🤧 Flu season vibes

Good morning, Muskingum County. If you're reading this from under a pile of blankets with a box of tissues nearby, you're not alone. We're in the midst of what health officials are calling the worst flu season in a decade, with Dr. Douglas Virostko reporting unprecedented numbers at local facilities. Consider this your friendly reminder to stock up on chicken soup and keep that hand sanitizer handy.

On a brighter note, our community is celebrating some remarkable achievements. Scott Coffey is taking the helm at Lakewood Local Schools after decades of dedicated service (including occasional stints as a bus driver!), while Hubbard's own Brooke Livingston is proving that cupid isn't the only one with impressive archery skills - she's just secured a scholarship to Muskingum University. Talk about hitting the bullseye on your dreams.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Zanesville

32°

42°

84%

New Concord

35°

44°

84%

South Zanesville

32°

42°

84%

Roseville

32°

42°

84%

Dresden

32°

40°

87%

Frazeysburg

32°

40°

87%

Philo

32°

42°

84%

Fultonham

32°

42°

84%

Norwich

32°

42°

84%

Adamsville

32°

42°

84%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🤒 Worst flu season in a decade hits Ohio community hard. Dr. Douglas Virostko, medical director at Coshocton Public Health, reports unprecedented numbers of patients with severe influenza symptoms at local facilities. The outbreak has led to multiple hospitalizations and widespread absences from work and school. Symptoms typically include sudden fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue, with potential progression to dangerous pneumonia. Healthcare providers recommend early testing, antiviral medication, and preventive measures like vaccination, proper hand washing, and staying home when sick.

🎓 Longtime Lakewood educator steps up to lead his beloved district. Scott Coffey, who served as interim superintendent since August, has been named the permanent leader of Lakewood Local Schools effective August 1st. The veteran educator brings over two decades of experience in various roles at the district, including principal and even occasional bus driver. Board President Jonathan Lynch praised Coffey's immediate positive impact and strong relationships within the community. Coffey expressed his joy at leading the district into its next chapter, calling it the perfect finale to his education career.

🎯 Hubbard archer Brooke Livingston takes aim at college career with scholarship. The accomplished senior has officially signed with Muskingum University, bringing her 12-year archery journey to new heights. During her impressive competitive career, Livingston clinched three Pennsylvania state titles and two Ohio state championships. She earned three varsity letters at Hubbard High School and even holds a state record for outdoor 3D shooting. The signing ceremony at Hubbard High School marked her official commitment to joining Muskingum's archery program.

Spacious home with potential upgrades: This spacious 2,864-square-foot brick home on a corner lot features three bedrooms, ample living areas, a large balcony, and a walk-out lower level, all requiring a bit of TLC. Priced at $117,500, it includes a new furnace, updated electrical panel, and a Generac generator for reliable power during storms.

Affordable home with space potential: This charming 2001-built home is listed at $205,000, boasting 1,620 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a spacious unfinished basement on over half an acre for added privacy and potential.

Charming home near local amenities: This charming conventional home in West Muskingum Schools is listed at $329,900. With 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a spacious unfinished basement, it combines open concept living with an enclosed porch and convenient proximity to local amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Feb. 26 - PBIS Workshop Session: Educators, elevate your school's positive climate at MVESC's interactive PBIS Workshop! Teams will gain practical strategies for student success on February 26 at 205 N 7th Street, Zanesville.

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🧶 Feb. 26 - Family Fiber Art Night: Discover the mesmerizing world of fiber spinning at New Concord Library's family-friendly workshop! Join fellow craft enthusiasts on February 26 at 77 W Main St for this free, hands-on introduction to fiber arts.

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📅 Feb. 27 - Busy: I apologize, but I notice the link provided doesn't contain specific event details. Without more information about what type of event is happening at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls, OH on Feb 27, I cannot create an accurate and meaningful event description. Could you provide additional details about the nature of the event?

🍷 Feb. 27 - SEOSO Spanish Wine Tasting: Sip and support your local symphony at SEOSO's Spanish wine tasting fundraiser! Join fellow music and wine lovers at 630 Main in Zanesville for an elegant evening of tastings, starting at 6pm on February 27th.

🎨 Feb. 28 - Docent Meeting at ZMA: Calling all art enthusiasts! Join fellow docents for an enriching gathering at the Zanesville Museum of Art on February 28. Meet at 620 Military Road to connect, learn and share your passion for art.

🥊 Mar. 01 - March Matness Qualifier III: Wrestlers hit the mats at East Muskingum Middle School for March Matness Qualifier #3! Join the excitement as local athletes compete for glory at this thrilling tournament in New Concord.

🙏 In Remembrance

Penny S. Riggenbach

Penny S. Riggenbach, 71, of Chandlersville, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, at the Oaks at Northpointe. In accordance with her wishes, a caring cremation will be conducted. The Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls is handling arrangements for the Riggenbach family. Friends and family are invited to send flowers or plant a tree in her memory.

Ronald E. "Ron" Wilkison

Ronald "Ron" Wilkison, 76, of Zanesville, passed away on February 22, 2025, at home. Born on December 29, 1948, he was the son of the late Seth and Anna Wilkison and worked for many years at Ludowici Roof Tile before retirement. Ron is survived by his children, Todd and Jeanie Wilkison, his sister Pamela Vandagriff, six grandchildren, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his nephew Terry Vandagriff and brother-in-law Jerry Vandagriff. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours or services, and he will be buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery at a later date.

Ronald Eugene "Ron" Price

Ronald Eugene Price, 77, of Crooksville, passed away on February 17, 2025, at his home. Born on March 19, 1947, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, he worked as a welder at Hanson Concrete for over 28 years and was a devoted member of the House of Prayer Church. Ron is survived by four children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and siblings, while being preceded in death by his son, Andy Rush, and other family members. His calling hours are scheduled for February 27, 2025, at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home, with burial at Community Gardens Cemetery.