News briefs: Paxton Theatre to put on 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.'

Bainbridge will be flying high when The Paxton Theatre presents Ian Fleming’s "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr." on July 7, 8 and 9.

"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr." is the 60-minute youth version of the popular stage musical based on the beloved family film of Ian Fleming's children's book. It features a book by Jeremy Sams and music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (Mary Poppins), and includes the Academy Award-nominated title song featured in the 1968 movie produced by Albert R. Broccoli.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is a charming show which reminds us that ‘teamwork can make a dream work’ and ‘having someone near and dear, someone to care for’ is the best way to travel through life,” said Drew Cohen, president of Music Theatre International. “MTI applauds the students taking part in the Paxton Theatre production who are building friendships through the process of working together to make their theatrical vision come true.”

It follows the story of a loving inventor, Caractacus Potts, who sets his family on a fantastic adventure when he decides to restore a race car to itsformer glory. Caractacus soon discovers the machine is magic and can float and fly, but gets into trouble as the evil Baron Bomburst desires the vehicle for himself. The family must join forces with new friends to outwit the dastardly Baron, his Baroness, and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

This year's production is again directed by Hillsboro’s Jeff and Jenna Horick. The Horicks have been overseeing the children’s theatre program at the Paxton for the past eight seasons. Their passion for the theatre and background in education really help bring magic to the stage each and every year.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for students 12 & under. Get yours today at PaxtonTheatre.com or by calling 740-634-0029. Paxton Theatre is located at 133 E. Main St., Bainbridge. For more information please visit www.PaxtonTheatre.org.

Ross County farm joins farmland preservation program

REYNOLDSBURG – More Ohio farmland will remain Ohio farmland. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced 86 acres have been added to the Farmland Preservation program.

G. Kelvin and W. June Putnam’s farm in Ross County becomes the 14th Ohio farm to join the program this year.

Agricultural land is a key part of Ohio’s landscape. Preserving this land is essential. An agricultural easement in Farmland Preservation is a voluntary agreement between the landowner and ODA, where the landowner agrees to perpetually maintain the land predominately in agricultural use. In exchange, the landowner is either compensated or may be entitled to a tax deduction.

In partnership with ODA, local sponsor Ross Soil and Water Conservation District played a significant role in securing this agreement.

Since the Office of Farmland Preservation began in 1998, 694 farms totaling 104,470 acres have entered into agreements. This enables Ohio to continually be a top producer, aiding not just Ohioans, but all Americans. Funds from the purchase of these easements are invested in the local economy by the landowners who use them by expanding their farming operations, purchasing new equipment, reducing debt, adding conservation practices, planning for retirement, sending their children to college or for other purposes. When the state purchases a farmland easement, the proceeds are plowed into Ohio’s economy and our agriculture industry is preserved for future generations.

Meetings

The Colerain Township Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 10 at the fire department annex building in Hallsville.

Huntington Township will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. July 11, at the Huntington Township Fire House. The purpose of the hearing is for the 2024 Annual Tax Budget prepared by the Fiscal Officer of Huntington Township of Ross County, for the next succeeding fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: News briefs: Paxton Theatre to put on 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.'