ASHLAND — If you asked a year ago how I imagined April 2020 would unfold, I never would have guessed our current situation — on a national, regional or local level.
Typically, the most surprising news that arrives with April is the unpredictable weather patterns: Wind, rain and even a tornado swept through nearby Shelby last April.
This year, COVID-19 has changed much about Ashland County. Let’s take a look at where we were as a community one year ago.
For starters, the Ashland Symphony Orchestra was gearing up for its approaching performance “Viva Italia” at this time last year. Dr. Rowland Blackley and his finely-tuned musicians were days away from their Saturday evening concert.
Good Deed Entertainment was showcasing the brand new feature film “Storm Boy” at the Cinemark in Ontario. They also took the time to reveal new office space in downtown Ashland.
Ashland High School was knee-deep into its renovation plans with Hammond Construction. The district planned a hefty facelift for the school’s cafeteria and kitchen as well as establishing a new “learning cafe.”
Superintendent Doug Marrah said the learning cafe would give students the ability to work on group projects and presentations during traditional lunch hours.
This year construction is underway.
In normal circumstances, athletes would be well-into their baseball, track or softball seasons; others would be turning their eyes to the upcoming summer slate of games.
At this time last year, the Kroc Center hosted a weekend of public events for its 10th anniversary. The Kroc Center also gave details on a planned $7 million renovation.
On a statewide level, Govenor Mike DeWine signed the ‘Heartbeat’ bill into state law.
“The signing of this bill … is consistent with that respect for life and the imperative to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” DeWine said. The bill became effective in July of 2019.
On April 13, Ashland University’s radio station participated in Vinylthon for the third year. Students spent 24 hours playing music from vinyl records rather than utilizing a digital platform.
Ashland City Council approved of a cleanup plan for the Pump House. This proved to be a difficult job due to the nature of the cleanup.
“Had no demolition ever taken place on that site, it would be a different story. It would be a much easier cleanup effort,” Mayor Matt Miller said. “But because part of that four-story brick building has already been destroyed, and much of it is still laying on the ground, every one of those debris piles is considered contaminated, hot material.
“There is asbestos in every one of those piles.”
Today, the Pump House clean up continues. The former structures have been knocked over, but their rubble remains and is still being attended to.
The Coronavirus outbreak may have put a temporary hold on everyone’s plans this spring, but taking the time to reflect on April 2019 shows the adaptability this community possesses.
