🚨 Road realities

Good morning, Pike County. The stark realities of highway safety struck our community Friday when a tragic collision on State Route 28 claimed the life of 56-year-old Lori Schmidt. The three-wheeled motorcycle accident near Buckskin Township left two others hospitalized and closed the highway for hours as investigators worked to piece together what happened—a somber reminder of how quickly life can change on our roadways.

In a heartwarming contrast, Trooper Haley Schreck demonstrated the gentler side of highway patrol work by rescuing a stranded fawn from U.S. Route 23 near Chillicothe. This touching moment of compassion came just as emergency crews were being called to battle a turbine fire at the Glatfelter/Pixelle paper mill Tuesday afternoon. The industrial facility, a longtime economic cornerstone in our region, saw multiple fire departments responding as smoke billowed visibly from the site.

🌤 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

💥 Tragic crash claims 56-year-old woman's life in Ross County. Lori Schmidt of Orient died Friday afternoon when a Nissan Versa rear-ended the three-wheeled motorcycle she was riding on State Route 28. The motorcycle driver was airlifted to Wexner Medical Center while the Versa driver was transported to a local hospital, with their conditions currently unknown. The collision, which occurred around 1 p.m. near Route 41 in Buckskin Township, forced authorities to close the highway for approximately three and a half hours. Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the fatal crash.

🦌 Ohio trooper rescues adorable fawn stranded on busy highway. Trooper Haley Schreck found the baby deer stuck on the side of U.S. Route 23 near Chillicothe on May 26. After calling an Ohio Department of Natural Resources officer for guidance, she carefully moved the vulnerable animal to safety in the grass. The ODNR officer reassured that the mother deer was likely just away gathering food. This marks the second animal rescue by Ohio State Highway Patrol in recent weeks, following a trooper in Canton who reunited a loose dog with its owner.

🔥 Fire erupts at Chillicothe paper mill as emergency crews scramble. Multiple fire departments are responding to a turbine fire at the Glatfelter/Pixelle facility in Ohio. Smoke was visible rising from the industrial site Tuesday afternoon as Chillicothe firefighters requested mutual aid from neighboring departments. Officials have not yet reported any injuries or revealed the extent of damage to the mill. The facility, which has operated for decades, is a major employer in the region.

Rural fixer-upper near creek: This abandoned Pike County property, listed at $89,000, offers a 3-bed home on 1.75 acres with garage and creek access, ready for complete renovation with utilities already in place.

Wooded opportunity needs loving repair: This country acreage, priced at $139,900, offers 6.4 beautiful wooded acres with a stone-layered stream and abundant wildlife. The sizable house needs major repairs, but presents opportunities for investors.

Lakeside woodland haven at $375k: This $375,000 woodland retreat borders Pike Lake State Park with water activities and hiking, offering 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open foyer with natural light, multiple heat sources, and a flat yard with deck for outdoor enjoyment.