Good morning, Ross County. Look skyward this week and you might witness one of humanity's oldest documented celestial shows. The Lyrid meteor shower—first recorded in 687 B.C.—brings its cosmic fireworks through April 26, with up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It's a welcome astronomical distraction amid more sobering local news, as the historic Chillicothe Paper Mill prepares to close after an astonishing 215-year run, affecting 800 employees and prompting community leaders to mobilize support resources.
Our county's weather patterns continue making headlines, with records showing 13 tornadoes touching down since 1950—the most memorable being the 1978 Andersonville twister that traveled 14 miles. Meanwhile, Chillicothe police had their hands full when Blake Mandru allegedly turned a routine traffic stop into a wild chase, complete with crashed cruisers and a tour through multiple yards before his eventual capture on Yoctangee Parkway.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🌠 Lyrid meteor shower brings celestial fireworks to night skies this week. The cosmic display runs April 17-26, peaking on April 21-22 with up to 20 meteors per hour and potential fireballs. Originating from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, these fast, bright meteors are best viewed in dark areas away from city lights after moonset. Ohio viewers might face weather challenges with forecasted clouds and rain, but patient stargazers could witness one of the oldest known meteor showers, first recorded in 687 B.C.
🌪️ Ross County has faced 13 tornadoes since 1950. The longest-traveling tornado hit Andersonville in December 1978, staying on the ground for 14 miles. Other significant twisters include a 1978 Bainbridge tornado causing $25,000 in damages, a 1982 Chillicothe tornado injuring five people, and a 2009 Summithill tornado that damaged homes and caused $95,000 in damages. The most recent recorded tornado struck northwest of Chillicothe in 2020, traveling nearly 6 miles and damaging several barns.
🚓 Chillicothe man slams into police cruiser during wild chase. Blake Mandru was indicted by a Ross County Grand Jury for failing to comply with police orders during a February 26 incident. After running a stop sign, Mandru allegedly refused to pull over, hit a police vehicle, drove through yards, and ran multiple red lights before finally stopping at Yoctangee Parkway. The third-degree felony charge carries a potential penalty of up to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Mandru was reportedly driving a relative's vehicle and had an outstanding warrant at the time of the chase.
📄 Chillicothe paper mill closure sparks call for community memories. Following the announcement that the historic paper mill will shut down, locals are being invited to share their personal connections to the facility. The Chillicothe Gazette is collecting stories about the plant's impact for a potential historical article. Current employees willing to discuss the closure can contact reporter Destiny Torres directly. Community members can also submit opinions through a letter to the editor form.
🏭 Historic Chillicothe Paper Mill closing after 215 years in business. Pixelle Specialty Solutions announced the shutdown, which will impact 800 employees as operations wind down over coming weeks. Mayor Luke Feeney expressed concern for affected families, promising assistance with job placement and coordination with state resources. The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce pledged to support employees during this transition, collaborating with company and government partners to provide comprehensive assistance. Local leaders emphasized their commitment to helping workers find new economic opportunities.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Adena (2-6) | ||
@ Piketon | W 14-1 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
PRESENTED BY Dwell Real Estate |
Ambitious project awaits developer: This fixer-upper priced at $165,000 offers a partially constructed home with a near-complete pole barn on an attractive plot of land with promising development potential.
Construction-ready lot with utilities: This modest $62,000 lot in a peaceful area offers utilities already on site and convenient highway access for building your dream home. The property is ready for construction with minimal connection work needed.
Solar gem with savings galore: Priced at $275,000, this charming 3-bedroom home features fully-owned solar panels that deliver $0 electric bills, an encapsulated crawlspace for improved efficiency, and a spacious yard with 2-car garage.🚗 Fresh Rides | ||||||||||||||||
|
🚨 Cuff Notes
An individual was arrested for multiple charges including contempt of court and violation of a protection order, alongside a burglary charge. The arrest was made by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the individual is currently in custody.
Another individual is facing charges related to probation violations and driving with a suspended license due to accumulating twelve points. The Ross County Sheriff's Office made the arrest, and this person is also in custody.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
|
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32
|
|