Good morning, Pike County. Two centuries of industrial heritage faces an uncertain future as Pixelle's paper mill in Chillicothe prepares to close its doors on August 10th. The shutdown will leave 800 employees without jobs, from 21-year-old Lane Johnson who started immediately after high school to workers approaching retirement. As state officials scramble to find a buyer, local establishments like the Cozy Corner Diner brace for economic ripple effects that will touch countless lives throughout our community.
Meanwhile, Chillicothe's outdated zoning regulations are finally getting a modern makeover with the draft "Unified Development Code" now available for public review. The proposed changes include a creative new "Residential Office District" allowing limited commercial use of legacy buildings on arterial streets. In sobering transportation news, a head-on collision on State Route 41 left multiple people injured Sunday, including a toddler, with several victims requiring Medflight transport to Columbus for treatment.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📄 A 200-year-old paper mill's closure devastates an Ohio community. Pixelle in Chillicothe will shut down August 10, leaving 800 employees jobless as state officials scramble to find a buyer. For workers like 21-year-old Lane Johnson, who started immediately after high school graduation, and others nearing retirement, the closure represents devastating uncertainty. Local businesses like the Cozy Corner Diner, which has served mill workers for decades, anticipate significant economic impacts. "We are losing our legacy," said one resident as lawmakers continue searching for a new company to occupy the historic facility.
🏙️ Chillicothe's zoning code gets major overhaul after years of outdated rules. The city's Planning and Zoning Commission presented a draft "Unified Development Code" that incorporates updated subdivision regulations and sign code at a public open house on June 25th. Project manager David Baird highlighted a new "Residential Office District" that allows limited commercial use of legacy buildings like churches and old neighborhood grocery stores on arterial streets. The cannabis moratorium that temporarily bans new dispensaries will remain in effect until January, after which cannabis regulations will be reintegrated into the zoning code. City residents can view the draft code, zoning map, and presentation materials on the "Engage Chillicothe" section of the city's website.
🚗 Head-on crash in Ross County leaves multiple people injured. A 72-year-old driver crossed the center line on State Route 41, striking another vehicle carrying a family including a toddler. The collision occurred Sunday afternoon in Paxton Township, requiring Medflight transport for the most seriously injured victims to Ohio State University Hospital. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage, with the elderly driver suffering serious injuries while the 26-year-old driver of the second vehicle was also airlifted. The highway remained closed for over two hours during the investigation.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Customizable rural fixer-upper with creek: This $89,000 Pike County property offers a blank-slate 3-bed home on 1.75 acres with creek access, garage, and utilities already in place—perfect for buyers seeking a customizable rural retreat near outdoor amenities.
Affordable four-bedroom near stadium: Listed at $130,500, this spacious home boasts a formal living room, dining area, kitchen open to the family room, office, mud room, and four bedrooms across two floors with a fenced backyard adjacent to Waverly Schools Stadium.
Rustic log paradise awaits: Priced at $285,000, this hand-hewn log cabin on 10 acres in Piketon offers rustic charm with modern updates, featuring 2 bedrooms, a spacious loft, updated kitchen, private pond, and a substantial barn perfect for equestrian use.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
-1 Corinthians 16:13
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