🛩️ Airport makeover

Good morning, Pike County. History and heritage run deep in our region, from the 200-year-old Chillicothe paper mill receiving a crucial reprieve until December to the Ross County Airport's temporary closure for a much-needed makeover. While the mill's pause offers nearly 1,000 workers a temporary lifeline amid closure threats, the airport's seven-week renovation represents investment in our transportation infrastructure—even if pilots will need to adjust their flight plans between May and July.

Meanwhile, aging well isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving, according to organizers of Scioto County's upcoming wellness event. "Live Well, Age Well: Starting Now!" invites adults 50+ to gather at Portsmouth's Cornerstone Church on May 1, 2025, for free health screenings, interactive sessions on everything from finances to caregiving, and a complimentary breakfast. Those who register by April 25th will also receive lunch and a resource-filled tote bag—practical tools for navigating life's second half with confidence.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Waverly

49°

78°

Piketon

49°

78°

Beaver

49°

79°

Latham

51°

75°

Stockdale

49°

79°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🌟 Scioto County's wellness event invites adults 50+ to thrive, not just age. "Live Well, Age Well: Starting Now!" offers a free interactive experience on May 1, 2025, at Portsmouth's Cornerstone Church, featuring 24 engaging breakout sessions on topics from finances to caregiving. Participants will enjoy complimentary breakfast, health screenings, and—for those who pre-register—lunch and a resource-filled tote bag. The casual yet meaningful event focuses on practical tools for healthier, independent living through partnerships with local organizations. Registration is required by April 25th for this community-building opportunity designed to support, inform, and inspire older adults.

✈️ Ross County Airport closing for major runway makeover in May. The Shoemaker Airport will halt all air traffic from May 4 to approximately July 7, 2025, to complete significant runway rehabilitation and construct two blast pads. Funded primarily through FAA and ODOT grants, the project requires only minimal county funds despite its multi-million dollar scope. Airport officials acknowledge the inconvenience to the aviation community but promise the improvements will enhance the flying experience. Hangar lessees will not be charged rent during the construction period.

🏭 Historic Chillicothe paper mill gets temporary lifeline amid closure threat. U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno announced that Pixelle Specialty Solutions will pause the permanent shutdown of its 200-year-old facility until December, giving officials time to explore alternatives. The mill employs nearly 1,000 workers, with its closure described as potentially "devastating" to the small Ohio community. Both Moreno and Senator Jon Husted criticized private equity firms like H.I.G. Capital for "buying up perfectly functional businesses" and breaking them apart. While the temporary pause offers hope, the long-term fate of the historic mill remains uncertain.

Team	Opponent	Score
Eastern (1-8)
	@ South Gallia	L 10-0
Piketon (4-6-1)
	vs Paint Valley	T 3-3
Waverly (6-3)
	vs South Webster	W 3-2

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Team	Opponent	Score
Eastern (8-5)
	@ South Gallia	W 18-0
Piketon (12-1)
	vs Paint Valley	W 10-0
Waverly (5-7)
	vs South Webster	W 5-3

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious lakeside home under 300k: Priced at $298,000, this charming 4-bedroom split level near Lake White features a cozy family room, 2-car garage, and concrete patio, offering comfortable living with convenient access to local amenities.

Country fixer-upper with outbuildings: Listed for $269,900, this rural ranch home sits on 2.5 acres with a converted garage, barn with electric, carport shed, and storage building. The estate needs some repairs.

Wooded wilderness with private pond: For $29,900, a secluded wooded lot near Chillicothe or Waverly with its own pond, ideal for hunting, fishing, ATVing, or building your dream home in a recreational paradise.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔬 Apr. 23 - Piketon EMIS Lab Day: Get your EMIS questions answered at Piketon's in-person Open Lab on April 23! Join META Solutions at 175 Beaver Creek Rd for personalized support—registration required for this hands-on troubleshooting session.

🌸 Apr. 25 - Pike County Dogwood Festival: Celebrate spring at the Pike County Dogwood Festival! Enjoy live music, car shows, and community fun at the Pike County Fair and Fairgrounds on April 25. A perfect outing for the whole family.

🏐 Apr. 25 - WCA vs RCCA Volleyball: Spike up your Friday night as WCA Boys Varsity Volleyball takes on RCCA in an electrifying non-conference match! Catch all the action at Ross County Christian Academy on April 25 at 5:30pm.

🎸 Apr. 26 - Courtney Jo LIVE: Groove to live music with The Courtney Jo Band at the Dogwood Festival! Bring your dancing shoes to Pike County Fairgrounds on April 26 for this toe-tapping community celebration.

🎹 Apr. 26 - Legion Live: The Keyz: Groove to live rhythms with The Keyz at American Legion Post 142! Stop by 201 James Rd in Waverly on April 26 for an evening of toe-tapping tunes and community spirit.

✨ Apr. 26 - End-of-Year Glow Party: Get your glow on at Waverly Intermediate School's end-of-year bash! Students can enjoy raffles, games, food and a DJ on April 26 at 5 Tiger Dr. Parents must be present.

👜 Apr. 26 - Purse & Tool Bingo: Score big at Green High School's PURSE AND TOOL BINGO on April 26! Snag name-brand treasures while enjoying silent and quarter auctions throughout the evening. Grab your tickets early—none sold at the door!

🛶 Apr. 27 - Mike Doyle Memorial Race: Paddle for a purpose at the Mike Doyle Memorial Canoe and Kayak Race! Join fellow water enthusiasts on April 27 at Lake White State Park, just south of Waverly off S.R. 104 at S.R. 551.

🙏 In Remembrance

Gary Wayne Watkins

Gary W. Watkins passed away on April 19, 2025, at age 77 after battling leukemia for three years. He was married to Nina for 53 years until her passing and is survived by their three children, an unofficially adopted daughter, five grandchildren, and several siblings. Gary retired after 32½ years as an Activity Therapist Administrator with CCI and was a dedicated member of Maple Grove C U Church. He enjoyed family vacations, sports, and bingo, maintaining a positive attitude throughout his illness.

Madeline Madden

Madeline Madden Lacy, 82, of Lucasville, Ohio passed away on April 20, 2025, at the Pavillion at Piketon. Born in Kentucky to Stanley and Lucy Wilburn, she was married twice, first to Wilford Holly Madden and later to Leonard Lacy, both of whom preceded her in death. Madeline is survived by her son Rocky, daughters Brenda and Linda, sixteen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, one brother, and two sisters. A devoted member of Anchor of Hope Church of God, this faithful Christian woman will be laid to rest at Dummit Cemetery following funeral services on April 23, 2025, at Boyer Funeral Home.

Cathy Sue McQuay

Cathy Sue McQuay, 68, of Piketon, passed away on April 20, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Born on October 9, 1956, she is survived by her two children, several grandchildren, and six siblings. Cathy was known for being a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed mushroom hunting and was skilled at baking. Her funeral services will be handled by Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly.