🔥 Community heartbeat

Good morning, Muskingum County. For 75 years, the Amesville Firemen Festival has been more than just a fundraiser—it's become the heartbeat of a community. What began as a financial lifeline for local firefighters has evolved into a cherished tradition where families like Helen Withem's have gathered since 1950. As volunteer numbers dwindle from 40 to just 10 firefighters today, these gatherings remind us how deeply intertwined small-town identity and community service truly are.

Meanwhile, local talent continues to shine through different lenses. Photographer Paula Lively has captured everything from NFL games to Native American pow wows since turning professional in 2010, proving Zanesville produces world-class artists. And for families facing food insecurity, relief arrives next month when the Southeast Ohio Foodbank brings its pop-up distribution to Meigs County, offering shelf-stable meals and fresh produce to households in need.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Zanesville

59°

91°

New Concord

61°

90°

South Zanesville

59°

91°

Roseville

59°

91°

Dresden

59°

90°

Frazeysburg

59°

90°

Philo

59°

91°

Fultonham

59°

91°

Norwich

59°

91°

Adamsville

59°

91°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🔥 Small town celebrates 75 years of firefighting community spirit. The Amesville Firemen Festival marked its diamond anniversary, bringing together residents to support their volunteer fire department. While once a primary fundraiser, rising costs mean the festival now serves more as a community gathering than a financial lifeline. The Ames-Bern Volunteer Fire Department faces twin challenges of declining recruitment—down from 40 firefighters in the 1980s to just 10 today—and increasing service calls. For many attendees like Helen Withem, who attended the first festival in 1950, the annual event has evolved into a cherished family reunion.

📸 Zanesville photographer captures life through her remarkable lens. Paula R. Lively transformed from landscape hobbyist to professional photographer in 2010, building an impressive portfolio spanning diverse subjects. Her camera has taken her across America, from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, documenting everything from NFL games to Native American pow wows. Lively's versatile career includes photographing celebrities, concerts, political rallies, and serving as the grand photographer for the Ohio Freemasons. Her work beautifully showcases both distant landscapes and local treasures like Putnam Hill Park.

🍲 Free food coming to Meigs County families next month. The Southeast Ohio Foodbank will host a pop-up food distribution event at the Meigs County Health Department on Tuesday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In partnership with OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels, the mini mobile distribution will provide each household with a shelf-stable meals box and supplemental produce as available. Residents can find the Health Department at 112 E. Memorial Drive in Pomeroy.

Modern farmhouse with rustic accents: Priced at $299,000, this West Muskingum home boasts a new roof and updated interior, while featuring oak hardwood floors and a finished basement with full bath, plus a 24 x 28 pole barn.

Upgraded country estate near amenities: This $575,000 country home offers peaceful living on nearly 10 wooded acres with upgraded features like cherry wood trim, multiple kitchens, new appliances, and a workshop, all within minutes of amenities.

Rustic beams near I-70: For $150,000, this charming two-story home offers 3 bedrooms, rustic touches like exposed beams, and a fenced backyard in a convenient location near I-70, schools, and local amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍖 Jul. 23 - Bills BBQ Dinner Meetup: Grab your appetite and join fellow foodies at Bill's Real Pit BBQ for a mouthwatering dinner meetup! Connect with the Zanesville community over smoky flavors on July 23 at 5945 Frazeysburg Rd, Nashport.

💪 Jul. 23 - Senior Chair Fitness: Get moving at Senior Fitness every Tuesday at Roseville Branch Library! Join us for gentle chair exercises designed to motivate seniors to become more active in their daily lives. July 23, 41 N Main St.

🎸 Jul. 23 - Wednesday Night Live: Grab your instrument and hit the stage at Wednesday Night Live @ Just 1 More! Join Zanesville's newest open mic night on July 23, with PA system provided by Co-Lab Productions. Just show up and play!

🌿 Jul. 23 - Conservation Kids Camp: Young explorers can dive into nature at the Conservation Kids Summer Camp at Ohio University Zanesville on July 23! Register through Muskingum Valley Park District's website for this exciting summer adventure.

⚡ Jul. 24 - AC/DC Tribute Rock Show: Rock out under the stars as AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck brings electrifying entertainment to Secrest Auditorium on July 24. Don't miss this authentic rock 'n' roll experience at 334 Shinnick St, Zanesville!

💦 Jul. 25 - Fire Truck Summer Splash: Make a splash at the Summer Reading wrap-up celebration! Join the New Concord Fire Department at the local library on July 25 for water fun and community excitement at Splash-Fest.

🇺🇸 Jul. 25 - The Patriot Film Screening: "The Patriot" brings Mel Gibson's Revolutionary War drama to life at Elson Hall on July 25. Experience this tale of a reluctant farmer drawn into the American Revolution when conflict hits home.

🥒 Jul. 26 - Picklefest 2025: Get your pickle on at Riverside Park for Picklefest 2025! Join the morning fun with food, friendly competition, and all things pickled on July 26 from 8-11 AM at Jaycee Riverside Park.

🙏 In Remembrance

William E. "Bill" Lyons Sr

William E. "Bill" Lyons Sr., 75, passed away on July 20, 2025, after battling ALS, surrounded by his family at Beckett House in New Concord. Born in Roseville, Ohio, Bill worked as a mould maker at several potteries before retiring from Dollar General Warehouse, known for his work ethic and mentoring abilities. A man of faith and patriotism, he served as treasurer of the Roseville American Legion Post 71 as a member of the Sons of the Legion. Bill leaves behind his children, grandchildren, siblings, and numerous other family members and friends, with services to be held on July 25, 2025, at Ross-Frash Funeral Home.

Philip Michael Dailey

Philip Michael Dailey, 84, of Zanesville, passed away on July 20, 2025, at Genesis Hospital CCU. He worked in maintenance at Rockwell International, was a member of the Eagles, and served as a Union Representative and former president of UAW #1037. Philip enjoyed bowling and golfing but was primarily devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Jan, five children, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his sister Patty, with funeral services scheduled for July 24, 2025, at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home.

Reverend Ronald G. Miller

Reverend Ronald Gilbert Miller, Sr., aged 90, of Nashport, passed away on July 17, 2025, after serving nearly 50 years as a pastor at both the Church of the Nazarene and the United Methodist Church. Born on July 2, 1935, in Warren, PA, and an Army veteran who served in Germany, Rev. Miller is survived by his seven children, 23 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife Ramona "Jeannie" Miller, who passed away just before their 63rd anniversary, as well as several other family members. A memorial service will be held on August 29, 2025, at the Zanesville Northside Church of the Nazarene.

Jonda D. Harper

Jonda D. Harper, 64, of Zanesville, passed away on July 20, 2025, at The Ohio State University Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born in Jacksonville, FL in 1961, she worked in retail marketing and was devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband of forty years, Jerry Lee Harper Jr., three children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends. The funeral service will be held on July 24, 2025, at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home in Zanesville, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery.