Mill Closure Raises Toxic Plume Fears

The upcoming closure of Chillicothe’s Pixelle paper mill could allow a toxic underground plume to rise and spread, state officials and researchers warn.

Discovered in the 1980s, the plume of trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride is linked to leftover contamination from WearEver Aluminum, a former cookware manufacturer located near the mill.

An Ohio State University professor said the mill’s extensive groundwater usage helps prevent the toxic plume from surfacing or spreading. Without the mill, toxic chemicals could flow to farms and the Scioto River.

In 2022, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency called a hypothetical closure of the mill a “worst-case scenario.” Pixelle announced earlier this year that it will cease operations at the facility on Aug. 10.

‘Corn Sweat’ Adds to Ohio’s Humidity

“Corn sweat” contributes to Ohio’s humidity but isn’t the primary source, as large-scale weather patterns are driving the recent increase in heat and moisture, according to meteorologists.

Corn sweat, or evapotranspiration, occurs when corn releases moisture through its leaves. One acre can release 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water daily—totaling up to 14 billion gallons statewide each day.

 Transpiration from plants accounts for about 10% of atmospheric moisture, with the greatest impact felt near cornfields.

High temperatures across Ohio are expected to climb into the 90s throughout the week.

Cooler, Drier Weather Ahead for Fall

After a hot and humid summer, Ohio could see cooler and drier conditions this autumn, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025 fall forecast.

For northern Ohio’s Lower Lakes region, September temperatures are expected to average 62 degrees, with October two degrees below normal at 51 degrees. Both months should see below-normal rainfall.

In the Ohio Valley, September’s average temperature is forecast at 68 degrees, with October dropping to 56, also two degrees below normal. Rainfall is projected to remain below average in this region as well.

Fall officially begins with the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22. The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s complete 2025 fall forecast is available here.

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➤ Lake Erie: Two people were rescued on Tuesday after a construction barge capsized in Lake Erie near Rocky River Park, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and local police. (More)

➤ East Cleveland: An alleged armed robbery at a McDonald’s was stopped when a “good Samaritan” intervened and shot the suspect, according to Mayor Lateek Shabazz. (More)

➤ Cleveland: The federal government awarded $960,000 to Cleveland for its North Coast Connector project, which aims to link downtown to the lakefront. (More)

➤ Youngstown: Officials will consider approving a $43 million sewer improvement project during Monday’s special session, part of a broader plan to control sewer overflows. (More)

➤ Canfield: Crews have begun restoring the dirt track at the Canfield Fairgrounds following a recent monster truck event. Completion is expected before the Canfield Fair begins on Aug. 27. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: City council held a special session on Wednesday to discuss enforcing the citywide curfew on unaccompanied minors, a policy aimed at reducing youth crime. (More)

➤ Lebanon: A World War II-era hand grenade was safely recovered by local police and the bomb squad after a resident said it belonged to their grandfather. It will undergo further X-ray testing and disposal. (See Photo)

➤ Tickets to Ohio State’s three public football practices, scheduled for July 31–Aug. 2, are available starting at $38.08. (Details)

➤ Columbus is among four cities expected to receive a relocated United Football League franchise, along with Boise, Florida, and Kentucky. (More)

➤ The Dirty Birdz, a youth flag football team from Toledo, became the first local squad to win the NFL flag football championship at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (See Video Report)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Tour de France

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➤ Cincinnati-based Kroger announced George Vincent will become secretary and general counsel on Aug. 4, succeeding Christine Wheatley, who will retire Sept. 1 after 17 years with the company. (More)

➤ CVS Health opened its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center in Columbus, offering free job training and health services to local residents. (More)

➤ Youngstown’s Hynes Industries received Wabash’s Platinum Supplier Award for the third straight year for its work as a custom roll form metal solutions manufacturer. (More)

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➤ Otter pups Ripple, Splash, Puddles, and Scuttle, born in May, made their public debut Wednesday at the Cincinnati Zoo, moving from a private indoor facility to a new outdoor habitat. (See Otters)

➤ Tickets are on sale for Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, featuring Friday and Saturday performances from the Columbus Symphony and The Ohio State University Marching Band. (Details)

➤ The Pickled Pig in Cincinnati, known for smoked meats and sandwiches, was chosen for Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. (More)

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