PIKETON — The 2026 Pike County Fair is just around the corner!

Pike County 4-H Educator Joy Bauman says, “One of the things we’re excited about this year are the improvements in our rabbit, poultry, lamb, and goat barns. We’ve added a lot of new pens in the rabbit and poultry end, we’re adding big fans to circulate the air, and then we’ve got some new shade cloth that’s supposed to block out, like, 90% of the sun that’s coming in and hopefully that will help with the heat stress for the animals in that barn.”

Bauman also invites the community to participate in this year’s livestock sales. On Friday, July 31st at 5:30pm are the steer, goat, lamb, and hog sales; followed by rabbit and poultry sales at 10am on Saturday, August 1st.

While the Pike County Fair opens on July 24th, opening ceremonies are set to take place on Sunday, July 26th at 5pm.

For more information about the Pike County Fair, visit https://www.pikecountyfairground.org/.

Watch our Aaron Glandon’s interview with Pike County 4-H Educator Joy Bauman below.

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CHILLICOTHE, OHIO – Ross County Treasurer David Jeffers announced today that the due date for second half 2025 real property tax payments has been extended from July 24, 2026, to August 21, 2026.

The extension is necessary to allow additional time for the implementation of recent changes to Ohio’s property tax laws, including the new Inflation Cap Credit established by House Bill 186. The legislation requires county auditors and treasurers throughout Ohio to make significant adjustments to the calculation and billing of property taxes before second half tax bills can be finalized and mailed. More than 50 Ohio counties have already announced similar delays and extensions as they work to implement the new requirements.

“Ross County taxpayers deserve accurate tax bills, and we want to ensure every credit and adjustment required by state law is properly applied,” said Treasurer Jeffers. “Our office has been working closely with the Ross County Auditor’s Office and our software providers to implement House Bill 186. While this additional time is necessary, our goal remains to provide taxpayers with accurate bills that reflect any relief they may be entitled to receive under the new law.”

House Bill 186, enacted by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor Mike DeWine, created the Inflation Cap Credit and other property tax relief measures that must be reflected on 2025 second half tax bills. The complexity of these statewide changes has required additional programming, testing, and verification before tax bills can be produced and mailed.

Taxpayers are encouraged to watch for additional information regarding the mailing of second half tax bills. Once bills are issued, payment options will remain available through the Treasurer’s Office, online payment portal and by mail.

The Treasurer’s Office appreciates the patience and understanding of Ross County taxpayers as county officials work to ensure the accurate implementation of these new state-mandated property tax provisions.

For questions, taxpayers may contact the Ross County Treasurer’s Office at (740) 702-3080.

David Jeffers
Ross County Treasurer

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PIKE COUNTY, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, and Centrus Energy Corp., a uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel services provider, announced today a Letter of Intent under which Centrus agrees to supply enough domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to power up to five Aurora powerhouses for multiple years, with deliveries to Oklo scheduled to begin in 2029. Centrus will supply HALEU from its American Centrifuge Plant in Pike County, Ohio to support Oklo’s planned 1.2 GW power campus in the region.

The agreement, which anticipates a further definitive contract, brings together domestic fuel supply, planned advanced nuclear power generation, customer demand, and project execution in southern Ohio while strengthening fuel certainty for Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse deployments at a time when access to domestically sourced HALEU remains one of the central constraints facing the advanced nuclear sector.

The Letter of Intent could include prepayments from Oklo to Centrus to support fuel supply for Oklo’s planned campus buildout and will be further negotiated in a future definitive agreement. It follows Oklo’s January 2026 announcement with Meta, which included prepayment to advance project certainty for Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse campus. Centrus plans to leverage billions in private capital along with the previously announced $900 million HALEU task order from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The development advances Oklo’s broader southern Ohio deployment strategy by aligning Centrus’ enrichment capabilities at Piketon, Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse campus, established customer demand, and engineering and construction experience from Kiewit, one of North America’s largest construction and engineering organizations.

