🏊 Pool paradise

Good morning, Ross County. The viral tale of a Disney dad dropping $1,400 on a spontaneous one-day trip serves as a striking reminder that sometimes memories come with hefty price tags. Craig Stowell's Easter weekend adventure—complete with $974 in park tickets alone—might make us appreciate our local recreation options a bit more, including the Donald M. Smith Memorial Swimming Pool reopening May 24. No international High School Musical 2 amenities here, but at just a fraction of Disney prices, our local pool offers plenty of opportunity to "relax and renew."

Around the county, tournament action is heating up with Zane Trace softball crushing Huntington 12-5 as their entire starting lineup crossed home plate. Meanwhile, Farmers Market greenhouse has transformed into a spectacular riot of color just in time for Mother's Day. This third-generation family business has been painting Ross County in floral hues since 1964, evolving from a simple gas station to the blooming institution that now prepares as early as January for this weekend's flower-seeking crowds.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Chillicothe

59°

81°

Frankfort

59°

81°

Kingston

60°

81°

Adelphi

63°

80°

South Salem

60°

81°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💰 Disney dad spends $1,400 on spontaneous one-day family outing. Craig Stowell went viral after detailing the costs of an unplanned Easter weekend trip to Disney World with his family from New Hampshire. The Florida-based YouTuber spent $974 on park tickets for five people, with the remaining $345 going toward parking, food, and drinks. Stowell recommends visitors save money by planning ahead, avoiding holiday weekends, and skipping alcohol purchases. Florida residents can access significant discounts through multi-day passes and special summer tickets starting at just $72 per day.

⚾ Zane Trace softball crushes Huntington 12-5 in playoff action. The Pioneers advanced in the tournament as their entire starting lineup scored runs, with Brynn Wipert pitching a complete game and striking out 11 batters. Tuesday's action also saw dominant wins from Adena, Piketon, Southeastern, and Westfall, who all secured their tournament advancement with convincing victories. In Monday's games, Unioto softball delivered a walk-off win against Miami Trace, while Paint Valley suffered a shutout loss to Lucasville Valley. Baseball tournament results included victories for Huntington, Unioto, and Zane Trace.

🏊 Chillicothe's city pool will make a splash on May 24. The Donald M. Smith Memorial Swimming Pool in Yoctangee Park is preparing for its 2025 summer season with regular operating hours from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours will run slightly shorter, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. While it may lack the international amenities referenced in High School Musical 2, the local pool offers residents a convenient place to "relax and renew" right in town.

🌸 Mother's Day transforms this family greenhouse into a riot of color. Walking into Farmers Market greenhouse in Chillicothe means being surrounded by hundreds of blooming plants in every imaginable hue. The business, now in its third generation with Jenn and Joe Thomas at the helm, begins preparing as early as January for their busiest weekend of the year. What started as a simple gas station selling plants in 1964 has evolved into a thriving operation with three greenhouses growing almost everything from seeds. The Thomas family's knowledge passes down through generations, allowing this 50-year-old business to continue serving Ross County with its spectacular floral displays.

PRESENTED BY Dwell Real Estate

Ranch Paradise On Acres: Priced at $399,000, this updated 3-bed ranch on 3 acres offers country living with modern comforts, including a spacious kitchen, 2+ car garage, pole barn and refreshing pool just minutes from town.

Upgraded ranch woodland setting: Priced at $265,000, this updated 3-bedroom ranch in Frankfort features custom wood ceilings, a stone fireplace, and recent upgrades including a metal roof and new appliances, all set on a large lot with mature trees.

Spacious ready home new features: Priced at $325,000, this move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features new flooring, stainless appliances, and a composite deck on a spacious 1.37-acre lot with both electric and propane fireplaces.

🚗 Fresh Rides

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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2023 Ram 3500

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2022 Jeep Wrangler

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍽️ May. 15 - Lunch with Friends: Break bread with buddies at Golden Corral Buffet & Grill! Join the Lunch with Friends gathering on May 15 at 1660 N Bridge St in Chillicothe for good food and better company.

💼 May 15 - Ohio Business Overview: Discover what makes Ohio's business landscape tick at "Business Overview: Ohio" on May 15 at Dock At Water in downtown Chillicothe. Network with local entrepreneurs while enjoying waterfront views.

🍸 May 15 - Shine On Gourmet Dinner: Indulge in a night of culinary delight at The Pour House's "Shine On Chillicothe" event! Savor gourmet dishes paired with specialty cocktails on May 15 at this must-attend annual celebration.

🌱 May 15 - Discovery Garden Playtime: Spark your child's imagination at Discovery Garden on May 15 at Chillicothe Library! Enjoy creative play, stories, art and music in this special partnership between the library and Easterseals.

🚗 May 16 - Igniters Classic Car Cruise-In: Rev up your engines for the IGNITERS CRUISE-IN at McDonald's on East Main Street! Enjoy classic cars, music, and nostalgic vibes at this free old-fashioned gathering starting at 6pm on May 16.

🎨 May 16 - Open Air Art Gallery: Stroll down historic brick streets at The Open Gallery on May 16! Immerse yourself in curated art and live music while exploring this vibrant community experience at Paper City Coffee on S Paint St.

🎭 May 17 - John Heffron Comedy Night: Last Comic Standing winner John Heffron brings his hilarious stand-up to the Majestic Theatre on May 17! Catch this bestselling comedian's unforgettable performance at 45 E 2nd St in Chillicothe.

😂 May 17 - King's Inn Comedy Night: Bust a gut at Comedy Night at the King's Inn, where laughs flow as freely as the pizza! Join the hilarity on May 17 at Giovanni's Pizza, 7 N Main St, Kingston.

🙏 In Remembrance

Charles A. "Tony" Tarter

Charles A. "Tony" Tarter, 82, of Chillicothe, passed away on May 3, 2025, following an extended illness. He was a Vietnam War era veteran who retired from Kenworth Truck Company after 28 years of service and was an active member of several American Legion posts. Tony is survived by his son Michael, four grandchildren, a brother, a sister, and several nieces and nephews. A military graveside service will be held on May 31, 2025, with the family requesting casual attire and memorial contributions to St. Jude's Hospitals in lieu of flowers.

Donald Eugene Grigsby

Donald Eugene Grigsby of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away on May 11, 2025, at Bethesda North Hospital following a brief illness. Born in 1950, he was raised in the Licking County Children's Home before being adopted, served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and worked various jobs including at Owens Corning, operating a lawn mower repair service, and as a grounds caretaker at Brown's VA Hospital. Before his death, he lived at the Bailey Family VA Medical Foster Home, and is survived by his brothers Charles and John, sister Barbara, and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service with military rites will be held on May 17, 2025, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Chillicothe, Ohio.