CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, saw four former players taken in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft. Clay Burdette, Mason Eckelman, Charlie Scholvin and Jackson Bergman heard their names called by MLB organizations over the past couple days. The Paints have now had 36 former players drafted since 2009.

All four helped the Paints win Prospect League Championships.

Burdette was first off the board, taken by the Chicago White Sox in the seventh round (195 overall). He played 41 games for Chillicothe in the summer of 2024, batting .300 with five doubles, three triples, four home runs and 31 RBIs. Following his time in Chillicothe, the outfielder transferred from Ohio State to Xavier, where he batted .318 over two seasons with 26 doubles, three triples, 30 home runs and 89 RBIs in 107 games. He was a First-Team All-Big East selection this past spring and was named ABCA/Rawlings All-East Region Second Team. The Cincinnati, Ohio native is a graduate of Moeller High School, where he won the state championship in 2023 and was named a Second-Team All-American. 

Eckelman was taken by the Seattle Mariners in the eighth round (250 overall). The catcher from Ohio State played for the Paints in 2023, appearing in 11 games and hitting .391 with four doubles, two triples and 12 RBIs. Eckelman’s OPS was 1.005 while playing for Chillicothe. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Eckelman hit .283 with 25 doubles, six triples, 13 home runs and 81 RBIs over 117 games. This past spring, he was named All-Big Ten Third Team while also an OSU Scholar Athlete.

Scholvin had his named called by the Minnestoa Twins in the 15th round (437 overall). The shortstop played in 10 games for the Paints in 2024, batting .406 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs, while maintaining a 1.118 OPS. Scholvin played three seasons at the University of Toledo, where he batted .319 over 148 games with 33 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs and 98 RBIs. He was named First-Team All-MAC this spring and was Academic All-MAC as well. 

Bergman went to the Chicago White Sox in the 18th round (525 overal). He pitched in 15 games for the Paints in 2023, going 1-2 with a 5.24 ERA and two saves. Bergman struck out 18 batters in 22.1 innings. After three season at the University of Toledo, the righthander played at Indiana University this spring, where he was 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts before an injury ended his season early.

The post Four Former Paints Taken in 2026 MLB Draft appeared first on Litter Media.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced $15.5 million in grants to help communities in 35 counties clean up contaminated properties and prepare them for redevelopment. 

The Department of Development is awarding this funding as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. Today’s announcement includes nearly $8.4 million for 22 cleanup and remediation projects and $7.1 million for 41 assessment projects. 

“The Brownfield Remediation Program has been transformative in Ohio, and it has been incredible to see the difference it has made all over the state,” said Governor DeWine. “Every dilapidated storefront or longtime neighborhood eyesore we help clean up is a new opportunity for our local partners to breathe new life into their communities.” 

Since its launch in 2021, the Brownfield Remediation Program has provided nearly $800 million to support 904 projects in 87 counties. 

“A vacant old warehouse or run-down gas station does more than just impact a neighborhood’s appearance — they weigh down the potential of the people who live and work nearby,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “By investing in a future for these sites, we’re investing in a future where any community can become Ohio’s next great success story.”

Funding awarded through the Brownfield Remediation Program is used to assess and clean up industrial, commercial, and institutional brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled, or underutilized due to a known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. Following site remediation, properties can be redeveloped to revitalize neighborhoods and attract new economic development.    

“If you were to travel across Ohio, you’d be hard-pressed to find a community that hasn’t been made better by the Brownfield Remediation Program,” said Director Mihalik. “These projects are removing long-standing obstacles to growth, and creating opportunities for new housing, new businesses, new jobs, and better lives for our families.” 

Examples of new projects receiving awards include:  

• The Village of Jeffersonville (Fayette County)
  Project Name: Community Green Space and Plaza Park Expansion
  $300,000 Assessment 
  The project will consist of an environmental assessment, as well as asbestos and hazardous materials surveys, at the site of a former gas station purchased by the village of Jeffersonville. Once all remediation is complete, including the removal of underground storage tanks, the property will be redeveloped into a community green space and farmers market, with pedestrian access to an adjacent park.

• The City of Washington Court House (Fayette County)
  Project Name: W. Court Street Properties
  $300,000 Assessment 
  The project will consist of BUSTR environmental investigations and assessment activities at the site of a former gas station in Washington Court House. The property owner will determine redevelopment plans at a later date.

• Pike County Land Reutilization Corporation (Pike County)
  Project Name: Ricer Gas Station
  $236,017 Assessment
  This project will consist of a Tier 1 Source Investigation, a Tier 2 Evaluation, soil boring and sampling, the installation of groundwater monitoring wells, and groundwater sampling at the site of a former gas station. Future plans include preparing the property for sale and redevelopment for commercial or industrial use.

• Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation (Ross County)
  Project Name: CSX Transit Property
  $394,518 Cleanup/Remediation  
  This project previously received Brownfield Remediation Program funding in 2024 to complete remedial activities on the site of a former railroad storage yard in Chillicothe, including soil excavation and disposal of contaminated soil. Following remediation, the city of Chillicothe plans to utilize this space as infill development and build housing. Twenty jobs are expected to be created as a result of this project.

This round of funding was made possible with support from the Ohio General Assembly in the most recent biennium budget bill, which allocated $200 million toward the program. As required by the bill, $1 million has been reserved for applicants in each of Ohio’s 88 counties for Fiscal Year 2026, with awards being made via a merit-based process.   

Projects that assess or remediate brownfield properties are eligible for funding.  Entities that contributed to the contamination of properties are not eligible to apply.   

The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of Governor Mike DeWine’s Ohio BUILDS Initiative, which focuses on supporting targeted solutions that impact quality of life, such as water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment, and the demolition of blighted buildings.   

The post Governor DeWine Announces $15.5M in Brownfield Remediation Grants to Communities in 35 Counties  appeared first on Litter Media.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce today officially launched Chillicothe
Resilient — Bridge the Gap, a coordinated, community-wide initiative to sustain foot traffic, stabilize revenues, and strengthen the long-term identity of Chillicothe’s business districts in the face of ongoing
citywide infrastructure construction.

Businesses along North Bridge Street, Downtown, Western Avenue, High Street, and other impacted corridors have reported double-digit revenue losses and operational challenges caused by access barriers and widespread consumer misperceptions that businesses are closed or unreachable, even when they remain fully open and ready to serve customers. Several businesses have also reduced staff as a direct result of the sustained revenue decline.

“No business in this community should weather disruption alone. The construction is temporary but the businesses, the jobs, and the relationships built on these corridors are not. When we invest in our businesses, we invest in our future. That’s what we’re asking every resident and every partner in this community to do right now,” said Mike Throne, CPO-AP, President and CEO, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.

Anchored by the campaign slogan Bridge the Gap and consumer tagline Shop Here. Eat Here. Stay Here., and reinforced by the message Invest in our businesses. Invest in our future., the initiative focuses on three core objectives. It aims to drive measurable consumer traffic to businesses across impacted corridors, connect those businesses with resources and support to reduce financial strain, and build a lasting Chillicothe Resilient brand that extends beyond construction and supports long-term growth.

The Chamber emphasized that Chillicothe Resilient is intentionally designed as a permanent community framework, not a reactive response tied to current construction projects, so that Chillicothe is prepared to show up for its businesses during any future period of disruption.

The initiative is led by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and supported by a broad coalition of partners, including the City of Chillicothe, Ross County, Downtown Chillicothe, the Greater Chillicothe Ross County Development (GCRCD), local media, and participating businesses across all affected corridors. The Chamber’s 700+ investors provide immediate communications and outreach infrastructure to bolster this initiative.

The Chamber’s headquarters at 45 E. Main Street, co-located with GCRCD, Downtown Chillicothe, and the OSU Small Business Development Center, will serve as a central hub for business resources.

The initiative launches with an immediate 90-day sprint designed to establish momentum, drive consumer engagement, and connect businesses with available relief resources, followed by a 12-month execution calendar. The Chillicothe Resilient identity is designed to carry forward as a pillar of the community’s economic identity.

Residents, visitors, and regional supporters are encouraged to actively choose local Chillicothe businesses for dining, shopping, and lodging during the construction period and long after. Community members can find participating businesses, access directions, and learn more at chillicotheohio.com. Follow and share the initiative using #BridgeTheGap.

The post Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce Launches ‘Chillicothe Resilient — Bridge the Gap’ appeared first on Litter Media.

Above are the upcoming dates for the Comprehensive Plan Reveal open houses. Below you will find a few examples of topics addressed in the plan, as well as a full copy of the comprehensive plan itself.

The economic development plan will create 500 net new jobs by 2031, and grow Ross County’s population by 5% in the same amount of time. It will also grow our median income by 10% by 2031.

We’re using ODNR funding is being used to link major parks with shared-use paths to address our lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. We’ll also ensure fresh produce in small retailers, local convenience stores, and gas stations.

5% of Ross County’s housing stock was built after 2010, indicating that growth has been minimal over the past 15 years. Ross County’s housing stock is aging and potentially in need of repair.

The county is also investing into the main streets of many of the villages in Ross County to strengthen the visual infrastructure of these smaller downtown areas. One example is the potential Bainbridge Main Street Streetscape shown in this photo.

View the full Comprehensive Plan here.

The post Ross County Commissioners Announce Upcoming Open House Dates for Comprehensive Plan appeared first on Litter Media.

Chillicothe, Ohio – Ross County has been awarded $750,000 in federal funding to support the early planning stages of future road improvements along several heavily traveled routes.

The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, will allow the Ross County Planning & Development Department to complete preliminary design work for the Pleasant Valley Corridor Project. This includes areas along Veteran’s Parkway, Pleasant Valley Road, Moundsville Road, and Egypt Pike.

The preliminary design phase is an important first step in any road improvement project. It involves studying traffic patterns, identifying safety concerns, and developing plans for potential upgrades. No construction will take place at this time.

Ross County was selected through a highly competitive national process, with nearly 800 applications submitted requesting more than $789 million in funding.

“This award allows us to take the first step toward improving some of our busiest roadways,” said county officials. “By completing this planning work now, we are better positioned to pursue future funding and make meaningful improvements that benefit our residents and local economy.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy recently announced a total of $54.2 million in funding to 49 communities across the country through this program. The goal is to support projects that improve safety, strengthen connections between communities, and promote economic growth.

Over the coming weeks, Ross County will work with federal officials to finalize an agreement before any reimbursable work can begin. Additional updates will be shared with the public as the project progresses.

Project Summary:

• Project Name: Pleasant Valley Corridor Preliminary Design
• Lead Applicant: Ross County Planning & Development Department
• Grant Amount: $750,000
• Focus Areas: Veteran’s Parkway, Pleasant Valley Road, Moundsville Road, and Egypt Pike

For more information, please contact the Ross County Planning & Development Department:

Devon Shoemaker – AICP Director
devonshoemaker@rosscountyohio.gov
740-702-3008

The post Ross County Awarded $750,000 Federal Grant for Pleasant Valley Corridor Planning appeared first on Litter Media.

Chillicothe, OH – Safety Service Director, Jeff Carman announces the Ohio Department of
Transportation’s Bridge Street Safety Improvement construction will begin on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
All southbound lanes between Stewart Road and North Plaza Blvd., North Plaza Blvd. and the SR
104/High Street on ramp to eastbound U.S. 35 will be closed. To maintain access during construction, all
southbound lanes will be detoured, with the exception of the ramp to westbound U.S. 35.

Detour Routes

Scenario 1 – From Chillicothe Mall (Lowes, JCPenney, Sam’s Club, etc.) east and west
a.) To the east side of Chillicothe: Go north on Bridge Street to U.S. 23. Take U.S. 23 south and
exit at East Main Street.
b.) To the west side of Chillicothe: Go south on North Bridge Street. You’ll be diverted to
westbound U.S. 35. Exit at SR 104/High Street and turn left.
c.) To River Trace/Shawnee Square: Go north on Bridge Street and enter southbound U.S. 23.
Take U.S. 23 south to the East Main Street exit and turn right. Travel west on East Main Street to
Bridge Street and turn right. Continue north on Bridge Street to Stewart Road/Consumer Center
Drive.

Scenario 2 – From downtown Chillicothe to Chillicothe Mall: Go north on North Bridge Street as normal.

Scenario 3 – From SR 104 (Chillicothe Correctional, Ross Correctional, VA Medical Center, Gateway
Interchange Industrial Park) to North Bridge Street/U.S. 35 east: Go north on SR 104, east on SR 207,
and south on U.S. 23.

Scenario 6 – From Adena Regional Medical Center to U.S. 35 west: Go north on Hospital Road or SR 159 to SR 207. Go west to SR 104 and south to U.S. 35 west.

Scenario 7 – From Kenworth to U.S. 35 West via U.S. 23 (commercial vehicles alternative):
a.) Go south on SR 159 to U.S. 23 north to SR 207. Turn left and go west to SR 104 and south to
U.S. 35 west.
b.) Go north on SR 159 to the roundabout and to west SR 207 to SR 104 to U.S. 35 west.

Scenario 8 – From Jackson/Waverly/southern Ross County to River Trace/Shawnee Square:
a.) Go north on U.S. 23/west on U.S. 35 and exit at E. Main Street. Turn left onto E. Main
Street and continue west to S. Bridge Street. Turn right on S. Bridge Street and continue north.

The post Detour Routes Announced Ahead of Bridge Street Construction appeared first on Litter Media.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (March 10, 2026) – The Chillicothe Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is proud to announce the opening of “Inspirational Women of Ross County,” a special exhibition at Ohio University Chillicothe honoring the resilience, leadership and achievements of remarkable women who have shaped the Ross County community. 

The exhibit will open with a public reception on Thursday, March 19, from 6–8 p.m. at the Quinn Library Gallery inside the Stevenson Center. Light refreshments will be served. 

Community members, families, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend, explore the exhibit and connect with local stories of impact and influence.

“Inspirational Women of Ross County” showcases a curated selection of historic and contemporary women whose contributions have strengthened the region across fields, such as education, healthcare, civic leadership, the arts and community advocacy.

Through portraits, narratives and archival materials, the exhibit highlights their legacy and the ongoing importance of women’s leadership in Ross County.

