🔥 Fire meets fines

Good morning, Pike County. Fire and ice collided in Chillicothe this week when Jason Humphries took an unusual stand for his right to maintain a small wood fire in the McDonald's parking lot. Despite officers' repeated requests and his incoherent responses, Humphries remained committed to his impromptu bonfire until a trip to Ross County Jail helped cool his enthusiasm for outdoor cooking in unauthorized locations.

Meanwhile, as one man insisted on bringing unwanted heat, the Scioto Valley Association of Realtors is working to provide much-needed warmth through their "Coats for Kids" drive. Collection boxes await your donations until December 2025, proving the community thinks long-term when it comes to compassion. Over in Scioto County, a different kind of impact occurred when a truck struck the CR 7 overpass, forcing its closure until inspectors can assess the damage – a reminder that sometimes our infrastructure needs as much attention as our neighbors.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Waverly

28°

40°

Piketon

28°

40°

Beaver

29°

39°

Latham

27°

39°

Stockdale

29°

39°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🔥 Man refused to extinguish parking lot fire at McDonald's. Jason Humphries was arrested early Monday after police found him with a small wood fire in the McDonald's parking lot in Chillicothe, Ohio. When approached, he spoke incoherently and repeatedly refused officers' requests to put out the fire. After declining to provide identification, Humphries was arrested for Obstructing Official Business and received a summons for the open burn violation. He was transported to Ross County Jail pending a court appearance.

🧥 Local realtors launch "Coats for Kids" drive to warm hearts and bodies. The Scioto Valley Association of Realtors is collecting new winter wear through December 9th, 2025, to help children stay warm next winter. President Bud Fausnaugh says they started in spring when retail stores mark down winter items. Donations of coats, hats, gloves, and scarves can be dropped off at ERA Martin and Associates in Chillicothe, with items distributed through the Community Action Program across Ross, Jackson, Vinton, and Pike Counties. Monetary contributions are also welcome for this heartwarming initiative.

🚚 Truck strike forces Ohio overpass closure after Monday collision. The incident occurred on County Road 7 where it crosses State Route 52 near Franklin Furnace in Scioto County. Officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation reported that a truck carrying heavy equipment hit the bridge around 2 p.m. Monday. The CR 7 overpass remains closed until inspectors can assess the damage, with an inspection expected Tuesday. Meanwhile, SR 52 continues to operate normally beneath the damaged structure.

Historic gem needs TLC: Historical haven for $300,000: This spacious 4,240 sq ft home on 2.5 acres offers breathtaking views, original woodwork, and solid bones, needing just cosmetic updates to restore its timeless charm while maintaining proximity to town amenities.

Urban lot awaits development: A vacant lot in the town center is up for grabs at $59,900. The property offers a prime location for commercial development, ready for building in a convenient urban setting.

Budget ranch near downtown Waverly: Charming $139,000 ranch offers two bedrooms, one bath with modern renovations including new flooring, bathroom fixtures, and water heater. Enjoy a low-maintenance yard just minutes from downtown Waverly.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎨 Mar. 6 - Teen Freestyle Painting Session: Let your creativity flow at Freestyle Painting! Teens can unleash their artistic imagination at Wheelersburg Library on March 6, with all supplies provided. No reservations needed—just bring your wildest ideas!

🏍️ Mar. 6 - Legion Riders Meeting: Calling all Legion Riders! Roll into Post 142 at 201 James Rd in Waverly on March 6 for the Legion Riders Meeting where we'll discuss all things related to our American Legion Riders group.

🛍️ Mar. 7 - Flash Sale Day: Score incredible deals at the two-day blowout sale on Emmitt Avenue! Swing by 615 W Emmitt in Waverly on March 7 for an unforgettable shopping experience with special discounts and surprises.

📚 Mar. 7 - META Inventory Workshop: META Solutions hosts an exclusive workshop for library clients on March 7, revealing secrets to perfect inventory management. Join fellow professionals at the Piketon location from 9 AM to 3 PM to elevate your library's collection.

⚾ Mar. 8 - Softball: Pike @ Greenup: Catch the excitement as Pike County Central takes on Greenup County in a thrilling varsity softball showdown! Head to Greenup County High School on Saturday, March 8 at 1pm for this non-conference matchup.

🥷 Mar. 8 - Ninja Run Race Series: Channel your inner ninja at Yoctangee Park's multi-distance run! Join the US Road Running Club for their 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, or Half Marathon on March 8 in Chillicothe, OH.

🦅 Mar. 8 - Eagle Extravaganza Reverse Raffle: Try your luck at Eastern Eagle Extravaganza 2025! Join the excitement at Eastern Middle/High School on March 8 for a reverse raffle where the last ticket drawn wins a whopping $5,000 cash.

🙏 In Remembrance

Mary Elizabeth Elliott

Mary Elizabeth Elliott, 65, of Waverly, Ohio, died at home on March 3, 2025. Born on July 9, 1959, in Portsmouth, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Iris Dixon. She is survived by her three children (Evan Smart, Aaron Elliott, and Camryn Elliott), four grandchildren, and three siblings. Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly is handling the arrangements.

Mary Elliott

Waverly Mary Elizabeth Elliott, 65, passed away at her home in Waverly, Ohio on March 3, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio on July 9, 1959 to the late Ed Dixon and Iris Connett Dixon, she is survived by her three children: Evan Smart, Aaron Elliott, and Camryn Elliott, all of Waverly. She also leaves behind four grandchildren—Gracelyn Smart, Dawson Smart, Kaiyzen Scowden, and Madison Elliott—as well as her siblings John Dixon, Shawn Dixon, and Patricia Dadosky. Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly is handling the arrangements.

Oran Eugene "Gene" Brodess

Oran "Gene" Eugene Brodess, 94, of Piketon, Ohio passed away on February 23, 2025, at The Pavilion at Piketon. Born on May 17, 1930, in Piketon to John and Flora Brodess, he served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1953. After working as a Boiler Engineer for 30 years in Columbus, Ohio, he returned to Piketon to enjoy his retirement. He is survived by his sister Bonnie Meadows, sister-in-law Donna Brodess, and several nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.