modern agriculture. There’s something new to see and learn every year, and even if you are not directly involved in farming, it’s hard not to be impressed by the massive machinery and the innovation on display as you walk the grounds and see the size and capabilities of today’s farm equipment up close. The Farm Science Review is also a reminder of the deep connection between Ohio’s agricultural and other rural communities and the 24 local electric distribution cooperatives that serve the state. When you attend this year (see our story on page 8 for details), I strongly encourage you to stop by and visit the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building on Wheat Street, where you’ll find helpful educational displays with useful information from co-op employees and some of our vendors about electricity, safety, and programs that are available to members. It’s a great opportunity to visit with people who care deeply about Ohio’s agriculture and its rural communities — people who carry on the long legacy of those determined farmers who first banded together in the spirit of cooperation to bring light to areas that the big utility companies ignored. From their beginning, the co-ops’ success has been tied to the success of the people in the communities they serve, and cooperatives continue to play a vital role in rural Ohio to this day. Farm Science Review offers a chance to celebrate those connections. So come on out, grab some free popcorn, and say hello. Craig Grooms is president and CEO of Buckeye Power, the co-op-owned utility that provides the electricity Ohio’s electric cooperatives deliver to their members; and Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc., their statewide trade association.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

Craig Grooms

It’s a great opportunity to visit with people who care deeply about Ohio’s agriculture and its rural communities.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • Volume 68, No. 12

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Craig Grooms Jeff McCallister Amy Howat Neal Kindig

4 DEPARTMENTS

President & CEO Senior Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor Graphic Designer

4 POWER LINES

Cat & Duck and touch-atruck: Co-ops develop programs specifically to engage with their youngest members.

Contributors: Tim Baldwin, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Jill Moorhead, Catherine Murray, Theresa Ravencraft, and Karen Sottosanti. OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $6.48 to $7.92 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Offi ce, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

Growing knowledge: Farm

Science Review offers learning opportunities for those of all ages.

CO-OP PEOPLE

Making a mark: Co-op member uses his kids’-book fame to encourage the next generation of artists.

Recipe hacks: Instead of our usual

selection of lip-smacking, fully puttogether, and kitchen-tested recipes, we’ve gathered some helpful hints and out-of-the-(recipe)-box ideas you can use to improve an old favorite — or rescue a work in progress!

American MainStreet Publications 847-749-9015 | cheryl@amp.coop

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

October events and other things to do around Ohio.

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cooperative members:

Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staff cannot process address changes. Alliance for Audited Media Member

17 LOCAL PAGES

What’s happening: September/

Cheryl Solomon

14 GOOD EATS

33 CALENDAR National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

Only in Ohio: Members share

scenes unique to the Buckeye State, such as The Energy Cooperative members Beth and Amos Fry (at right) and their grandchildren, Grace and Rhett, on a walk to the swinging bridge at Mohican State Park.

Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com!

Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state. SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Cat & Duck and touch-a-truck

Co-ops design programs specifically to engage with their youngest members. BY AMY HOWAT

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

At Mid-Ohio Energy’s Family Fun Days, kids can receive a copy of Cat & Duck and the Electric Cooperative for completing a scavenger hunt, one of the kids’ zone activities offered at the events (photo by Tim Baldwin).

hey may not pay electric bills or vote in trustee elections, but even the youngest members are important to electric cooperatives.

The Seven Cooperative Principles — especially those of Education, Training, and Information and Concern for Community — inspire many co-ops to reach out to children to spread the word about both electrical safety and the cooperative way.

and a handy time machine, was the brainchild and creative handiwork of Patrick Wood, manager of communications at Co-Mo Connect, a division of Co-Mo Electric Cooperative in Tipton, Missouri. Wood, a father of three, wrote and illustrated that book in the fall of 2024 to take his co-op’s message to local children. He began reading it to preschoolers and early elementary students in Co-Mo’s territory, and before long (in the spirit of the co-op principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives), Cat and Duck had prowled and waddled into schools around the country. “Educators in our region saw it and wanted it,” Wood says. “By that February, about 12 co-ops had reached out to use the book.” Wood designed a version without Co-Mo branding and made it available on Amazon, and he also provided online materials so other co-ops could customize the pages. He has since followed up with three more books: a Cat and Duck sequel, Cat & Duck Electric Safety, and two featuring Flat Stanley-style lineworkers, Lineman Larry and Kilowatt Katie. At last count, co-ops in 33 states were using the books.

Jennifer Davenport, Darke Rural Electric’s communications director, says she loves hearing the giggles when she reads to groups of young students at local schools. Among her favorites is the Cat & Duck series, written and illustrated by Patrick Wood (inset), a co-op communicator from Missouri.

Greenville-based Darke Rural Electric Cooperative, for example, has an outreach program for first- through third-graders in local schools. “Safety around electricity is so important,” says Jen Davenport, director of communications and member relations at Darke Electric. “How do we reach everyone with that message? One way is to start early, with the kids, because they’ll always remember those lessons.” Kids, as it turns out, also make great co-op ambassadors. “Kids are sponges, and they take information home to their parents,” Davenport says. “Then as they grow up, they already know we’re the safety experts and they can trust us, because we’ve been there for them and they’ve learned from us since they were kids.”

Cat and Duck One tool Davenport employs is a book written specifically for co-op kids. Cat & Duck and the Electric Cooperative, starring two animal characters

Davenport says she gets an enthusiastic reception when she reads Cat and Duck as part of Darke Electric’s elementary school program. “I love reading them the stories, fielding their questions — they ask some great ones — and hearing them giggle,” she says. “They also get a copy of the book and a packet of coloring pages and activities. They take it all home, so we’re reaching the whole family.”

Safety show-and-tell St. Marys-based Midwest Electric reaches young people at various schools, homeschool groups, safety camps, and Scout and 4-H organizations within its co-op service territory with a traveling tabletop safety demonstration. Safety and facilities coordinator Jim Williams uses a model that includes a house, a car, and power lines to help kids understand what to do (and what not to do) around electric equipment. “We show them how the wires are up in the air and we Continued on page 6

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

check out bucket and digger trucks. Then, of course, they have lunch with the lineworkers, and they get co-op goody bags. “They often start out shy, but once they try on the gloves and the sleeves, and see the demonstrations, they start asking a lot of questions,” Gibb says. “They’re fascinated with how tall things are and love to see what the linemen do.”

Midwest Electric’s Jim Williams uses tabletop demonstrations to teach electric safety through area schools and other organizations. Last year, the co-op’s program reached more than 2,500 kids. Continued from page 5

have a guy up on the roof with an antenna and a girl with a kite,” Williams says. The wires are electrified — enough to show there’s electricity but not enough to really hurt someone — so when the tiny people make mistakes, like hitting the wires with the antenna or the kite, the danger is clear.

Firelands also does a touch-a-truck event at a New London preschool each year, participates in safety towns, and leads projects at a local 4-H camp. All together, these efforts bring the message of co-ops and safety to an important audience, Gibb says. “We’re teaching them something that could prevent an accident later,” she says. “And eventually, these will be our members. They’ll remember the co-op and how it’s involved and supportive of the community.”

“Once you throw that first arc, the kids get excited because of the buzzing and light,” he says. Williams engages students, asking questions throughout the demonstration. “I’ll ask what to do if you’re flying a kite and are coming close to lines, and I’ll get all sorts of answers. Then I remind them that the best thing to do is to let it go, like the song from Frozen. “We’re introducing these ideas at a young age, in a way they can understand,” he says, noting that the co-op’s safety message reached more than 2,500 children last year. “They share what they learn with their parents and siblings. It’s a good age to give them lifelong reminders about safety.”

Beyond the schools For the past four years, New London-based Firelands Electric Cooperative has offered Lunch with a Lineman, a contest for elementary-age kids to come to the co-op, meet lineworkers, and get hands-on equipment demonstrations. “To enter this year, kids had to complete a home safety checklist,” says Tracy Gibb, communications and member relations specialist at Firelands. Winners are drawn and a small group — up to three kids and their chaperones — go through stations to try on safety gear, see safety and pole-climbing demonstrations, and

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

Firelands Electric Cooperative brings its safety message to young members through activities such as a touch-a-truck event at a local preschool in New London and the Lunch with a Lineman contest.

Get to know Cat & Duck To learn more about Cat & Duck, get the Cat & Duck ZAP Slap card game, and access Patrick Wood’s books and other fun and educational materials, visit www.catandduck.org.

