The Community Bank Promotes Scott Woods to COO

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Community Bank here in Zanesville recently promoted one of their bankers. Scott Woods received the promotion to Chief Operations Officer in December as is excited to move forward with his career. Woods has been working in banking for 26 years, spending some time at Advantage Bank and Huntington in Cambridge, but the last 3 years have…

Political Vision for 2026

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Cost of living has increased significantly and many Ohioans are having trouble making ends meet. Ohio 12th District U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson made a recent visit to WHIZ and shared some of the challenges that he is anticipating to address during 2026.  “I think, you know our focus will again be on energy and rural healthcare and…

Upcoming Zanesville Projects In 2026

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – 2025 has been a year of accomplishments for the City of Zanesville and Mayor Don Mason talked about the direction the city will be taking in 2026. Many of the city’s 2026 ventures are lengthier projects that are already underway and demonstrate a significant investment that is being put into the future of the community.  “We have…

Mini-Mac Closure

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Renovations often mean inconvenience, and such is the case at the John McIntire Library.   However, Muskingum County Library System Marketing and Community Relations Director Sean Fennell explained some of the measures that are being taken to alleviate the hindrance of the Mini-Mac closure. “If you’re missing some of the friendly faces you’re used to seeing at…

Exercising New Year’s Resolutions

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Many people dream of a healthier life and create New Year’s Resolutions that include vigorous exercising, which match their unrealistic expectations. Genesis Healthcare Cardiologist Kunal Shah talked about exercising without overdoing it and finding ways to become more physically fit without going broke.   “We usually recommend as far as exercise from a heart standpoint 150 minutes a…

New year, new minimum wage for Ohio workers

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With a new year comes a new minimum wage for employees in the state of Ohio. Thanks to a state constitutional amendment, the minimum wage increases every year by the rate of inflation, which was 2.8% this year. “The minimum wage starting Jan. 1, 2026, will be $11 an hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 an hour…

Watch Ohio State’s 1st Playoff Game at The Barn

ZANESVILLE, OH – Ohio State is back in the college football playoff once again! Tonight at 7:30, they play their 1st playoff matchup against Miami, giving Ohio State fans a chance to end the year on a high note. And if you need a place to watch the game and celebrate the new year, the Barn has you covered. Owner…

Booming and Banging Safely

SOUTH ZANESVILLE, Ohio – There are traditions that encourage starting the new year off with a bang. Oftentimes, firearms are the noisemaker of choice for many but since fireworks have been legalized by the State of Ohio, they are increasingly being chosen as the tool for the task.  “So more people are more willing to go out, shoot fireworks and…

Psychology Behind New Year’s Resolutions

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – New Year’s Resolutions hold a negative connotation for some people because they can be really tough to carry through. Genesis Healthcare System General Cardiologist Kunal Shah talked about some of the psychological barriers that make New Year’s Resolutions so difficult to accomplish. “At the end of the year, you’re ready to restart,” Shah said. “You’re excited there’s…

City of Zanesville 2025 Year in Review

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – As we look back on 2025, much has been accomplished in the City of Zanesville and Mayor Don Mason rehashes some of the work that went into making them possible.   Topics that were discussed include: housing, transportation, recreation and neighborhood improvement.  “The city has been aggressively pursuing more housing,” Mason said. “Whether you’re talking about workforce development…

Local Youth Mentoring Organization Receives Funds From Governor

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Youth mentorship is a need that has not been overlooked by the state leadership in Columbus. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Appalachian Ohio President and CEO Katie Lupsor announced the awarding of a grant from the governor’s office that will help to expand the work that is already being done by her organization.  “We were awarded $110,000…

Perry County JFS helps cover commute costs for those in need

NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio -According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average American spends over $2,000 a year at the gas pump. This is why the Perry County Jobs and Family Services (JFS) is offering a program to help people afford their drive to work. Fueling the Need is part of the county office’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC)…

John McIntire Library Remodel Updates

ZANESVILLE, OH – Some exciting news is coming to the Muskingum County Library System. Sean Fennell, the Marketing and Community Relations Director with the MCLS, has announced they are entering the next phase of the remodel of the John McIntire Library. He says while they are excited to begin this next phase, it’s a bit of a bittersweet moment. “We…

Better Business Bureau Warns of New Years Scams

ZANESVILLE, OH – With the New Year coming around, it brings out the same old scammers looking to capitalize on the holiday. The Better Business Bureau wants to make sure you and your family are safe with your personal information this new year and beyond. Judy Dollison, the President and CEO of the BBB of Central Ohio, says a lot…

Commissioners Hear Water and Sewer Project Updates

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Expanding public utilities throughout Muskingum County is an ongoing investment toward a more prosperous future. The Muskingum County Projects Department met with the Commissioners to apprise them of some recent hang-ups as well as the status of projects that will take place during 2026. “Licking View is a sanitary sewer project. It’s new construction, it will serve…

Ohio’s 12th District Year in Review

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – 2025 has been a year of progress for Ohio’s 12th U.S. Congressional District and Representative Troy Balderson.  Balderson shared some of the committee roles he’s involved with in Washington D.C. along with some of the legislation he’s helped to pass that delivers positive benefits to his constituency.  “I serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which is…

Perry County Parks District: Down To Earth

Many of us recently caught a glimpse of the northern lights from our own backyards. In this month’s Perry County Park’s District segment, Naturalist Jessie Bennett and WHIZ’s Mary Behanna had the chance to explore the incredible scale of our solar system. Categories: Local News, Top Stories Tags: Down To Earth, Jessie Bennett, Perry County Parks District

Intel Update

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Ohio’s business friendly environment is attracting many well-known corporations to establish some pretty lucrative jobs right here.  U.S. Representative Troy Balderson talked about the impact that economic growth will bring to Ohio’s 12th Congressional District.  “The Intel project is moving forward,” Balderson said. “I think they’re up to the third floor. A lot of investment is still…

Zanesville student Breleigh Curtis signs contract for upcoming TV series

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Earlier this year, we got a behind-the-scenes look at Zanesville’s own Breleigh Curtis, better known as Breleigh Rael, chasing her dreams. Curtis, a student in the Zanesville City School District, is officially on the road to stardom. Just before Thanksgiving, the young performer was offered a two-year contract and signed it in front of friends, family, and…

Dillon State Park can show small natural features in a big way with the Wentzscope

NASHPORT, Ohio – Nature was under the microscope at Dillon State Park to learn about the natural world with a zoomed-in perspective. Park naturalist Michael Durst showcased a video microscope that can be found at the nature center, along with the animals on display. There are around 15 samples of fungi and other naturally occurring items to choose from, which…