Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Pike County / April 24, 2025

🏠 Home sweet boom

Pike County • April 24, 2025

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Good morning, Pike County. Since 1812, Yoctangee Park has been the beating heart of Chillicothe, transforming with the seasons from a summer oasis to a winter wonderland complete with festive lighting displays. Historical photos reveal fascinating glimpses of its evolution—from the days when locals ice skated on the frozen lake to its time hosting a small local zoo. Today, the beloved green space continues to unite the community through events like Pride celebrations and the heartwarming Fish with a Firefighter program.

The local housing market is showing remarkable resilience amidst economic uncertainty. Ross County home prices surged nearly 5% in March alone, with the median listing reaching $263,450—a 7.5% year-over-year jump. Meanwhile, Chillicothe's historic paper mill received a crucial reprieve as lawmakers negotiated to postpone its closure until year-end, temporarily preserving 800 jobs while officials search for a new buyer to continue the facility's two-century legacy.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🌳 Yoctangee Park captures Chillicothe's heart through changing seasons and decades. The beloved Ohio green space hosts everything from festive Christmas lightings to Halloween festivals throughout the year. Visitors enjoy its natural beauty—autumn colors, waterfowl habitats, and peaceful lake views—while community events like Fish with a Firefighter and Pride celebrations bring residents together. Historical photos from the Ross County Historical Society reveal fascinating glimpses of the park's past, including ice skating on the frozen lake and a small local zoo. The park continues to evolve with recent additions like a disc golf course while remaining a central gathering place for generations of Chillicothe residents.

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🏠 Ross County home prices jumped nearly 5% in March alone. The median listing price reached $263,450, representing a 7.5% increase compared to March 2024. Homes in the county moved quickly, spending a median of 54 days on the market, just slightly longer than the national average. About 60 new homes were listed in March, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The median home in the Chillicothe metro area measured 1,692 square feet and was priced at $171 per square foot, slightly below Ohio's statewide median of $269,000.

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🏭 Ohio's historic paper mill gets a lifeline amid closure threat. Lawmakers successfully negotiated with Pixelle to postpone the shutdown of the Chillicothe paper mill until year-end, saving 800 jobs temporarily. The facility, operating since 1812 in "Paper City," faced closure after private equity firm H.I.G. Capital announced plans to shutter it. Senator Bernie Moreno criticized H.I.G.'s "greed and inept business choices," while other officials accused the company of predatory practices. Representatives are now seeking a new buyer to keep the historic mill running for generations to come.

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🥎 Softball Scoreboard

The Miami Trace Panthers found their roar Tuesday, taming the Waverly Tigers 8-1 in a convincing non-league victory. The Panthers' bats came alive at just the right time, improving their season mark to 4-9 while sending the Tigers limping back to Waverly with an 5-8 record. Both squads will look to carry momentum (or shake off the dust) in Wednesday matchups against opponents sporting identical 5-7 records—talk about scheduling symmetry.

TeamOpponentScore
Waverly (5-8)
@ Miami Trace
L 8-1

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Updated starter home gorgeous yard: Priced at $194,900, this charming 3-bedroom home in Waverly Estates offers 1,400 square feet of updated living space, featuring an open floor plan, LVT flooring, modern kitchen with island, and a fenced backyard with storage building.
Real estate listing image Country oasis ready for pets: This country retreat is priced at $289,900, offering a fully renovated 3-bedroom home with new roof and siding, plus three outbuildings and 1.24 acres where pets can roam freely.
Real estate listing image Rural spaciousness needs TLC: Priced at $269,900, this rural ranch-style home on 2.5 acres offers spacious living with vaulted ceilings, a converted garage, and several outbuildings including a barn with electricity, though some repairs are needed.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌸 Apr. 25 - Pike County Dogwood Festival: Celebrate spring at the Pike County Dogwood Festival! Enjoy live music, car shows, and community festivities at the Pike County Fairgrounds on April 25. A perfect way to welcome the season.
🏐 Apr. 25 - WCA vs RCCA Volleyball: Spike up your Friday night as WCA Boys Varsity Volleyball takes on RCCA in an exciting home match! Head to Ross County Christian Academy on April 25 at 5:30pm for some high-energy non-conference action.
🎸 Apr. 26 - Courtney Jo @ Dogwood Festival: Get your groove on with The Courtney Jo Band at this year's Dogwood Festival! Bring friends and dancing shoes to Pike County Fairgrounds on April 26 for live music under the spring sky.
🎹 Apr. 26 - Legion Live: The Keyz: Get your groove on with The Keyz at Legion Live Music! Join the community for an evening of toe-tapping tunes on April 26 at American Legion Merritt Post 142, 201 James Rd, Waverly.
✨ Apr. 26 - End-of-Year Glow Party: Light up the night at Waverly Intermediate School's Glow Party! Join the end-of-year celebration with raffles, games, food and a DJ on April 26. Parents must attend; tickets available at the intermediate office.
👜 Apr. 26 - Purse & Tool Bingo: Grab your daubers for PURSE AND TOOL BINGO at Green High School on April 26! Score name-brand treasures while enjoying silent and quarter auctions throughout the evening. Purchase tickets in advance—they'll go fast!
🛶 Apr. 27 - Mike Doyle Memorial Race: Paddle your way to glory at the Mike Doyle Memorial Canoe and Kayak Race! Join the aquatic action April 27 at Lake White State Park, just south of Waverly on S.R. 104 at S.R. 551.

🙏 In Remembrance

Russell Leeroy Howard

Russell Leeroy Howard, 76, of Hillsboro, Ohio passed away on April 21, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center. Born in 1948, he enjoyed 56 years of marriage to his wife Mallie Frances, with whom he raised three daughters and cherished his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Russell was known for his love of tinkering and retired in 2003 from Adena State Memorial where he maintained the mansion and property for over thirty years. As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation, but his legacy of love and cherished memories will remain with his family and friends.

Russell Leeroy Howard

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

-Philippians 4:13

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