Canned goods, crime scenes & a mill's big return 🏭
Good morning, Ross County. After sitting quiet for over a year, the former Chillicothe paper mill is gearing up for a December comeback — and it's already hiring, so dust off that résumé. Less triumphant: a Chillicothe Blessing Box became an unlikely crime scene last weekend when a woman drunkenly scattered canned goods across East Main Street in broad daylight. The box survived unscathed, which is more than can be said for the suspect's dignity. On the financial front, cooler inflation numbers gave Wall Street a rare reason to smile heading into October.
School district finances are flashing some warning signs worth keeping an eye on as we look toward 2030. Local sports scores, fresh property listings, and this week's obituaries are all tucked inside — grab your coffee and settle in.
🌤 Sky Skoop
Chillicothe
60°85°
12%
Frankfort
63°83°
12%
Kingston
61°83°
12%
Adelphi
62°81°
13%
South Salem
63°84°
11%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
Chillicothe paper mill prepares to restart production
🏭 An Ohio paper mill is roaring back to life after a year. The former Chillicothe paper mill, now owned by U.S. Paper Mill LLC, is gearing up to restart production in December. While ramping up, the new owners have kept the site active by manufacturing and selling nitrile gloves and other personal protective equipment. The company is currently hiring workers ahead of the production relaunch. Read more
Chillicothe Woman Arrested After Vandalizing Downtown Blessing Box and Fleeing Officers
🍱 A woman drunkenly ransacked a community food pantry in broad daylight. Beth Causey was arrested on Sept. 28 after allegedly pulling food from a downtown Chillicothe Blessing Box and scattering canned goods across East Main Street. When an officer attempted to stop her, Causey fled on foot before being apprehended, and she resisted being handcuffed, requiring a takedown maneuver that left her with a bloody nose and black eye. The Blessing Box itself was undamaged, though an open container of alcohol was found among the scattered items. Causey was charged with disorderly intoxication, obstructing official business, and resisting arrest. Read more
Multiple Ross County schools to be operating in the red by 2030
📉 Ross County schools are heading for financial trouble by 2030. Forecasts show multiple schools in the Ohio county will be operating in the red within the next several years, with financial struggles expected to persist across the district. Read more
Nestled in Chillicothe's Zane Village community, this well-maintained 2019 mobile home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a freshly updated primary suite — all just minutes from shopping, dining, and the hospital!
This charming 2-bed Chillicothe gem sits in a quiet, established neighborhood with a fully fenced backyard — perfect for pets, gardening, or unwinding after a long day!
Tucked into an established Chillicothe neighborhood, this beautifully refreshed 3-bed, 2-bath charmer on a generous 0.6-acre lot boasts nearly everything new — roof, windows, HVAC, and more — with a cozy four-season room to seal the deal!
🌎 What Else Is Brewing
U.S. Commerce Department released fresh inflation data showing August PCE rose 3.4%, giving Wall Street a smaller headache than economists expected.
U.S. Commerce Department upgraded second-quarter GDP growth to 2.2%, as consumer spending and business investment kept the economy humming.
Federal Reserve got a friendlier inflation read, nudging investors toward hopes the October meeting won’t bring another rate hike.
Wall Street closed out September on a stronger note after cooler inflation data helped stocks extend a surprisingly decent quarter.
Treasury yields eased as traders absorbed softer inflation data and recalibrated bets on how long rates can stay this high.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he is still weighing a diesel export ban to fight stubborn fuel prices, because the energy market needed more drama.
Willard “Willie” Colvin, 67, of Chillicothe died unexpectedly as the result of an accident on Monday, September 28, 2026. He was born July 10, 1959 in Ross County to the late Emmitt and Marguerite Cretsinger Colvin. Surviving are sisters, Patricia (Dean) Wray, of NC, Toni Estep, of... Read full obituary
Norma Jean Woods passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026. The family is being cared for by Haller Funeral Home & Crematory - Chillicothe. Read full obituary
Marguerite Paula Conley passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The family is being cared for by Haller Funeral Home & Crematory - Chillicothe. Read full obituary
HILLSBORO — S. Thomas Flannery, 90, of Bainbridge, Ohio, passed away peacefully Sept. 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love. Born March 31, 1936, in Morehead, Kentucky, Thomas lived a life marked by commitment to family, service, and community. He is preceded... Read full obituary
William Ronald Booth, “Ronnie”, age 80, of Chillicothe, Ohio, passed peacefully at home with family, September 28, 2026. He was born July 27, 1946, in Chillicothe, Ohio, son of the late William R. and Hazel (Banks) Booth of Chillicothe, Ohio. Ronnie served his country in the United States Army... Read full obituary
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
— James 1:5
When you’re unsure what to do, simply ask God for guidance; He loves to share insight generously, helping you navigate each day with confidence.
12%