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Growing knowledge

Farm Science Review offers learning opportunities for all ages.

arm Science Review isn’t just for farmers. Sure, the annual event offers hundreds of demonstration plots, millions of dollars of new farming equipment, and emerging tools and technology geared to professionals. But it also provides learning opportunities for children, students, first-time farmers, and just about anyone interested in farming and the future of agriculture. This year, 2026, marks the 64th year of Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review and the 44th show at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, which spans 2,100 acres in London. From Sept. 22 to 24, that space will be packed with exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, and learning opportunities for people of all ages. In 2025, FSR drew more than 112,000 visitors, including students from 191 schools around the state. Farmers are the backbone of many electric cooperatives, and Ohio’s electric cooperatives are proud to play a role each year at Farm Science Review. Looming large on Wheat Street, the co-ops’ building showcases energy efficiency, cooperative information, youth programs, and fan-favorite free popcorn. Inside the building, cooperative energy advisors are available to answer questions about saving energy, and visitors can test their knowledge to win prizes. Outside, lineworkers perform periodic live-line safety demonstrations, conveying potentially life-saving tips. Last year, the OEC building — staffed by 73 volunteers from 21 cooperatives — welcomed nearly 14,000 visitors, including more than 5,300 youth. In addition to sending helpers to Farm Science Review, some of Ohio’s electric co-ops support area youth by providing tickets to the event to local school, Future Farmers of America, or 4-H groups.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

“We reach out to our local high schools and divide tickets among three or four FFA chapters,” says Krista Smith, director of marketing and communications for Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative in Rio Grande. “It helps to ease the financial burden for the clubs, and we try to rotate the schools each year so we can spread the opportunity around.” Farm Science Review offers additional fun, enrichment, and learning opportunities for students and families, including: • The FIRST STEP program supports school field trips from start to finish. • The Student Engagement Center on Beef Street and Conservation Avenue provides student-oriented activities and informational sessions. • Hands-on AgSTEM activities, including the 4-H STEM Big Top Tent and Mobile Design Lab, connect agriculture with science, engineering, technology, and design. • Career exploration opportunities help students see how their interests connect to agriculture. • Student- and family-friendly sessions, demonstrations, and hands-on exhibits are available throughout the show grounds. • College pathways outline ways students can continue their journeys at Ohio State.

Hours for Farm Science Review are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 and 23 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24. Tickets are $10 online, at county OSU Extension offices, and at participating businesses, and $15 at the gate. Children under 5 are admitted free. For more info, visit www.fsr.osu.edu.

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CO-OP PEOPLE

Making a mark Co-op member uses his kids’book fame to encourage the next generation of artists.

BY KAREN SOTTOSANTI

ne of the things Richard Cowdrey enjoys most about the acclaim that has come with being a New York Times bestselling illustrator is the opportunity it has given him to interact with young artists. After the picture book Bad Dog, Marley! (2006) and other books in the Marley series, which he illustrated, hit the Times list, Cowdrey began receiving calls from schools throughout the country whose students were enthralled with the mischievous Labrador retriever. He says he felt called to share his love of drawing with schoolchildren of all ages, to help them embrace reading, writing, and their own affinity for making art. “A lot of the kids say, ‘I can’t draw that well.’ So I make sure to tell them, ‘An artist designed your shoes, your clothes, your chair. There’s an artist behind everything,’” Cowdrey says. “I love those lightbulb moments, when you see them get it.” Cowdrey has lived in the Knox County village of Gambier for 30 years, where he’s a member of Newarkbased The Energy Cooperative — though he tells people he’s been drawing “as far back as I can remember.” As a child growing up in Cincinnati, he says he lacked direction. He drew constantly, but it wasn’t until his high school art teacher noticed his talent and helped him secure a scholarship to study illustration at Columbus College of Art and Design that, in his words, “everything clicked.” “I was now in an environment of art and artists,” he says, “and it was like putting on the glove that just fit perfectly. Here, I could refine my talent.”

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

After graduation, Cowdrey worked briefly for Hallmark Greeting Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, but he soon moved back to Ohio and married his college sweetheart, Cindy. The couple then moved to a mountaintop cabin in Vermont, where Cowdrey began his 40-year (and counting) career as an independent freelance illustrator — drawing for newspapers, magazines, and small design and advertising agencies. During his early years as a freelancer, he drove from Montreal to Boston, drumming up work and taking last-minute gigs to cover other artists who had missed deadlines. “I stayed up many a night and got my foot in the door,” he recalls. Wanting to be closer to family, the couple and their four children moved back to Ohio, specifically to the Knox County village of Gambier. He works in quiet — surrounded by nature in the former garage that he converted long ago into his art studio and wood shop. He joined Illustrated Alaskan Moose, a group of illustrators in Westerville, and while working there, he had the opportunity to create illustrations for high-profile clients such as the NHL and Honda. For the NFL, he drew the artwork for all media for Super Bowl XXXII in 1998; for the Longaberger Company, he

created a decade’s worth of calendars featuring the company’s iconic baskets. “They would give me the baskets and say, ‘Have at it,’” he chuckles. “That was my master course in painting.” Cowdrey has extensive experience creating illustrations and book covers for publishers. He illustrated author Pam Conrad’s Animal Lullabies (HarperCollins Publishers), his first full-length children’s picture book, in 1997. In 2006, HarperCollins tapped Cowdrey to illustrate Bad Dog, Marley!, the children’s book version of author John Grogan’s tremendously popular 2005 memoir Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog. More Marley books soon followed, including A Very Marley Christmas in 2008, bringing Cowdrey renown and a flood of offers to illustrate other children’s books, including Kathryn Lasky’s Guardians of Ga’Hoole series. Then came Fiona. Yes, that Fiona: the resilient baby Nile hippopotamus at the Cincinnati Zoo. She had been born six weeks premature in 2017 and had not been expected to survive. But, against the odds, she pulled through and eventually thrived. All the while, the zoo shared constant updates about her condition on social media, and soon, the plucky hippo gained worldwide fame and many adoring fans. Cowdrey had often visited the Cincinnati Zoo as a child, and he became intrigued by Fiona’s story. He called the zoo and pitched his idea of creating a children’s book about her, and the rest is hippo history. Fiona the Hippo (2018) quickly became a New York Times bestseller, followed soon after by A Very Fiona Christmas (2019), Fiona, It’s Bedtime (2020), and several others.

Since the Fiona series, Cowdrey has illustrated Nate Davenport and Luke Freshwater’s Bryson, the Brave Bison (2023) and has begun focusing on creating commissioned pieces, including horses and pet portraiture. He still makes time for a school or community speaking event at least once a month, though. During those events, he often holds a “Draw-Along” for students, walking them through creating their very own picture of Marley or Fiona. “They get to go home with a masterpiece,” Cowdrey says, smiling. “I like that I’m encouraging young artists.”

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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GOOD EATS STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Recipe

This month, instead of our usual selection of lip-smacking, fully put-together, and kitchen-tested recipes, we’ve gathered some helpful hints and out-of-the-(recipe)-box ideas you can use to improve an old favorite — or rescue a work in progress!

DIY SALAD DRESSING

There’s no need to run to the store because you ran out of salad dressing. Take advantage of items already in your fridge, pantry, spice rack, and garden and you’ll forget all about that pre-bottled stuff. A basic recipe uses five general ingredients: • Acid (vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice) • Oil (olive, avocado, sunflower, canola) • Flavor (herbs, spices, garlic, shallots, olives, capers, salt, pepper)

• Sugar (honey, maple syrup, jelly, jam, fruit) • Emulsifier (Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, egg yolk, honey, hummus, tahini)

For beginners, start simple with a small batch of four-ingredient dressing: acid, oil, salt, and pepper. Find the ratio of acid to oil you prefer — it could vary from 4:1 oil-to-acid ratio to 1:1. Venture further with different flavors and sweetness, taste-testing after each addition. Also, consider the salad you're making. For example, an apple, cheddar, and bacon salad would be complimented by lemon, Dijon mustard, and chives. A strawberry and snap pea salad could be paired with Champagne vinegar and raspberry jam, or a mozzarella, pepperoni, and tomato salad could stand up to a garlic-heavy dressing full of Italian herbs. Go crazy and experiment! You can add flavor to a dressing by using things normally discarded, such as leftover liquid from jarred sun-dried tomatoes, giardiniera, olives, capers, or canned fruits. Versatile vinegars for salad dressing include balsamic, white balsamic, white wine, red wine, Champagne, rice, and apple cider vinegars. Finally, raise your dressing game by adding an emulsifier — the “glue” that keeps the oil and acid from separating. Combine your acid, emulsifier, flavor(s), and sugar, then slowly drizzle in oil while whisking vigorously with a hand whisk. The combination of slowly adding the oil and constant whisking is key to the emulsion process. If your dressing begins to separate, try adding another teaspoon of emulsifier or warm water and whisk again, or pop it in the blender for a minute. Pictured at right, by the way, is a delicious example — this dressing was made with 1/3 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons fresh dill, 2 teaspoons honey, a dash of pepper, and 2/3 cup oil. 14

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

¼ cup Greek yogurt has the additional bonus that it’s high in calcium, full of probiotics, and has twice the protein of a single egg. It’s best used in recipes with an additional leavening agent, such as baking powder.

1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar + 1 teaspoon baking soda makes a fatfree, low-sugar, low-cost vegan option.

Instead of an egg, try these:

EASY EGG

3 tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid in canned chickpeas/garbanzo beans) is a fine lowcalorie, low-fat, and vegan option.

SUBSTITUTES Perhaps you’re out of eggs, have dietary restrictions, are baking for a group and want to avoid cracking all those shells — or maybe you simply dislike eggs. Luckily, there are a number of substitutes for eggs that you can use in recipes that will achieve similar results — and you may already have the ingredients on hand.

¼ cup plain unsweetened applesauce — it’s high in fiber and has only natural sugars, and it’s also vegan. It’s best used in recipes where there's an additional leavening agent, such as baking powder.

