Extra lifeguards, $50,000 going to McKinley Pool
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest
PORTSMOUTH Low lifeguard numbers and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to last year’s delayed reopening of the McKinley Pool. Now at least the former should not be an issue as the pool is set to open its doors on Memorial Day.
In addition to two investments totaling $50,000, $30,000 through the Capital Investment Budget Program and $20,000 from an anonymous donor, the lifeguard shortages that have plagued McKinley are not expected to be an issue this year.
Through conversations with Shawnee State University swimming coach Gerald Cadogan, a commitment of 10 to 12 lifeguards has been secured and their training will begin this Thursday at the SSU pool. This exceeds the preferred sum of five, which will allow for more scheduling flexibility.
Local teacher explains why he took the COVID-19 vaccine
Staff Report
PORTSMOUTH- Gerald Cadogan is a prominent name in the Portsmouth community. The Portsmouth native has a long list of accomplishments and has lived a life dedicated to serving others whether that be by mentoring students or coaching athletes around the community.
His current roles span from a teacher at Portsmouth High School to Shawnee State University’s Head Coach of the Men and Women’s Swimming Program and the head track coach and head swim coach at PHS. In accordance with a life filled with serving others, he can now add being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to that list of service to protect those around him.
Portsmouth 2021 and beyond: McKinley Pool in need of upgrades, lifeguards
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
The McKinley Pool mural, installed in 2017, was the latest attempt of revitalizing the city’s only public-owned pool. 2nd Ward Councilwoman Charlotte Gordon says more work is still needed. Photo by Patrick Keck.
Aging fences and cracked concrete are among the visible areas where Gordon said work is needed. Photo by Patrick Keck.
PORTSMOUTH- Uncertainty surrounds summer plans and activities for area families who do not know what to expect in the next stage of the coronavirus pandemic.
In what will be its 55th year since opening that same feeling is shared by the city’s McKinley Pool who is in need of lifeguards and facility upgrades to ensure a successful reopening and season.
Local panel takes on racism, offers solutions
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
Locals took part in a panel, put on by Ohio State University, on Tuesday night discussing what racism looks like in Portsmouth. Photo by Patrick Keck.
PORTSMOUTH Maureen Cadogan, Executive Director of Operation Safety Net and the Scioto County Homeless and Pandemic shelters, says she has lived with racism for as long as she can remember.
She recalls going to the grocery store with her grandmother as a toddler, where she was offered a bit of advice.
“When you go into the store, put your hands in your pockets and if you don’t have pockets, put your hands behind your back,” she said, detailing what her grandma told her. “Why would you tell a child that, just walking in a store?”
Unity Project’s “Grow Together Here” mural installed
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
PORTSMOUTH The Portsmouth Unity Project, organized to build a sense of togetherness in the community, required just that as it placed its second mural Monday morning.
Off the side of the Earth Candy building on Sixth Street, the Project placed its “Grow Together Here” mural in front of a socially distant and masked crowd of around 20 people.
Gerald Cadogan, a teacher and coach at Portsmouth City Schools, said the times of divisiveness in the country allowed the project which he co-founded to take root this summer.