News briefs: Pickaway-Ross senior selected as Ohio Presidential School semi-finalists

CHILLICOTHE — Ellie Ratliff, a senior in Health Science at Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, has been named a semi-finalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of five in Ohio for career technical education.

Counselor Michelle Bochard nominated Ellie, whose home school is Southeastern, for being an excellent student, leader and asset to Pickaway-Ross.

“As a junior, Ellie was elected president of the school’s SkillsUSA chapter by her classmates. She then became a regional and state officer for SkillsUSA, a first-time achievement at our school,” Bochard wrote in her nomination. “Her professionalism, high standards and commitment to her career field undoubtedly paved the way for her achievements and contributions to our school and community. Ellie exemplifies what it means to be a career and technical scholar.”

Ratliff is quick to share her accomplishments with her fellow state officers, such as securing a $50,000 donation for SkillsUSA Ohio from Penske Truck, a major supporter of SkillsUSA.

“The state officers met with the CEO of Penske and he liked our presentation so much he gave us $50,000 to use this year for conferences,” Ratliff said.

Choosing a career pathway in health care, specifically mental health, comes from personal experience and a desire to help those dealing with mental illness.

For the past two years, with her SkillsUSA chapter members, she has volunteered at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center Veterans Healing Garden to support veterans with PTSD, providing a safe and accessible environment. Her participation and leadership role helped the SkillsUSA Community Service team place first in the state competition.

Winter Soulstice event upcoming

The Serpent Mound Star Knowledge Winter Peace Summit “Winter Soulstice” will feature music, Native American elders, presentations, vendors, and sacred ceremonies honoring the winter solstice Dec. 17 -18. The event takes place at Woodland Altars, 33200 State Route 41, Peebles.

Tickets are $44 and may be purchased at the gate or in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serpent-mound-star-knowledge-winter-soulstice-tickets-428645077967. Several workshops have a suggested love offering of $25 each, but otherwise the admission includes all other programs. Additional information and a full schedule can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/3271810866468005 or https://alternateuniverserockshop.com/events.

Ross Hamilton will speak on the mystery of the Serpent Mound. Gabriel Hackney will use visual storytelling and anthropomorphic cartography tracing the Mound Builders back 11,000 years to the days of the Atlantis kingdom. Traci Gallagher is a certified Reiki practitioner and animal communicator who will speak about her work with alternative healing modalities, plant medicine and her work with the horses. Lawrence Greene will lead a stargazing program.and there will be other opportunities that will offer visitors the chance to experience sacred connections to our world. Vendors and artists who offer one-of-a-kind jewelry, healing tools, and crystals will be at the event. Details about securing a bunk on site can be found on the event page or through the Eventbrite link. There is no camping on site. Only service animals will be permitted but no other pets will be allowed. A food vendor will be onsite with vegan and omnivore choices throughout the event.

Meetings

• Ross County Agriculture Society annual meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 12, at the Ross County Fairgrounds.

• The Ross-Pike ESD Governing Board will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 12, at the Pike County CTC, 175 Beaver Creek Road, Piketon.

Jobs coming to Jackson County at Bellisio Foods

JACKSON –– Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today joined Bellisio Foods, Inc., JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership (JCEDP), to announce that nearly 200 new jobs are coming to Jackson County.

Bellisio Foods, the nation's third-largest producer of single-serve frozen entrees, will invest $40 million to expand its production facility in Jackson and create 177 new jobs.

"Southeast Ohio has a lot to offer, and Bellisio recognizes that," said Governor DeWine. "The Jackson site is already the company's largest manufacturing plant, and we're thrilled that the company will stay here and continue to grow."

“Bellisio has been one of Southeast Ohio’s major employers, and their decision to expand is good news for the people in Jackson County and beyond,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “With investments in broadband, career education, and road infrastructure, Southeast Ohio’s economic tide is rising, and these kinds of economic development projects are a testament to the region’s workforce and pro-business environment.”

Bellisio Foods, which is owned by parent company CP Foods, produces frozen meals such as Michelina's, Boston Market, White Castle, Canyon Kitchen, and Authentic Asia. The Jackson facility currently employs well over 1,000 people and produces more than 2 million meals a day. The new investment will allow for building upgrades to the production facilities, new equipment, building rehabilitation for a new daycare center, and the creation of an on-site counseling center.

“Our operations in Jackson are a flagship facility for CP Foods North America,” said Nien Duong, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing at Bellisio Foods in a news release. “From single-serve entrees to pizza rolls and baked snacks, our employees demonstrate the know-how and determination to deliver quality products and great service.”

State support for the expansion project includes a job creation tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development. JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed.

JobsOhio will enlist its Talent Acquisition Services program to support the company's overall talent strategy. The services will be tailored to the company’s needs, including elements such as attraction, engagement, selection, and sourcing of candidates, as well as training.

Bellisio Foods is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing frozen food companies. With headquarters in Minneapolis, Bellisio Foods produces more than 400 products spanning a wide variety of frozen food categories, including single and multi-serve entrees, snacks, and side dishes.

The Jackson County Economic Development Partnership (JCEDP) is the lead economic development agency for Jackson County Ohio and its municipalities. Founded in 1989, JCEDP is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit economic development organization that functions as a public-private partnership.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: News briefs: Pickaway-Ross senior selected as Ohio Presidential School semi-finalists