1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoons hot water. Stir together, wait 10 minutes, and you have a perfectly useful substitute that’s vegan, is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acid, and could help lower cholesterol. As a bonus, the mixture stores well in the fridge or freezer.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

SKIP THE ROUX — AND THE CORNSTARCH, TOO

Sometimes you make a recipe that, for whatever reason, comes out watery or thin, and you need a way to thicken it up. Unlike roux, which is prone to being undercooked or burnt, or cornstarch, which must be mixed with water first to avoid clumping, plain instant mashed potatoes are a quick and easy thickener that can be added incrementally until the desired consistency is reached. (Make sure to read the package for possible allergens.) For hot foods in need of thickening, such as soups, stews, chowders, sauces, gravy — even casseroles — slowly sprinkle instant mashed potato flakes into the hot dish, wait 30 seconds for the liquid to be absorbed, then whisk/stir to incorporate and repeat as needed. Looking for some other creative uses for instant mashed potato flakes? They make a crispy, yummy breading on chicken or pork chops (it’s even easier if you use a preseasoned version of instant potatoes). Or, use plain flakes instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf. Instant mashed potatoes easily replace from-scratch mashed potatoes in gnocchi and pierogi. They also add a creamy richness to plain old mac and cheese.

ROBOT RECIPES

Have some food in the fridge you need to use up before it spoils? Stumped on what to make with your Community Supported Agriculture share? Wish the ingredients on hand could magically become a meal? Maybe AI can help. There are several AI interfaces, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, into which you can type the ingredients you want to use, hit enter, and voilà, a recipe appears! For example, the ingredients red onion, garlic scapes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, green beans, collard greens, and zucchini, copied into the prompt at ChatGPT. com, produced recipes (including instructions) for roasted vegetable sheet pan, garlic scape vegetable stir-fry, hearty vegetable hash, vegetable soup, and pasta primavera. Not bad for a robot!

Check it out! See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at

www.ohiocoopliving.com

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

LOCAL PAGES

LOGAN COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

A DAY AT THE FAIR:

Move-in Day Exhibitor Picnic On Saturday, July 11, families from all corners of Logan County gathered their livestock projects and made their way to the Logan County Fairgrounds for Move-in Day, marking the start of an exciting week filled with anticipation, hard work, and camaraderie. Logan County Electric Cooperative was pleased to host the second annual exhibitor picnic, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the dedication of our youth in Logan County. As the sun rose over the fairgrounds, hundreds of young exhibitors arrived with their animals and equipment, ready to begin their fair experience. Their excitement was palpable as they were greeted by the friendly faces of Logan County Electric Cooperative and C & S Wholesale Grocers SpartanNash, who had generously volunteered their time and resources to ensure everyone felt welcomed and appreciated. The aroma of freshly grilled hot dogs filled the air. More than 300 exhibitors lined up to receive delicious hot dogs, chips, cookies, and refreshing bottled water. These simple yet heartfelt gestures went a long way in making the day memorable for everyone involved. Each exhibitor was also gifted a sturdy 5-gallon bucket, a practical token to help them throughout the week. Buckets are always useful, whether for feeding animals, cleaning stalls, or simply carrying supplies, and these buckets symbolize the support and encouragement that the cooperative and local partners offer to Logan County’s youth. Volunteers from Logan County Electric Cooperative and C & S Wholesale Grocers SpartanNash worked tirelessly to organize the event in order to recognize the hard work of our young people. We are especially grateful to C & S Wholesale Grocers SpartanNash for donating food items and volunteering to help make the exhibitor picnic possible. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day a success. 18

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

FARM SAFETY TIPS

WISHING AREA FARMERS A SAFE HARVEST

e do not have to remind those who work the land and raise livestock that they have a potentially dangerous occupation. However, due to the nature of the job, and because of long days and tiring work, here are some reminders about electrical dangers on the farm or ranch.

Overhead power lines

If you make contact with a power line, don’t get out. If you make contact with a power line, guy wire, power pole, electrical box, or any other electrical equipment, do not get out of your cab or truck. Stay put and call 911 to dispatch the local utility to de-energize the power line. If you must get out due to smoke or fire, make a solid jump out without touching any part of the tractor or vehicle, and hop away as far as you can, keeping both feet together as you hop. Another option (after you make a clean exit) is to shuffle or waddle away while keeping your feet together and on the ground. Once you are out, never try to re-enter the cab or truck.

Always dig safely

Whether you are installing new fence posts or using large tillage tools, call 811 before you dig to have underground utilities marked. Even if you think you know where buried gas, power, and other lines are, don’t rely on your memory. Get all utilities marked so that you know for sure. Utility locators dispatched by 811 do not mark private lines.

Call us before adding a grain bin

The National Electrical Safety Code addresses grain bins and their proximity to power lines with very specific requirements. The requirements are in place to help keep farmers safe; they decrease the chances of farming equipment and machinery coming in contact with power lines. If you are planning on building a new grain bin or remodeling around an area that already has one, contact Logan County Electric Cooperative at 937-5924781. We can help with specific code requirements. The taller a grain bin, the farther it must be placed from a power line.

Remember: If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line or other utility equipment, do not get out of the cab. Stray power could energize your equipment and the ground. Call 911 and wait for us to arrive and cut the power so that you can safely exit your tractor or vehicle.

Determine proper clearance

Contact the cooperative to measure power line heights; do NOT do this yourself. Once you know the heights, you can determine appropriate equipment, implement, and extension clearances. Always maintain at least 10 feet between the power line and the tallest height of the equipment that will be transported. Keep in mind that due to wear, age and even weather conditions, power lines can change height. Please contact us with any concerns. It’s good to know power line clearance, but always have a spotter.

Use standby generators with care

If you have a standby generator to provide essential power during an outage, be sure to correctly use the transfer switch. Once you properly engage the switch, it stops your farm’s generated power from entering utility lines, called backfeeding, which can electrocute lineworkers who are working to restore power.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18A

On our lines:

POWERING THE PAST: Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek

“

Once upon a time in a land far, far, away in a castle on the hill...” This is how most fairy tales start, but for residents of Logan County, that castle on the hill is closer than they may think. A tower pokes through the trees as you pull up a long winding driveway in rural West Liberty. Nestled in the clearing, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek stands as a remarkable testament to both architectural ambition and family legacy. Its sheer magnitude is even more impressive when you consider that, over the course of seven years, the castle rose without modern construction technologies. The castle, which was completed in 1871, has since been home to six generations of the Piatt family. Visitors have been making the trip to the castle since it opened for tours in 1912. Traffic from the newly built automobile roads in the 1930s allowed tourism to be a viable business venture. To this day, seeing a castle up close and learning about those who once inhabited its very walls draw people from all over.

“Last year, we had visitors from over half of the U.S. states, half of the Ohio Counties and six foreign countries” – Lori Roberts, program director of Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek With such a broad scope of visitors, Margaret Piatt wished to bring to life the history of the site through personal stories from all generations of her family. Each room invites guests to ponder not only what life was like centuries ago, but also to reflect on their own family histories and traditions.

An article in the December 1973 edition of Country Living magazine, “Castles in the Cornfield,” captured the spirit of the castle, including vivid quotes from Margaret’s father, William, and her uncle, Jim Piatt. Thirty years ago, Margaret and her mother created the Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to create learning experiences at the site. Built by General Abram Saunders Piatt, the Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek was designed to show the splendor that Logan County had to offer. The exterior of the castle walls are made of handchiseled limestone blocks, which are 24 inches thick and came from the quarry right there on the farm. The woodwork on the interior of the castle, including intricate wood floor inlays of walnut, oak, and wild cherry, came from the property and was processed at the family’s sawmill. “The ceilings were painted by a European artist named Oliver Frey. Research has indicated that the flowers painted on the drawing room ceiling were varieties grown in Ohio in the 1870s. They might have been the flowers chosen by Abram and Eleanor Piatt for their ornamental garden. Many still grow there today,” says Piatt, underscoring the connection between the land and the home. C.

(A.) Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek in West Liberty, Ohio. (B.) Lori Roberts & Margaret Piatt in front of the castle.

18B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

PIATT CASTLE MAC-A-CHEEK

10051 Township Road 47

937-465-2821

West Liberty, OH 43357

www.piattcastle.org

Much of the castle’s construction was typical for the times, when many of today’s luxuries were mere figments of imagination. In 1948, the castle was electrified and became a member of the Logan County Electric Cooperative. While today’s houses come with electricity built in, the castle was built before modern electricity, so it had to be wired in a rather unconventional way — with a cat. The excerpt from the original 1973 article seen below gives greater detail to what could seem like family lore passed down from generations.

Margaret reminisces about her teenage years while giving guided tours, sometimes challenged by questions about unfamiliar items. These moments inspired her to dig deeper into the stories behind the family’s cherished artifacts, ensuring their history would be preserved and shared. Today, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek is open from April through October and hosts hands-on events that connect people of all ages to history, inviting them to become part of the castle’s ongoing story. Discover the fascinating history waiting just around the corner at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek. This remarkable landmark is not just a castle; it is a living story of many generations, ingenuity, and community. Whether you are a longtime member or new to the cooperative, exploring the castle’s halls and grounds offers a unique opportunity to connect with the county’s past and see how it shapes our present.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Autumn Games & Halloween Customs October 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

This outdoor event at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek lets you have fun with nature as children used to do by making toys using grains and playing games with acorns. Learn about Halloween customs and hear/ participate in spooky stories that are appropriate for all ages. Help us scare the ghosts by coming in costume!

This unique anecdote brings history to life for tour groups, sparking laughter and wonder about the ingenuity required before modern conveniences.

