State Senator Kyle Koehler

The "tradition" continued today at the Clark County Fair. For the last ten years, if you end up the high bidder on a Champion Turkey... then you have to be willing to pick it up for the picture.

Today it was Adilee Balzer's large Grand Champion bird!

Mission accomplished!

What a wonderful morning at the Clark County Fair's "Sale of Champions".

With the help of folks like LWS Tax Services, Studebaker's Country Restaurant, Sheriff Chris Clark, Commissioner Sasha Rittenhouse, Matt Moore's Farrier Service, Park National Bank, Agri Spray Drones, and Merchants National Bank, we ended up as winning bidders on everything from chickens and rabbits to turkeys and eggs.

Congrats to Henry Eggleston, Lillie Mae Smitson, Mason Clements, Delaney Conkel, Adilee Balzer, Adalynn Anderson and Amelia McCarthy Zara!

THIS PICTURE SAYS A LOT!

While it is a privilege to represent state government at the Clark County Fair - I want to point out something that is simply INCREDIBLE about our county-level officials. I am talking about our Sheriff, our county auditor, our prosecutor, judges, and county commissioners.

As you walk around the fair, it should be noted that County Commissioners Greg Kaffenbarger and Sasha Rittenhouse have kids showing animals at the fair. Our county prosecutor, Dan Driscoll, has kids in 4H at the fair. Our county auditor, Hillary Hamilton's kids are always busy showing off their projects. Judge Brian Driscoll's kids are busy with their projects. Even our Sheriff Chris Clark's kids are in 4H and have projects they have entered.

It is simply AWESOME that our county officials are ACTIVELY involved with their children at the fair.

Even the county officials without 4H age children are out at the fair each day.

THIS is why the Clark County Fair continues to be one of the best fairs in Ohio.

These are just a few of their kids around the fair this week.

One of my favorite parts of the Clark County fair, is the Tuesday night Pork Producers annual Pie Auction.

Tonight saw the end of an era as auctioner Jack Goodbar (on the right) would be doing his final pie auction after its 52 year history. He was there at the very first and auctioned off the Grand Champion Pie tonight before handing off the gavel.

It was a wonderful peach pie and we came on top!

As is custom, it went to the Clark County Deputies who faithfully serve all week at the fair.

Just for reference, because this is for the Pork Producers, the pies (crust) have to be made with pure lard. No fake stuff or shortcuts… so these pies are delicious and weigh a ton!

Auctioneer Bill Waddle was also there helping raise money for the different buildings the 4H kids use to show hogs.

I got to take one of the grands to the ribbon cutting for the new Ohio Agriculture Center at the Expo Center on Columbus where the state fair will officially open on Wednesday.

The improvements to the fairgrounds are simply incredible.

There is a reason folks travel from all across the country to exhibit their livestock at THE Ohio State Fair!

This little guy even got to say “NICE TO MEET YA!” to the Governor.

Was down in Clinton County today for the unveiling of their America 250 Barn at the home of Sheri Kellogg.

What a great event hosted by the Clinton County History Center and the Ohio Manufacturers Association.

The theme of this Barn was manufacturing… Because in Ohio, we make things!

Special thanks to Shelby Boatman for inviting me out to this great event.

Sometimes I feel like UnMundo Cafe has become my “District Office” with all the constituent I meet with there.

Thanks to their hospitality (and coffee), I get to meet with folks like renowned heart surgeon Dr. Neravetla to discuss health issues and with Leah from the Clark County Health Department.

Thank you to Duke for always having a spot for us to sit and talk! You guys are the best!

The first 24 hours of the Clark County Fair are in the books. Starting yesterday at noon and continuing through the Opening Ceremonies this morning, it has been great weather and great fun.

Six of the nine grands have already been out and back!

Kaylee Smith is the 2024 Fair Queen. Abby Halderman is runner-up. Both are at VetTechs at Northside Veterinary Clinic (which is pretty cool!)

We honored Bill Waddle and Steve Waddle along with Bill Agle for their lifetimes of support for 4H and fair.

If you don’t get a “fair chop” and some Ulery Ice Cream… then the fair really hasn’t begun! I have done both multiple times in the first 24 hours.

Clark County JFS has teamed with Ohio Means Jobs to create the Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP).

The program places participants in employment and training activities to help them build lifelong sustainable careers.

Over ten weeks the program engages, educates, and trains the emerging workforce by offering year-round programs and services for young adults ages 14 to 24.

As part of the program students learn about the civic process including a tour of the Statehouse and learning from state legislators of how true leadership is found in Clark County.

I left work in Springfield at noon today just to drive to Columbus to meet these Springfield students who came to tour the statehouse.

We had a great visit and great questions.

Yes... I am going to stick my foot into this issue.

Yes... Some folks won't agree.

No... the headline of this news story is not accurate..

I am sorry, but the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are NOT doubling! That is simply not true.

In 2021, during the pandemic, the Federal Government EXTENDED "enhanced" assistance to households making over 400% of the federal poverty level. We basically allowed anyone (rich or poor) to receive federal assistance to pay ACA premiums. Premiums were NEVER cut. “Enhanced Assistance” to help pay for premiums was EXTENDED to those 400% above the poverty level during COVID.

That assistance to wealthier Americans expired in 2025. Again, premiums did NOT double, but rather the enhanced assistance for those making over 400% of the poverty level ended (i.e. if a coupon for 50% off a gallon of milk expires - the price of the milk didn't double!).

Honestly, if you are a single individual making $63,840/year, the Federal government should not be helping you pay premiums for the “AFFORDABLE” Care Act.

If you are a family of four making $128,600/year, the Federal government should not be helping you with premiums for what was billed as "government-provided affordable healthcare".

The Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) is ALREADY a subsidized healthcare alternative. During COVID, we extended subsidies to what should be considered wealthy Americans (i.e., 400% above the poverty level).

Articles saying that premiums have "doubled" just because the enhanced assistance is no longer available for wealthy Americans are simply not accurate.