🐾 Building a shelter

Good morning, Ross County. When it comes to building dreams, our local Humane Society is proving that every dollar counts. With 73% of their ambitious $2.9 million goal already in hand, they're sprinting toward the finish line to create Southern Ohio's most innovative animal shelter. Just $575,000 stands between homeless pups and their state-of-the-art temporary haven - talk about motivation to shake those couch cushions for spare change.

Meanwhile, the hunt is on for Ross County's hospitality superstars, as the Convention & Visitors Bureau rolls out the red carpet for their 2025 Pineapple Awards. And while we're celebrating service with a smile, local law enforcement had their hands full with a less-than-hospitable situation on Route 23, where a routine traffic stop turned into an impromptu chase scene that would make Fast & Furious writers take notes.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐾 Southern Ohio shelter needs final $575,000 to complete dream facility. The Ross County Humane Society has raised 73% of its $2.9 million goal for a state-of-the-art animal shelter. The ambitious 7,500-square-foot project promises to be unique in Southern Ohio, designed specifically for optimal dog well-being. Executive Director Jenn Thomas emphasizes the facility's role in saving more dogs who would otherwise have nowhere to go. The new shelter aims to provide temporary homes for homeless and displaced dogs while they await their forever families.

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🏆 Ohio tourism bureau seeks hospitality heroes for prestigious Pineapple Awards. The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau has opened nominations for their 2025 awards program recognizing exceptional service in tourism and hospitality. Four categories will honor workers from behind-the-scenes staff to frontline employees and volunteers. Nominees will be evaluated by an impartial panel based on specific examples of outstanding service from the past year. Winners will be celebrated at a special ceremony on May 5, 2025, during the Ross-Chillicothe Tourism Banquet.

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🚓 Driver leads Chillicothe police on wild chase after routine traffic stop. Holly Davidson, operating a maroon Kia sedan with a suspended license, fled from officers attempting to pull her over on U.S. Route 23 Monday afternoon. The incident began around 3:38 p.m. when police discovered Davidson had outstanding warrants for her arrest. Authorities have not yet disclosed how the pursuit ended. The case remains under active investigation by the Chillicothe Police Department.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

Talk about a tale of two games in Scioto Valley! While Piketon and Southeastern traded defensive haymakers in a 36-32 nail-biter, Unioto showed no mercy in an 89-27 demolition of Westfall that had scoreboard operators working overtime. The Shermans continue to steamroll through their schedule at 16-4, while leaving us wondering if anyone in the league can slow down their high-octane offense.

🚨 Cuff Notes

• In a recent incident, a local convenience store was robbed late at night. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, prompting an ongoing investigation by the authorities.

• A series of bike thefts have been reported in the city park area, with several victims recounting similar experiences of their bicycles being stolen. Police are advising residents to secure their bikes and report any suspicious activity.

• A minor vandalism incident occurred at a local school, where students were found spray painting the playground equipment. The school administration is reviewing security footage and has involved local law enforcement.

• Residents in a neighborhood reported hearing loud noises during the weekend, which were later identified as an unlawful party. Officers responded to complaints and issued citations to several individuals for violating noise ordinances.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 In Remembrance

Lloyd C. GossettLloyd C. Gossett Lloyd C. Gossett, 85, of Chillicothe, passed away on February 2, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center after a prolonged illness. Born on September 8, 1939, in Bainbridge, he was the son of Lloyd E. and Lenna R. (Grady) Gossett and married Majel M. Haynes in 1960, who predeceased him. He is survived by his three children, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was a retired Stock Prep Operator at Mead Corp. A funeral service will be held on February 8, 2025, with burial to follow at Londonderry Cemetery, and he will be remembered fondly for his love of photography, gardening, and helping others.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

-Psalm 55:22