Rip Van Winkle

Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2026, (See Piatt Castle Mac-ACheek’s website and social media pages for times.) G.

Rip Van Winkle, an American classic, will be performed in a reader's theatre style in the MacA-Cheek drawing room. This unique approach will merge passages from Washington Irving's original 1819 story with Joseph Jefferson's 40-year stage production, along with snippets from children's books published from the 1950s to today. As part of new exhibits, a book, and programs titled “Telling Stories of Stories Told,” this one-act play captures the essence of how a favorite tale changed and remained the same. The story of a man who slept through the American Revolution is a fitting finale for the castle’s America 250-Ohio year of events. (C.) Garden-themed painted ceiling in the sitting room (D.) A black-and-white photo of the painted sitting room ceiling from the original 1973 Country Living article. (E.) A star inlay on the wooden floor of the castle. (F.) A black-and-white photo of the library from the original 1973 Country Living article. (G.) The castle’s library with an original flag from 1908

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18C

Member Appreciation Day Join us on October 20 for Member Appreciation Day! Stop by for sweets, refreshments, fun giveaways, and a chance to win a bill credit. While you are here, take advantage of our free electronic recycling event happening the same day. We would love to see you there!

Tuesday, October 20 @ Logan County Electric Cooperative’s Office 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Logan County Electric Cooperative

18D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

Join Us!

Electronic Recycling Day Have old, no-longer-in-use electronics sitting around the house? Bring them to Logan County Electric Cooperative’s office on October 20 to be recycled!

Tuesday, October 20 @ Logan County Electric Cooperative’s Office 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. All eligible items will be recycled, with safe and secure data destruction for computers. Accepted items include: • Desktop & laptop computers, cell phones, tablets, iPads • Printers, scanners, fax machines, cameras, camcorders, cables • Video game consoles/controllers, projectors, monitors, cable boxes • Small appliances & more!

Exit Here

Sorry, we cannot accept: • Lightbulbs • Chemicals & aerosol canisters • Televisions • Leaking batteries • Hazardous waste

Electronics drop-off route Members should enter from the driveway off County Road 13. Unload your unwanted electronics into a bin. Cooperative personnel will be on hand to direct members and help unload if needed.

Enter Here

Electronics Drop Off Zone

After members have dropped off their electronics, proceed toward the exit off County Road 32. SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Your vote has power.

LOGAN COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MANAGEMENT TEAM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONTACT

Tim Street

David Campbell

Ryan Smith

Philipp Altstaetter

SECURE AUTOMATED PAYMENT 855-938-3639 OUTAGE HOTLINE

855-592-4781 OFFICE

President/CEO Vice President of Engineering and Operations

Tiffany Stoner

Vice President of Administration and Finance

Daniel Ashcraft

Director of Operations

1587 County Road 32 N. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Kristen McDonald

LOBBY HOURS

Director of Engineering Services

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Director of Member Services

Scott Roach

Ashley Oakley

Administrative Services Manager

www.logancounty.coop 20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

District 1

District 2

Jim Rice District 3

Richland

Stokes

District 2 District 1

District 6

Bloomfield

Janet Blank

Harrison

Dave Link

Pleasant

Scott Hall

Miami

District 6

Warren Taylor District 7

Bokes Creek

McArthur

District 7

District 4

District 5

District 3 Rushcreek

Village of Huntsville Washington

937-592-4781 memberservices@logancounty.coop

Lake

Jefferson

Perry

District 4

District 5 Union

Liberty

Monroe

Zane

‘Flush’ with ideas From remote pit toilets to beautifully designed visitor facilities, Ohio is rethinking one of the most overlooked parts of the outdoor experience. BY JILL MOORHEAD

n any given day, Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, may be called upon to consider issues involving wildlife, campground capacity, hiking trails, or the health of Ohio’s forests. Rest assured, though: ODNR’s 1,400 public toilets are never far from her mind.

one of them. Sometimes visitors are disappointed there isn’t a restroom where they expected one. Others wish a remote vault toilet were a modern flush facility. Campers have opinions about shower houses, water pressure, and wet floors. They’re quick to point out broken fixtures — and just as quick to praise spotless facilities.

For the woman whose job it is to oversee the nation’s No. 1 state park system, she never thought she’d have to think so much about No. 2.

Ohio State Parks earned the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2025 — essentially the top honor a park system can earn — but Mertz knows there’s always room for improvement, and she says restroom facilities are lowhanging fruit.

Speaking at a conference recently, Mertz quipped that she knows exactly how many public toilets Ohio State Parks has because she’s received an email about nearly every

Continued on page 22

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Continued from page 21

“We want people to want to be in the outdoors,” Mertz says. “Fifty years ago [when many of the facilities were built], people’s expectations were different. Today, people have come to expect a higher level of accommodation.” Mertz says she can relate to many of the comments that land in her inbox, because she uses parks the same way many visitors do. “When you pull in, the first thing you want to do before you go on a 7-mile hike, you want to hit the restroom,” she says. “I get it. I’m a hiker.” As an avid park user, she pays close attention to details many people overlook: Are there enough hooks for towels and backpacks? Is there somewhere to sit while getting dressed? Are the fixtures at a comfortable height? During park visits, she often inspects restrooms herself, looking for ways they could be better. “When I come into a shower, I want to hang my towel on a hook, or my backpack on a hook,” she says. “I’m very hands-on.” Some lessons come only through experience. Shelves installed so hikers could set down their backpacks instead became places to wash muddy feet. Vandalism is an ongoing challenge, with sinks and fixtures damaged or even stolen. And while touring South Bass Island, a visitor told Mertz the toilet in one of the restrooms there had literally just pulled away from the wall beneath her. “It’s not something you want to happen when you go to the bathroom,” Mertz says. Mertz admits she’s the kind of person who plans vacations around parks — and,

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

Agencies and their leadership in the state of Ohio are rethinking their approach to the public restrooms they maintain. Gov. Mike DeWine has spearheaded a program to revitalize the state’s highway welcome centers — rebuilding many from the ground up — making them more welcoming, entertaining, and comfortable, with artwork from the state parks system (top left) and universal changing stations (right). ODNR Director Mary Mertz even went so far as to travel to Norway to check out that nation’s acclaimed public restroom facilities (such as the one below) to get ideas on how to improve facilities in Ohio’s state parks so they can cater more to today’s traveler.

(Rest) rooms with a view Ohio’s state parks welcome nearly 70 million visits each year, and ODNR has made a concerted effort to improve the overall visitor experience by improving the loos: • Built 43 new restroom buildings • Installed 12 new on-site sanitary treatment systems • Installed 182 new toilets and fixtures • Improved facilities at 33 state park locations • Added more than 3,000 feet of water service and nearly 6,000 feet of sewer line, and extended 5,300 feet of electrical lines

Thinking about the throne isn’t limited to Ohio’s parks. It’s shaping the state’s highways, too. Since 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine has championed an effort to transform Ohio’s interstate rest areas into welcoming gateways rather than simple roadside stops. By the end of this year, 36 of the state’s 83 rest areas will have been rebuilt from the ground up, while more than 30 others will have received major renovations. Visitors will find Storybook Trails inspired by First Lady Fran DeWine’s literacy initiative, native landscaping, rocking chairs, exhibits highlighting nearby museums and attractions, and giant maps that orient travelers to where they are in Ohio. Working with the Ohio Department of Development, ODNR helped fill the spaces with images of Ohio’s state parks and outdoor destinations, each paired with QR codes that encourage travelers to explore farther. “Almost all of them feature Ohio State Parks,” Mertz says. “When you go in there and see all the images on the wall, you will almost always see a state park.”

increasingly, around bathrooms. She recently sought out Norway’s famous roadside and park restrooms, where striking architecture has turned simple public facilities into attractions. One overlooks a stream. Another features a glass floor above a waterfall. The experience reinforced Some additions are designed to make people more an idea she’s bringing back to Ohio. comfortable. Others are life changing. Select rest areas include universal changing stations for older children and “Let’s be creative,” she says. “Not every restroom needs to adults with disabilities. be a cinder block building.” “It’s changed people’s lives,” says David Rose, chief The philosophy is beginning to show up in Ohio’s parks. communications officer for the Ohio Department of At Jesse Owens State Park’s Miner’s Memorial Park, a Development. Families who once had to care for loved new restroom is being designed to blend into the park’s ones in the back of a van can now travel knowing they’ll coal-mining history. At the Aquatic Visitors Center in find a safe, dignified place to stop. Put-In-Bay, the architecture — including the restrooms — reflects the site’s connection to water. And at Marblehead “[The project] has as much to do with the image of the Lighthouse State Park, one restroom has become an state as the convenience of the restroom,” says Mertz. attraction in its own right. “They want people to think, ‘This state has it together.’”

