Hundreds of Junior Fair exhibitors readied their animals this morning at the Hardin County Fairgrounds to enter the show arena and judging rings. Hours of preparation from the fair board were put into making sure a safe week could still be put on. President of the Junior Fair Board, Preston Brien, says he is very happy to provide this for the many exhibitors who worked hard over the past year.

According to Allen County Public Health, the increasing spread of COVID-19 in the county can be attributed to community spread. Large gatherings, traveling to and from high-risk areas, and not isolating if tested positive for coronavirus, are all factors that led Allen County to become red. The Allen County Health Commissioner is asking the community to go back to what they have been asked since the beginning of the pandemic. Wear a mask, maintain distance from others, and wash your hands.

In honor of National Nursing Home Week, friends and family of residents in the Vancrest of Ada assisted living facility were able to show their support with a parade.

Around 100 people turned out out to show support for a former public servant in one of the "new world" customs. Allen County Children Services organized a "drive by" of support and encouragement for Dan Reiff. He is the former Allen County commissioner and currently serves on the ACCS board. He has been ill and a number of people drove by his home this afternoon to give him well wishes. Law enforcement, county employees, politicians, and more all came out for the event. He's served on a number of committees and boards throughout his lifetime in Allen County, serving in any way he can.

With Governor DeWine's announcement of schools being out for the rest of the academic year, Allen County Public Health officials have been getting calls from schools and parents. Most have been asking what's the best way to hold an event for their high school and college graduates since they have lost part of their senior year. The health department says we need to remember the coronavirus will still be out there and social distancing needs to be maintained. They encourage people to think it through before making any plans.

After working for more than a month apart due to the COVID-19 precautions, one county agency came together in a clever distance appropriate manner. Allen County Children Services had its monthly “all” staff meeting as a drive-in. More than 60 staff members were treated to lunch and were able to interact socially with distancing guidelines. The meeting was conducted by "bullhorn" updating on how they will phase back into the office.

Although the towns around Indian Lake were particularly quiet, the lake was lively as many people came out of quarantine to enjoy the water. Fishermen were found around every lake bend, enjoying the fresh air and maintaining a distance. Some may even say social distancing has made for an even better fishing atmosphere. 

While COVID-19 will have lasting effects on patients and healthcare systems, what will it do to society from a sociological standpoint? Research from medical journals show that there can be social and psychological ramifications on those who have been quarantined. Although most practicing self-isolation at this time have been doing so for weeks, a professor at Ohio Northern University says studies show there is an ongoing anxiety in people that have done so for as little as 10 days.

With Easter being only days away, Lima Memorial Hospital is reminding everyone to continue practicing social distancing through the holiday. The Chief Medical Officer at Lima Memorial, Dr. Dennis Morris, knows that holidays are meant for gathering around friends and family, but at a time during a pandemic it’s important that we restrain from doing anything that might set back any progress we have made. 

Keeping your kids entertained inside can be hard after a while. But residents of the Seven Oaks neighborhood have adopted a national trend to keep little ones entertained. It's called the Bear Hunt. It challenges houses to put stuffed animals in their windows for families to search for while out and about. Seven Oaks resident, Micah Sobota and his wife, saw the fun on Facebook and decided to bring it to their neighborhood. He and his two sons went around putting flyers in their neighbor's mailboxes encouraging them to join in. They say there has been a great response, and it's been a good way to get the community together during this time.