HEAP applications are to be taken

A representative of the United Scioto Senior Activities Inc. Scioto County Multipurpose Senior Citizens Center will take applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Wheelersburg Branch Library, 10745 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg. Applicants should bring proof of income, proof of health insurance payments, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of citizenship (birth certificate) as well as the last paid fuel bill. Golden Buckeye Card applications also will be taken.

In-home assistance is available for those who are unable to make application at a sign-up site. Call the Senior Center at (740) 354-6672 to arrange a home visit. Applications also may be obtained at local banks and bank branches, the Senior Center, the Scioto County Community Action Organization and its Senior Nutrition sites. Assistance is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Senior Center, 117 Market St.

Emergency assistance is available only through the Scioto County Community Action Organization.

Spay Day USA is Feb. 22

Tuesday, Feb. 22, is the 17th annual Spay Day USA. This event is promoted nationally by the Humane Society of the United States and locally by the Animal Welfare League of Scioto County. Participants include Scioto Trail Animal Clinic, Shawnee Animal Clinic and Wheelersburg Animal Hospital. Spaying or neutering one’s pet not only cuts down on the number of unwanted animals but is an important step in providing a healthy and longer life for that pet.

To take advantage of a reduced rate spay or neuter, a certificate must be purchased from the above named clinics on Spay Day, Feb. 22. Certificates can then be used anytime until the end of the year. Scioto Trail Animal Clinic certificates are for cats and male dogs. Certificates from Shawnee Animal Clinic and Wheelersburg Animal Hospital are for cats and dogs. This program is not income based but available to all. For further information, call Scioto Trail Animal Clinic at (740) 353-2280, Shawnee Animal Clinic at (740) 353-5758, Wheelersburg Animal Hospital at (740) 574-2430, or the Animal Welfare League at (740) 858-2446.

Red Cross announces classes

Adult and Child CPR with AED, Infant CPR, and First Aid will be offered on these dates:

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, with Ray Pyles, instructor; and

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb 19, with Becky Will, instructor.

This course is ideal for parents, grandparents, and expectant parents, and anyone desiring a working and thorough knowledge of CPR/AED/First Aid. Learn skills that could save a child’s life. The cost of the course is $45.

This course Bloodborne Pathogens: Prevention of Disease Transmission may be added to any of the courses offered in February for an additional fee of $15. Those wanting this service must specifically request it at the time of registration. Bloodborne Pathogens will require approximately an additional 45 minutes beyond the stated course ending time.

• The SOMC Friend’s Center in cooperation with the American Red Cross will hold a Lifeguarding class beginning on February 26th at 9 a.m. and continuing each Saturday for six weeks. The cost is $180 and includes all necessary material. Interested parties should call (740) 356-7563.

Participants must pre-register for classes with the American Red Cross. You may do so by registering and paying online at www.ohiorivervalley.redcross.org, visiting our office at 1801 Robinson Ave., Portsmouth, or register via phone at (740) 354-3293, (888) 354-3293, or fax us at (740) 353-8735.

Road work closes street in Russell

The Kentucky Department of Highways will close a portion of Ky. 2543, Ferry Street, at Russell in Greenup County, Ky., for drainage repairs next week.

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, crews will repair a drainage structure on Ferry Street between U.S 23. and the CSX Railroad underpass. To make the repairs, the inbound lane of Ferry Street leading from U.S. 23 to downtown Russell will be closed to all traffic from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The outbound lane leading from Russell to U.S. 23 will be unaffected.

During the closure, traffic traveling from U.S. 23 to downtown Russell may detour using Ky. 244 across the “Russell Viaduct” bridge just south of the construction area.