“This agreement aligns core elements of advanced nuclear deployment: power generation, fuel, and customer demand,” said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Southern Ohio brings together decades of nuclear experience and a highly qualified workforce that can move advanced nuclear from planning to deployment.”

“Today’s announcement is an important step toward ensuring reliable HALEU supply for next generation reactors and represents a crucial milestone as we work to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale,” said Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler. “By connecting advanced nuclear power generation and customer demand with domestic HALEU production in southern Ohio, this agreement helps establish a foundation for a new U.S. advanced nuclear energy hub.”

The work to establish a commercial supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel and build a campus of Aurora powerhouses will require over 700 full-time construction employees for multiple years across the deployment of sequential units. Oklo also expects each planned powerhouse to support approximately 40 to 50 permanent, well-paying jobs, including technical support, engineering, administration, warehouse and logistics, routine maintenance, and periodic refueling activities. For every eight Aurora powerhouses, an additional 80 to 120 permanent roles will be created to support site-wide operations.

Centrus’ expansion, which launched late last year, is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 300 new operating jobs in Ohio alone, while retaining the 150 jobs that existed at the Piketon plant when the expansion began.

Oklo’s fast fission Aurora powerhouses are designed to provide reliable clean power under a build-own-operate model, using liquid-metal cooling with low-water requirements, low emissions, and inherent safety characteristics that make the technology well suited to support new industrial growth in southern Ohio.

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COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA), National Weather Service (NWS), and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) are promoting Lightning Safety Awareness Week which runs June 21-27.

Lighting is a leading cause of weather-related injuries and deaths in the United States. Each year, about 25 million lightning flashes occur, causing around 30 fatalities and many long-term injuries.

“Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but can kill in an instant,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick. “In 2025, an Ohio resident was struck and killed by lightning while playing soccer. Be aware of your surroundings and go indoors when severe weather is approaching.” 

Ohio EMA, the NWS, and OCSWA urge Ohioans to stay alert, have an emergency plan, and practice severe weather safety.  

Prepare Before the Storm 

• Understand your area’s lightning risk—storms occur year-round, day or night.
• Know the difference between a Thunderstorm Watch (Be Prepared) and a Thunderstorm Warning (Take Action!)
• “When thunder roars, go indoors!” Stop outdoor activities and seek a safe, enclosed shelter immediately.  
• Suspend outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.  
• If shelter from the storm is not available, crouch down low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning can cause electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly up to, and exceeding, 100 feet away. 

• Know your area’s risk for lightning. Spring and summer are typical seasons for thunderstorms, though they can occur year-round and at any hour. 
• Sign up for local emergency alerts or use a trusted weather app.
• Consider installing surge protectors or lightning protection systems for your home.

 Stay Safe During the Storm 

• If a thunderstorm warning has been issued for your area or you hear thunder, go inside immediately. 
• Get out and away from bodies of water. If boating, fishing, or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately. 
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and telephone lines. 
• Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices.  

 Be Safe After the Storm 

• Watch for fallen power lines or broken tree limbs. Report hazards immediately. 
• If power outages occur, report them to your utility provider. Don’t wait for a neighbor to report the outage.  
• If using alternate power sources like a generator, always follow the manufacturer’s directions. 

For more information on lightning safety, click HERE to visit the OCSWA website. Follow along and follow OCSWA on X and Facebook. 

See below for the Lightning Safety Awareness Week themes designated by the National Lightning Safety Council:

Sunday: An Introduction to Lightning Safety

Monday: The Science of Lightning and Thunder

Tuesday: Lightning Safety Outdoors

Wednesday: Lightning Safety Indoors

Thursday: Lightning Safety and Sports Activities

Friday: Medical Effects on Lightning Victims

Saturday: Protecting Your Home from Lightning

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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed Senate Bill 450, the capital budget bill for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

“The investments we are announcing today build upon the work we have done to strengthen communities, support our workforce, and grow the economy over the last seven years,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects outlined in this budget will improve our parks, county fairgrounds, and historical sites; upgrade schools and classrooms to support the future workforce; promote safe and independent living for Ohioans with disabilities; continue building the mental healthcare system; and more. This capital budget impacts all Ohioans today and for the future.”

