Good morning, Hocking County. After a five-year wait, history flows again along the Muskingum River as Ohio's last hand-operated lock system reopens May 31. The restoration of Rokeby Lock No. 8 reconnects a watery heritage trail from Marietta to Zanesville, preserving a rare piece of American engineering that earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. For history buffs and river enthusiasts alike, McConnelsville's celebration from 10:30 to 5 p.m. marks a triumphant return for this unique cultural treasure.
Meanwhile, local property values are making waves of their own with a potential 35% increase coming through the county's Triennial Update. But before homeowners panic, officials stress this doesn't automatically translate to equivalent tax hikes. In more uplifting news, New Lexington FFA has outshined 335 chapters statewide to become Ohio's Premier Chapter for Growing Leaders—a testament to the agricultural excellence cultivated right here in our region.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚤 Historic Ohio river route reopens after five-year closure. The Muskingum River Parkway will celebrate full navigational access from Marietta to Zanesville on May 31, marking the reopening of Rokeby Lock No. 8. This restoration allows Ohioans to once again travel through the state's only operational hand-operated lock system, preserving a significant piece of heritage. The Muskingum River State Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features one of the nation's last remaining systems of hand-operated locks. Celebration events will run from 10:30 to 5 p.m. in McConnelsville, Ohio.
🏠 Hocking County faces property value spike, not necessarily tax increase. The county auditor is completing a state-mandated Triennial Update that could increase property values by 35%. However, officials emphasize this doesn't automatically mean taxes will rise by the same percentage. Actual tax changes depend on November election results and how the Department of Tax Equalization calculates rates based on approved levies. Property owners can review their updated values by September 2025, with the option to file complaints between January and March if they disagree with assessments.
🏆 Small town FFA chapter crowned Ohio's Premier Chapter for Growing Leaders. New Lexington FFA beat out 335 other chapters across the state to earn this prestigious title at the 97th Ohio FFA State Convention. Their success came after submitting a gold-rated Program of Activities and excelling in an interview highlighting initiatives like the USDA's Great Apple Crunch Challenge and Emergent Welding. The chapter collected numerous other accolades, including multiple state championships, 24 Agriscience Fair finalists, and seven students receiving the State FFA Degree. With 535 members, New Lexington FFA credited their community and school administrators for supporting their award-winning agricultural education program.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Wooded Acreage Awaits Development Dreams: Priced at $135,000, this sprawling 9-acre property in desirable Hocking County offers potential for a home site or rental, featuring stunning hillside views, mature timber, and available road utilities.
Renovated Logan home near adventures: For $169,900, this fully renovated 3-bedroom home in Logan offers move-in ready living with modern updates, just minutes from Hocking Hills for outdoor adventure while maintaining proximity to city conveniences.
Lakes gated golf leisure living: Priced at $398,900, this 3-bed/3-bath home in gated Hide-A-Way Hills offers main floor living with recent improvements, while the community boasts lakes, golf, pool, tennis, and other recreational amenities.🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
-Psalm 23:1-3
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