🍩 Donut dominators

Good morning, Muskingum County. A sweet victory has put our community on the national map as Donald's Donuts clinched the title of best donut shop in America, beating out corporate giants in USA Today's prestigious contest. The third-generation family business has been drawing pre-dawn lines since 1960, with owner Tom Warne humbly crediting their passionate customers rather than their cream-filled confections for the honor. It seems Zanesville knows something about exceptional local treasures that the rest of the country is just discovering.

Summer adventures are making a splash across the region as over 1,000 tubers recently descended on the Hocking River for the popular Tube-A-Rama festival, combining recreation with river conservation efforts. Meanwhile, Barnesville is already looking ahead to fall festivities, with tourism director Jackee Pugh selected to cut the ribbon at the iconic Pumpkin Festival this September, celebrating both massive gourds and the small-town spirit that makes our corner of Ohio special.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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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

🏞️ Over 1,000 tubes splash into Hocking River for summer fun. Adventure Pro Outdoors' 7th annual Tube-A-Rama event draws visitors from as far as California to float down the scenic waterway. The three-day festival attracts diverse participants ranging from 4 to 90 years old, primarily tourists seeking refreshment after hiking. Beyond recreation, the event promotes environmental stewardship through the H2Ohio Rivers program, distributing reusable trash bags and educating visitors about river conservation. Local businesses in Nelsonville also benefit from the influx of visitors during this popular summer kick-off celebration.

🎃 Belmont County's tourism chief to cut ribbon at iconic Pumpkin Festival. Jackee Pugh has been selected as the official ribbon cutter for the 2025 Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, scheduled for September 25-28. The festival organizers praised her warm personality, dedication to the community, and love for hometown traditions. Pugh expressed surprise and honor at being chosen, noting the festival is one of the county's biggest events, showcasing massive pumpkins, talented growers, and delicious food. The celebration brings visitors from across the region while highlighting Barnesville's community spirit through decorated homes and storefronts.

🍩 Small-town bakery beats America's donut giants in national contest. Donald's Donuts in Zanesville, Ohio has been crowned the best donut shop in the country by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The family-owned business, serving sweet treats since 1960 and now in its third generation, has seen lines forming early with fans showing such support that they've sold out by mid-morning. Owner Tom Warne credits their success not to having the "best donuts in America" but to having the "best fanbase in America." With production starting as early as 12:30 AM to meet demand for their popular cream-filled donuts, the award-winning shop has no plans to slow down.

Renovated country home needs love: This 3-bedroom, 2-bath country-setting home is listed at $215,000, featuring new bath fixtures, Pergo flooring, fresh paint, and updated roof and systems, with potential for basement conversion on a half-acre lot.

Updated 2023 quiet family gem: This adorable home, fully renovated in 2023 and listed at $225,000, offers three bedrooms, one bathroom with dual sinks, and sits on a 0.3-acre lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the Maysville School district.

Affordable three-bed Zanesville home: This charming $159,900 Zanesville home offers three updated bedrooms on two parcels totaling 0.179 acres, with the convenience of one-level living in a quiet yet accessible neighborhood.

🙏 In Remembrance

Urban R. Lacerte

Urban Rhys Lacerte was born stillborn on June 19, 2025, at Genesis Healthcare, leaving an indelible mark on many hearts despite his silent entry into the world. He is survived and deeply loved by his parents Troy and Taylor Wutrick Lacerte, his sister Navie, and numerous family members and friends who had anticipated his arrival. Though his time was brief, Urban was cherished from conception and his family will carry his memory eternally. Following a private cremation, the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord is providing support to the Lacerte family during their time of grief.

Claudell A. "Tony" Hill

Claudell A. "Tony" Hill, 80, of Zanesville, passed away on June 20, 2025, at Cedar Hill Healthcare Center. Pastor Tony dedicated his life to serving as a pastor at Burns Church of God and Prophecy in Tennessee until his retirement and found joy in studying the Bible and spending time with his family. He is survived by his daughters Annette and Denise, sons Leon and Scottie, eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and brothers. Pastor Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Irene Hill, who passed away in September 2024, and his parents Clyde and Rachael Hill.

Mary L. Curtis

Mary Lee Curtis, 74, passed away on June 19, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones at her home in New Concord, Ohio. Born on March 5, 1951, in Zanesville, Ohio, she was an accomplished nurse whose compassionate care touched many lives. Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years, Clay Curtis, their two children, four grandchildren, several "bonus children" and grandchildren, and her sister. Known for her legendary cooking, love of music, and ability to bring people together, Mary's family will hold a celebration of life at a later date in lieu of formal services.

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🌊 Midnight rescuers

🚒 Highway inferno

🌤 Sky Skoop

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

🙏 In Remembrance