Good morning, Ross County. 'Tis the season for heated debates, and our community's got a festive feud brewing that would make even Hans Gruber take notice. While locals battle it out over whether Die Hard deserves a spot alongside Miracle on 34th Street in the Christmas movie canon, something far more heartwarming is happening across southern Ohio. From a 30-year-strong gift-giving program that's brought Christmas magic to thousands of children, to our local VFW playing Santa for 110 kids in need, the holiday spirit is alive and well – even if our wallets are feeling a bit lighter thanks to a sudden 26-cent jump at the gas pump.Speaking of holiday miracles, did you know that what started as a small employee initiative back in 1993 now ensures Christmas morning smiles for over 2,800 kids across two states? That's the kind of feel-good story we could all use right now, especially as we debate action movies and dodge high fuel prices. So grab your favorite holiday beverage (yippee ki-yay or otherwise), and let's dive into this week's local happenings.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎬 The eternal holiday debate rages on: Is 'Die Hard' really Christmas-worthy? A local poll aims to settle whether Bruce Willis's explosive 1988 action classic, set during a Christmas party gone wrong, deserves seasonal status. The film follows NYC cop John McClane battling terrorists who've taken hostages, including his wife, at Nakatomi Plaza. While some viewers consider it essential December viewing, others dismiss its Christmas setting as merely incidental. The community vote ends at noon on Christmas Day, promising to add fresh fuel to this spirited annual argument.
🎁 Three decades of Christmas magic transforms lives in Portsmouth, Ohio. The Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth site's Christmas Gifts for Children Program has grown from a small employee initiative in 1993 to now serving over 2,800 disadvantaged children across southern Ohio and Kentucky. Volunteers place Christmas trees with children's wish lists in local businesses, ensuring forgotten families experience holiday joy. The program carefully vets recipients to avoid duplication with other charity efforts, while site employees raise funds through auctions and seasonal sales. For many struggling families, these gifts represent their only chance to celebrate Christmas, bringing relief to hard-working parents who otherwise couldn't afford presents.
⛽ Ohio drivers hit with painful 26-cent spike at the pump. Gas prices across the state jumped to $3.05 per gallon this week, up significantly from last week's $2.79 average. The current price represents a dramatic swing from the year's low of $2.61 in January to a peak of $3.69 last April. Ohio's prices now sit slightly above the national average of $3.02, marking a notable shift in regional fuel costs. Compared to this time last year, Ohioans are paying about 15% more to fill their tanks.
🎁 Local VFW brings Christmas joy to 110 children in need. The veterans organization donated $5,000 to Ross County Health District's Help Me Grow program, ensuring holiday gifts for families who might otherwise go without. The funds, generated through VFW slot machine proceeds, provided presents for children from infancy to age five. Help Me Grow, an evidence-based family support initiative, pairs trained professionals with new parents and pregnant women to promote healthy child development. The program offers vital parenting education and resources, creating a foundation for children's long-term success.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Chillicothe Cavaliers | ||
| vs Jackson | 12/21 @ 7:00pm | |
| @ Vinton County | 12/23 @ 7:00pm | |
 Southeastern Panthers | ||
| vs Manchester | 12/21 @ 1:30pm | |
 Zane Trace Pioneers | ||
| vs Logan Elm | 12/23 @ 7:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
| PRESENTED BY Dwell Real Estate |
Escape to your own slice of paradise with a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled on 5 beautiful acres of private land. With a serene pond for morning reflections and a hot tub perfect for evening relaxation, this property seamlessly blends comfort, privacy, and nature. The list price is $225,000.
Serene farmhouse with future potential
Situated in a serene, picturesque setting with no neighbors in sight, this newly constructed Farmhouse-style home is listed at $459,900. It features a wrap-around front porch, vaulted ceilings, a custom kitchen, and a main floor primary suite, along with additional office, laundry, and half bath spaces. The upper floor includes up to four bedrooms and a full bath, while the expansive unfinished basement offers potential for future growth. The property also boasts a fenced yard, a barn with stalls, and access to extra septic, water, and electric hookups.
This beautifully renovated home is listed at $225,000 and boasts a brand new metal roof, kitchen with soft-close cabinets and butcher block countertops, and completely updated bathrooms. With additional updates like a new heat pump, finished attached 2-car garage, and a charming creek bordering the property, this move-in-ready gem is a delightful find.
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🚨 Cuff Notes
A subject was reported for operating a vehicle under a suspension due to financial responsibility issues. The individual was caught multiple times for the same offense but remains out of custody.
A person was arrested for theft and obstructing official business after allegedly taking property without consent. The individual is currently in custody.
An arrest was made for violating a protection order. The subject was taken into custody and is awaiting further proceedings.
A subject was charged with theft and obstructing official business stemming from an incident involving property taken without consent. They are currently in custody.
Charges were filed against an individual for endangering children, although the person has not been taken into custody at this time.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
Shine On Chillicothe – Santa House
December 20 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 20 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mighty Children’s Museum – Ice Skating in the Park
Pump House Center For the Arts 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe
December 20 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Shine On Chillicothe – Santa House
December 21 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 21 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mighty Children’s Museum – Ice Skating in the Park
Pump House Center For the Arts 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe
December 21 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Solstice Light, Solstice Bright: Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath
Explorer Yoga 131 E Main St., Chillicothe
December 21 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Shine On Chillicothe – Santa House
December 22 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
💰 Financial Friday
Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each month; treating your savings like a necessary bill can help you build a financial cushion without much thought. This simple habit can lead to significant savings over time and provide peace of mind for future expenses.
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:9