📜 Mill memories

Good morning, Ross County. After 177 years of operation, a cornerstone of local industry is preparing to write its final chapter. The Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill, whose origins trace back to 1847, will close its doors in 2025. This historic facility has weathered economic storms, ownership changes, and industrial revolutions since the Ingham brothers established the county's first mill in 1812, becoming as much a part of Chillicothe's identity as the rolling hills that surround it.

On the technology front, Ross County is stepping into the future with the launch of CodeRED this April. This powerful emergency alert system will be your lifeline during critical situations, delivering instant notifications about everything from severe weather to boil advisories via call, text, or email. When you see (740)773-1700 pop up on your screen, you'll know important information is heading your way. Visit the Emergency Management Agency website to register and ensure you're connected when it matters most.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📜 Chillicothe's historic paper mill closing after 177 years. The Pixelle Specialty Solutions plant, which traces its roots to 1847, will shut down in 2025, ending a remarkable industrial legacy in Ross County. Paper manufacturing has been vital to the region since 1812, when the Ingham brothers built the county's first mill. Through multiple owners including Mead, MeadWestvaco, Glatfelter, and finally Pixelle, the mill survived recessions, strikes, and industry transformations. The closure marks the end of a business that helped define Chillicothe's economic identity for generations.

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🚨 Ross County launches powerful new emergency alert system in April. CodeRED will enable local officials to instantly notify thousands of residents about weather emergencies, boil water notices, evacuations, and other critical situations. Citizens will receive these urgent alerts via phone calls, text messages, or emails from the number (740)773-1700. The Emergency Management Agency recommends adding this contact to your phone for quick recognition. Residents can register by visiting the EMA website and creating a profile with their personal information.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Chillicothe finally found their groove Tuesday, taming the McClain Tigers 7-3 in Frontier Athletic action to improve to 2-5 on the season. The Cavaliers won't have long to celebrate as they'll face these same Tigers again Wednesday in a quirky scheduling twist that gives McClain immediate revenge opportunity on their home diamond.

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

The Cavaliers didn't just beat McClain, they delivered a 12-2 softball statement that improved their impressive record to 9-1. Meanwhile, Huntington's bats came alive in Bainbridge as they outslugged Paint Valley 20-10 in a high-scoring affair that would make even the scoreboard operator need ice for their fingers. Both winning teams face quick turnarounds with games tomorrow, barely giving their opponents time to lick their wounds.

🚨 Cuff Notes

• An individual was arrested by the Chillicothe Police Department for possessing drug abuse instruments and drug paraphernalia. This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding drug use and the tools associated with it.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 In Remembrance

Stanley Seitz Jr. Stanley Seitz, Jr., a 71-year-old farmer from Bainbridge and formerly of Leesburg, Ohio, passed away on April 12, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Born on July 27, 1953, to Stanley Leroy Seitz, Sr. and Margaret Martin Seitz, he is survived by his mother, four children, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandsons, two brothers, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and four siblings. Following cremation, no service will be held, with Murray-Fettro Funeral Home handling arrangements.

Thomas Joshua "Josh" Gillum Thomas Joshua "Josh" Gillum, 43, of Richmond Dale, died unexpectedly at his home on April 12, 2025. Born in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1981, he is survived by his mother Brenda Howard, daughter Alyssa Mitchell, two grandsons, extended family, and his cat. His father Tommie Gillum preceded him in death. A private service will be held with burial at Little Mound Cemetery under the direction of Ware Funeral Home.

Betty Jane Lambert Betty Jane Lambert, 93, of Bainbridge, passed away on April 14, 2025, at Chillicothe Post Acute Care. Born on January 16, 1932, in Piketon, Ohio, she married Eugene Lambert in 1951, who preceded her in death in 1992. Betty retired as a Nursing Home Administrator from Marietta Place in 1994 and was a member of McKibben Chapel. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, and a close friend, with funeral services scheduled for April 18, 2025, at the Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home, followed by burial beside her husband in Gardner Cemetery.

Jack O. Barrows Jack O. Barrows, 70, of Chillicothe, passed away on April 14, 2025, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Mitzi, his children Nick and Lindsey, four grandchildren, several siblings, and extended family. Jack retired from Western-Southern Financial in 2012 after 25 years, later working at the Chillicothe Jaycee Golf Course, and was an avid golfer who loved spending time with his grandchildren. A calling will be held on April 16 at Ware Funeral Home, with a private graveside service scheduled for a later date.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Romans 15:13