🦌 Wildlife shenanigans

Good morning, Pike County. The wild side of Ohio is making headlines as wildlife officers tackle everything from illegal hunting to unusual animal encounters across the state. While Officer Levering educated locals about wildlife conservation and nuisance deer management, his colleagues found themselves investigating everything from destroyed goose nests to a wild turkey that crashed through a home window—proving that in conservation work, no two days are quite the same.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement had their hands full with some truly cinematic pursuits. Chillicothe police chased a bicycle fugitive through town during a busy 20-incident Tuesday, while Pickaway County deputies arrested an intoxicated father who dramatically lay in the roadway to block traffic before fleeing with a loaded firearm. These incidents serve as vivid reminders that even in our quiet corner of Ohio, the unexpected is always just around the corner.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Waverly

57°

75°

Piketon

57°

75°

Beaver

59°

76°

Latham

57°

72°

Stockdale

59°

76°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🦌 Ohio wildlife officers tackle illegal hunting and animal encounters statewide. Officer Levering educated the Apple Valley Garden Club about wildlife conservation and handling nuisance deer, while officers in other regions investigated various violations. Cases included a golf cart deliberately destroying a Canada goose nest, hunters wearing insufficient orange safety gear, and unlicensed fishing guides. Officers also responded to unusual situations, such as a wild turkey crashing through a home window, and enforced regulations against hunters exceeding deer harvest limits or trespassing with tracking dogs.

🚓 Chillicothe police chase bicycle fugitive during busy Tuesday. Officers responded to 20 incidents across Ross County, including multiple thefts, warrant arrests, and traffic violations. The day's highlight occurred when a cyclist led police on a pursuit from Bridge Street to Hickory Street before being arrested on probation violation and obstruction charges. Other notable calls included vehicle thefts, property damage reports, and a trespassing issue at Calvary Lutheran Church. Officers also handled a 4:00 AM incident involving a vehicle found in a diner's yard, resulting in citations for driving under suspension.

🚔 Drunk father arrested after dramatic runaway juvenile incident. The Pickaway County Sheriff's Office apprehended Jeffery Stewart, 38, following a confrontation involving his daughter who had been reported missing from Ross County. Deputies found the intoxicated father questioning custody arrangements while drinking beer when the juvenile's grandmother arrived to retrieve her. Stewart escalated the situation by lying in the roadway to block traffic before fleeing and being arrested. Officers discovered a loaded Ruger .380 in his waistband, leading to multiple charges including weapons violations and resisting arrest.

Wooded fixer upper with stream: This 6.4-acre wooded and pasture property, priced at $139,900, features a sizable house in need of major repairs, wildlife, and a stone-layered stream. Multiple possibilities await an investor in this beautiful country setting.

Value home with acreage: $129,900 buys a spacious 5-bedroom home on an acre with main floor primary suite, convenient kitchen off the garage, plus upstairs great room with 4 bedrooms and full bath.

Rustic log haven with safehouse: Priced at $180,000, this charming log home on 5 partially wooded acres offers rustic retreat with 2 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, and modern comforts including a secure safe room in the basement.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🐖 May 30 - Swine & Stogies 2025: Indulge in premium pork and fine cigars at Swine & Stogies 2025! Join fellow enthusiasts on May 30 at Creekside Occasions in Chillicothe for this mouthwatering celebration of savory delights.

🏍️ May 30 - Weekend Ride & Camp: Rev up your engines for the Open Ride weekend at 844 Wickline Rd! Just $25 per vehicle plus $5 per passenger includes camping and riding, with optional $10 food wristbands for Saturday's feast. May 30.

🎯 May 31 - ACO Regional Cornhole Tournament: Cornhole competitors unite at Waverly Eagles on May 31 for the ACO Season 20 Regional tournament! Registration opens at 10am with World Doubles action starting at 11am. Toss your way to victory!

🙏 In Remembrance

Kenneth Ray "Kenny" Hoffer

Kenneth "Kenny" Ray Hoffer of Lucasville passed away suddenly on May 26, 2025, at age 65. He is survived by his partner Linda Pruitt, their pets Ruby and Scrappy, their eight children, and sixteen grandchildren, with a great-grandchild on the way. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Russ and Mabel Hoffer, his brother Mike, and his dog Foxy. As per his wishes, no formal services will be held, though a celebration of life will be announced later, with arrangements handled by Boyer Cremation Services.

Beverly Hackworth

Beverly Kay Hackworth, 77, of Cynthiana, Ohio, passed away on May 26, 2025, at home. Born on January 1, 1948, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Wilbur and Lillian Younker, she was a 1967 graduate of Western Latham High School and worked as a homemaker. Beverly is survived by her four children, one stepson, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one sister, having been preceded in death by her husband George in 2001, two siblings, and her parents. Her funeral service will be held on June 3 at Murray-Fettro Funeral Home with burial at Washburn Cemetery.