Ross County • May 1, 2025
Good morning, Ross County. Mother Nature is flexing her muscles as severe storms roll through Chillicothe with thunderstorm warnings in effect. While the skies might be threatening overhead, there's a silver lining in the forecast: Ross County has managed to avoid power outages thus far, unlike many neighboring counties. Still, residents should exercise caution outdoors as more stormy weather is expected to bookend the week.
On brighter terrain, Ross County is transforming into an outdoor recreation destination thanks to "Chillicothe Trails." The nonprofit's mountain biking trail development is bringing both adventure seekers and economic benefits to the area, with visiting bikers spending an average of $416 daily in local businesses. Meanwhile, the historic Pixelle paper mill—with its iconic orange and white smokestack that's defined the skyline for two centuries—has received a reprieve until year-end while the search for a buyer continues.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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⛈️ Severe storms strike Chillicothe with more bad weather ahead. Ross County is currently under a thunderstorm warning as strong storms move eastward across the region. The Weather Channel forecasts storms throughout Tuesday night, followed by cloudy conditions Wednesday and Thursday before thunderstorms return Friday. While multiple Ohio counties are experiencing power outages, Ross County has reported none as of Tuesday afternoon. Residents are urged to exercise caution while outside or driving as these storms could cause damage.
🚵♂️ New mountain biking trails transform Ross County into outdoor destination. "Chillicothe Trails," a local nonprofit, is developing trail systems at Ohio University Chillicothe and Great Seal State Park to attract outdoor enthusiasts. The initiative brings significant economic benefits, with visiting mountain bikers spending an average of $416 per day in the community. Beyond mountain biking, the county also features portions of major hiking routes including the 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail, North Country Trail, and Great American Discovery Trail. The group plans upcoming events including a "Funduro" biking event and a partnership with the local Humane Society for pet-friendly hikes.
🏭 Chillicothe paper mill's closure threatens 800 jobs and a city's identity. Pixelle Specialty Solutions has delayed shutting down the historic facility until year-end while searching for a potential buyer. The mill, with its iconic orange and white smokestack visible from the highway, has been integral to the southern Ohio city's economy for over 200 years. Chamber of Commerce president Mike Throne warns that closure would impact not just mill workers but also logging companies, trucking businesses, restaurants, and retail stores throughout the area. Despite these concerns, Throne remains optimistic about Chillicothe's resilience, noting the community has previously survived "floods and fires and recessions."
The Unioto Shermans continued their winning ways Tuesday, downing the struggling Paint Valley Bearcats 4-1 in Scioto Valley league action. The victory pushes Unioto to a solid 12-6 record while Paint Valley falls to 1-11 on the season.Huntington's offense went nuclear against River Valley, pounding out a 20-4 non-league victory on Tuesday. The Huntsmen (8-6) flexed their muscles ahead of their upcoming clash with 12-3 Zane Trace, while the Raiders (3-5) limp into their next matchup against winless Federal Hocking.Southeastern Panthers made quick work of Piketon on Tuesday, cruising to a 9-1 league victory over the Redstreaks. The win improves the Panthers to 5-7 as they prepare for a showdown with the 12-6 Unioto Shermans, while Piketon (4-9) looks to regroup against Westfall.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Huntington (8-6) | ||
@ River Valley | W 20-4 | |
Paint Valley (1-11-1) | ||
vs Unioto | L 4-1 | |
Southeastern (5-7) | ||
@ Piketon | W 9-1 | |
Unioto (12-6) | ||
@ Paint Valley | W 4-1 |
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Southeastern (8-11) | ||
@ Piketon | L 5-4 |
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Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
-Romans 12:12
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