Good morning, Ross County. The familiar Big Lots brand is making a comeback! After bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year, Variety Wholesalers is breathing new life into 80 more locations on June 5, including stores across Ohio. This expansion follows the successful reopening of 139 stores in April and May, with promises of "more deals than ever" as the company plans grand celebrations for fall.
Meanwhile, local life continues with delightful diversity. Farm animals transformed the Northside Branch library lawn into an impromptu petting zoo, delighting visitors with chickens, goats, and ducks. At the Good Samaritan Food Bank, retired volunteers like Greg Smith have become the backbone of operations, unloading thousands of pounds of food for neighbors in need. And in healthcare news, Adena Medical Center is working to address the growing physician shortage crisis through innovative recruitment strategies for rural communities.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🛍️ Big Lots returns with 80 more stores reopening June 5. Variety Wholesalers, which purchased 219 Big Lots locations during bankruptcy proceedings, will expand its reopening effort across nine states including Ohio, Florida, and Virginia. The company has already brought back 139 stores in April and May, operating them under the Big Lots name. "We're thrilled to bring the Big Lots brand back to life by offering more deals than ever," said Lisa Seigies, president of Variety Wholesalers, as the company works toward grand opening celebrations in fall. Meanwhile, Ollie's Bargain Outlet acquired 40 additional Big Lots locations, while more than 600 stores nationwide will permanently close.
🐐 Farm animals turned a library lawn into a petting zoo. Chickens, goats, ducks and more delighted visitors at the Northside Branch of the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library. The special "Bring the Farm to You" event took place on May 28, 2025, drawing crowds of curious patrons. Those interested in seeing more of this unique library program can find additional photos on the Chillicothe Gazette website.
🎬 Trump's tariff threat sends shockwaves through film industry. Local filmmakers Daniel and Jessica Griesheimer express concern over President Trump's proposal for 100% tariffs on foreign-produced films, calling it "not a well thought-out plan." The couple questions how such tariffs would be implemented in an inherently collaborative industry where production often spans multiple countries. While they support promoting American-made films, especially in the independent sector, they believe tariffs are the wrong approach. The Griesheimers worry about potential impacts on consumers, including possible increases in streaming subscription costs and physical media prices.
🥫 Retired volunteers become lifeline at Ohio food pantry. The Good Samaritan Food Bank of Ross County runs smoothly thanks to dedicated volunteers who unload, sort, and stock thousands of pounds of food. Many volunteers, like Greg Smith, joined after retirement seeking ways to give back to their community and serve others. Churches play a significant role in connecting volunteers with the pantry, creating a network of compassionate individuals. As volunteer Mike Scholl puts it: "I've been blessed all my life, and it's nice to help someone else."
👨⚕️ Rural America faces critical physician shortage crisis. The US projects a deficit of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, with rural areas like Ross County particularly struggling to recruit specialists. Adena's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Emily Johnson cites multiple factors including rising education costs, geographic challenges, and changing work-life balance priorities among medical professionals. Adena is addressing recruitment challenges through educational programs in primary care and creative scheduling flexibility. Local healthcare access remains crucial for patients needing specialized treatments like oncology, as traveling long distances significantly impacts families and quality of life.
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🚨 Cuff Notes
A local individual has been taken into custody for multiple theft charges, indicating a serious violation of property rights. The arrest was made during a probation check by the Chillicothe Municipal Court Probation team.
An individual was arrested for burglary and criminal mischief, coupled with assault charges for knowingly causing harm to another person. The incident involved entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime while someone was present, leading to a complicated legal situation.
A member of the public was arrested for disorderly conduct due to intoxication, as their actions were deemed risky and posed potential harm to others. The arrest was conducted by the Chillicothe Police Department as part of their ongoing efforts to maintain public safety.
Another individual was also arrested for disorderly conduct related to intoxication, showcasing a trend of public disturbances linked to alcohol. This arrest came from the Ross County Sheriff's Office, which continues to address such behaviors in the community.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
-Psalm 31:24
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