Good morning, Vinton County. After two centuries of operation, the heartbeat of Chillicothe's economy faces silence as Pixelle Specialty Solutions prepares to close its historic paper mill on August 10. The shutdown threatens to ripple through the region, affecting over 700 direct employees like third-generation worker Jeff Allen and potentially leaving a $78.4 million hole in state tax revenue. While community leaders race to find potential buyers, workers brace for an uncertain future with minimal severance packages.
On a brighter note, southeast Ohio families can breathe easier knowing specialized pediatric emergency care has arrived close to home. OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital's partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital brings expert pediatric care to Athens, eliminating those anxiety-filled long drives during medical emergencies. And Hocking County continues strengthening community connections with new Board appointments, upcoming recycling days, and discussions about environmental initiatives at Lake Logan.
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87%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📄 A 200-year-old Ohio paper mill faces final days. Pixelle Specialty Solutions will close its Chillicothe plant on August 10, affecting over 700 workers including third-generation employee Jeff Allen. The closure threatens to leave a $78.4 million hole in state tax revenue and impact nearly 2,000 indirect jobs across Ohio. While Senator Bernie Moreno helped delay the shutdown by 60 days, community leaders are now scrambling to find potential buyers as workers prepare for an uncertain future with minimal severance.
🏥 Southeast Ohio families gain crucial pediatric emergency care close to home. OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital has partnered with Nationwide Children's Hospital to provide specialized pediatric emergency services in Athens. A dedicated pediatric nurse practitioner will staff the emergency department during peak hours (3-11 PM daily), offering expert child-focused care. This collaboration means families no longer need to travel far for specialized treatment, as the practitioners serve as an extension of Nationwide Children's nationally recognized team. The partnership builds on Nationwide Children's recent opening of a Close To Home Center on the O'Bleness campus, strengthening healthcare access throughout southeast Ohio.
📰 Hocking County welcomes new faces and important community initiatives. The Board of Developmental Disabilities has appointed Cora Kilcoyne, a Logan resident with roots in Lancaster and Sugar Grove, as its newest volunteer member. Recycling Days have been scheduled for July 26 in Laurelville and August 2 in Union Furnace/Starr Township. State Senator Shane Wilkin will host a meeting on July 22 to discuss partnerships with property owners for Lake Logan dredge material reuse sites. These community updates aim to strengthen local services and environmental initiatives across the county.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Historic farm with octagonal barn: This fully-furnished historic farmhouse spanning 12.5 acres is listed at $1,100,000, featuring 2 bedrooms, multiple structures including an 1885 octagonal barn, and potential for events or vacation rentals just minutes from Hocking Hills attractions.
Rustic wooded retreat awaits hunters: For $82,500, own a hunter's paradise on 11.97 acres of wooded hills in Ray, Ohio, complete with two unfinished cabins and a camper, offering rustic getaway potential amid abundant wildlife and stunning natural vistas.
Income Properties Await Development Potential: This $170,000 property offers instant cash flow with three leased rental units on 3.5 acres, currently occupied by stable tenants and presenting opportunities for future development in a growing area.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
-John 14:27
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