🌉 Bridge to hope

Good morning, Pike County. April 23rd marks a turning point in our community's approach to recovery as Operation BRIDGE transforms Yoctangee Park's Armory Gym into a hub of connection and healing. This innovative event, running 10am-6pm for two days, represents a powerful shift in how we address addiction challenges—bringing together education, health resources, and NARCAN distribution under the meaningful theme "Let's talk about recovery."

While looking forward to new beginnings, we also honor those who've shaped our community's foundation. Air Force veteran Charlie Johnson's passing leaves a lasting legacy after decades of service both to his country and to Jackson through his dedicated work with veterans' organizations and local civic groups. Meanwhile, Scioto County's road crews are preparing for spring maintenance operations throughout the area—a small but essential reminder that community infrastructure, like community healing, requires ongoing attention and care.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Waverly

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77°

Piketon

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Beaver

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Latham

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Stockdale

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏥 Chillicothe event aims to bridge recovery and enforcement efforts. Operation BRIDGE, scheduled for April 23-24 at the Armory Gym in Yoctangee Park, will offer community discussions and training focused on recovery support. The Ross County Health District is leading this initiative in partnership with local and state agencies. Visitors can access education, health programs, NARCAN distribution, and treatment resources between 10am and 6pm both days. The event's theme, "Let's talk about recovery," underscores its mission to connect recovery services with interdiction data gathering.

🪖 Air Force veteran Charlie Johnson left a lasting legacy in Jackson, Ohio. The 72-year-old passed away on March 20, 2025, after serving his country from 1971-1981 in Germany, Korea, Washington D.C., and other locations. A devoted community member, Johnson was active in the Jackson Jaycees, Disabled American Veterans Chapter #45, Jackson Amvets Post 84, and the First Presbyterian Church. He called bingo at the DAV for many years and served as honor guard chaplain. Visitation and services will be held April 4, with burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery with military honors.

🚧 Scioto County Engineer announces roadwork schedule for the week ahead. Darren C. LeBrun released the county's maintenance plan, which includes mowing operations throughout the area. All scheduled work is weather-dependent, allowing for possible adjustments if conditions change. The announcement is part of the county's regular updates on transportation infrastructure and traffic management activities.

Secluded forest retreat nature paradise: This 31-acre property on a hardwood ridgetop in Pike County offers a secluded off-grid cabin with stunning valley views, trail network, and direct access to Pike State Forest for $150,000.

Wooded sanctuary with peaceful pond: For just $29,900, enjoy this wooded sanctuary featuring a serene pond at the lane's end. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or those dreaming of building their own retreat in nature.

New Cape Cod dream home: Priced at $235,000, this newly constructed Cape Cod home boasts a spacious front porch, open floor plan with custom kitchen, first-floor owner's suite, and two upstairs bedrooms with shared bath.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎤 Apr. 5 - Jayce Turley Live: Join Jayce Turley for a special performance at The Grove in Piketon on April 5! Enjoy an evening of entertainment at this charming venue located at 5495 Wakefield Mound Rd.

🏃 Apr. 7 - Piketon JH Track Invitational: Young athletes take to the track at the Piketon JH Invitational! Catch MileSplits' official coverage of this exciting middle school competition on April 7 at Piketon High School.

🔍 Apr. 7 - Waverly Chapter Inspection: Join the Waverly Chapter Inspection on April 7 at 108 N High St in Peebles, OH. Come support your local chapter and connect with community members at this special gathering.

🏃 Apr. 10 - Waverly JH Track Invitational: Young athletes take to the track at the Waverly JH Invitational! Cheer on middle school competitors at Waverly High School (1 Tiger Dr) on Thursday, April 10th in this exciting MileSplits-official meet.

🏍️ Apr. 11 - Weekend Off-Road Adventure: Rev up your engines for a weekend of off-road adventure at 844 Wickline Rd! Just $25 per vehicle plus $5 per passenger includes camping and riding all weekend. Don't forget those seatbelts!

🎗️ Apr. 12 - Cancer Victims Town Hall: Join concerned citizens at Piketon High School for a televised town hall meeting about cancer impacts in Pike, Scioto, and neighboring counties. Don't Dump on Us and WKRC's Duane Pohlman host this important community conversation on April 12.

🪓 Apr. 12 - Ohio Hatchet Wrestling Returns: Ohio Hatchet Wrestling makes its electrifying comeback at Piketon High School on April 12! Witness the epic return of this high-energy sport that's guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat.

👸 Apr. 13 - Little Miss Redstreak: Who will be crowned Little Miss Redstreak? Join the excitement at Piketon High School on April 13 for this charming community pageant celebrating our youngest local talent. 1414 Piketon Rd, Piketon, OH.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carolyn J. Newman

Carolyn J. Newman, 91, of Waverly, Ohio, passed away on March 29, 2025, at her home. Born on July 27, 1933, in Portsmouth, Ohio, she was married to Richard Dale Newman for 46 years until his death in 1999. Carolyn is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and two siblings. A homemaker and member of Waverly First Baptist Church, she will be laid to rest at Evergreen Union Cemetery following graveside services on April 2, 2025.