📈 Signs of progress

Good morning, Muskingum County. Signs of economic growth are literally taking shape at Kessler Sign Company, where a $350,000 investment is expanding both their facility and workforce. The 44-year-old Zanesville institution is scaling up with new equipment that promises faster production and broader market reach—proving that sometimes the signs of progress are actual signs themselves.

While businesses grow, so do inspiring personal journeys in our community. Warsaw native Brittany Wesney's remarkable path from juggling three jobs as a single mother to earning her business degree exemplifies the determination that defines our region. Meanwhile, in neighboring Hocking County, individuals making extraordinary contributions to developmental disability services received special recognition awards—another reminder that behind every thriving community are people committed to lifting others up.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Zanesville

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New Concord

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South Zanesville

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Roseville

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Dresden

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Frazeysburg

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Philo

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Fultonham

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Norwich

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Adamsville

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏭 Zanesville sign company expands with $350,000 investment. Kessler Sign Company is creating four new jobs and renovating its facility with support from a $25,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant. The expansion includes purchasing new equipment like a flatbed printer that will increase production speed and help the company access larger markets. Established in 1979, Kessler is a leading sign maker operating from a 50,000 square foot facility where they provide custom fabrication, painting, printing and routing services. The investment demonstrates another business growing in Muskingum County, strengthening the local economy.

👩‍💼 Single mom of four transforms her life through education and community. Brittany Wesney, a Warsaw native, balanced raising four children while working three jobs to earn her business degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Now working full-time at Hathaway Inc., she appreciates the family-first culture that allows her to stay involved in her children's busy lives. Wesney joined Leadership Coshocton County to deepen her understanding of her lifelong community and discover new ways to contribute. She credits Coshocton's tight-knit community support for helping her navigate single parenthood, emphasizing that local relationships feel more like family than neighbors.

🏆 Hocking County DD Board honors two with special recognition awards. The awards were presented during the board's March 18 meeting, though specific details about the recipients and their achievements weren't provided in the article. The Hocking County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves individuals with developmental disabilities in the community. The brief announcement appeared in The Logan Daily news alongside various community updates and local events.

Country dreamhouse with luxury perks: Priced at $330,000, this charming country home boasts open concept living, gas fireplace, spacious closets, and a master suite with walk-in closet, plus a three-car garage and generous front porch and back deck.

Zero dollar auction opportunity: This foreclosure property (listed at $0) is headed to Auction.com, where savvy investors can bid on exclusive deals from the nation's leading online marketplace for foreclosed homes and bank-owned properties.

Golfer's dream ranch home: Priced at $289,900, this 2015 ranch home on Vista View Golf Course features Amish craftsmanship, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, first-floor laundry, and a freshly updated exterior with immediate possession available.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🐛 Mar. 20 - Very Hungry Caterpillar Day: Join the Very Hungry Caterpillar at South Branch Library for a day of tasty treats and healthy eating tips from OSU Extension Services. Crawl on over to Maysville Pike on March 20!

🎭 Mar. 20 - Spring Musical Rehearsal: Young performers take the stage at 4000 Millers Ln for Spring Musical Rehearsal on March 20. Budding talents prepare to dazzle the community with their theatrical skills at Franklin Local Schools.

🎸 Mar. 21 - Backbone Live: Rock out with Backbone as they take over The Downtown Exchange on March 21! Catch this energetic performance at 527 Main St, Zanesville starting at 6:00 PM for an unforgettable Friday night.

🎭 Mar. 21 - Spring Musical Rehearsal: Budding stars take the stage at 4000 Millers Ln for Franklin Local Schools' Spring Musical Rehearsal on March 21. Young performers prepare to dazzle the community with their theatrical talents!

🌽 Mar. 22 - Spring Farmers Market: Fresh finds await at the Spring Farmers Market! Browse seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, honey, and artisan goods at Weasel Boy Brewing Company on March 22. A local treasure trove for food lovers!

🎷 Mar. 22 - Blue Knights Ball: Swing into spring with The Rusty Knights Big Band at the Blue Knights Ball 2025! Join the toe-tapping fun on March 22 at Zanesville High School on Blue Avenue.

🏫 Mar. 22 - School Facility Usage: Join us at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls for the "Busy" community event on March 22! Check the Franklin Local Schools website for complete details about this exciting local gathering.

🏠 Mar. 23 - Zanesville Open House: Step inside your dream home at 1685 Jackson Rd this Saturday! Explore this charming Zanesville property during our open house on March 23, from 12-2PM - no appointment needed.

🙏 In Remembrance

John E. Hoppstetter

John E. Hoppstetter, 89, of Zanesville, passed away on March 18, 2025, at Altercare of Zanesville Nursing Home. Born on September 3, 1935, he worked at Ohio State Mill and Sawyer Mill for many years and enjoyed sitting on his front porch and watching western shows. He is survived by his three daughters, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his dog Penny. John was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Gloria, his son John F. Hoppstetter, his sister, and his son-in-law.