Good morning, Ross County. Libraries have always been portals to other worlds, and the upcoming Friends of the Library Book Sale (April 23-26) continues that magical tradition with thousands of books, games, and more awaiting new homes. Meanwhile, history comes alive on April 18 with the "Two Lanterns for Tomorrow" ceremony at the Ross County Courthouse—a patriotic nod to Paul Revere's famous midnight ride that invites residents to place lanterns in their windows and share photos using #TwoLightsForTomorrow.
There's encouraging economic news as Ohio's jobless claims decreased to 5,674 last week, reflecting a national downward trend in unemployment filings. Local educators can mark their calendars for May 8, when Ohio University Chillicothe hosts a STEM professional development day featuring OUC graduate Jessica Short. Perhaps most significantly, the historic Chillicothe paper mill has received an unexpected eight-month reprieve from closure, temporarily preserving 800 jobs while officials search for a permanent solution.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📚 Libraries transform ordinary spaces into magical realms of possibility. The author recalls their childhood library visits as fantastical journeys, where every book offered a chance to lead a new life. This same sense of wonder now strikes them at the Friends of the Library Book Sale, an impressive annual fundraiser supporting the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library. The massive sale features books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, and more, running April 23-26 with a special members-only night kicking off the event. Whether seeking adventure or knowledge, visitors will find something worth the trip.
🏮 Historic lantern ceremony to illuminate Chillicothe on April 18. The "Two Lanterns for Tomorrow" event commemorates Paul Revere's famous 1775 ride warning of British troops. Taking place at 7 p.m. at the Ross County Courthouse, the celebration is part of the nationwide America 250 festivities and is sponsored by the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. Residents are encouraged to place two candles or lanterns in their windows that evening and share photos using #TwoLightsForTomorrow. Businesses and government offices are also invited to participate in this patriotic observance.
📉 Ohio jobless claims drop as layoffs slow. Initial unemployment filings in the state fell to 5,674 for the week ending April 12, down from 6,191 the previous week. The decline mirrors a national trend, with U.S. unemployment claims decreasing by 9,000 to 215,000 during the same period. While Ohio saw improvement, Kentucky experienced the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, jumping by 187.3%. Tennessee, in contrast, led the nation with the most significant percentage drop, with claims falling by 47.8%.
🔬 Ohio University Chillicothe invites teachers to power up with STEM. The professional development day on May 8 will offer educators eight contact hours through workshops and a visit to a local solar installation. Keynote speaker Jessica Short, an OUC graduate and Director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center, will share her expertise in making STEM education meaningful and engaging. Short brings impressive credentials, including leading a school to National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2019. The event aims to foster curiosity and innovation in pre-K through 12th-grade classrooms across southern Ohio.
📝 Historic paper mill gets eight-month reprieve from closure. Pixelle Specialty Solutions has paused shutting down its 215-year-old Chillicothe paper mill until year's end, temporarily saving 800 jobs. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno announced the decision after speaking with H.I.G. Capital CEO, giving officials more time to find a permanent solution. State and local leaders are now working to either convince current owners to maintain operations or find a new company to take over the facility. While employees and community members expressed relief and determination, officials acknowledge the challenges ahead in a digital world where paper demand has declined.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
The West Jefferson Roughriders pitched a perfect game plan against Chillicothe, cruising to a commanding 9-0 shutout victory in Saturday's non-league matchup. The win improves the Roughriders to a solid 7-3 record, while the Cavaliers drop to 3-6 and are left searching for answers before Monday's Frontier Athletic clash with Hillsboro. West Jefferson's dominant performance suggests they'll be bringing plenty of momentum into their upcoming showdown with the struggling 1-8 Triad Cardinals.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Chillicothe (3-6) | ||
vs West Jefferson | L 9-0 | |
Paint Valley (0-8) | ||
vs Fairfield | L 9-6 | |
Zane Trace (9-2) | ||
vs Gallia Academy | W 10-0 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
In a wild softball rollercoaster, Fairfield and Paint Valley split their doubleheader Saturday with the Bearcats taking game one 10-9 before the Lions roared back with a dominant 22-4 victory in the nightcap. Meanwhile, Lynchburg-Clay's Mustangs galloped past Zane Trace 7-1, improving to 10-3 while leaving the Pioneers pondering their 5-8 record heading into a busy week of Scioto Valley conference action.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Chillicothe (12-2) | ||
@ Heath | W 12-5 | |
@ Liberty Union | L 4-2 | |
Paint Valley (5-7) | ||
vs Fairfield | W 10-9 | |
vs Fairfield | L 22-4 | |
Zane Trace (5-8) | ||
vs Lynchburg-Clay | L 7-1 |
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🚨 Cuff Notes
An individual was charged with criminal trespass after allegedly entering the property of another without permission. The arrest was made by the Chillicothe Police Department.
A case of theft without consent resulted in an arrest by the Ross County Sheriff's Office. The individual is currently in custody.
An individual faced multiple charges including obstructing official business and disorderly conduct after an incident with the Chillicothe Police Department. This person is currently in custody.
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13
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