🚨 Siren season

Good morning, Ross County. The familiar wail of tornado sirens will echo across Ohio this Wednesday, but don't reach for your emergency kit just yet. It's only a statewide drill at 9:50 a.m., marking Severe Weather Awareness Week. As we transition into spring, Governor DeWine reminds us that tornado season approaches – a perfect time to check those emergency supplies and review family safety plans before Mother Nature tests them for real.

In local government shifts, City Council is experiencing its second resignation in a month with Steve Barnes announcing his departure effective March 17. Meanwhile, Paint Valley's track teams are heading in different directions this season – the boys rebuilding after losing key talent while the girls look to build momentum with promising leadership from Sophia Stauffer and Raegan Gilliland, alongside freshmen who shined in middle school competition.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🌪️ Ohio's tornado sirens will wail Wednesday, but don't worry—it's just a test. The statewide drill at 9:50 a.m. marks Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 16-22), encouraging Ohioans to practice emergency plans. Governor DeWine urges residents to prepare for spring and summer weather hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, and floods. Officials recommend having emergency kits ready for homes and vehicles, and knowing safe shelter locations. While Ohio's tornado season typically peaks April through June, tornadoes can occur during any month of the year.

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🏛️ Chillicothe loses second council member in one month to resignation. Steve Barnes, the Republican 4th Ward councilman, announced his departure effective March 17, 2025, citing retirement and pursuit of other opportunities. A former assistant fire chief with over 20 years at the Chillicothe Fire Department, Barnes was appointed in 2023 and subsequently won election to the seat. His resignation follows Democratic councilwoman Deidra Nickerson's earlier departure, which she attributed to contentious politics. The Ross County Republican Party will select Barnes' replacement.

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🏃‍♂️ Paint Valley track teams follow divergent paths this season. The boys are rebuilding after losing regional qualifiers Justin Pence and Reid Lanham to graduation, while the girls build on last year's progress under Coach Tara Immell. Coach Malachi Pulliam's boys team will rely heavily on middle distance and distance runners this year, a shift from their traditional sprinting strength. The girls team, though small, features strong leadership from senior Sophia Stauffer and junior Raegan Gilliland, along with promising freshmen who had successful middle school careers.

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🚨 Cuff Notes

• A recent arrest involved an individual charged with multiple offenses, including assault and drug paraphernalia possession, along with a probation violation and domestic menacing. The arresting agency securing this individual was the Ross County Sheriff's Office.

• Another person was apprehended for illegally conveying drugs into a mental health facility. This incident, also handled by the Ross County Sheriff's Office, highlights ongoing concerns regarding the transport of substances into sensitive environments.

• A third report details an individual facing a multiple charge scenario, including an operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI), making false alarms, and resisting arrest. While the individual is not currently in custody, the Ross County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the matter.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 In Remembrance

David W. Hudnell David W. Hudnell, a retired semi-truck driver from Greeneville, Tennessee, passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1937, he is survived by his wife Lola, son Travis, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and a sister. A graveside service will be held on March 21, 2025, at Greenlawn Cemetery with family visitation at the Ware Funeral Home the day before.

Sheila J. Wagner Sheila J. Wagner, 84, of Chillicothe, passed away on March 17, 2025, just months after her husband of 63 years, Ronald. She is survived by her two sons, three grandchildren, a sister and brother-in-law, and several nieces and a nephew. Sheila was a 1958 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School who worked as a legal secretary and later served as Admissions Director at Heartland Nursing Center for 13 years. Active in her community, she was a member of several organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution and served in various missions at Walnut Street United Methodist Church, where her funeral service will be held on March 22, 2025.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

-Colossians 3:12