Good morning, Ross County. The iconic silhouette of the Chillicothe Paper Mill smokestack—a landmark that has defined our skyline for generations—enters its final chapter as eighteen potential buyers tour the facility ahead of its August 10 shutdown. While machines wind down operations, the community's spirit remains resilient with plans to transform the 200-acre site into a massive 560-acre manufacturing hub that could breathe new economic life into our region. Meanwhile, employees document these historic final days through social media and a commemorative book capturing the mill's lasting legacy.
The explosive aftermath of July 4th celebrations left more than memories on Brownell Street, where a fireworks mishap damaged several vehicles when two teens' birthday celebration went sideways. In brighter historical news, the stately Mead Staff house found new purpose back in 1969 when the corporation transferred the 14-room East Fifth Street property to Ohio University Chillicothe—a gift that continues enriching our community's cultural landscape over five decades later.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏭 Chillicothe Paper Mill's final days spark hope amid closure. As the August 10 shutdown approaches, eighteen potential buyers have toured the facility following Pixelle's April closure announcement. Local officials are negotiating with nearby property owners to expand the 200-acre site into a 560-acre "mega site" that could potentially replace lost jobs with new manufacturing opportunities. Meanwhile, employees document the mill's final operations through social media groups like "Chillicothe Mill Heroes" and "2025 Chillicothe mill shut down," while a commemorative book titled "Growing Up in the Shadow of the Stack" is in development to preserve the mill's legacy.
💥 Chillicothe teens' fireworks mishap damages multiple vehicles on Brownell Street. Police investigated after a mortar-style firework exploded at ground level on July 5, leaving scorch marks and damaging several parked cars. Two juveniles, aged 17 and 13, admitted to lighting the fireworks as part of a birthday celebration, claiming the explosion was unintentional when the mortar fell over. Officers confiscated the remaining fireworks, while their grandmother Canita Stewart received a summons for allowing minors to discharge fireworks and must appear in court on July 11.
🏛️ Historic Mead Staff house finds new purpose at Ohio University. In July 1969, Mead Corporation officially transferred ownership of their 14-room East Fifth Street property to Ohio University Chillicothe during a special luncheon ceremony. The former home of banker George Hunter Smith had served since 1946 as Mead's quarters for visiting dignitaries and meeting space. Ohio University President Vernon Alden gratefully accepted the gift, noting it would help accommodate increased activities at the growing Chillicothe campus. The university planned to use the facility to house visiting lecturers and distinguished guests who enhanced the city's cultural standing.
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
-Colossians 3:15
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