Good morning, Ross County. In a delightful competition for pet lovers, local pets in Ross County are competing for glory in USA Today’s Favorite Pet contest, with a grand prize of $15,000 and a chance to support an animal charity. Meanwhile, Stanley is recalling 2.6 million travel mugs due to possible lid detachment—safety first; if you own one, reach out for a free replacement lid. In other news, a two-car crash on U.S. 50 is under investigation after both drivers suffered serious injuries, and don’t forget to cast your vote for the best student section in the Chillicothe area basketball scene before the poll closes. Lastly, those dreaming of a snowy Christmas may need to keep their fingers crossed, as forecasts lean more toward rain than flakes this year.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🐶 Local pets vie for national title. Several furry, scaly, and even fuzzy friends from Ross County have entered the running for USA Today's Favorite Pet contest, showcasing their charm and uniqueness. This friendly competition, hosted by the Chillicothe Gazette as part of the USA Today Network, runs until January 17th, with a tempting grand prize pool of $15,000 available for the winner and their chosen animal charity. Pet owners are encouraged to submit a photo and story that highlights their pets' special traits. Fans can view an adorable gallery of local contenders, plus others from Ohio—because every pet deserves their moment in the spotlight.
☕️ Stanley Cup fans, take note: a significant recall has affected 2.6 million travel mugs from Stanley. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that the Switchback and Trigger Action stainless steel mugs may experience lid detachment when exposed to heat and torque, leading to burn hazards—91 instances reported, with 38 resulting in injuries. These double-walled mugs were sold nationwide in various colors and sizes between June 2016 and December 2024, retailing for $20 to $50. If you have one of these mugs in your collection, you're urged to stop using it and contact Stanley for a free replacement lid. For assistance, reach them at 866-792-5445 or visit their official site for more information.
🚑 Patrol investigates two-vehicle injury crash on U.S. 50. The Chillicothe Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is looking into a crash that occurred early in the morning on December 16, involving a Honda Element driven by 23-year-old Harley Maynard and a Chevrolet Avalanche driven by 36-year-old Adam Clark. According to reports, Maynard's vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, leading to the collision. Both drivers sustained serious injuries and were taken to separate medical facilities for treatment. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from various local emergency services.
🏀 Vote for the best student section in the Chillicothe area. The Chillicothe Gazette is shining a spotlight on spirited student sections as it seeks to determine which school's crowd reigns supreme in supporting their basketball teams. Schools in the running include Adena, Chillicothe, Piketon, and several others, all vying for your votes. The poll is open until 12:01 a.m. this Friday, so be sure to share your opinion and cheer on your favorite school. After all, a vibrant crowd can make all the difference in a game.
🌨️ Will it snow in Chillicothe on Christmas? Dreamers of a white Christmas might need to adjust expectations, as current forecasts suggest minimal chances for snow. According to The Old Farmers Almanac, southern Ohio could see some flurries, but The Weather Channel paints a different picture—anticipating rainy conditions on Christmas Eve with temperatures hovering between 34℉ and 41℉. On Christmas Day itself, residents can expect cloudy skies and slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 37℉ to 42℉. So while snow may not adorn the landscape, the holiday spirit is sure to shine bright in Chillicothe.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Chillicothe Cavaliers | ||
| @ Washington | L 44-26 | |
 Adena Warriors | ||
| vs Piketon | L 33-31 | |
| vs Zane Trace | W 48-39 | |
 Huntington Huntsmen | ||
| vs Paint Valley | W 46-30 | |
| @ Westfall | W 44-41 | |
 Paint Valley Bearcats | ||
| @ South Webster | L 34-31 | |
| @ Huntington | L 46-30 | |
 Unioto Shermans | ||
| vs Waterford | L 62-57 | |
| @ Zane Trace | W 76-15 | |
| @ Southeastern | W 79-17 | |
 Southeastern Panthers | ||
| @ Valley | L 63-28 | |
| vs Westfall | L 44-30 | |
| vs Unioto | L 79-17 | |
 Zane Trace Pioneers | ||
| vs Unioto | L 76-15 | |
| @ Adena | L 48-39 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
| PRESENTED BY Dwell Real Estate |
Spacious family home with income potential
This charming two-story home is listed at $180,000 and boasts 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, making it perfect for larger families or those who enjoy extra space. It features a two-car garage with a cozy 2-bedroom apartment above, currently occupied by a tenant, and it's conveniently situated near local amenities for easy access to everything you need.
Sprawling land with hunting potential
This 51.67-acre property, listed at $225,000, features great road frontage and ample opportunities for building a new home or setting up campsites for hunting or weekend getaways. While the small cabin needs some tender loving care, the land is teeming with deer and turkey, making it a promising spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cozy home with spacious backyard
Charming and full of potential, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home priced at $92,000 offers cozy living spaces and a spacious backyard perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Recent updates, including a new furnace, make this property an ideal choice for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.
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🚨 Cuff Notes
A recent report from the Chillicothe Police Department indicates that an individual was arrested for possessing drug abuse instruments and violating probation. The subject is currently not in custody.
Another incident involved someone charged with disorderly conduct due to intoxication, posing a risk of harm to themselves or others. They were not taken into custody following the incident.
In a separate event, a person was arrested for the same disorderly conduct charge and is currently in custody.
There's also a report of an individual engaged in theft without consent, resulting in their arrest and they are now in custody.
An individual was apprehended by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for driving under suspension due to a failure to pay fines and is currently in custody.
Additionally, another theft without consent case has emerged, with the culprit apprehended and in custody.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
Shine On Chillicothe – Santa House
November 23 - December 22
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 17 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Visit with Santa at the Library!
Mt. Logan Branch Library 841 East Main Street, Chillicothe
December 17 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Shine On Chillicothe – Santa House
November 23 - December 22
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 18 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Shine On Chillicothe – Santa House
November 23 - December 22
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 19 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
“Music in the Park”
Chillicothe City Park City Park, Chillicothe
December 19 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
-Psalm 23:1