“This capital budget is about investing in the things that make strong communities possible,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “It reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for Ohio families in every aspect. From schools to workforce development, to local infrastructure and community spaces. These investments will serve Ohioans for years to come.” 

The capital budget includes a total of $3.7 billion in appropriations.

Capital budget highlights include investments to:

• Upgrade Ohio’s higher education classrooms, laboratories, and buildings to improve campus safety and efficiency and support the state’s future workforce.
• Support construction and renovation projects to strengthen Ohio’s behavioral health hospitals and for the development of a youth specialty care facility.
• Modernize and improve Ohio’s 76 state parks, which are nationally recognized as the best state park system in the country.
• Promote safer and more functional residential options for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
• Renovate correctional institutions across the state to ensure inmate and staff safety.
• Support construction and renovation projects at more than 50 Ohio historical sites and museums, including the completion of the new Poindexter Village Museum and the reimagined Ohio River Museum.
• Enhance Ohio Fire Academy training facilities to provide a safer, more advanced, scenario-based training environment.
• Improve local community and regional areas, including parks, trails, historical sites, and county fairgrounds to support recreation and tourism across the state.

Ohio Representative Mark Johnson (District 92) joined us in studio Tuesday to discuss the Capital Budget and address where the monies benefiting the district have landed. (See below)
READ MORE about the District 92 appropriations HERE:

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today, the Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Securities (SEC) and Financial Institutions (DFI) are partnering to urge Ohioans to do their part to help protect older loved ones from a fast‑growing wave of financial scams, many of which now center on cryptocurrency.

According to statistics included in the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report, investment and crypto‑related schemes are playing a larger role in elder scams and financial exploitation than ever before. According to the report, in 2025:

• More than 200,000 Americans aged 60+ filed scam-related complaints, up 37% from the year before.
• Reported losses among seniors exceeded $7 billion, up 59% from the previous year.
• Ohio ranked among the top 10 states for elder scam-related complaints in 2025.
• Investment schemes were the largest source of losses, valued at over $3.5 billion.
• Scams involving cryptocurrency components targeted more than 42,000 seniors, causing a staggering $4.3 billion in losses.

“These numbers are both staggering and alarming, and what concerns us most are the real people and families who are being impacted,” said Ingrid White, Interim Superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions. “Checking in regularly with older loved ones and asking questions about their well-being, financial decisions, and any unusual contacts can make a world of difference in keeping them safe. Even a brief conversation might be the key to preventing someone you love from being taken advantage of.”

As scams grow more sophisticated, in part due to the use of AI, bad actors are increasingly turning to digital channels and crypto‑based tools to manipulate and steal from older Ohioans. The most common schemes are bad actors who:

• Build trust through wrong-number texts, impersonating government officials, or fake online relationships.
• Pressure victims to invest in fake opportunities, including crypto-based investment platforms.
• Instruct victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, create digital wallets, or scan QR codes that, unbeknownst to the victim, transfer funds directly to a scammer. Due to the nature of this process, these funds can be extremely difficult to track and recover.

“It’s unfathomable that individuals would intentionally prey on seniors, especially those who are isolated or simply trying to be helpful, but it unfortunately happens every day,” said Ohio Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt. “While we have the means, expertise and tools to investigate, pursue and hold these bad actors accountable, we rely on Ohioans to let us know this is happening in the first place by reporting suspicious activity. The sooner we catch wind of this activity, the better the chances are that we can prevent further harm to them and others.”

