📱 Ohio bans student cell phones in schools statewide. Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation requiring all Ohio schools to prohibit cell phone use during instructional hours, with implementation required by January 2026. Exceptions allow phones for learning activities, medical monitoring with a doctor's note, and during emergency situations as outlined in school safety plans. Many districts have already implemented restrictions using methods like Yondr pouches, with some reporting improved classroom engagement and better grades. Critics worry about enforcement challenges and emergency communication between parents and children during school hours.
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🏗️ Chillicothe takes control of commercial building oversight starting July 7. The city's Building Department will now manage all commercial building services including code enforcement, plan reviews, site inspections, and occupancy permits. This change follows City Council's May 28 resolution authorizing an application to the Ohio Board of Building Standards, which has been approved. Previously, these services were handled by the Ross County Building Department for a fee. Existing projects under county review will continue until completion, with questions directed to the city's Building Department.
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🏅 Ross County Special Olympics athletes bring home 43 medals at State Games. The competition, celebrating Special Olympics Ohio's 50th anniversary, saw 46 Ross County athletes competing among 3,000 participants from across the state. Athletics teams collected 22 medals, including 10 golds, with 64-year-old Jeanine Long winning gold in walking and softball throw events. Bowling added 11 more medals while powerlifting contributed 10 medals, with David Horsley setting a personal record deadlift of 358 pounds. The program provides year-round Olympic-style sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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💪 Chillicothe's new 24-hour gym helps night owls stay fit. Stacked Social Club offers a complete fitness experience with equipment for everyone from bodybuilders to seniors looking to stay active. Owner Ben Hatmacher opened the gym to create a convenient space that makes healthy living accessible, especially for those working unusual hours. The facility also features "The Spot," a healthy café serving acai bowls, salads, and nutritious beverages. Located at 78 West Water Street, memberships start at just $35 monthly, with members enjoying private entrance access when the café is closed.
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💍 A Barbie doll show sparked a 36-year love story. Michael Alexander and Paul David Wrightsel, believed to be the first same-sex couple married in Ross County, Ohio, reflect on a decade since their 2015 wedding following the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Though they lived together since 1989, raising a grandson and now a great-grandson, Alexander never thought marriage would be possible in his lifetime. "Our marriage license was not mortar for an already cemented relationship," Alexander says, "it was more like icing on the cake."
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Expansive countryside dream home awaits: For $599,900, this Cape Cod retreat offers 22.61 acres of private paradise with a 4-bedroom home, fishing pond, massive pole barn, detached garage, and above-ground pool for the ultimate country living experience.
Ranch paradise awaits savvy buyers: This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch at $369,000 features an open concept layout with fireplace, spacious primary suite with two walk-in closets, covered patio, and 2-car garage in a peaceful neighborhood.
Downtown triple-threat investment opportunity: $299,000 gets you a downtown Chillicothe triple-threat: two office spaces, a residential unit, and seven parking spots. The three-story commercial building offers high visibility, multiple entrances, and even private decks.
