Editor’s note: Reporter Anna Staver traveled to southern Ohio to examine how the region is in the crosshairs for development of mega data centers and the power plants they need to fuel their electricity demands. With its struggling economy and lower-priced rural land, the region is an inviting target. This is the first in a series of stories.
MANCHESTER, Ohio — The letters started coming about three years ago. Different company names with different pitches, all offering to buy John Bays’ 42 acres for more than it’s worth.
One company offered $750,000 even though the Adams County Auditor values Mays’ acreage outside Manchester at $356,900…