Both divisions encourage all Ohioans, regardless of age, to take the following proactive steps to reduce the risk of financial exploitation:

• Maintain open communication. Regular conversations with loved ones about finances can help spot unusual behavior early, before any significant harm is done.
• Use trusted contacts. Make sure financial accounts list a trusted individual who can be alerted if something appears wrong.
• Plan ahead. Ensure estate planning documents and powers of attorney are clear, updated, and shared with financial institutions.
• Stay informed. Review alerts from state and federal agencies and be cautious of unfamiliar investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency.
• Know caregivers and advisers. Be aware of who has access to your loved one, either financially or personally.

If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of financial exploitation, you are urged to take immediate action by stopping all transactions, seeking help and contacting local law enforcement. You should also consider contacting the following resources:

• Ohio Division of Securities Investor Protection Hotline: 877‑683‑7841
• Ohio Division of Securities: 614‑644‑7381
• Ohio Adult Protective Services Referral Line: 855‑OHIO‑APS (855‑644‑6277)
• Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Justice Unit: 800‑282‑0515
• Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 800‑282‑1206
• Area Agencies on Aging: 866‑243‑5678
• Ohio Department of Aging (elder abuse resources): aging.ohio.gov 

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CHILLICOTHE, OH – Providing mentorship can make a positive difference in the life of a student struggling through life. The Paper City Mentoring Project is providing programs to make those kinds of impacts and create a future free of negative generational cycles. The Southern Ohio Cleanup Company (SOCCo) supports this positive action and has provided a $2,500 grant to help promote a positive impact.

“Education is powerful and the more we support programs that surround the younger generation through mentorship and education, the better our future will become,” said SOCCo President and CEO Pat Timbes.

The Paper City Mentoring Project connects teenagers to committed adults to help them discover their future potential and current worth in life. The program:

• Trains and equips adults to mentor teens
• Matches mentors with local high school students who could use someone in their corner
• Watches those mentor-mentee pairs grow as they learn from each other, are challenged, and have fun with no strings attached
• Helps facilitate a healthy mentoring relationship that can last far beyond graduation

“This program will make a difference in many lives for years to come,” Timbes said. “SOCCo is proud to support it.”

To learn more about the Paper City Mentoring Project, please visit www.papercitymentoringproject.org. To learn more about the Southern Ohio Cleanup Company, please visit www.teamsocco.com.

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Long before Flag Day became an official federal observance, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was honoring the American flag. In 1908, the Elks Grand Lodge formally established June 14th as Flag Day, making the Elks the only fraternal organization in the nation that mandates an annual formal Flag Day ceremony in every Lodge.

The Elks’ unwavering commitment to patriotism helped elevate Flag Day into the national spotlight. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14th as Flag Day, and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman, an Elks member from Independence, Missouri, signed legislation permanently recognizing it as a national observance.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Elks continue to stand among the nation’s leading forces for patriotism, charity, and community service. For 158 years, Elks members have strengthened communities and supported the nation through service and generosity, contributing more than $15 billion in charitable donations nationwide.

In 2025 alone, Elks members donated an estimated $550 million in cash, goods, and volunteer service supporting veterans, youth programs, scholarships, food initiatives, and critical local community needs.

With 1,841 Lodges and 800,000 members nationwide, the Elks continue to promote American values, civic pride, and love of country in communities large and small.

“During America’s 250th anniversary year, Flag Day carries even greater meaning,” said Elks officials. “It is a celebration of our nation’s history, our freedoms, and the enduring unity symbolized by the American flag.”

Communities are encouraged to attend local Elks Flag Day ceremonies and experience a patriotic tradition that has inspired generations of Americans for more than a century.

Fraternally yours,
James Butt ER

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Alexandria, Va. — The Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce has been named one of 12
Communications Award of Excellence winners by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Virginia, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations.

The Chillicothe Ross Chamber was named an Award of Excellence winner for SciotoValleyForward.com, a website created after the announcement of the paper mill closure in Chillicothe.

“We’re incredibly honored to receive this award from ACCE,” said Mike Throne, Chamber president and CEO. “I want to give special credit to Gracie McAllister, who was an intern at the time, but put her heart and soul into the creative design of the site, and the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation, which helped us with the funding of the site.”

