Good morning, Ross County. If you think your Monday morning coffee run is dramatic, our local McDonald's and Speedway locations have been staging their own version of "Breaking Bad" – minus the chemistry genius. In a string of incidents that would make Walter White raise an eyebrow, both establishments found themselves at the center of drug-related chaos, complete with bathroom overdoses, Good Samaritan drama, and a bicycle getaway that didn't quite work out as planned.
Meanwhile, city council wrapped up 2024's budget with a $27M flourish, though the real buzz wasn't about the $20M sewer plant upgrade (important as that may be). Instead, it was cannabis dispensary regulations stealing the spotlight, proving that even municipal meetings can get a little spicy when you least expect it.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
💊 Homeless man attacks McDonald's worker after overdosing in bathroom. The incident occurred at a Chillicothe, Ohio McDonald's, where Jeremy Collins tried helping Lee Stephens before being punched in the face. Stephens fled on a bicycle but was quickly apprehended by police, who found drug paraphernalia including foil with heroin residue and a syringe containing unknown liquid. While the victim declined to press charges, Stephens received summonses for drug-related offenses and was banned from the restaurant. Given his prior conviction for possession of drug instruments, Stephens may face elevated charges when he appears in court on December 30.
💉 Drug bust at Ohio gas station catches suspects mid-injection. Chillicothe police arrested two individuals at a Speedway after receiving reports of suspicious activity involving narcotics in a white SUV. Officers discovered John Seiler with melted narcotics and drug paraphernalia, while his passenger Kaylyn Hammonds was found with multiple hypodermic syringes. A third occupant, Cassandra Butz, was also detained as police recovered suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl from the vehicle. Both Seiler and Butz, who had active warrants in different jurisdictions, required medical attention before being transported to Ross County Jail, with additional charges pending laboratory results.
💰 Chillicothe approves $27M budget amid cannabis dispensary debate. The city council passed the balanced 2025 budget during their final session of the year, incorporating major capital projects including a $20M sewer plant remodel. A controversial cannabis dispensary moratorium sparked discussion, with council voting 4-3 to keep the measure alive despite attempts to table it. Law Director Anna Villareal clarified that the proposed ordinance would only regulate dispensary locations, not products, while noting existing state regulations already restrict placement near schools, churches, libraries, and parks. The budget approval notably avoided the need for additional special sessions, though one was required earlier for a second reading.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Adena Warriors | ||
| @ Chesapeake | 12/27 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs McClain | 12/28 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ Valley | 12/30 @ 7:30pm | |
 Huntington Huntsmen | ||
| @ Eastern | 12/27 @ 6:00pm | |
| vs Western | 12/28 @ 5:00pm | |
 Paint Valley Bearcats | ||
| @ Lynchburg-Clay | 12/28 @ 5:00pm | |
 Unioto Shermans | ||
| @ Washington | 12/27 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs River Valley | 12/30 @ 7:00pm | |
 Southeastern Panthers | ||
| @ Waverly | 12/27 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Wellston | 12/28 @ 7:00pm | |
 Zane Trace Pioneers | ||
| @ Amanda-Clearcreek | 12/27 @ 7:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
| PRESENTED BY Dwell Real Estate |
Serene countryside retreat with updates
Set on 1.77 acres of serene countryside, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is attractively listed at $220,000. Featuring modern finishes, spacious living areas, and a versatile full basement, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and practicality, along with a generous yard ideal for gardening or outdoor activities.
Renovation gem with great potential
This investment property, listed at $22,000, presents a unique opportunity for renovation enthusiasts. Situated on a double city lot, this property is in need of full rehabilitation and comes with an additional parcel, inviting new possibilities for development or investment.
Historic farmhouse with income potential
This charming historic farmhouse in Chillicothe, listed at $799,900, offers 2,600 sq. ft. of living space on 1.89 acres, featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, a wraparound brick porch, and a unique potential for extra income from billboard rental. Alongside the farmhouse, the property includes a thriving 5.11-acre automobile repair business, complete with two large shop buildings, commercial equipment, and scenic views, making it an enticing opportunity for both residential and commercial income.
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🚨 Cuff Notes
A local individual was apprehended for multiple offenses, including driving under suspension, drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, they were charged with carrying concealed weapons while having a history related to alcohol or drug dependence.
Another person was pulled over for operating a vehicle under the influence, with a blood alcohol level recorded between .08 and .17. It's worth noting that this wasn't their first encounter with the law for similar charges.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 26 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
“Music in the Park”
Chillicothe City Park City Park, Chillicothe
December 26 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 27 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 28 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Annual Anniversary Dinner – Lucy Webb Hayes & Rutherford B. Hayes
Lucy Hayes Heritage Center 90 W. Sixth Street, Chillicothe
December 28 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 29 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 30 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
December 31 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
-1 Thessalonians 5:11