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Discovering

Sloopy We all know the song, but very few know the story behind one of the most iconic game-day traditions in all of college football. BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

aaa-DUM, ba-DUM, ba-DUM, ba-dum-dumdum! Native Ohioans — college football fans and non-fans alike — grow up with that rousing snare-and-brass intro on autumn Saturdays and automatically know what’s coming. Most in the Buckeye State know every word of “Hang On Sloopy” by an early age, and belt it out at every opportunity; it is Ohio’s official rock song, after all. Not many, however, know where the song came from, or how it got adopted by The Best Damn Band in the Land to become one of the most iconic traditions in all of college football. So — now that you’ve got the song ringing in your head — read on for the story of Dorothy Sloop. Dorothy (known as “Dottie”) was born into a musical family in Steubenville in 1913. “Her grandfather owned a music store, and her father played the pump organ and was the theater organist for silent movies,” says her nephew, Fred Ruland of Marietta. Not surprisingly, young Dottie learned to play piano at an early age, and she both played and taught piano throughout high school. She attended Ohio University, but soon learned about an opening for a pianist with a band in New York City, and she left Athens after her freshman year to join the Southland Rhythm Girls, a jazz band led by clarinetist Yvonne “Dixie” Fasnacht, and they quickly became friends.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

Eventually, they moved to New Orleans, Dixie’s hometown, and established a club called Dixie’s Bar of Music, where they performed regularly with many popular musicians of the time. They recorded an album in 1957 called Dixie and Sloopy, referring to both performers’ nicknames.

Hang on Sloopy Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town And all the girls I know they try to put my Sloopy, down

They caught the attention of producer/songwriter Bert Russell Berns, who had made a name for himself by writing “Twist and Shout,” which became a hit for both the Isley Brothers and the Beatles. After seeing Dottie perform, Berns was inspired, and, with songwriter Wes Farrell, wrote a song about a young woman who faced challenges but always found the strength to make it through the difficult times in life.

Sloopy, I don't care what your daddy do

The song, “My Girl Sloopy,” found its way to the Vibrations, a well-known rhythm and blues group from Los Angeles, whose recording reached No. 26 on the pop charts in early 1964.

Sloopy let your hair down

A year later, a rock ’n’ roll band from Dayton, The McCoys, released their own version, retitled “Hang On Sloopy,” and it immediately began climbing the Billboard Hot 100 list.

Don't you know little girl that ah, I'm in love with you Come on now, everybody Hang on, Sloopy, Sloopy, hang on Hang on, Sloopy, Sloopy, hang on Let it down on me (Hang on Sloopy) Sloopy, let your hair down Girl, let it down on me

The song was played everywhere, including at the 1965 Ohio State Fair, where an Ohio State University music student from East Liverpool heard it. John Tatgenhorst had already arranged several songs for the OSU marching band, and he told thenfirst-year director Charles Spohn he wanted to arrange “Hang On Sloopy” for TBDBITL. Spohn initially rejected the offer, but later that fall, looking to add some energy to the band’s performances, gave Tatgenhorst the green light — with one catch: Spohn needed it the next day. Tatgenhorst accepted the challenge and completed the new arrangement in four hours.

Hang on, Sloopy, Sloopy, hang on

“Hang On Sloopy” debuted in Ohio Stadium on October 9, 1965, one week after The McCoys’ version hit No. 1, and it’s been played at the end of the third quarter of every home game for more than 60 years now. In 1985, the Ohio General Assembly passed a resolution making “Hang On Sloopy” the state’s official rock song. Ohio is the only state in the union to have one.

Good, good, good, good

Dottie eventually returned to Ohio to finish her schooling, earning a master’s degree in education. She taught special education classes in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 30 years before moving to Mississippi. Her desire to perform remained strong and she continued to sing and play the piano well into her 70s — and even performed in concert with Dean Martin, who was also from Steubenville. “I think she was excited about having a song written about her and knowing that the song has become so beloved,” Ruland says.

Hang on, Sloopy, Sloopy, hang on Come on Sloopy (Come on, come on) Come on girl (Come on, come on) Say yeah, yeah, yeah (Yeah, yeah, yeah) (Good, good, good, good) Good, gagagood (Gagagood) I wanna say ahhhhh, ahhh, ahhh, ahhh A little bit of soul I want you tell me something Well don't it make you feel crazy, baby I wanna say ahhhhh, ahhh, ahhh, ahhh Let’s go Hang on Sloopy Sloopy hang on Hang on Sloopy Sloopy hang on

Dorothy Sloop died in 1998 at the age of 84.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE SPECIAL REPORT

DOUBLE

TROUBLE Ohio’s deer population faces pressure from two deadly disease outbreaks. BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

hite-tailed deer add an intrinsic value to the landscape — almost everybody likes to watch them. They’re also good for business; hundreds of thousands of Ohioans (plus many thousands of nonresidents) enjoy hunting, and deer are the largest contributor, as recreational hunting adds roughly $2 billion annually to the state’s economy. In fact, according to Clint McCoy, deer biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, it’s likely that we have more deer on the landscape now than ever before. As unbelievable as it may seem today, however, there was a time in relatively recent Ohio history when there were no wild white-tailed deer living within the state. The entire original deer herd was extirpated in 1904 as the result of habitat loss (mainly from deforestation) and unregulated hunting. But as forests once again began growing in Ohio during the early part of the 20th century, deer gradually returned along with them, only this time with strict hunting regulations in place to protect the herd. Fast forward to today, and whitetails are so numerous that they are common not only in rural areas but also in suburbs and even large cities. Now, change is again on the horizon. How extensive it becomes is yet to be seen, but as the various annual Ohio deer hunting seasons begin opening this month, hunters should check the regulations for any changes from last year before heading out. The herd’s wildly successful comeback story is, in fact, part of a growing problem. Anytime a wildlife population becomes unusually high, diseases often step in to cull its numbers, and Ohio whitetails have been in the midst of a growing epizootic (the animal world’s version of an epidemic) for the past several years. In fact, there are two diseases affecting the herd simultaneously: chronic wasting disease and epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Each affects the deer population in different ways — they each have different causes, cause different symptoms, and incubate over different time periods. Both are deadly. To get the latest information on the situation, I contacted ODNR’s McCloy, whose full-time job is studying and monitoring Ohio whitetails. Turn the page for the revealing results of our question-and-answer interview.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Continued from page 26

What are the symptoms of a deer that has contracted one of these diseases? CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE “Visible symptoms are absent for much of the time a deer is infected. The incubation period — the time from infection until deer show symptoms — is notoriously long, typically 16 to 24 months. That means infected deer live pretty normal lives for quite a while, which is not a good thing for containing disease. During a majority of the incubation period, infected deer shed the infective agent (a rogue protein called a prion) into the environment through various fluids and excrement. The prions can remain infectious in the environment for years. Once a deer becomes symptomatic, it is typically a quick downhill slide to death. If a deer is observed during this short time window, it will likely show signs of neurologic impairment, emaciation, drooling, etc.”

EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE “Deer infected with EHD typically begin showing symptoms within five to 10 days. For deer that have little resistance to the virus (presumably most deer in Ohio), they will usually be dead within two days of the onset of symptoms. Symptoms of EHD include respiratory distress; swollen head, neck, tongue, eyelids; extremely high fever causing behavioral changes such as disorientation and lack of fear of humans; and bloody discharge from nose/ mouth. Extremely high fever often causes deer to seek water sources to try and regulate their body temperature. Also, extreme dehydration due to internal hemorrhaging could be a reason deer seek water when infected.”

What regions of Ohio have been affected by these two diseases? CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE “Despite statewide surveillance since the early 2000s, we have only detected CWD in a handful of counties, north of Columbus. The first CWD-positive deer was detected in 2020. Forty white-tailed deer taken during the 2025–26 Ohio hunting season tested positive for CWD. A total of 6,617 deer were tested, with positive CWD samples detected in Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties. We maintain a publicly available CWD dashboard that includes this information.”

EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE “This seasonal disease can show up really anywhere in the state in any given year. The virus is transmitted by an insect vector, so presence/abundance of the insect has a primary role in determining the location and severity of disease outbreaks. In 2024, EHD was most impactful in northwest Ohio (Defiance and Paulding counties). This past year saw the most significant outbreak we’ve ever recorded, centered on a fourcounty area in southeast Ohio.”

How did these two diseases spread to Ohio? CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE “We don’t know how CWD first entered Ohio or where it did. However, given that the disease agent is a non-living protein and can remain infectious in the environment, there are a number of ways these prions can be moved across the landscape. For instance, an infected carcass brought in by a hunter from another CWD area and discarded on the landscape; hay or other material contaminated with CWD prions that was shipped to Ohio; an unusually long excursion by a live deer from an existing CWD-positive area (the closest would be southern Michigan). We can speculate on the probabilities of each of these or other scenarios, but we will never know for certain.”

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE “The primary mode of spread of this disease is changes in the environment. The virus has been present in the southern U.S. for likely hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Since the 1980s, researchers have noted that the virus has slowly moved northward as conditions became more favorable for the insect vector (warming temperatures). Since the virus can infect cattle (though rarely cause any symptoms), shipping cattle from EHDendemic areas can be a mode of introduction in some years. The cattle arrive healthy but carry the virus, so that when an insect midge bites the cattle, the cows obtain the virus and can then transfer it to deer. Researchers believe that biting midges can pass the virus to their offspring and the larvae can overwinter in Ohio, then emerge the following summer and infect deer with the virus. A long cold stretch of weather, like we had this past winter, may prevent this mode of transfer from happening this year.”

How will these two diseases affect the Ohio deer herd in the long term? CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE “In areas where CWD has been found, it increases in prevalence (the percentage of deer that are infected goes up) and spreads geographically. Recent research suggests that population declines are likely to occur when prevalence increases beyond a certain threshold. In Wisconsin, research suggests this threshold is about 28 to 30 percent prevalence among adult females. Ohio is quite a long way, a decade or more, from reaching those levels, but there is nothing to suggest Ohio won’t get there eventually. Research from northwest Arkansas is showing a population decline of about 17 percent per year in an area with high CWD prevalence.”

EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE “Long-term impacts to deer populations are unlikely due to EHD. It can cause sudden and dramatic decreases in local deer populations, but because the disease is temporary and transmission ceases with the onset of cold weather, deer populations get a reprieve and bounce back from these outbreaks rather quickly. In most cases, populations return to pre-outbreak levels within three to five years.”

Is it safe for humans to eat venison from an infected deer? CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE “It is never recommended to eat a deer that appears sick or unhealthy. That said, in the case of CWD, the national Centers for Disease Control recommends that if hunters are hunting in an area of known CWD occurrence, they test any deer they harvest; and if that deer tests positive, not to consume it. This guidance is out of an abundance of caution, since CWD is of the same family of diseases that caused mad cow disease. However, there has been no link between CWD and human disease to date.”

EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE “EHD is a virus that affects ruminants (deer, cows, sheep, etc.); humans are not susceptible. Additionally, given the timing of EHD outbreaks (mostly prior to Ohio deer-hunting seasons) and the likelihood of an Ohio deer surviving infection, it is not likely that a hunter would have an opportunity to harvest a deer with an active EHD infection.”

To see ODNR’s CWD dashboard and a map of Ohio’s Disease Surveillance Area and its regulations, or to have a deer tested for chronic wasting disease, visit www.ohiodnr.gov/cwd. For information on EHD and an interactive map showing locations of the EHD outbreak or to report a dead or sick deer, go to www.ohiodnr. gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-disease/epizootic-hemorrhagicdisease. If you have further questions, call 1-800-WILDLIFE or email wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov. SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

JUST RELEASED! Cache of 832 Last Year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars Still Pristine as the Day They Were Struck Collectors love “lasts” as no collection is complete without the last coin struck. Last year coins are often hard to ﬁnd and always in demand. Little did master engraver George T. Morgan know the legacy he was creating when he designed what has become known as “The King of Silver Dollars”.

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2026 CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

NORTHEAST

p.m.; dance till 8. $25/person or $45/couple. Waltz, foxtrot, swing, line dance, and more to the Vermilion Windjammers Big Band. Gatsby theme; dress the era or as you like. Dance or just listen! Food and spirits available. 419-929-1114 (landline) or www.facebook.com/ UsaDanceSanduskyChapter2094. SEP. 19 – Zoar and the Presidents, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $10; 5 and under free. Learn about and meet U.S. presidents and other key historical figures who were active during Zoar’s era as a communal settlement from 1817 to 1898. Interactive demos, presidential speeches, and other activities. www. historiczoarvillage.com. SEP. 20 – Fallfest, Lake Mohawk, 1 N. Mohawk Dr., THROUGH NOV. 21 – Age of Steam Roundhouse Malvern (Carroll County), 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission/ Tours, 213 Smokey Lane Rd. SW, Sugarcreek, Thur.–Sat. parking. Family-oriented festival with artisans, skilled 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. $12–$20; 2 and under free. craftsmen, fantastic foods, beer tent for 21+, ATVs, Learn the fundamentals of steam locomotives and outdoor equipment, water-ski show, boat show, kids’ experience the storied past of the railroad. Only online activities, and much more. Many vendors prefer cash. purchases are guaranteed for the selected day and 330-863-1031 or www.lake-mohawk.org. time. Youth tours available ($5–$10) on select Friday SEP. 20 – Wellington Harvest of the Arts, 101 Willard and Saturday afternoons. 330-852-4676 or https:// Square, Wellington, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission/ ageofsteamroundhouse.org. SEP. 18 – Zoar and the Presidents School Day, Historic parking. Juried artisan, craft, antique, and up-cycling show. About 50 vendors. Concessions. 440-647-2021, Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $10/ www.wellingtonfriends.org/harvest.php, or on Facebook: student, $10/adult, 5 and under free; one free adult Friends of Herrick Memorial Library. admission per group. Open to all public, private, and SEP. 25–26 – Fall Steam Festival: “Trains, Tractors, homeschooled students. Learn about and meet U.S. and Traditions,” Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, presidents and other key historical figures who were 213 Smokey Lane Rd. SW, Sugarcreek, 9:30 a.m.–4 active during Zoar’s era as a communal settlement from 1817 to 1898. Reservations are requested: 330-874-3011, p.m. Free admission. Take train rides on the museum’s grounds ($5), see steam tractors and other machines, tshrum@zca.org, or www.historiczoarvillage.com. SEP. 19 – Age of Steam Roundhouse Ferroequinologist watch a tinsmith from Historic Zoar Village craft various objects, and on Saturday only, enjoy vintage base ball Tour, 213 Smokey Lane Rd. SW, Sugarcreek. $75; tickets games and a barbershop quartet. A food vendor will be must be purchased in advance. An extended threeon-site. 330-852-4676 or https://ageofsteamroundhouse. hour-long guided tour providing an in-depth look at org/blog/fall_steam_festival. the technical aspects concerning steam engineering, OCT. 2 – Archaeology School Day, Fort Laurens locomotive mechanics, industrial heritage, railroad Museum, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar, 9 a.m.–2 history, and roundhouse architecture. 330-852-4676 or p.m. $7 per student. Free for one adult per group, with https://ageofsteamroundhouse.org/event-details/theadditional adult tickets $7 each. Open to public, private, ferroequinologist-tour. SEP. 19–20 – America 250 – Ohio Goes to the Movies and homeschooled students of all ages. All activities meet Ohio educational standards. Registration is required. Train Film Fest, Dennison Depot Railroad Museum, For more information or to preregister, contact us at 400 Center St., Dennison. $35–$45. Celebrating eight fortlaurens@gmail.com or 330-874-2059, or visit www. movies that have a train and Ohio connection. See list fortlaurensmuseum.org. on www.eventbrite.com/o/dennison-railroad-depotOCT. 3 – Descendant’s Day, Historic Zoar Village, museum-17280628535. One-hour round trips departing from the Dennison Depot at noon, 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m. 198 Main St., Zoar, 1–4 p.m. Celebrate with fellow Zoar descendants at this event honoring the historical heritage 740-922-6776 or https://dennisondepot.org. of the Separatists of Zoar. Descendants can enjoy free SEP. 19 – Big Band Gatsby Dance, Vermilion VFW guided tours of the historic buildings, including the Hall, 7576 Poorman Rd., Vermilion. Doors open at 4:30

WEST VIRGINIA

SEP. 24–27 – Preston County Buckwheat Festival, 115 Brown Ave., Kingwood. Free gate admission. Buckwheat cakes and sausage dinners served all day. Entertainment, carnival rides, parades, arts and crafts, and more. 304-329-0101 or https:// buckwheatfestival.com. OCT. 10 – Apple Butter Day, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem. We will be making apple butter on-site. 304-6952220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation. org, or www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

Bimeler Cabin, and opportunities to connect with family members and fellow history enthusiasts. Visit www. historiczoarvillage.com for information, pricing, and registration. OCT. 3–4 – America 250 – Zoar Agricultural Tours, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 1–4 p.m. $12. Guided tours explore the rich communal farming heritage of Zoar and highlight the vital role agriculture played in the daily lives and success of the Separatists. Discover the location of historic barns, gardens, and tools. Purchase tickets at https://historiczoarvillage.com/events/ america-250-events. OCT. 9–10 – Early American Trades Fair, Log Cabin Shop, 8010 Lafayette Rd., Lodi, Fri. noon–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Annual event featuring artisans such as gunsmithing and blacksmithing performing demonstrations, as well as vendors of early American crafts. The shop also includes a bookshop and a museum (free). 330-948-1082, logcabin@logcabinshop.com, or www.logcabinshop.com. OCT. 9–10 – Valley Quilt Guild Quilt Show: “Every Quilt Has a Story,” Sacred Heart Church Parish Center. 320 Fair Ave. NE, New Philadelphia, Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Large display of quilts, a boutique, bed turning, raffle baskets, vendors, membership and community service display, Quilters’ Cafe, and a raffle quilt honoring America’s 250th birthday. www. valleyquiltguild.org or visit us on Facebook. OCT. 9, 17, 23, 31 – Ghost Tour Dinners, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 6 p.m. Family-style dinner includes ghostly themed appetizers, salad, entrée, sides, and devil’s food cake. $35/person for dinner; pair with a Ghost Tour for $52/person. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, the evening promises a night of delicious food and chilling stories. www.historiczoarvillage.com. OCT. 9–31 – Ghost Tours, 198 Main St., Zoar, Fri./Sat. 6:30–8:30 p.m. $19. For adults and children over 12. Travel throughout the more than 200-year-old town and listen by lantern light as guides tell haunted tales involving the historic village, including supernatural encounters shared by staff, visitors, and Zoar residents. Tours are one hour long; free refreshments in the Zoar Store after each tour. www.historiczoarvillage.com. OCT. 10–11 – Chatham Apple Butter Festival, Chatham Memorial Hall, 6299 Avon Lake Rd., 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Hosted by Chatham Community Church. Free admission. Apple butter, donuts, crafts and vendors, food and refreshments. For information, contact Jared Bohley at 330-347-8097.