“Strong communications are central to how chambers lead, serve and demonstrate impact,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This year’s Awards for Communications Excellence winners show what is possible when strategy, creativity and execution come together to engage members, elevate community priorities and tell the chamber story with clarity and purpose.”

The 12 winning entries will now compete for the Best in Show title within their respective annual revenue range categories. The three winning entries will be revealed at ACCE’s annual convention in New Orleans during the July 21 awards show.

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from 16 U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated the entries submitted for this year’s competition. Entries were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual revenue — and entry type: digital media, campaigns, print and electronic publications, and websites.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio –As Ohio students prepare to graduate from high school and college, start their first jobs, or step into a new career, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities says there are steps they can take out of the gates to position themselves for a stable, strong and promising financial future.

“Time is one of the most valuable tools young people have when it comes to investing,” said Ohio Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt. “Even small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over the course of a career. Building a portfolio that supports your long‑term goals and dreams is easier when you start early, and there are more resources than ever to help you begin.”

A recent survey from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation shows the pace at which new investors are entering the market has declined, in part because of market conditions, technology and generational shifts. For example, the 2021 study found that nearly one in five (21%) respondents had begun investing in the prior two years. Meanwhile, in 2024, that number dropped to less than one in 10 people (8%). The FINRA study also found that younger investors are relying more on social media or so-called ‘finfluencers’ when making investment decisions which can carry additional risk.

While retirement may seem far away for many of Ohio’s youth, the Division encourages first‑time investors to keep several principles in mind:

Start with a plan – A clear set of goals, whether saving for emergencies, buying a first car, or thinking ahead to retirement, helps new investors match their money to the right accounts and understand how much risk they can take on. Investing is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and your goals will help determine your plan of action. 

Don’t leave employer money on the table – Many young workers tend to overlook 401(k) plans or fail to contribute enough in order to be eligible to receive an employer match. The Division stresses that the match is one of the most valuable benefits available to new employee since it allows you to take advantage of employer funds to strengthen your investment portfolio.

Open an IRA if no workplace plan exists – Individual Retirement Accounts, or IRAs, provide you tax advantages and are easy to open through banks, brokers, and even investment apps. For many young adults, a Roth IRA can offer long-term tax benefits that should be explored.

Keep short-term savings protected – Money needed soon, such as for rent, emergencies, or near‑term purchases, should remain in safe, easily accessible accounts not tied to market swings. In other words, determine how much you may need in the next three to six months, then put that into a checking or savings account. Any money you earn beyond that can be invested.

Increase contributions over time – When it comes to contributing to a retirement account, contributing something – regardless of size – is vital. Even if young workers start small, gradually raising their savings rate with each raise or job change can lead to significant long-term growth.

Consider seeking the assistance of a professional – Professional financial advice can be helpful and valuable, especially when it comes to the complicated and ever-evolving landscape of financial investments. If this is an unfamiliar area to you, it’s important to make sure you work with a trusted and qualified individual who understands your own unique financial goals and will approach their work with that in mind.

The Division licenses broker-dealers, securities salespersons, investment advisers, investment adviser representatives and investment officers operating in Ohio. The Division also registers securities offered for sale to Ohioans. Before meeting with anyone, make sure to verify their credentials and check for any disciplinary history by using FINRA’s BrokerCheck and the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. For state-specific information, the Ohio Division of Securities can be contacted at 1-800-788-1194 to confirm if a firm or broker is licensed to do business in Ohio.

The Division notes that financial literacy is not just about investing, it’s about managing day‑to‑day decisions that have long‑term consequences, including credit use, budgeting, and avoiding fraud. These skills help young Ohioans prepare for major life milestones such as buying a home, raising a family, or planning for retirement.

“With so many young people entering a new chapter, this is the perfect time for them to build financial habits that last a lifetime,” Seidt said. “A little knowledge today can pay off for decades to come.”

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