Special needs people wanting to be involved in athletics have a great avenue in Ross County through Special Olympics. 250,000 Special Olympcs athletes are involved in Ohio each year. To inquire about how to get your special needs loved one involved- or to volunteer, call the Dillows at 253-4613 or 649-9667.

A fund has been established for a local family injured in a January 15th traffic accident in Chillicothe. The Claytor Family Recovery Fund has been set up at the Ross County Banking Center.

Ross County Special Olympics is hosting a Car Show fundraiser on May 6th in Chillicothe's Yoctangee Park. The entry fee is $10 and can be paid at the event, which runs from 10am-4pm. For more information, call Jeri & Richard Dillow at either 253-4613 or 649-9667.

Eastern Pike High School is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4pm-6pm February 4th in the school cafeteria. Local icon Danny Schrader's famous spaghetti sauce will be featured. Proceeds benefit the school marching band. Adult meals are $6 and kids 10-years-old eat for only $4.

The AMVETS Sweet Hearts Dance & Steak Fry will be held February 11th at 317 East Main Street in Chillicothe. The Steak Dinner will be held 5pm-8pm followed by music from the Cutright Family Band from 8pm-midnight. Tickets for the dinner are $10 each. Dinner includes ribeye steak, baked potato, green beans, roll and desert.

The Hope Clinic is open every Monday from 6-8pm in the Ross County Service Center at 475 Western Avenue. This is a first come, first served, free clinic for adults and children who have no form of health insurance (Medicare and Medicaid are forms of health insurance). For more information, log onto: www.hopeclinicfree.org

RoundTown Players are holding auditions for "Lives of the Saints" on Saturday, February 11th, at 3pm, and Sunday, February 12th, at 7:30pm. Directed by Victor Aume, "Lives of the Saints" by David Ives is a collection of seven one-act short comedies. Generally quirky comedies, ranging from a little weird to ridiculous to sublime, they use clever language twists and situations to always amuse and occasionally enlighten. Copies are now available at the Circleville Library Information desk:

"Enigma Variations" includes 3 men and 2 women, and will test your ability to co-ordinate action with your fellow players.

"The Mystery At Twicknam Vicarage" (3 men, 2 women) is a murder mystery like no other.

"Babel's In Arms" (3 men, 2 women) manages to philosophize about working classes and religion in only 12 minutes (see, it's not that complicated).

"Soap Opera" (3 men 2 women) is a "soap" opera with a few extra twists.

"Lives of the Saints" (3 men, 2 women), Polish jokes, church kitchens, funeral brunch, funny and tender.

"Arabian Nights" (1 or 2 men, 2 or 1 women), souvenir shopping with one of the worst translators ever.

"Captive Audience" (2 men, 2 women) TV is a menace after all.

Depending on your interest and energy, you could expect to be cast in multiple roles.

Bishop Flaget School is accepting applications for PreKindergarten for the 2011-2013 school year. PreK classes are held every day of the school year from 8am-11am, and the students are integrated into the school culture by participating in most school activities. For more information on this unique activity, please contact Mrs. Laura Corcoran at 740-253-0433.

Vicki Foster a life long resident of Piketon has been placed under the care of hospice after a seven year battle with cancer. Members of the community have put together a benefit called "Celebrating a Life" in honor of Vicki Foster. The event will take place on Saturday March 3, from 11am-3pm at the Piketon High School. This event will include Food, live music and auction. For more information or to make a donation please contact Tracey Lamerson @ (740) 222-1424. All proceeds will go to her husband Phil Foster to cover mediacal expenses

A Soup Supper will be held to benefit David Patterson, who is currently at the Cleveland Clinic for treatment of complications from a rare arthritic condition of the spine. The supper will be held at the Clarksburg Methodist Church on February 4th from 4pm-7pm. There will be soup, sandwiches, dessert, drinks, and a silent auction. Proceeds will go to help cover Patterson's medical expenses. For more information, call Connie Hill at 703-2867.

If you or someone you know is an AEP customer and is income eligible, you may be able to have your refrigerator or freezer replaced free of charge. Ross County Community Action is partnering with The American Electric Power Company to deliver this service to the residents of Ross County. For more information and to see if you are eligible, please contact Community Action at (740) 702-7222 ext. 104.  

A Free Hot Meal, Free Clothing and Free Food will be given away on Sat. Feb, 18 11am to 1pm at the Frankfort United Methodist Church in Frankfort Ohio any questions call 998 2639.

Ross County Special Olympics will have a Chinese Auction fundraiser from 2pm-8pm Saturday, February 25th. It will be held at the YMCA at 100 Mill Street in Chillicothe. All proceeds go to the Ross County Public Special Olympics. For more information, call 253-4613 or 649-9667.

Bishop Flaget will hold its Annual Lenten Fish Fry beginning on February 24th and running each Friday through March 30th. The fish fry will run from 4pm-7pm at the St. Mary's Family Life Center, 40 East 4th Street, Chillicothe. Takeouts are available.

The Adena Area Concert Series features America's favorite composers of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and Hoagy Carmichael in The American Songbook Trio Sunday, February 5th. The 3pm concert will be at the Sunroom @ the Brick at 113 East High Street in Frankfort. Adult tickets are $10 and students get in free. 

Ross Soil & Water Conservation are taking orders for tree seedlings.    
PACKET A….. 25 White Pine @$8.00 per pkt
PACKET B……10 Norway Spruce @ $8.00 per pkt      
PACKET C …… 6 Flowering @$8.00 per pkt (2)  Red Bud, (2)  Flowering Dogwood, (2)  Red Plum
PACKET D…….6 Hardwood @$8.00 per pkt (2) Sugar Maple, (2) Red Oak, (2) Shagbark Hickory.

To place an order, stop by the Conservation Office, mail to Ross SWCD at 475 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, or log onto rosscountyswcd.org.
For more information, call 740.772.4110. The last day to order is March 28th, 2012, or until seedling are sold out.

The Chillicothe Bikers Church at 155 South Watt Street is offering free food, drinks, music, children's ministry, games, and open fellowship every Sunday. Service times are as follows: Sunday School @ 9:30am, Praise and Worship Service @ 10:30am; and Bible Study Wednesday and Sundays at 6:30pm.

Every donation to Goodwill Industries of South Central Ohio is tax deductible. No donation is too big or small, from clothing and household items to vehicles and residential or commercial property. If you have questions about a donation, call (740) 702-4000.