Good morning, Fairfield County. After 75 years of serving up memories alongside their signature pies, Massey's Pizza has turned off its ovens in Hilliard for the last time. The sudden farewell of this community fixture - known for its legendary all-you-can-eat buffet - marks the end of an era that spans generations of Central Ohio families, though not all endings were as gracefully planned as their famous thin crust.
Meanwhile, a different kind of challenge is cooking in Madison Township, where state auditors have declared a fiscal emergency after discovering some rather unappetizing deficits. And speaking of numbers that don't add up, sophisticated thieves are targeting SNAP benefit cards across Ohio with high-tech skimming devices, prompting authorities to serve up new security measures faster than you can say "paper or plastic."
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61% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🍕 75-year-old pizzeria shuts Hilliard location without warning to customers. The abrupt closure of Massey's Pizza on Cemetery Road marks the end of a longtime community fixture known for its all-you-can-eat buffet. A company spokesperson attributed the shutdown to the location's consistent underperformance and the need to improve financial results heading into the new year. The closure caught local residents by surprise, with customers only discovering the news when they were met with a recorded closure message while attempting to place orders. While expressing regret about leaving the Hilliard area, management confirmed this location had never met their performance expectations.
💰 Small Ohio township plunges into financial crisis, triggering state intervention. Madison Township in Fairfield County has been declared under fiscal emergency by the State Auditor after running significant fund deficits. The township's financial troubles, including deficits of $51,950 as of December 2023, have placed it under the supervision of a state commission tasked with developing a recovery plan. Madison Township joins a concerning list of 13 Ohio communities currently under fiscal emergency declarations. The situation highlights a broader pattern of financial distress in Ohio's local governments, with seven communities remaining under emergency status for more than six years.
🚨 Ohio warns stores of high-tech thieves targeting food assistance cards. The Ohio Investigative Unit has issued an urgent alert about criminal organizations installing card skimmers at grocery and convenience stores to steal SNAP benefit information. These sophisticated devices, placed over keypads and card readers, capture both card data and PINs from unsuspecting recipients of food assistance. Retailers are being advised to implement protective measures including security seals, guards for payment terminals, and daily inspections. The state is working with multiple agencies, including the USDA and local law enforcement, to combat this growing fraud scheme targeting vulnerable populations.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Amanda-Clearcreek Aces | ||
| vs Liberty Union | W 59-37 | |
| @ Bloom-Carroll | W 53-52 | |
 Berne Union Rockets | ||
| vs Millersport | L 57-6 | |
| vs Miller | W 34-33 | |
| @ Wellington School | L 50-14 | |
 Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs | ||
| @ Logan Elm | W 53-51 (OT) | |
| vs Amanda-Clearcreek | L 53-52 | |
 Fairfield Union Falcons | ||
| @ Hamilton Township | W 48-42 | |
| vs Circleville | W 48-37 | |
 Fairfield Christian Academy Knights | ||
| @ Fisher Catholic | L 55-43 | |
 Lancaster Golden Gales | ||
| @ Pickerington Central | L 76-24 | |
| vs Logan | W 53-41 | |
| vs Northland | W 69-21 | |
 Millersport Lakers | ||
| @ Berne Union | W 57-6 | |
| vs Miller | W 64-15 | |
 Pickerington Central Tigers | ||
| vs Lancaster | W 76-24 | |
| @ Newark | W 59-37 | |
 Pickerington North Panthers | ||
| vs Grove City | L 59-31 | |
| vs Hilliard Darby | L 53-52 | |
 Fisher Catholic Irish | ||
| vs FCA | W 55-43 | |
| vs Shekinah Christian | W 59-33 | |
| @ Grove City Christian | W 48-35 | |
 Liberty Union Lions | ||
| @ Amanda-Clearcreek | L 59-37 | |
| vs Logan Elm | W 58-56 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious smart home with serenity
This charming single-story Harmony floor plan is listed at $412,990 and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms within a spacious open concept layout. Ideal for peaceful living, it includes a delightful primary bedroom with large windows and an ensuite bath, along with two additional bedrooms that ensure everyone has their own space—plus all the perks of smart home technology for modern convenience.
Serene lot near Pickerington city
This picturesque 14-acre lot near Pickerington is listed at $425,880 and offers a delightful combination of open space and mature trees, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being just a stone's throw from the city. It’s a great spot to build your dream home amid nature's beauty.
Meticulously maintained family home
Listed at $415,000, this meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the desirable Melrose development boasts a formal living and dining room, an open-concept kitchen and family room, and a spacious mudroom leading to a 2-car garage. With an expansive wood deck, a large yard, and numerous updates, this property offers a delightful blend of community living and modern convenience.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
-Philippians 4:6