🌸 Memorial moments

Good morning, Pike County. Memorial Day's approach means more than just a long weekend—it signals a complete pause in essential services across Chillicothe on May 26. While you won't be able to mail packages or catch city transit, the holiday brings meaningful tributes to those who served, with Veterans Memorial Park hosting a special service followed by a downtown parade during the Feast of the Flowering Moon celebration.

As one leader prepares to honor tradition, another prepares for transition at Ohio University Chillicothe. Mathematics professor Mike Lafreniere is stepping into the interim dean position this July, bringing nearly three decades of experience and impressive engineering credentials from the University of Florida. His commitment to creating meaningful student experiences promises to advance the campus mission while maintaining its strong community connections—a fitting next chapter for our local educational landscape.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Waverly

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Piketon

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Beaver

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Latham

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Stockdale

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🇺🇸 Memorial Day shuts down Chillicothe's essential services. Banks, postal services (USPS, FedEx, UPS), the public library, city transit, and the Ross County Health District will all close on Monday, May 26, 2025. The Feast of the Flowering Moon will honor veterans with a service at Veterans Memorial Park on May 24, followed by a parade through downtown. City Council and County Commissioner meetings have been rescheduled for later that week.

🎓 Ohio University Chillicothe welcomes new STEM leader as interim dean. Mike Lafreniere, a mathematics professor with nearly three decades at Ohio University, will assume the role on July 1, succeeding retiring Dr. Roberta Milliken. Bringing impressive credentials including engineering degrees from the University of Florida, Lafreniere is known for his innovative research in STEM education and online assessment technologies. He expressed his commitment to creating meaningful student experiences that foster lifelong learning and community appreciation. University leaders praised his wealth of experience and dedication to academic excellence as key qualities for advancing the campus's mission.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🕊️ May 24 - Jocey Tackett Memorial Service: Join the community in honoring Jocey Tackett's memory at a heartfelt Celebration of Life on May 24 at The Barn at Jordan Family Farm in Waverly, OH. Family welcomes all who knew this special 17-year-old.

🎓 May 24 - BEST Alumni Banquet: Calling all BEST alumni! Reconnect with old friends at the annual Alumni Banquet on May 24 at Eastern Middle/High School. Stay tuned for more details as the celebration approaches.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider automating your savings by setting up a direct deposit that allocates a portion of your paycheck to a savings account; this not only simplifies the process but also helps build your nest egg without the temptation of spending that money first.

🙏 In Remembrance

Verla Snyder

Waverly Verla Snyder, 90, passed away on May 20, 2025, at her home in Waverly. Born in Kentucky in 1934, she was married to Robert Snyder after her first husband William Wright's death, and is survived by her children, step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Verla retired from the Chillicothe VA Medical Center as a Food Service Supervisor and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2025, at the Ware Funeral Home.

Ronald D. "Crabby" Crabtree

Ronald D. "Crabby" Crabtree, 77, of Waverly, Ohio, passed away on May 18, 2025, at his residence. A retired member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 and former proprietor of the Grove in Piketon, he enjoyed farming, motorcycles, travel, boating, and card games. He is survived by his four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, having been preceded in death by his wife Pamela Sue Peters Crabtree, his parents, and his half-brother. Ronnie had a deep love for his animals and especially his family, whom he cherished above all else.

David Jerry Hobbs

David Jerry Hobbs, 84, of Otway, Ohio, passed away on May 20, 2025, at his home. Born on January 2, 1941, in Anderson, Indiana, he is survived by his wife Donna Horton Hobbs, whom he married in 1990, as well as his step-children and various nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons (Rod and Nathan), and his sister Sue. Funeral services will be held on May 24, 2025, at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly.