🏛️ Historic chicken hotel

Good morning, Muskingum County. A century-old Athens landmark is getting a delicious new chapter as The Lostro transforms from vacant historic building to vibrant destination. The 1915 Frank Packard-designed treasure will soon house Raising Cane's chicken fingers and Playa Bowls smoothies downstairs, with a 20-room hotel above—proving that sometimes the most appetizing future comes wrapped in historic architecture.

After illuminating Lancaster's darkest hours for more than 25 years, Officer Erik Spiegel has hung up his night watch badge after three decades of exemplary service. Meanwhile, a different kind of community fixture is expanding its reach—JonesZylon Company is investing $200,000 to enhance their meal tray production, proving that even the humble food tray can represent significant economic growth when paired with local ingenuity and family business values.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Zanesville

37°

61°

81%

New Concord

38°

61°

89%

South Zanesville

37°

61°

81%

Roseville

37°

61°

81%

Dresden

36°

61°

82%

Frazeysburg

36°

61°

82%

Philo

37°

61°

81%

Fultonham

37°

61°

81%

Norwich

37°

61°

81%

Adamsville

37°

61°

81%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍗 Historic Athens building gets new life with two popular restaurant chains. Raising Cane's chicken fingers and Playa Bowls fruit smoothies will occupy the ground floor of The Lostro, a renovated 1915 building across from Ohio University. The upper floors will become a 20-room extended stay hotel, while Indus Hotels continues seeking a tenant for the basement. Originally designed by notable Ohio architect Frank Packard, the $11 million renovation project received federal and state historic tax credits. The building is expected to be fully operational by fall after sitting vacant for several years.

👮‍♂️ Lancaster's most senior officer hangs up his badge after three decades. Officer Erik Spiegel has retired from the Lancaster Police Department after serving since December 1994. Known for his professionalism and mentorship, he spent over 25 years on night watch before transitioning to day watch for his final four years. His exceptional service earned him the prestigious Randy Bartow Award, recognizing his commitment to excellence in law enforcement. The department acknowledged his "immeasurable impact" on both colleagues and the community as they wished him well in retirement.

🍽️ Small Ohio food tray company scores big with $200,000 expansion. The JonesZylon Company is investing in new tooling for meal trays that will hold more food and enhance their product line for healthcare and corrections facilities. The West Lafayette-based company, which designs and distributes food serving equipment, received support through a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant. Owned by Rob and Tracey Zachrich since 2014, JonesZylon aims to provide "innovative meal delivery solutions" that allow healthcare staff to spend more time with patients. Local officials praised the family-owned business as a "staple in Coshocton County" whose expansion strengthens its position in niche markets.

Zero dollar foreclosure opportunity: This foreclosure property available for $0 is being sold through Auction.com, offering investors a potential opportunity in this neighborhood with support throughout the buying process.

Development land ready for revival: Priced at $25,000, this 0.66-acre development opportunity in Zanesville includes five parcels and a house set for demolition by controlled burn, making way for various future uses.

Development Land Fire Practice Included: Five contiguous lots in Zanesville, Ohio are up for auction at $25,000, offering 0.66 acres of development potential with a house slated for controlled burn by the local fire department.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎌 Mar. 5 - Color Guard Practice: Color Guard enthusiasts unite at John Glenn High School for Sq 44 practice on March 5! Perfect your flag work and choreography with fellow performers at 13115 John Glenn School Rd in New Concord.

🤝 Mar. 6 - Networking Mixer & Mingle: Mix and mingle at A Taste of Ohio's Networking Mixer on March 6! Enjoy complimentary food while making valuable connections at this downtown Zanesville gathering spot on Main Street.

📅 Mar. 6 - Busy: Join us at the "Busy" event on March 6 at 225 Market St in Philo, OH! Check the Franklin Local Schools facility website for complete details about this community gathering.

🎨 Mar. 7 - Downtown Art Walk: Stroll through Downtown Zanesville's First Friday Art Walk on March 7! Explore galleries, studios, and local businesses while supporting talented artists, musicians, and restaurants—all open at once for your enjoyment.

🎨 Mar. 7 - Gallery Anniversary Artwalk: Step into a decade of artistic excellence at Yan Sun Art Museum's anniversary exhibition! Celebrate with works from over 30 talented artists on March 7 at 604 Main St, Zanesville.

🏎️ Mar. 7 - Stock Car Mall Show: Rev up your engines for Midway Speedway's Stock Car Show taking over the mall on March 7! Check out these impressive racing machines up close at 3575 Maple Ave in Zanesville.

🏫 Mar. 7 - School Facility Booking: Join us at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls for the "Busy" event on March 7! Check out the Franklin Local Schools website for complete details on this community gathering.

📅 Mar. 8 - Facility Booking: Join us at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls for the "Busy" community gathering on March 8! Check the Franklin Local Schools facility request link for complete details about this upcoming local event.

🙏 In Remembrance

Eva "June" Derwacter

Eva "June" Derwacter, 96, of Zanesville, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the Beckett House in New Concord. Born on October 31, 1928, in Clay County, West Virginia, she worked as a nurse's aide at Arlington Nursing Home in Newark and enjoyed quilting, gardening, and caring for stray cats. June is survived by her three children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members, while being preceded in death by her husband Albert, two children, and nine siblings. Funeral services will be held on March 5, 2025, at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home, followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Zanesville.

Roger Dean Miller

Roger Dean Miller, a 65-year-old mechanic from Zanesville, passed away on March 2, 2025, at home surrounded by family. He worked at Mt. Sterling Auto Wrecking, was an avid car racer with the Racing Club, and attended both Pleasant Valley Bible Church and First United Pentecostal Church. Miller is survived by his daughters Courtney and Caitlyn, his longtime girlfriend Linda Wolfe, eight grandchildren, numerous siblings, and many extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 8, 2025, at the West Muskingum Athletics Booster Hall.

Richard R. "Dick" Kowalski

Richard "Dick" Raymond Kowalski, 81, of Zanesville, passed away on February 25, 2025, from cancer at Genesis Morrison Hospice. A Philo High School graduate and US Army veteran, Dick worked as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper before retiring from Grange Mutual Casualty Company as an adjuster. He enjoyed woodworking, crafting canes and large trains, with one set displayed in a Maine museum. Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cheryl "Star" Kowalski, three sons, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family.