Good morning, Ross County. If January 20th felt like an episode of "Law & Order: Chillicothe Edition," there's good reason - our police department tackled a whopping 20 incidents in a single day, from retail theft capers to an impromptu semi-truck demolition derby. While most of us were enjoying our Saturday routines, our officers were writing what could be the pilot for a very busy crime procedural.
But here's a plot twist worthy of prime time: our former police chief Keith Washburn is trading his badge for a gavel, bringing 25 years of street-smart experience to the municipal court bench. Speaking of changes, property owners looking to star in their own episode of "Property Tax Appeal" have until March 31st to challenge their valuations. It's just another action-packed week in Ross County.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚔 Chillicothe police tackle 20 incidents in single-day crime spree. The January 20th police log reveals multiple thefts across the city, including incidents at Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Valero gas station. A serious domestic violence case involving strangulation was reported on Pine Street in the early morning hours. Officers also conducted several traffic stops for violations including expired plates and suspended licenses, while responding to criminal mischief complaints and a hit-and-run crash between two semi-trailers. Multiple retail locations including Hobby Lobby and Dunham's Sports reported trespassing and disorderly conduct incidents throughout the day.
⚖️ Former police chief trades badge for judge's gavel in Chillicothe. Keith Washburn, who served as Chillicothe's top cop until 2020, has been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to serve as Municipal Court judge starting February 3rd. The Army veteran turned law enforcer brings unique street-level experience to the bench, having handled everything from parking tickets to homicides during his 25-year police career. After earning his law degree in 2018, Washburn worked as both a prosecutor and labor council attorney before landing this judicial appointment. He'll now oversee county-wide cases including misdemeanors, preliminary felony hearings, and civil disputes under $15,000.
🏠 Ross County homeowners can challenge their property tax valuations until March. County Auditor Jeff Lehner has opened applications for 2025 Board of Revision hearings, giving property owners a chance to dispute how much their homes are worth for tax purposes. The deadline to apply is March 31, with hearings scheduled for June and July. The Auditor's office promises flexibility in scheduling, ensuring no eligible owner misses their opportunity to be heard. Interested residents can contact the Auditor's real estate office or email Lehner directly for more information.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
The Adena Warriors showed no southern hospitality in Chillicothe, steamrolling host Southeastern Panthers 43-26 in league action to improve to 10-5 on the season. The Panthers, dropping to 6-11, might want to check if their rims were accidentally replaced with bike tires given their offensive struggles.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Adena (10-5) | ||
| @ Southeastern | W 43-26 | |
| Southeastern (6-11) | ||
| vs Adena | L 43-26 | |
| Unioto (10-4) | ||
| vs Laurel** | L 53-45 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
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Spacious updated home in Waverly
This nearly 1700 sq. ft. home in Waverly Estates is listed at $179,500 and offers three bedrooms along with numerous updates. The spacious family room boasts vaulted ceilings, while additional features like a covered front porch, patio, fenced backyard, and an attached carport with storage enhance the property's appeal.
This charming home in Jackson, listed at $169,900, features a cozy living room with a fireplace, an eat-in kitchen with a delightful nook, and three bedrooms including a spacious one upstairs with hardwood floors. The backyard is a standout with over 200 feet of fenced space, a pergola and fire pit for entertaining, along with a one-car garage, carport, and an additional workshop accessed from the alley.
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🚨 Cuff Notes
An individual was arrested and charged with multiple allegations including assault, strangulation, felonious assault, and domestic violence. The charges indicate a serious disregard for the well-being of another, resulting in their custody by the Ross County Sheriff's Office.
Another arrest was made concerning a suspect facing charges of probation violation along with allegations of strangulation and domestic violence. This arrest highlights ongoing issues related to domestic disputes and the legal repercussions that follow.
A third party was taken into custody for domestic violence, specifically for knowingly causing physical harm. Such incidents continue to be taken seriously by local law enforcement, underscoring the community's efforts to address domestic issues.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
Restaurant Week
Downtown Chillicothe
January 22
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
January 22 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Restaurant Week
Downtown Chillicothe
January 23
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
January 23 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
“Music in the Park”
Chillicothe City Park City Park, Chillicothe
January 23 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Poetry Night at The Page
The Page 47 S Paint St, Chillicothe
January 23 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Restaurant Week
Downtown Chillicothe
January 24
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
January 24 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13