🛒 Rural relief

Good morning, Muskingum County. Access to fresh food shouldn't require a 20-minute drive, which is why HAPCAP's new choice-style pantry at Amesville Elementary represents such a vital lifeline for rural residents. This grocery-like setup not only provides essential nutrition but offers something equally important—dignity through choice, allowing visitors to select items that actually work for their families. With Ohio food assistance programs seeing record demand, this twice-monthly resource arrives at a critical moment for those living below the 200% federal poverty threshold.

History buffs won't want to miss Tom O'Grady's fascinating April 5th presentation on "The Burr Oak Connection" at Chesterhill's genealogical center, where he'll uncover stories of interesting characters from our neighboring counties. Meanwhile, an era has ended in local sports as legendary coach Doug Fisher surprised many with his resignation just before baseball season, concluding a remarkable 30-year career that included 856 combined wins across multiple sports and numerous championships.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Zanesville

42°

72°

New Concord

38°

72°

South Zanesville

42°

72°

Roseville

42°

72°

Dresden

42°

72°

Frazeysburg

38°

71°

Philo

38°

72°

Fultonham

42°

72°

Norwich

42°

72°

Adamsville

38°

72°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🛒 Rural Ohio town gets vital food access with new choice-style pantry. HAPCAP has opened a grocery-like food pantry at Amesville Elementary, bringing relief to residents who previously faced a 20-minute drive to Athens for food. The pantry allows visitors to select their own groceries from shelves stocked with produce, staples, and refrigerated items—a model praised for providing dignity and appropriate food choices. With Ohio seeing record high demand for food assistance programs, the pantry serves anyone below 200% of the federal poverty line and is open twice monthly. Officials hope more families will utilize the service as awareness grows.

📚 Tom O'Grady to share "The Burr Oak Connection" at genealogical center. The local historian will discuss interesting characters from Morgan, Athens, and Perry Counties during an April 5th event at the Multicultural Genealogical Center in Chesterhill, Ohio. O'Grady's presentation stems from his research into the history of areas submerged by the Congressman Tom Jenkins Dam. With an impressive background including roles on the Great Lakes, military service, and 40 years teaching astronomy at Ohio University, O'Grady brings extensive knowledge of Ohio's cultural and natural history. The free event runs from 1:00-3:00 pm and includes a light lunch.

🏀 Legendary Sheridan coach ends 30-year career with surprise resignation. Doug Fisher stepped down as baseball coach just two weeks before the season started, citing that his "heart wasn't in it." Fisher leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of 856 combined wins between basketball and baseball, including 401 baseball victories, 286 wins as girls basketball coach, and 154 wins with the boys team. His accomplishments include multiple MVL titles, a Division II regional basketball title in 2004, and a state basketball tournament appearance in 2019. Fisher, who will also retire from teaching, indicated recent changes in administrative support contributed to his decision.

Updated mobile on rented lot: Priced at $74,500, this updated 2-bed, 2-bath mobile home offers ample space with a step-down kitchen, master suite with soaking tub, new appliances, and covered deck, but sits on a rented lot for $375 monthly.

Timeless Brick Ranch Great Location: Priced at $259,900, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath brick ranch offers a timeless exterior, natural light-filled living room, sunroom for morning coffee, and a fenced yard, all within minutes of amenities in a sought-after neighborhood.

Spacious home with bonus room: This charming $255,000 home features an open concept living area with cozy details, including a vaulted wood ceiling in dining area, updated kitchen, and a 400 sqft bonus room, plus a partially finished basement with walkout access.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏫 Apr. 2 - Franklin Schools Facility Use: Mystery event at 397 Oak St in Duncan Falls! Check out what's happening on April 2nd by visiting the Franklin Local Schools facility request page for complete details.

🏫 Apr. 2 - School Facility Use: Details unavailable for the "Busy" event at 4000 Millers Ln on April 2. Check Franklin Local Schools' website for the latest information about this community happening.

🏫 Apr. 3 - Facility Booking: Busy event happening at 4000 Millers Ln in Duncan Falls on April 3! Check the Franklin Local Schools facility calendar for complete details about this community gathering.

🎨 Apr. 4 - Downtown First Friday Art: Stroll through Downtown Zanesville's First Friday Art Walk on April 4! Explore local galleries, studios, and small businesses while supporting talented artists, musicians, and restaurants—all open at once for your enjoyment.

🎸 Apr. 5 - Ethan Timm Live: Ohio musician Ethan Timm brings his soulful rock and roll to The Downtown Exchange on April 5! Catch this old soul's passionate performance as he delivers songs worth remembering at 527 Main St, Zanesville.

🌱 Apr. 5 - Zanesville Spring Farmers Market: Fresh flavors await at the Spring Farmers Market at Weasel Boy Brewing! Browse seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, honey, baked goods and artisan treasures on April 5 at 126 Muskingum Ave.

🧘 Apr. 5 - Intro to Yoga Series: Find your zen at Intro to Yoga with Sandy on April 5! Begin your yoga journey at 1100 Brandywine Blvd in Zanesville, where you'll learn all the basics to fall in love with this ancient practice.

🏠 Apr. 6 - RENT 2025: Experience the iconic musical "RENT-2025" at Zanesville Community Theatre on April 6! This powerful story of love and resilience comes alive on stage at 940 Findley Ave, Zanesville.

🙏 In Remembrance

Lori Ann Kennedy

Lori Wood-Kennedy, 61, of Zanesville, passed away on March 28, 2025, at her home under hospice care. Born on January 10, 1964, she enjoyed tanning, poolside activities, and spending time with her dog Buddy, but most cherished moments with her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her sons Dustin and Corey Wood, spouse Dale Kennedy, three brothers, six grandchildren, and several close friends and relatives. Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Sarah Wilson, her son Jeremy Wood, and her sister Sallie Jones.

James R. Cooper

James R. "Jim" Cooper, 76, of Hopewell, passed away on March 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. A dedicated worker in the tire industry and an employee at Crystal Springs Golf Course, Jim was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast who particularly enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a member of the Hopewell Free Methodist Church and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deborah, along with his four children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members. Following Jim's wishes, a cremation will take place with no immediate services planned.

Robert A. Walker

Robert A. Walker, a 90-year-old resident of Zanesville, passed away on March 30, 2025, at his home. Born in Malta, Ohio in 1934, he was a St. Nicholas Church member who worked at Big Bear, Meta Gold, and Borden Dairy throughout his career. Robert was an avid sports fan who loved the Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, and Ohio State Buckeyes, but was most known for being a devoted family man. He is survived by 2 children, 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, while being preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Margaret, two children, and several siblings.

Roy G. Morrison

Roy Grover Morrison, 89, of Zanesville, passed away on March 30, 2025, at the Oaks at Northpointe Nursing Home. Born in Zanesville in 1935, Roy worked for United Technologies for 37 years before retiring. He was a devoted man of faith who cherished his late wife Naomi, frequently mentioning her and hosting Christmas parties together during their life. Roy was an avid Ohio State Football fan who never missed a game and was known for always wearing Ohio State hats. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and family members, while being preceded in death by his wife Naomi, two children, two brothers, and his dog Barney.