Good morning, Pike County. The quiet impact of a life well-lived echoes through our community this week as we remember Felix Melaragno, whose 95-year journey included everything from managing the Central Center Big Bear Store for 35 years to serving three terms as Ross County Treasurer. While one generation passes the torch, another blazes new trails—Cherry Hill Primary and Belle Aire Intermediate schools have earned elite recognition in Governor DeWine's Science of Reading program, placing them among the top 1% of Ohio schools implementing evidence-based literacy practices.
Meanwhile, the foundation for better regional mental health continues taking shape as Paint Valley ADAMH moves forward with an $8 million behavioral health crisis center in Ross County. With land purchased and construction set to begin next month, the facility represents a significant investment in addressing critical community needs when it opens in 2026, complementing mobile response teams already serving local youth.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
52%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🕊️ Ross County's beloved leader Felix Melaragno leaves lasting legacy at 95. The former county treasurer and longtime Big Bear store manager passed away peacefully on March 20th in Columbus. Melaragno was known for his 35 years managing the Central Center Big Bear Store before serving three terms as Ross County Treasurer. A dedicated family man, Air Force veteran, and active church member, he moved to Columbus in his late 70s to be closer to his grandchildren. Felix is survived by his sister Gilda, brother Victor, two sons, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
📚 Two Washington schools shine in Ohio's literacy elite. Cherry Hill Primary and Belle Aire Intermediate were recognized by Governor Mike DeWine for exemplary work in raising literacy achievement, placing them in the top 1% of Ohio schools. Only 47 schools across the state received this honor through the Science of Reading Recognition Program announced in DeWine's 2025 State of the State Address. The schools demonstrated strong implementation of evidence-based reading practices and significant student progress. "Reading is the key to learning. Reading is the key to life," said DeWine, celebrating schools bringing science-backed reading methods to their classrooms.
🏥 Highland County gets update on new behavioral health crisis center. Paint Valley ADAMH representatives told commissioners they've purchased land in Ross County for a facility set to open by April 2026. The $8 million state-funded project will include a 23-hour observation unit for walk-in crisis support, with construction beginning next month. Meanwhile, mobile response teams are already serving youth in Highland County, with adult services starting soon. Regional data shows alcohol and marijuana use below state averages, though tobacco use remains significantly higher in the area at 35% compared to the state's 27%.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Secluded forest retreat awaits hunters: $150,000 for 31 acres in Pike County with secluded off-grid cabin, hardwood ridges, stunning valley views, and access to Pike State Forest—a deer and turkey paradise ready for your personal touches.
Modern farmhouse tons of space: Priced at $459,900, this newly constructed farmhouse-style home features a wrap-around front porch, vaulted ceilings, custom kitchen, main floor primary suite, and multiple bedrooms upstairs, with a partially finished basement not included in the 3,294 square feet.
Country estate with everything: Priced at $399,000, this modern country home offers peace on 4.37 acres with hickory floors, vaulted ceilings, finished basement, covered porch, pool, wood furnace, and a pole barn with full bath.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
-Galatians 6:9
|
|