Good morning, Pike County. After two centuries of operation, the final chapter is being written for Chillicothe's historic paper mill. The August 10th closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions will leave 700 workers jobless and create ripple effects across the region, with economic analysts projecting nearly 2,000 indirect job losses and a staggering $78.4 million gap in state tax revenue. For third-generation employees like 56-year-old Jeff Allen, the closure represents not just the end of a paycheck, but the conclusion of a family legacy.
In brighter news, local creativity gets the spotlight as the 43rd annual Older Adult Art Show invites seniors 55+ to showcase their talents through August 15th. From acrylics to photography and even written works, the competition celebrates artistic expression across multiple categories. Meanwhile, a sobering legal outcome arrived as 24-year-old Gage Smith received a 60-years-to-life sentence for a horrific crash that claimed four lives, including three young children, following a kindergarten graduation ceremony.
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88%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏭 Chillicothe's historic paper mill faces final days after 200 years. Over 700 workers at Pixelle Specialty Solutions will lose their jobs when the plant closes August 10, leaving third-generation employee Jeff Allen scrambling for new employment at age 56. An economic analysis shows the closure could eliminate nearly 2,000 indirect jobs and create a $78.4 million hole in state tax revenue. While Senator Bernie Moreno helped delay the closure and JobsOhio courts potential buyers, local leaders are rallying to support affected workers through this "critical economic transition" for the region.
🎨 Seniors invited to showcase artistic talents in regional competition. The 43rd annual Older Adult Art Show, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging District 7, welcomes submissions from anyone 55 or older until August 15th. Artists can enter various categories including acrylic, photography, pencil, and even written pieces like poems and essays. The artwork will be displayed at Bristol Village in Waverly from September 22nd through October 17th, with judging across themes such as landscapes, portraits, and still life. Applications are available online at www.aaa7.org or by calling 1-800-582-7277.
💥 Pike County man gets life for killing four in horrific crash. Gage Smith, 24, was sentenced to 60 years to life after being found guilty of murder and 33 other charges related to a May 2024 collision in Scioto County. The crash killed three children—ages 4, 5, and 6—and Smith's 28-year-old girlfriend following a kindergarten graduation ceremony. Investigation revealed Smith had disconnected a brake line, was driving 80 mph while intoxicated, and possessed nearly 100 illegal pills he admitted to selling. Smith, who never held a driver's license, will be 82 before becoming eligible for parole.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Relocate Rustic Tiny Log Home: A charming log tiny home built in 2019 is on the market for $55,000, featuring rustic charm and cozy living, but buyers must arrange removal from its current campground location.
Fixer-upper with wild acreage: Rustic 6.4-acre property in the countryside offered at $139,900 features a spacious house requiring major renovations, plus wooded areas, pasture, abundant wildlife, and a stone-layered stream for investment potential.
Prime trophy hunting land paradise: Priced at $189,500, this 64-acre tract in Southern Ohio offers prime hunting land with thick cover and food plots, situated near agricultural grounds and known for trophy whitetails and successful deer and turkey harvests.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
-Psalm 23:1
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