Teens, bluegrass & a $1.5B surprise hiding in plain sight π
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Good morning, Ross County. A billion-dollar renaissance is officially underway in Chillicothe β that former paper mill isn't just getting a second act, it's getting an entire Broadway run, with aerospace manufacturing, medical production, and a $1.5 billion computing campus all moving in at once. Southern Ohio is quietly becoming the comeback story the whole country should be watching.
Nationally, the economy added jobs in June but kept things modest, a new federal savings program for children just launched, and Independence Day celebrations in New York were marred by a troubling shooting. Back home, the week ahead looks considerably more upbeat β teens can tackle an escape room Monday, bluegrass takes the stage Tuesday, and the Creative Aging Art Series rounds out the week. Fresh listings and this week's obituaries are inside too.
π€ Sky Skoop
Chillicothe
69°88°
67%
Frankfort
68°86°
57%
Kingston
69°87°
57%
Adelphi
68°87°
67%
South Salem
69°91°
65%
βοΈ What's Brewing Locally
New Partnerships Transforming Southern Ohio Jobs Center
π A shuttered Ohio paper mill is becoming America's next industrial powerhouse. U.S. Paper Mill is transforming Chillicothe's former Pixelle Specialty Solutions plant into a multi-industry campus spanning aerospace, medical manufacturing, and AI computing. Key partnerships include a nitrile glove operation creating 150 jobs, an amphibious aircraft manufacturing facility expected to generate $400 million annually, and a staggering $1.5 billion high-performance computing campus developed with Aligned using advanced AMD hardware. The ambitious revival positions Southern Ohio as a national model for repurposing legacy industrial sites into thriving economic corridors. Read more
This charming Chillicothe corner-lot gem packs big personality into a cozy 2-bed, 1-bath package β complete with a 2-car garage, man cave, and multiple storage sheds perfect for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts! π‘
Tucked into the serene Shannon Woods Subdivision, this spacious ranch packs over 2,800 sq ft of beautifully finished living space onto a private, wooded 0.8-acre lot β a true hidden gem!
Teen sleuths, your mission awaits! Head to Chillicothe's Northside Branch Library on July 7 and team up with fellow code-breakers to crack clues and escape the Lost Library before time runs out!
Kick off your July with some foot-stomping fun! Hillbilly Chic brings their electrifying blend of bluegrass, old-time, and country folk to the Northside Branch lawn at 550 Buckeye St on July 8.
Unleash your inner artist at the Northside Branch Library starting July 9! This free 6-class Creative Aging series welcomes adults 55+ with zero experience needed β just curiosity and commitment to all sessions.
Nature comes to you on July 9! Roll up to the Paxton Branch Library at 113 Dewey Ave, Bainbridge, and explore Ross County Parks District's Wilderness On Wheels mobile nature center β learning and adventure await!
Young bookworms, this one's for you! Join Book Buddies at Chillicothe's Northside Branch Library on July 9 for a fun-filled club where beginner chapter book readers enjoy icebreakers, lively discussions, and book-themed activities.
Catch Faye LIVE at The Page on July 10 for an electrifying night of music! Head to 47 S Paint St in Chillicothe and experience her captivating "Woman in Black" performance live.
Get ready for a powerful night of faith at Ross County Fairgrounds on July 11! Chillicothe Revived 3 brings worship, testimonies, water baptisms, and deliverance β plus free food and clothing for all!
Experience the legendary Shawnee leader's epic struggle to protect his Ohio homeland in this breathtaking outdoor drama at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre! Catch "Tecumseh!" on July 11 at 5968 Marietta Rd in Chillicothe.
π What Else Is Brewing
House of Representatives passed a landmark housing affordability bill that softens the ban on institutional investors, moving the package closer to becoming law with bipartisan support.
U.S. Economy added 57,000 jobs in June, falling below expectations as the economy shows steady but unspectacular growth despite ongoing affordability struggles for Americans.
Trump Accounts officially launched as the new federal cradle-to-adulthood investment vehicle for children, marking a major policy rollout during the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Trump Memecoin caused nearly $3.8 billion in losses for nearly a million investors, proving that most retail traders lost money while sophisticated speculators actually fared better.
Jesse Balogun & Trump sparked a World War 2 storm after Trump intervened to clear the striker for Belgium, leading FIFA to reverse its suspension and igniting global soccer drama.
Coney Island Shooting injured eight people including four children in a July 4th attack, casting a dark shadow over Independence Day celebrations in New York City's vibrant beach neighborhood.
π In Remembrance
John R. Cox
John R. Cox, 61, of Chillicothe, passed at 12:03 a.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026 in the Adena Regional Medical Center unexpectedly. He was born May 8, 1965, in San Diego, CA, to the late Alden Willard and Carol Ann McKinney Cox. Surviving are the love of his life, Mary Ann Shope; a brother, Radon Cox;...
June (Jackie) Wilson
June (Jackie) Wilson passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The family is being cared for by W. E. Lusain Funeral Home & Crematory - Dayton.
George Frederick Williams
George F. Williams, 75, of Morrow, formerly of Frankfort, died on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Trihealth Clinton Regional Hospital, Wilmington. He was born on September 10, 1950, in Chillicothe, a son of the late James Wesley and Wanda June Wood Williams, Sr.. On May 7, 1982, he married the former...
Tina Marie Miller
Tina M. Miller, 48, of Chillicothe, passed away on Thursday morning, July 2, 2026, at Adena Regional Medical Center, Chillicothe. She was born on July 22, 1977, in Chillicothe, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Fout Miller. She is survived by her mother; Mary Miller of Frankfort, one sister; Carol...
Paul Clinton Scharbrough
Paul Clinton Scharbrough, 58, of Chillicothe, passed at 4:23 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in the James Cancer Center OSU following an extended illness. He was born February 9, 1968, in Stanford, Kentucky, to Jake and Shirley Martin Scharbrough. On July 15, 2011, he married the former Sherry Vest...
Herbert "Brent" Crabtree
Herbert βBrentβ Crabtree, age 65, of Jackson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at his home. He was born November 25, 1960, in Chillicothe, Ohio to the late Herbert and Sidonna (Colley) Crabtree. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Connie (Grover) Crabtree;...
Judith Ann Abernathy
Judith Ann Abernathy, 88, of Chillicothe, passed from this life on Sunday morning, June 28, 2026, at her daughter's home with her two daughters, Tami and Lori by her side. She was born on June 16, 1938, in Chillicothe, daughter of the late Paul J. and Dorothy L. Hawk Rhinehart. Judy married Joe...
π Daily Bread Crumb
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"
β 1 Peter 5:7
This reminds us that we're not alone in our worries, and that God is always ready to listen and help. By sharing our burdens with Him, we can find peace and calm in the midst of chaos.