“We are excited to share this exhibit with our community,” said AAUW President and OHIO Chillicothe Instructor Maryjo Flamm-Miller. “These stories celebrate not only individual accomplishments, but also the collective strength and spirit of Ross County women across generations.” 

The exhibit will remain on display through April 8. 

The post Ohio University Chillicothe Library to Host ‘Inspirational Women of Ross County’ Exhibit appeared first on Litter Media.

CHILLICOTHE, OH – Prepare to be amazed by a sea of yellow and a wave of kindness! Chillicothe
is gearing up to celebrate its annual Yellow Day on Friday, May 1, 2026, with an energetic and
heartwarming event dedicated to spreading positivity throughout the community.

Known as “A Day of Kindness,” Yellow Day is a cherished local tradition where hundreds of
students from nearby schools, including Chillicothe City Schools, Ross County Christian Academy,
Huntington, and Pioneer School, take to the streets dressed in bright yellow. Their goal is simple yet
impactful: to #BeTheYellow by performing random acts of kindness for business owners, shoppers,
and community members.

The festivities will start with a special “Kindness Rally” on the steps of the historic Ross County
Courthouse. This central event is the heart of the celebration, where community leaders and
students address the crowd, sharing inspiring messages and setting the tone for a day filled with
joy and good deeds.

Yellow Day started in 2014 to carry forward Honor Trotter’s legacy of kindness. Trotter was a
teacher whose caring spirit made everyone’s days “yellow” with brightness. After she died in 2013,
a fellow teacher, Adam Peterson, wrote a book about her called “Yellow,” and the movement to
“Be The Yellow” began on her birthday the next year. When Trotter’s son, Ben, moved to
Chillicothe, the local Yellow Day observance began in 2019. The fun is spreading as Waverly will
begin an observance in 2026.

One main change for Chillicothe Yellow Day in 2026 is that Southern Ohio Survivors – a local nonprofit organization with a mission to provide compassionate support to local families in need – is
now the event’s organizer. SOS has a local committee helping to plan the event and handle
logistics.

Yellow Day invites everyone to join in, even from the comfort of their own homes. Whether it’s by
wearing yellow, saying a simple “hello,” or doing a small act of kindness for a neighbor, every
gesture helps reach the day’s goal of making someone’s day a little brighter.

The event is a lively celebration of community spirit, unity, and fun. More details about the full-day
festivities will be shared as we get closer to May 1. So mark your calendars, wear your brightest
yellow gear, and join the downtown celebration. Let’s show everyone that when it comes to
kindness, nobody does it better than Chillicothe!

#BeTheYellow

The post Chillicothe to Once Again Shine with Kindness on Yellow Day 2026! appeared first on Litter Media.

CHILLICOTHE, OH – Safety Service Director Jeff Carman announces that construction associated with the Appalachian Community Grant Program (ACGP) will begin Monday, March 16, 2026.

Work will require closing the southbound lanes of Yoctangee Parkway between Arch Street and
Chestnut Street, including the intersections of Mill and Park Streets. Northbound traffic on Yoctangee
Parkway will remain open but will be reduced to one lane through the construction zone.

The closures will remain in place throughout the duration of construction for the roundabout. Motorists
traveling southbound between Arch Street and Chestnut Street on Yoctangee Parkway should detour via
High Street.

Residents and businesses within the affected area will retain access to their properties through
alleyways and rear entrances.

Advisory for Motorists

Please use caution while crews are at work. Motorists wishing to enter Yoctangee Park should use the
Paint Street & Water Street entrance.

For additional questions, please contact the Service Department at 740.773.2700 or by email at
Service.Department@chillicotheoh.gov

The post Appalachian Community Grant Program Construction to Begin on March 16th appeared first on Litter Media.

Southeastern left the Ross County Service Center victorious on Friday morning after defeating Huntington, Adena, Zane Trace and Paint Valley in the Ross County Quiz Bowl Tournament.

The tournament was originally scheduled for December 17th, but inclement weather delayed the event until now.

“We’ve worked really hard. We got pushed back two months, and we’ve been practicing every week,” said Isaac Blake of Southeastern.

Blake said that his team did not have high hopes for going undefeated. “We thought we might get third or something, but we came to play today.”

Southeastern Coach Garett Blair said, “an underrated part of it is being quick on the trigger. Make sure you’re practicing being able to make a decision quick.”

This strategy saw success for the Panthers, who went 4-0 on the day. Huntington finished in second place with one loss, Zane Trace third with two losses, Paint Valley fourth with three losses, and Adena in last place with no wins.

On the win, Blair said, “Mr. Grigsby, our other coach, deserves a lot of credit for it. And you know, winning is always fun.”

The post Southeastern Goes Undefeated in Ross County Quiz Bowl Tournament Win appeared first on Litter Media.