📝 Paper mill reprieve

Good morning, Ross County. The 170-year legacy of Chillicothe's Pixelle paper mill has just received a dramatic eleventh-hour reprieve. After facing sudden closure that would have affected 826 workers within two months, the historic facility will now remain operational through year-end following intervention from government officials. This breathing room creates a crucial window for finding a buyer, though industry experts remain cautious about the long-term prospects for the mill that represents 10% of the city's tax revenue.

Beyond paper industry drama, outdoor recreation takes center stage as researchers gather with residents in Athens today to discuss bolstering the local outdoor recreation economy. The Jenco Foundation Fund is also seeking nominations for its 2025 awards recognizing community service leaders in Appalachian Ohio. On the diamond, the Logan Chieftains left little doubt about their dominance in Monday's matchup, handily defeating Groveport-Madison 12-3 in a game that couldn't end soon enough for the visiting Cruisers.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏭 Small Ohio town fights to save its historic paper mill. Chillicothe's Pixelle International paper plant, operating since the 1850s and employing 826 workers, was suddenly slated for closure within two months. After political intervention led by Senator Bernie Moreno, the company reversed course, agreeing to stay open until year-end while seeking a buyer. The mill, which produces increasingly obsolete carbonless paper, represents 10% of the city's tax revenue but faces an uncertain future despite Chillicothe's downtown revitalization efforts. Industry experts remain skeptical about long-term survival prospects for the facility.

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📄 Pixelle pauses Ohio paper mill closure in last-minute reprieve. The company announced it will delay shutting down its Chillicothe facility until year-end following productive discussions with government officials at all levels. This pause represents a public-private partnership aimed at exploring sustainable solutions for the mill and its workforce. Senator Bernie Moreno plans to establish a permanent Senate office in Chillicothe to support the mill's future. Pixelle will continue working with its ownership group and government partners toward a mutually agreeable solution.

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📰 Logan's community buzzes with outdoor recreation meeting today. Researchers contracted by the Appalachian Regional Commission will gather with residents in Athens to discuss the local outdoor recreation economy. Meanwhile, the Jenco Foundation Fund is accepting nominations for its 2025 awards recognizing community service leaders in Appalachian Ohio. On the sports front, Logan Chieftains dominated Groveport-Madison in Monday night's home game, securing an impressive 12-3 victory that left the Cruisers eager to depart.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

The Unioto Shermans survived a nail-biter against Huntington, holding on for an 8-6 victory to improve their record to 9-5 in Scioto Valley action. Meanwhile, Southeastern flexed their muscles against the still-winless Paint Valley Bearcats, cruising to a 10-6 win that might give them momentum heading into Thursday's non-league showdown with Minford.

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

The Unioto Shermans unleashed an offensive barrage Wednesday, crushing Huntington 21-3 in Scioto Valley league action. With the win, the Shermans improved to 8-7 and look to keep the momentum rolling against Paint Valley on Friday.Meanwhile, Southeastern Panthers secured a solid 6-2 victory over Paint Valley in league play, improving to 6-10 on the season. The Bearcats (5-9) will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the hot-hitting Unioto squad in what promises to be a challenging Friday matchup.

🚨 Cuff Notes

• A local convenience store was robbed late at night when an individual entered and demanded cash from the register. The suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, and authorities are currently reviewing security footage for clues.

• In a bizarre chain of events, a group of teens was caught trying to steal bicycles from a park after hours. Fortunately, attentive neighbors alerted the police, who quickly arrived to apprehend the group before they could get away.

• A residential burglary occurred over the weekend when an intruder broke into a house through an unlocked window. The homeowner discovered the break-in upon returning home, and while no one was hurt, several valuables were reported missing.

• A spate of graffiti tagging has been reported in the downtown area, with several businesses finding unsightly markings on their walls. City officials are coordinating with local artists to organize a cleanup and prevent future damage while enhancing community pride through art.

• An amusing incident unfolded when a man was caught trying to steal a statue from a public park, only to be interrupted by passersby. The would-be thief made a hasty exit, and local police were able to identify him from witness descriptions.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up automatic transfers to your savings account each month; treating your savings like a recurring bill can help you build your nest egg effortlessly without the temptation to spend that cash elsewhere.

🙏 In Remembrance

Donald E. Dennewitz Donald E. Dennewitz, 85, of Chillicothe, passed away on March 9, 2025, in Naples, Florida. Born in 1939, he is survived by his wife Linda, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. After graduating from Unioto High School in 1958, Donald established his own carpentry business, later transitioning to in-ground pool construction with his wife Linda. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, boating, traveling, racing events, and spending time with family.

Jack M. Lang Jack M. Lang, 79, of Chillicothe, passed away on April 22, 2025, at CareCore at Westmoreland after a brief illness. Born on November 13, 1945, in Dresden, Ohio, Lang was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later retired from the Chillicothe Water Treatment Plant. He was preceded in death by his wife Martina and is survived by his daughter Kristine, several grandchildren, step-children, siblings, and other family members. Visitation will be held on April 27, 2025, at the Ware Funeral Home.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

-Psalm 31:24