🚰 Spring splash season

Good morning, Muskingum County. Fire hydrants throughout Zanesville will be getting their spring cleaning next week, bringing the familiar springtime ritual of potential water discoloration and pressure changes to neighborhoods from Adamsville Road to downtown. The April 14-18 flushing coincides with multiple road closures, including Dresden Road's weekday shutdowns through April 25 for water main replacement. While these infrastructure updates might temporarily disrupt your routine, they're essential maintenance for our community systems.

Meanwhile, local calendars are filling with opportunities to connect and celebrate. Cambridge Singers are preparing their stylish spring showcase for early May, while the Dresden Fire Department's Applebee's fundraiser offers a perfect excuse to skip cooking on April 22. As Bealls-Home Centric celebrates its anniversary with gift card giveaways, these bright spots of community engagement shine against the backdrop of challenging school funding issues facing districts across southeast Ohio.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🔥 Zanesville residents face water disruptions as city flushes fire hydrants. The flushing will occur April 14-18 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in areas including Adamsville Road and downtown, potentially causing discolored water and reduced pressure. Meanwhile, Dresden Road will close weekdays until April 25 for water main replacement, and the County Engineer's Office announced culvert replacement closures on Old River Road and Narrows Road. In community news, Bealls-Home Centric is celebrating its anniversary with gift card giveaways, and the Dresden Fire Department is holding an Applebee's fundraiser on April 22.

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🎭 Cambridge Singers' spring show headlines Guernsey County's upcoming events. "We've Got Style" will run May 2-4 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, with tickets priced at $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The Guernsey County Farm Bureau is also hosting its annual pork chop dinner on May 9, with reservations due by May 2. Important local meetings include the Cambridge City School Board on April 15 and the Guernsey County Board of DD on April 17. Community members should mark their calendars for these engaging local gatherings.

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🏫 Ohio schools face financial crisis as state funding falls short. Districts across southeast Ohio are cutting staff and programs to address budget shortfalls, with some facing multimillion-dollar deficits. The state's Fair School Funding Plan, designed to ensure quality education regardless of location, is only partially implemented and uses outdated cost data. While legislators claim there isn't enough money to fully fund schools, critics argue the state lacks political will, pointing to hundreds of millions allocated for private school vouchers and stadium bonds. Meanwhile, districts struggle to pass local tax levies, leaving them caught between budget cuts and unhappy voters.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Claymont Mustangs overwhelmed John Glenn 10-3, handing the Little Muskies their fifth straight loss to start the season. The Mustangs' bats came alive in this non-league matchup, improving to 3-6 while John Glenn remains winless and searching for answers on the diamond.Cambridge Bobcats feasted on Maysville pitching in a 16-6 rout, giving the Bobcats their third win of the season. In a quirky scheduling oddity, these same teams faced off in back-to-back games, with Cambridge clearly making the necessary adjustments after their previous meeting with the Panthers.

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

The Claymont Mustangs tamed the Philo Electrics 4-1 in Saturday's non-league showdown, improving to 8-4 on the season. The Electrics, who entered fresh off a 9-6 defeat to Tri-Valley, couldn't generate enough voltage against the Mustangs' defense. Both teams will have déjà vu as they're somehow scheduled to face each other again in their very next game—someone might want to check the scheduler's calendar.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious split level under 250k: Priced at $249,900, this delightful 3-bedroom split level in South Zanesville's Maysville School District offers a modern kitchen, versatile lower level with potential 4th bedroom, and backyard deck perfect for entertaining.

Spacious Historical Haven Modern Garage: Priced at $460,000, this Victorian-style home on an acre in city limits offers timeless charm with modern updates, boasting 6 bedrooms, 3 baths across 3 floors, plus a new 40x40 garage.

Spacious home abundant parking: This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Maysville School District is listed at $289,000, featuring a versatile basement area and generous garage space (2-car attached, 3-car detached) for car enthusiasts or hobbyists.

🙏 In Remembrance

Nelson F. Lanning Nelson F. "Sonny" Lanning, 90, of Zanesville, passed away on April 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. A graduate of Lash High School and U.S. Army veteran, Nelson retired from Ohio Machinery and was deeply involved in community service, including the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department and as a 65-year member of LaFayette Lodge #79 F&AM. He was beloved as "Chuckles" the clown in the Grotto Clown Unit and enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, hunting, and fishing. Nelson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members who will remember him as someone who "can fix anything."

Sheila Ann Brewer Sheila Ann Devoll Brewer, 64, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away on April 11, 2025, at her home with her daughters present. Born in 1961, she worked for many years as a bartender at Dozer's Place, known for her spirited personality. She was a devoted mother, grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to two children. Sheila is survived by her two daughters, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and four siblings, while being preceded in death by her parents and sister Bridgette. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with cremation services handled by Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home.