🎭 Behind the curtain - Muskingum County

Good morning, Muskingum County. Behind the scenes of Perry County's developmental disabilities services lies a remarkable transformation—from an era when doctors advised parents to "forget about" children with disabilities to today's comprehensive support system serving over 500 individuals. What began 65 years ago as the parent-initiated Happy Hour School has evolved into an efficient operation that accomplishes more with less, running on just $9,700 per person while facing growing demand in the coming decade.

The community faces both challenges and creative expressions this week. While a 16-year-old Cumberland teen fights for his life following a serious collision on Ohio 146, the Renner Theatre prepares to tackle difficult themes through art with its production of "Carrie." Opening October 10, this horror musical not only marks the theater's first venture into the genre but also creates space for important conversations about bullying—proving that even Stephen King adaptations can serve a deeper purpose in Muskingum County.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Zanesville

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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

♿ Perry County's DD Board serves 500+ people on a shoestring budget. Superintendent David Couch shared the board's 65-year evolution from the parent-initiated Happy Hour School to a comprehensive county service. Before such programs, children with developmental disabilities were often institutionalized, with doctors advising parents to "forget about them." The board now faces growing demand, expecting 150-200 new individuals needing support over the next decade. Despite serving more people than half of Ohio's counties, they operate efficiently at just $9,700 per person while seeking additional funding through a proposed tax levy.

🚑 Teen driver critically injured after crossing center line on Ohio road. Dylan Sotherden, 16, was airlifted to Grant Hospital after his Dodge Ram collided with an ODOT dump truck on Ohio 146 early Tuesday morning. The dump truck driver, William Green, suffered minor injuries when his vehicle overturned following the impact. Emergency responders closed the highway for several hours while managing the crash scene about one mile east of Millers Lane. The Ohio Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident that left the Cumberland teen fighting for his life.

🎭 "Carrie" musical brings horror to Zanesville's Renner Theatre. Hope Scott stars in the Stephen King adaptation alongside her real-life mother Ashley Bondurant, who plays Carrie's fanatically religious mother. Opening October 10, the production marks the theater's first venture into horror while also serving as a platform to address bullying issues, with resources available for those experiencing abuse. The show contains adult themes and is not recommended for children, with tickets available for $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious half-acre with trees: This charming $255,000 home in West Muskingum School District offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a full basement on a half-acre lot with mature trees and a detached garage.

Zero dollar potential investment opportunity: This foreclosure property is up for grabs on Auction.com with a list price of $0. It may sell below market value, so potential buyers can save the listing to receive alerts about auction dates.

Auction Bargain Awaits Buyers: List price: $0. This foreclosure property from Auction.com might be available below market value; interested buyers should save it to receive updates on auction dates and status changes.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📋 Oct. 9 - MCBDD Board Meeting: Join the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities for their monthly public meeting on October 9 at 5:30pm. Stop by the Administration Building at 1304 Newark Rd, Zanesville to stay informed about community initiatives.

🦅 Oct. 10 - Steve Spires Live: Laugh until your sides ache with comedian Steve Spires at Zanesville's Eagles on October 10! Join the fun at 1275 E Market St for an evening of hilarious entertainment that'll leave you in stitches.

🎓 Oct. 10 - Muskingum 20th Reunion: Calling all Muskies! Return to campus for the 20th Anniversary Reunion at Muskingum University October 10-12, 2025. Reconnect with classmates and celebrate two decades of memories at this special homecoming weekend.

🎸 Oct. 10 - Randy Goin Live: Catch the soulful sounds of Randy Goin as he takes the stage at The Barn-Zanesville on October 10. The live music kicks off at 7pm at 1947 Linden Ave—don't miss this local talent!

🍻 Oct. 11 - Rambler's Octoberfest Fun: Raise your steins at the Fifth Annual Octoberfest in Jeff's Park on October 11! The Roseville Ramblers invite you to enjoy music, food, and crafts during this festive community celebration.

🌽 Oct. 11 - Zanesville Farmers Market: Stock up on fresh local produce at the Zanesville Farmers Market this Saturday from 9am to noon at Adornetto's Pizzeria on Maple Ave. The perfect way to kick off your weekend!

🍬 Oct. 11 - Trail of Treats: Trick-or-treat with a creative twist at the Muskingum Valley Parks District Trail of Treats! Join the Zanesville Museum of Art for Halloween fun at Collegial Woods Trail on October 11.

🎧 Oct. 11 - DJ Naps Spinning Hits: Get your groove on with DJ Naps at The Barn-Zanesville this Friday! Dance to your favorite hits and make song requests from 11pm until close at 1947 Linden Ave.

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