Make sure you’re included in our calendar!

Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to: Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or send an email to events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

NORTHWEST

419-423-2995, www.facebook.com/nworrp, or www. nworrp.org. SEP. 25–OCT. 31 – NWORRP Halloween Express, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri./Sat. 6:30–9 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2. Take the whole family on a non-scary Halloween train ride around our tracks to see the Halloween decorations after dark. 419-423-2995, www. facebook.com/nworrp, or www.nworrp.org. SEP. 26 – Bryan Fall Fest, Bryan Courthouse Square, 138 S. Lynn St., Bryan, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Family fun, fall craft vendors, delicious food, and local businesses, all wrapped up in a festive fall atmosphere. 419-636-2247, info@bryanchamber.org, or www.bryanchamber.org. SEP. 25–27 – Fall Fiber Arts Retreat, Sauder Heritage SEP. 12 – Fall at the Farmhouse, 11351 E. Twp. Rd. 44, Attica, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Our annual fall event, with 25-plus Inn, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $155–$165. vendors and several food trucks. Rain or shine! Find us on Gather with other makers for a creative weekend away. Open studio-style format; all handwork fiber arts are Facebook @ The Farmhouse Collection LLC. welcome! Includes lunch and dinner on Fri./Sat. and lunch SEP. 12 – Sauder Village: “Explore the Crafts,” 22611 on Sun., snacks, beverages, and admission to historic St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Price of admission Sauder Village. Daily door prizes. Register at 419-446to Sauder Village. Try out traditional crafts and get 2541, ext. 3076 or deb.ridgway@saudervillage.org. creative with activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Watch live demos in cooking, fiber arts, and Deadline: September 12 at noon. more as skilled artisans bring history to life. 419-446-2541 SEP. 26 – Market on Main: Fall Fest, 221 W. Franklin St., Kenton, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Join us for the closing of the or www.saudervillage.org. Market on Main season and enjoy all the fun of the fall SEP. 17–20 – Delphos Canal Days, 402 N. Main St., festival, featuring your favorite vendors, delicious food Delphos. Musical entertainment, rides, games, queen pageant, food, and much more! Grand parade Sun. 2 p.m. trucks, fun kids’ activities, and much more! 419-673-4131 or www.facebook.com/marketonmainkenton/events. 567-204-8597, canaldaysdelphos@gmail.com, or www. SEP. 27 – Fall Open House, 107 E. German St., New facebook.com/DelphosCanalDays. Knoxville, 1–4 p.m. View the six-building complex and SEP. 19–20 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock Co. Fgds., enjoy the vintage tractor show, New Knoxville High 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. School band performance at 1:30, kids’ play zone and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission/parking. Collectibles, thrifting, antiques, vintage, crafts, DIY, handmade goods, petting zoo, vintage machinery demonstration, and more. Free lemonade, cookies, and popcorn. https:// and more! Food trucks on-site. Contact Christine at nkhistory.org. 419-619-0041 or futrellcg1@gmail.com or follow us on OCT. 2–4 – Findlay Fall Harvest Festival, Northwest Facebook. Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, SEP. 19–OCT. 25 – NWORRP Pumpkin Train, 12505 Findlay, Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. $5. Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–5 p.m. $3; 12 and under, Family-friendly games, activities, and events, including $2. Ride our quarter-scale train to the pumpkin patch to live entertainment, bounce houses, corn cannons, and find that special pumpkin, load it on the train’s flatcar, then take one more trip around the track to return to the pumpkin chuckin’ all day long. Ride the Pumpkin Train station. Make sure also to enjoy the games, decorations, during the day or the Halloween Express after dark. The Tracks to the Past Machinery Show will feature antique and family-friendly activities throughout the museum. steam engines, gas engines, tractors, doodle bugs,

operating sawmill, shingle mill, baker fan, and more. 419-423-2995, www.facebook.com/nworrp, or www. nworrp.org. OCT. 2–4 – Johnny Appleseed Festival Antique Tractor Show, Fun Pull, and Flea Market, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. Featuring agriculture and related industry in northwest Ohio. In addition to our regular activities, we’ll be making apple cider, sorghum molasses, and caramel corn; sawing up timber at the sawmill; and offering train rides on the Village Railroad. School Day is Fri., Oct. 2. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@ gmail.com, or www.auglaizevillage.com. OCT. 3 – Vintage Base Ball Tournament, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Included in your admission to Sauder Village. See baseball played using rules from the 1800s. 419-446-2541 or www. saudervillage.org. OCT. 3–4 – Toledo Area Weavers’ Guild (TAWG): “Introduction to the Art of Weaving,” Perrysburg, Sat. ($60) or Sat. & Sun. ($120), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Explore various looms, fibers, patterns, shuttles, books, magazines, and tools. Learn to weave samples on 4 to 8 different looms. Take home handouts about fiber history, beginning weaving, and more. Limited to 8 participants. Contact Susan at caytonsj@gmail.com or 419-324-5902. OCT. 4 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Apple Festival, 800 Roush Rd., Lima, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 513-607-1874 or fotmc@iglou.com. OCT. 10 – Dueling Pianos Concert, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 6:30–9 p.m. $25. Join us as we welcome Felix and Fingers for an interactive, energetic live music show featuring song requests and a variety of genres. 419-446-2541 or www.saudervillage. org. OCT. 10 – Van Buren Fall Festival, Van Buren High School, 217 S. Main St., Van Buren, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission/parking. Sponsored by the Van Buren Lions Club. Homemade apple butter, bean soup cooked over an open fire, craft show, food vendors, kids’ activities, and garage sales throughout the area. Fun for the whole family. Follow us on Facebook @ Van Buren Lions OH.

SOUTHWEST

Handmade treasures, boutique clothing, mums, antiques, good ol’ rusty junk, live bluegrass music, and food. 937-417-5566 or on Facebook @ Harvest Extravaganza. SEP. 29 – “From Treaty City to the Western Sea: Lewis and Clark in Greenville, Ohio,” New Madison Public Library, 142 S. Main St., New Madison, 6–7 p.m. Free. Presentation by the author Cait Clark. Part of the Historical Speaker Series. Reservations recommended. 937-996-1741, info@newmadisonpubliclibrary.org, or www.mynmpl.org. OCT. 2–4 – Octoberfest, Cincinnati Donauschwaben Park, 4290 Dry Ridge Rd., Cincinnati, Fri. 6–11 p.m., Sat. 1–11 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with classic car show 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Pit-roasted Bavarian pig and chicken, homemade sausages, homemade desserts, over 27 kinds of German and domestic beers, live German bands, performances by the famous Donauschwaben dance groups, and much more. 513-385-2098 or www. cincydonau.com. OCT. 10–11 – Bear’s Mill Cornbread Festival, Historic Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum Bear’s Mill Rd., Greenville, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Let’s celebrate autumn with all your favorite fall foods. Live music, vendors. a beautiful atmosphere, and free tours of this operating water-powered gristmill. 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.org.

THROUGH OCT. 8 – Piqua Community Farmers’ Market, 116 W. High St., Piqua, Thur. 3–6 p.m. The very best locally grown food, home-baked items, and handmade crafts. www.piquafarmersmarket.com. SEP. 2, OCT. 7 – Bluegrass Wednesday, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com/ post/vernon-mcintyre-s-appalachian-grass-wednesdaynights-at-the-winery. SEP. 13, OCT. 3 – White Water Shaker Village Tour, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free; donations

appreciated for restoration. Established in 1823, White Water is one of the 24 Shaker communal villages founded in the United States. Learn about the daily life of a Shaker and the style of businesses they conducted; check out our collections of Shaker goods; and explore property to see the stable and historic outbuildings. www.whitewatervillage.org. SEP. 19–20 – Preble County Pork Festival, Preble Co. Fgds., 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton, Sat. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission/parking. Parade Sat. 10:30 a.m. The best pork chops, pulled pork, ham sandwiches, and sausage in the region. www. porkfestival.org. SEP. 19–20 – Wool Gathering, Young’s Jersey Dairy Barn, Yellow Springs, Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Free. Observe sheep, llamas, alpacas, cashmere goats, Angora rabbits, and other wool-bearing animals at this annual festival of fibers. Shearing demos, wool spinning, weaving, and more. Over 100 vendors. https:// youngsdairy.com/wool-gathering. SEP. 25 – Bluegrass and BBQ, Alms Park, 710 Tusculum Ave., Cincinnati, 6–9 p.m. Free admission. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. www.fotmc.com. SEP. 26–27 – Harvest Extravaganza, 5207 Weavers Ft. Jefferson Rd., Greenville, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. Country setting with over 75 vendors.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

CENTRAL

THROUGH OCT. 31 – Coshocton Farmers Market, Coshocton County Maintenance Garage, 23220 Co. Rd. 621, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Locally grown produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Rain or shine. www.facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or market. manager@coshfarmmarket.org. THROUGH NOV. 28 – Huber Machinery Museum Hours, 220 E. Fairground St., Marion. Open Sat. 1–4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission by donation. Huber farm tractors, threshers, road graders, road rollers, Marion Steam Shovel Company, Marion Power Shovel Company history. View machinery, photos, and other related items, including a Marion model 21 steam shovel. hubermuseum@gmail.com or www.facebook. com/hubermachinerymuseum. To schedule a visit, call 740-387-9233 or 614-271-9951 and leave a message. SEP. 4, OCT. 2 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time! See the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of current participants: https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map. SEP. 4–5, OCT. 2–3 – The Downtown Exchange Artisans Market, 527 Main St., Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. A unique shopping experience featuring quality Ohio makers and artisans. Arts, crafts, and food. www.downtown-exchange.com/DTXAM. SEP. 14–DEC. 21 – Friendly Ties Square Dance Club Lessons, Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., Pickerington, 7–9 p.m. First two lessons (9/14 and 9/21)

