This Friday, the community of St. Marys in West Virginia will gather for a special event designed to boost research efforts against cystic fibrosis. The 30th edition of the Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis football game is set to take place, marking three decades of commitment and passion toward raising funds for this critical cause. Initiated by a local family in honor of their daughter who battled the disease, this annual tradition has become an essential platform for increasing public awareness about cystic fibrosis. Over the years, it has managed to raise over $600,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, while also providing direct support to families affected by the condition.

The inception of this impactful event dates back to 1994 when a local family decided to honor their daughter suffering from cystic fibrosis. Their vision was not only to generate financial resources but also to enlighten the public about the complexities of the disease. Julia Maloney, President of the BACF Board, expresses her deep dedication to finding a cure, reflecting on her journey with the board. Initially unfamiliar with the intricacies of cystic fibrosis, she has grown significantly more knowledgeable and empathetic towards those battling the illness or grieving its loss.

Established in the late 90s, the BACF Board plays a crucial role in organizing and overseeing various aspects of the events. This includes managing sponsorships, recruiting players, and planning both football and basketball games. Maloney emphasizes the multifaceted nature of cystic fibrosis, explaining that finding a single cure is insufficient due to the numerous genetic variations involved. Therefore, continuous fundraising and awareness are vital components of the ongoing battle against the disease.

Jodi Mote, Director of the BACF football game, highlights the broader impact of community involvement. Even individuals without personal connections to cystic fibrosis can contribute meaningfully by supporting the cause. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of aiding those less fortunate, transcending mere participation in a game. Besides donating funds for research, the board extends practical assistance to local families affected by cystic fibrosis, such as utility bill payments and transportation coordination for medical appointments.

The football game is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. at the St. Marys football field behind the high school. As the community comes together for this significant occasion, the hope remains steadfast: to make strides in combating cystic fibrosis through collective effort and unwavering determination.

The Ohio Senate's proposed state budget introduces alternative avenues for funding the renovation of Paycor Stadium, despite not directly allocating funds for this purpose. The Bengals and Hamilton County have requested $350 million from the state budget to assist with renovations estimated at $830 million. While specific allocations are absent, the Senate has outlined a grant system for major sports facilities, initially targeting Cleveland Browns' new stadium. This system draws on unclaimed funds, potentially offering financial relief while protecting taxpayers. Furthermore, the Senate's budget includes provisions allowing Hamilton County to implement a cigarette tax for regional arts and culture projects, which could also support stadium upgrades.

On June 3, Ohio senators unveiled their version of the state budget, emphasizing a structured approach to funding major sports infrastructure. Although no direct mention of Paycor Stadium appears, a newly established grant program aims to allocate $600 million for Cleveland Browns’ stadium in Brook Park. These grants would derive from long-unclaimed funds, amounting to approximately $1.7 billion deemed abandoned by Senator George Lang. Despite the focus on Cleveland, there remains ambiguity regarding whether Hamilton County or the Bengals can access these grants under current language. Senator Lang expressed optimism about treating all teams equitably, hoping to aid both the Bengals and FC Cincinnati.

Senator Bill Blessing, representing Hamilton County, acknowledged disappointment over the absence of a comprehensive stadium funding solution but recognized potential benefits for taxpayer protection through the use of unclaimed funds. He suggested that the proposed cigarette tax within the Senate budget could serve dual purposes—supporting museums as well as stadiums. By alleviating pressure on county sales and property taxes, this measure might provide a balanced approach to financing large-scale projects. For implementation, two-thirds of Hamilton County commissioners must approve placing the tax proposal on the ballot, followed by voter consent.

Hamilton County Commission President Denise Driehaus closely monitors the evolving budget process, anticipating any state contributions towards Paycor Stadium renovations. Her vision involves equal thirds of funding originating from the county, team, and state. As of June 3, the Senate’s draft remains subject to further negotiation via a conference committee comprising House and Senate members. Their task entails merging both versions into a final agreement requiring approval from both chambers before submission to Governor Mike DeWine by June 30. Concurrently, this deadline aligns with the Bengals’ requirement to inform the county regarding lease extension intentions.

Moving forward, the outcome hinges on legislative collaboration and strategic decision-making. The potential inclusion of unclaimed funds and innovative taxation methods underscores a commitment to equitable financial distribution while safeguarding taxpayer interests. Meanwhile, stakeholders await definitive actions that will shape the future of Paycor Stadium renovations and broader sports infrastructure development across Ohio.