Good morning, Fairfield County. While the final numbers from Ohio's holiday traffic enforcement paint an encouraging picture - with fatal crashes down significantly from last year - they also tell a sobering story of the 44 impaired drivers who chose to put others at risk during what should be the season of giving. Yet amid these statistics, there's a powerful reminder of how our community looks out for each other, with state troopers assisting hundreds of stranded motorists through the holiday weekend.
Speaking of community spirit, Big Brothers Big Sisters just released some numbers that'll warm your heart more than a cup of hot cocoa - 667 young lives transformed through mentorship in 2024. And if that's not enough to restore your faith in humanity, wait until you hear about the escape artist who's trading handcuffs for hash browns at this year's Groundhog Breakfast. Now that's what we call starting the new year with a bang!
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚔 Ohio holiday traffic turns deadly as two die in Christmas crashes. The fatalities occurred during a three-day period from December 23-25, marking a significant decrease from last year's toll of twelve deaths. State troopers stayed busy during the holiday period, arresting 44 impaired drivers and issuing 84 citations for seat belt violations. OSHP officers also assisted 434 stranded motorists across Ohio's roads, demonstrating their crucial role in holiday safety. The Highway Patrol continues to encourage public vigilance, urging citizens to report dangerous drivers and drug activity through their #677 hotline.
🤝 Local mentorship program transforms 667 young lives across Ohio in 2024. Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio delivered impressive results across five counties, logging over 8,000 hours of volunteer mentoring throughout the year. The program's impact was clearly demonstrated through remarkable statistics - 96% of participants improved or maintained academic performance, while 92% successfully avoided risky behaviors like bullying and substance use. Their fundraising efforts proved equally successful, generating over $127,000 through community events like Dance For Kids' Sake and Bowl For Kids' Sake. The organization maintained 219 active mentorship matches while creating 14 new partnerships, showing strong momentum heading into 2025.
🎭 Perry County Chamber breakfast to feature daring escape artist. The eighth annual Groundhog Breakfast will welcome Michael Griffin as its keynote speaker on January 31, 2024, at Sheridan High School in Thornville. Early birds can catch the action as doors open at 5:45 a.m., with breakfast service beginning promptly at 6 a.m. Though the article doesn't detail Griffin's planned performance, he's known for his dramatic escape artistry and illusions. This unique choice of speaker marks a departure from traditional business-focused presentations typically seen at Chamber events.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Berne Union Rockets | ||
| vs Liberty Christian Academy | 12/28 @ 2:00pm | |
| vs Horizon Science Academy | 12/30 @ 6:00pm | |
 Amanda-Clearcreek Aces | ||
| vs Buckeye Valley | 12/28 @ 5:00pm | |
| vs Johnstown-Monroe | 12/30 @ 6:30pm | |
 Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs | ||
| @ Tri-Valley | 12/28 @ 1:15pm | |
 Fairfield Christian Academy Knights | ||
| vs Liberty Christian Academy | 12/30 @ 7:00pm | |
 Fairfield Union Falcons | ||
| @ Sheridan | 12/27 @ 7:15pm | |
| vs Logan | 12/30 @ 7:00pm | |
 Lancaster Golden Gales | ||
| vs Chillicothe | 12/28 @ 7:30pm | |
 Millersport Lakers | ||
| vs Linden-McKinley | 12/28 @ 12:00pm | |
 Pickerington Central Tigers | ||
| vs Perkiomen Valley | 12/27 @ 7:50pm | |
 Fisher Catholic Irish | ||
| vs Westfall | 12/30 @ 7:30pm | |
 Liberty Union Lions | ||
| @ Martins Ferry | 12/27 @ 4:00pm | |
| vs Marietta | 12/28 @ 5:30pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Cozy ranch home near amenities
This charming three-bedroom, one-bath ranch home is listed at $240,000 and combines comfort and convenience with features like a cozy family room boasting a fireplace and large windows, and a kitchen that flows into a formal living area. The property also includes a full basement ready for your personal touch, a private rear patio for outdoor relaxation, and is conveniently located near schools, parks, and shopping, all topped off with a new roof set to be installed in 2024.
Budget-friendly home with potential
For a list price of $68,900, this ranch home is a canvas awaiting your creative touch, featuring a spacious living room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen, all complemented by an enclosed porch. The walk-up attic offers the potential for extra living space while the basement provides ample storage, and there's even a small detached garage on a nice-sized yard perfect for summer gardening opportunities.
Immaculate family home in Chesapeake
This immaculate 4 bed, 3.1 bath, 3,308 sq. ft home in the lovely Chesapeake subdivision is listed at $789,000. It features a large eat-in kitchen with a spacious island and a cozy two-story family room, plus a first-floor study for quiet moments. The primary suite offers a luxurious bath and walk-in closet, complemented by three additional bedrooms and a two-car garage, all in model-home condition.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Review your subscriptions and memberships regularly to identify any you no longer use or need; canceling just a few can save you more money than you think and help you refocus your spending on what truly matters to you.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
-Colossians 3:12