Ross County • March 3, 2025
Good morning, Ross County. The final buzzer has sounded on Zane Trace's remarkable basketball season, with the Pioneers falling just short in a hard-fought 60-51 district final against Minford. Despite the heartbreak, Coach Cassidy's squad can hold their heads high after a 20-win campaign that showcased both talent and tenacity. Meanwhile, after half a century of helping others navigate their mental health journeys, Dr. Hagen has finally prescribed himself a well-deserved retirement from Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center.
On the employment front, Ohio's jobless claims have ticked upward, mirroring a national trend that economic forecasters are watching closely. But there's plenty to cheer about on the wrestling mats, where six local grapplers—led by Chillicothe's dominant Cannan Smith and his impressive 45-1 record—have muscled their way to state championships. For these athletes, the journey continues on high school wrestling's biggest stage.
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🏀 Pioneers' playoff dream ends in 60-51 district final loss to Minford. Despite keeping pace with the top-rated Falcons throughout the game, Zane Trace couldn't overcome the duo of Bennett Kayser and Myles Montgomery, who combined for 45 points. The Pioneers showed early promise with a 12-7 lead, but Minford pulled away in the second half to secure the Division V southeast district championship. First-year coach Tyler Cassidy remained positive despite the defeat, praising his team's 20-win season and cultural buy-in. Gunnar McCullough led Zane Trace with 16 points in what Cassidy called a successful year following his takeover from Hall of Fame coach Gary Kellough.
🧠 After 50 years in mental health, Dr. Hagen hangs up his clipboard. The forensic social psychologist recently retired from Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center, where he spent 39 years across two stints, most recently evaluating individuals in the criminal justice system. Dr. Hagen initially established the center's Crisis Center in 1977 after military service and education sparked his interest in psychology. In retirement, he plans to enjoy golf, crossword puzzles, and freedom from deadlines, joking that he now applauds when someone else mows his lawn.
📉 Ohio unemployment claims jump amid broader US rise. Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Ohio increased to 6,621 last week, up from 6,044 the previous week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The uptick mirrors a national trend, with U.S. jobless claims rising by 22,000 to reach 242,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Rhode Island experienced the most dramatic surge with claims increasing by 226.1%, while Kentucky saw claims drop by 58.4%. These weekly unemployment figures serve as an important indicator of layoff activity across the country.
🤼♂️ Six local wrestlers punch their tickets to state championships. Chillicothe's Cannan Smith led the pack as the lone district champion, maintaining an impressive 45-1 record this season. Joining him at the Ohio High School Athletic Association state tournament will be teammate Zach Janes, Waverly's Alex Tolliver, Westfall's Eli Wright, Adena's Austyn McWhorter, and Huntington's Jackson McNeal. For Smith, who placed third at state the past two years, the goal is clear—capturing that elusive state title, while sophomore qualifiers like McWhorter and McNeal represent bright futures for their programs.
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Dual lot ready for living: This move-in ready 2-bedroom home with open floor plan and private owner suite is asking $179,500, featuring new flooring, 2024 furnace, and a bonus adjacent city lot awaiting your dream garage.
Hunting heaven near state land: Priced at $25,000, this nearly one-acre property offers a perfect hunting retreat while backing up to hundreds of acres of state land for additional exploration opportunities.🚗 Fresh Rides | ||||||||||||||||||||
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One individual was arrested for having physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia. Fortunately, they were not in custody at the time of reporting.
Another person found themselves in trouble for disorderly conduct due to intoxication, which posed a risk of harm, along with resisting arrest. This incident, again handled by the local sheriff's office, has not resulted in custody.
Lastly, a third individual faced charges for disorderly conduct alongside an assault. This individual's actions resulted in their being taken into custody.
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