SOUTHEAST

SEP. 12 – America 250: “Ohio Plays: Sports and Wellness,” VA Memorial Stadium, 17273 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Part of the First Capital Lectures Series. Join Paints owner Dr. Chris Hanners to celebrate the history of sports in Ross County. Refreshments will be served. 740-702-7677, 740-253-1067, or www. visitchillicotheohio.com/america250-rosscountyohio. SEP. 18–20 – Ohio Pawpaw Festival, Snow Fork Event Center, Nelsonville. Fun-filled and educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits, with food, music, contests, arts and crafts, and much more. www.ohiopawpawfest.com. SEP. 19 – “Elvis: The Legend Lives On,” Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7 p.m. $29–$59. This show recreates the memories and music of Elvis

are free; each Monday after that is $5 per person. Come join in the fun and reap the benefits: physically, mentally, and emotionally. 614-778-7131, 614-419-4194, or www. friendlyties.org. SEP. 18–20 – Backwoods Fest, 8572 High Point Rd., Thornville, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12; 10 and under free; free parking. Held outdoor in woods and field, with 350 arts and crafts vendors, bluegrass music, and great outdoor cooked food. 740246-4709 or www.thebackwoodsfest.com SEP. 19 – “America 250 – From Field to Future: Honoring Our Past, Cultivating Our Future,” Huber Machinery Museum, Marion Co. Fgds., 220 E. Fairground St., Marion, 1–4 p.m. Join us as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and explore our legacy of innovation, agriculture, and progress. Activities, fun, and entertainment for all ages. Refreshments served. Call 740-387-9233 or 614-271-9951 and leave a message, or visit www.facebook.com/hubermachinerymuseum. SEP. 24–NOV. 12 – Chasing the Light: Artists Speak, McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington. Free. A group art exhibition that explores the concept of light from various perspectives. Featured artists are listed on our website. Also includes work from students at Wilson Hill Elementary School who participated in a year-long multi-arts residency. Chasing the Light: Artists Speak ON STAGE! will take place Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. www.mcconnellarts.org. SEP. 25–26 – The Country Shop Hop, various businesses in the Amanda, Tarlton, and Stoutsville area. Enjoy a ride in the country to shop for fall treasures, vintage finds, good food, and so much more. Join our scavenger hunt to gather entries into our drawing for Shop Hop Bucks. For details, call/text 740-207-1808 or visit www.countryshophop.com. SEP. 26 – Boogie on the Blacktop: Gypsy Kyngs, Circleville Eagles, 135 E. Main St., Circleville, 7–11 p.m. $5. Outdoor concert with food vendors and drinks. www. pickaway.com. SEP. 26–27 – Frontier Spirit 1799, Alley Park, 2805 Old Logan Rd. SE, Lancaster, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. On Sunday we will open with a church service at 9 a.m. Step back in time to see what life was like for the first settlers in the Ohio Territory, featuring

characters from early Fairfield County. Demos by skilled craftsmen, period music, kids’ games and activities, and more. Concessions available at reasonable prices. www. frontierspirit.org. SEP. 26 –27 – Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Association Annual Fall Show, Hocking Hills Lodge and Conference Center, 20020 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. All local juried artisans. Shop small, shop local. https:// hockinghillsartistsandcraftsmen.com. SEP. 27 – Marysville Toy Show, Union Co. Fgds., Cattle Barn, 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6; 12 and under free; early buyer (8–9 a.m.) $12. Free parking. Die-cast cars, action figures, model kits, farm toys, all toys old and new. Visit us on Facebook @ Marysville Toy Show for more information OCT. 3 – Crafts for a Cure for Alzheimer’s Craft and Car Show, Isla Grande Farms, 2730 Harding Hwy. W., Marion, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission/parking. Car registration ($20) opens at 8 p.m. Crafts, food, raffles. Hosted by Kenya and Rodney Mulholland. 740-262-2286, 740-262-0217, craftsforacure@yahoo.com, or www. facebook.com/craftsforacureforalzheimers/events. OCT. 3 – Lost Skills Gathering, Clary Gardens, 588 W. Chestnut St., Coshocton, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. One-day heritage festival with teacher tents, working demonstrations, traditional crafts, storytellers, musicians, and hands-on learning stations spread across the garden’s 20-acre landscape. www.lostskillsgathering.com. OCT. 3–4 – Quilt Show: “Celebrating American Quilts,” Mount Gilead Park Avenue Elementary School, Mount Gilead, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Presented by Morrow County Quilting Guild. Free will donation. Stunning eagle raffle quilt, sale table, silent auction, bed turning event to feature Morrow County historical quilts, and honored quilter. 200+ quilts on display. 419-946-5344. OCT. 10 – Ghost Walk, starting at Boardman Arts Park, 154 W. William St., Delaware. Tour time slots at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Venture into some of the most haunted streets in Delaware’s Northwest Neighborhood. Hear actual ghost accounts from residents. Visit www.boardmanartspark. org to learn more.

Presley, from the 50s rock ’n’ roller to the 70s Vegas superstar. www.majesticchillicothe.net. SEP. 19 – Ghost Walk, downtown Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $10. Tour several locations and learn about each building’s history and the paranormal experiences there. www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com. SEP. 25 – Genealogy Class and Workshops, Ohio University Chillicothe, Bennett Hall, Room 145, 101 University Drive, Chillicothe. Free. Judy Muhn, an internationally recognized genealogist, will present two informative workshops: one on “what to do when you hit a wall in your research” (9–10:30 a.m.), and the other on researching Native American ancestors (12:30–2 p.m.). Register at https://forms.office.com/r/ M85RTBrVAT. SEP. 26–27 – John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival, Simon Farm, 8721 Careys Run Pond Creek Rd., West Portsmouth, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Watch the entire process of sorghum making from cane harvest to a finished Mason jar of goodness. Appalachian artisans will be demonstrating rural heritage arts and agrarian skills, and musicians from around the region will be playing traditional mountain music. 937-365-1935 or www.arcofappalachia.org. OCT. 1–31 – The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, Thur.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m. $15–$50. Descend into darkness at this all-new immersive attraction. Featuring a fully produced

theatrical performance, haunted trails, escape rooms, axe throwing, and more. www.hauntedmountain.org. OCT. 2–4 – Chillicothe Trade Days, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $7. Old school-style “market days” event with hundreds of vendors selling antiques, livestock, plants, crafts, and more. Check website for daily schedule: www.chillicothetradedays. com. OCT. 3 – Autumn Women’s Walk in the Woods, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. $20. Come together with women of all ages and occupations to relax and connect in the beauty of our natural world. We will meet first to hear a presentation from a guest speaker and enjoy a packed lunch (please bring your own). We will then depart for a hike on one of the stunningly beautiful trails near the Sanctuary. Register at www.arcofappalachia.org/walk-in-thewoods. OCT. 9 – “Billy and the Jets: Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute,” Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $30–$40. An electrifying tribute to two of rock’s greatest icons. www.majesticchillicothe.net. OCT. 9–11 – Chillicothe Halloween Festival, Yoctangee Park, downtown Chillicothe, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Celebrate the fun of Halloween with live entertainment, haunted attraction, special guests and exhibits, Coffin Races, costume contests, wide variety of vendors and food, and much more. www. chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Only in Ohio

1. Me, kayaking with my husband at Timber Ridge Lake. Leslie Burcham, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member 2. Our grandsons, Jayden and Boone, at one of our favorite places in Ohio. Jani Blum, North Central Electric Cooperative member 3. My son Riggs with his Ohio-grown monster cucumber that he grew in his garden. Blaine Klaus, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member

Send us

YOUR picture!

4. Ruger and Bo hiking in Glen Helen and enjoying The Yellow Springs. Sarah Lonsinger, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member 5. Me with my wife, Isabel, and our kids, Agatha and Abigail, at Cedar Point. Branden Overstreet Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member 6. My grandson, Macklin, getting new glasses at OSU. Rochelle Clouse, Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative member

For December, we’re changing things up! Send “Holiday haiku” (poetry) in an email to memberinteract@ohioec.org by Sept. 15. Back to photos in January: Send “Next to the fireplace” by Oct. 15. Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive. Your submissions may be featured in our magazine or on our website!

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2026

Enter to win a

$100 CREDIT on your electric bill!*

Simply fill out this form and drop it off at the Ohio's Electric Cooperatives Education Center on Wheat Street during the 2026 Farm Science Review.

Name: Electric co-op name: Email address:

*Must be an Ohio electric cooperative member to enter and win. NO PHOTOCOPIES. Winners will be drawn at random from among all eligible entries received.

Join us at the

FARM SCIENCE REVIEW Stop by our building! When you attend the Farm Science Review this year, make sure to visit the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Center to find exhibits, energy-saving tips, demonstrations ... and free popcorn!

Sept. 22–24, 2026 OSU Molly Caren Agricultural Center London, Ohio

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