🛣️ Detour dilemma

Good morning, Ross County. Female athletes continue to make history on the wrestling mats as Waverly's Abby Green and Adena's Kayla Grooms brought home All-Ohio honors from the state tournament. Green's fourth-place finish and upcoming career at Otterbein University caps an extraordinary high school run that includes becoming the first Waverly wrestler to reach 1,000 career points. Meanwhile, Grooms ended her remarkable career with a victory over rival Sheridan's Addyson Crane, cementing her legacy as Adena's first female wrestler to achieve 100 wins.

If you've got opinions about roadwork (and who doesn't?), now's your chance to be heard. ODOT is collecting public feedback until March 29 on a culvert replacement project for Ohio 207. The work will require a substantial detour spanning 23 miles, so speaking up now could influence how this federally and state-funded project impacts your daily commute. Don't miss your opportunity to weigh in on this infrastructure upgrade.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🤼‍♀️ Two local wrestlers cap high school careers with All-Ohio honors. Waverly's Abby Green secured fourth place at 140 pounds while Adena's Kayla Grooms claimed fifth at 110 pounds in the state wrestling tournament. Green, who also placed fifth last season, became the first Waverly wrestler to reach 1,000 career points and will continue competing at Otterbein University. Grooms defeated rival Sheridan's Addyson Crane in her final match, ending a remarkable career that includes setting school records and becoming Adena's first female wrestler to reach 100 wins. Both athletes made history for their schools with their impressive state tournament performances.

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🛣️ ODOT wants your opinion on Ross County culvert project. The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking public feedback until March 29 for a culvert replacement on Ohio 207. The project will require a permanent right of way of about .537 acres and will close the road with a 23-mile detour. Funded by 80% federal and 20% state money, comments can be submitted to ODOT District 9 Environmental Supervisor Brandon Beck. Several township meetings and other county events are also scheduled throughout March.

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🚨 Cuff Notes

• An individual was charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated, creating a risk of harm. They were arrested by the Ross County Sheriff's Office but are not currently in custody.

• Another person was apprehended for possessing drug abuse instruments, facing multiple related charges. This individual is in custody following their arrest by the Ross County Sheriff's Office.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 In Remembrance

Homer R. Rinehart Homer R. "Duke" Rinehart, 88, of Bainbridge, passed away on March 8, 2025. He was born on November 26, 1936, in Ross County and was married to Beverly Sue Rinehart for 69 years. Duke worked at the Mead for 40 years before retiring and was an active member of the Chapel of Hope in Greenfield. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters, with funeral services scheduled for March 13, 2025, at the Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home.

Helen June Starr Helen June Starr, 88, of Frankfort, passed away on March 8, 2025, surrounded by family. A dedicated mother of seven, she is survived by her children, nineteen grandchildren, fifty-two great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition to being a farm wife, Helen worked as a Stanley Home Products distributor and served as a school bus driver for Adena Schools for thirty years until her retirement in 1998. She was an active community member, belonging to the Austin United Methodist Church, Hilltoppers Garden Club, Concord Grange, and several other organizations. Following funeral services on March 12, she will be laid to rest beside her husband Bill, who preceded her in death in 2012.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6