Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Muskingum County / April 1, 2025

🧟‍♂️ Death exaggerated

Muskingum County • April 1, 2025

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Good morning, Muskingum County. In an extraordinary mix-up that sounds straight from a television drama, 25-year-old Christian Black found himself in the unusual position of being very much alive despite police reports of his death. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is now facing questions about how such a significant error occurred, while Black remains hospitalized at Miami Valley Hospital following an incident that happened after his arrest for an alleged car theft.

Our community is also reflecting on lives well-lived as we remember two remarkable individuals. Jillene "Jill" Shaw Hoberg, who passed away at 90, leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service in Coshocton County's courthouses and thoughtful gestures like sending cards and preserving newspaper clippings of loved ones' achievements. Similarly, Jon Els, a U.S. Air Force veteran and civic leader who passed just shy of his 90th birthday, is remembered for his contributions to the Rotary, Lions Club, and his adventures with his wife of 67 years.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🕊️ Beloved courthouse clerk Jillene "Jill" Shaw Hoberg leaves lasting legacy. The Coshocton native, who passed away on March 27, 2025, at age 90, dedicated her career to service in all Coshocton County Courthouses. After retiring as deputy clerk, she continued part-time work at Probate Court, demonstrating her commitment to local governance. A Roscoe High School graduate and Methodist Church member, Jill was known for her thoughtful gestures, including sending cards and laminating newspaper articles celebrating loved ones' achievements. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and brother, with a private graveside service planned and a future celebration of her life.

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🚨 Man reported dead by police is actually still alive. Christian Black, a 25-year-old from Zanesville, was incorrectly announced as deceased by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office despite being alive in Miami Valley Hospital. The confusion arose after Black was arrested following an alleged car theft, then reportedly injured himself while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail. Multiple agencies provided conflicting information about Black's status, with the coroner's office confirming they received reports of his death but don't have custody of his body. Family members have not spoken publicly about the situation as various law enforcement agencies face questions about the erroneous death report.

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🕊️ Jon Els leaves behind a legacy of kindness and service. The West Lafayette resident passed away peacefully at age 89, just one day before his 90th birthday. A U.S. Air Force veteran and respected foreman at several companies, Els was known for his civic involvement with the Rotary, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Following retirement, he and his wife Marge (who passed in 2024 after 67 years of marriage) enjoyed traveling in their RV and participating in the Coshocton Campers Club. Els is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Remodeled ranch paradise on acreage: This ranch-style home in Zanesville is listed at $369,000, featuring 2,000 square feet with a 2024 remodel on 1.99 acres, complete with a new roof, spacious kitchen and master suite.
Real estate listing image Budget-friendly beauty with potential: Priced at $255,000, this beautiful home has an open-concept living area, renovated kitchen with new finishes, a bonus room perfect for a bedroom or office, partial basement with walkout, and outdoor amenities including a deck and new firepit.
Real estate listing image Sleek Central Condo With Garage: Priced at $209,900, this 2-bedroom condo boasts an open floor plan with 2 full baths, split layout for privacy, attached garage, and energy-efficient central location in The Colony Condos behind Panera Bread on Maple Avenue.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏫 Apr. 1 - School Facility Booking: Mysterious "Busy" event happening at 4000 Millers Ln in Duncan Falls on April 1st. Check out the Franklin Local Schools facility request page for more details on this intriguing community gathering.
🔄 Apr. 2 - Facility Reserved: Join us at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls on April 2! Check the Franklin Local Schools facility calendar for complete details about this community event. Visit the website for registration information.
🏫 Apr. 2 - School Facility Use: Busy event at 4000 Millers Ln in Duncan Falls! Check out all the details at Franklin Local Schools' online portal for this April 2nd gathering. Visit the website for complete information.
🏠 Apr. 3 - Smith House Open: Step into history at The Smith House open house! Tour this 1830 landmark at 5255 W Pike, Zanesville on April 3 from 5-6PM. A rare chance to explore Vylla Home's historic Ohio property.
🏫 Apr. 3 - School Space Reserved: Curious about what's happening at 4000 Millers Ln in Duncan Falls? Check out this busy community event on April 3rd! Visit the Franklin Local Schools website for complete details.
🏫 Apr. 4 - School Facility Use: Join us at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls for a community gathering on April 4! Check the Franklin Local Schools facility request link for complete details about this upcoming event.
🎸 Apr. 5 - Ethan Timm's Soulful Rock: Soulful rocker Ethan Timm brings his passionate performance to The Downtown Exchange on April 5. Catch this old soul's memorable tunes at 527 Main St, Zanesville, for an evening of smooth musical vibes.
🌱 Apr. 5 - Spring Farmers Market: Fresh spring bounty awaits at Weasel Boy Brewing's Farmers Market! Browse seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, honey, baked goods and artisan soaps on April 5 at 126 Muskingum Ave in Zanesville.
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