Good morning, Ross County. In an age where job-hopping has become the norm, RJ Lyon's half-century career at the Portsmouth Site feels like discovering a rare vinyl record in a world of digital streaming. Starting with a grandmother's tip in 1974, Lyon's journey from plant operator to nuclear facility manager isn't just a career - it's a family legacy now continuing through his son. Talk about employee retention!
Meanwhile, our local sports scene is serving up its own brand of long-term excellence. Marly Halcomb's stellar performance led Adena to a commanding victory over Southeastern, while the county itself is taking a page from the planning playbook - dusting off a 45-year-old comprehensive plan for a much-needed update. From nuclear facilities to basketball courts to community blueprints, Ross County knows how to play the long game.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
👨🔧 Dedicated worker celebrates rare 50-year milestone at nuclear facility. RJ Lyon's remarkable career at the Portsmouth Site began in 1974 when his grandmother tipped him off about an operator position. Starting as a plant operator, Lyon worked his way up through various facilities, spending nearly 40 years on rotating shifts before becoming a nuclear facility manager in 2013. His commitment to the site has become a family legacy, with his son now working in Business Services. Lyon's half-century of service has earned high praise from management, who lauded his crucial role in making the Portsmouth site successful.
🏀 Marly Halcomb's stellar performance propels Adena to victory over Southeastern. The Warriors dominated with a 43-26 win, as Halcomb contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and four steals. Teammate Jacey Smith made her presence felt with seven points and an impressive 11 assists, while Olivia Farrell added nine points and six rebounds. In other local action, Unioto's boys continued their winning ways with a 53-49 triumph over Fairfield, though both Unioto bowling teams fell short against Hillsboro.
📚 College football's final grades are in, and only four teams scored A+. Ohio State claimed the national title but missed perfect marks due to their Michigan loss. The grading system weighs actual performance against preseason expectations, explaining why Marshall's 10-3 record earned an A while Mississippi's identical record got a B+. Indiana led the elite A+ recipients under new coach Curt Cignetti, while powerhouses like Alabama (C) and Michigan (C+) received surprisingly mediocre marks. Traditional football titans learned that reputation doesn't influence grades - only results matter in this professor's classroom.
📋 Ross County dusts off 45-year-old planning blueprint for major update. The county's Planning Commission has launched its first comprehensive plan since 1978, aiming to shape development and growth for the next two decades. The ambitious project will tackle everything from transportation and housing to tourism and parks. Officials are actively seeking community input through public open houses, with the first event scheduled for January 30 at Chillicothe's Christopher Conference Center. Residents can also participate through an online survey to ensure the plan reflects local values and priorities.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
In a nail-biter that came down to the final minutes, Unioto Shermans edged out Fairfield Lions 53-49, improving their impressive record to 14-2 on the season. The Lions fought valiantly but couldn't quite catch the Shermans, who continue to look like a force to be reckoned with in Chillicothe hoops.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Unioto (14-2) | ||
| vs Fairfield | W 53-49 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
| PRESENTED BY Dwell Real Estate |
Immaculate ranch on spacious acreage
This immaculate stone ranch is listed at $419,000 and sits on 3.2 acres of picturesque land, just 25 minutes from Chillicothe and 15 minutes from Hillsboro. The home features an open living space with a newly remodeled kitchen, three bedrooms, two baths, and a huge den, all conveniently located on the first floor, along with a charming one-room loft and a patio opening to the outdoors.
Modern comfort in serene countryside
This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is listed at $204,900 and set on nearly 2 acres of peaceful countryside just minutes from Waverly. With a new metal roof and updated porches, plus various interior improvements and two handy storage sheds, this property perfectly blends modern comfort with serene rural living.
Wooded lot for peaceful living
This nice wooded lot, listed at $50,000, offers a peaceful retreat with attractive road frontage. It's an ideal spot for those looking to embrace nature while still enjoying easy access to local amenities.
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🚨 Cuff Notes
A suspect was taken into custody for possession of drugs, along with aggravated menacing charges. The arrest was made by the local sheriff's office.
Another individual was arrested on multiple drug-related charges, including tampering with evidence and illegal drug conveyance at a mental health facility. The authorities successfully apprehended the suspect.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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
Restaurant Week
Downtown Chillicothe
January 25
St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict
Mound City Group Visitor Center 16062 SR 104, Chillicothe
January 25 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
🙏 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