Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fairfield County / January 2, 2025

🔫 Gun-toting drama

Fairfield County • January 2, 2025

Good morning, Fairfield County. In a week that reads like a season finale of a crime drama, Lancaster law enforcement pulled off their own version of "Ocean's Eleven" - minus George Clooney, but with an impressive haul of 37 guns and a cache of illegal substances. The week-long operation proved that sometimes the biggest busts start with the simplest traffic stops, though we're pretty sure no one's making a Hollywood blockbuster about those.

Meanwhile, as if to balance out all that intensity, our newly-adopted public transit system is hosting what might be the most wholesome contest of 2024. The "Brand the Bus" initiative invites residents to flex their creative muscles and potentially win free advertising space. Though given recent events on South Columbus Street, maybe we should suggest "The Peace Train" as a contender?

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚔 Lancaster police seize 37 guns and drugs in massive week-long raid. The operation, stemming from targeted traffic stops, led to searches at two residences in Lancaster and Bremen where officers discovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and gabapentin pills. Three suspects - Kevin Wells, Ashley Stover, and Jordan Cameron - were arrested on various drug-related felony charges. The Lancaster Police Department worked alongside multiple agencies, including the South Central Major Crimes Unit and two county sheriff's offices. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities.

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🚌 Fairfield County launches contest to rename its newly-acquired public transit system. The Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit has officially transitioned from an independent entity to become a full county department, marking a significant shift in local transportation management. Through the "Brand the Bus" initiative, residents can submit creative name suggestions until September 27th, with finalists getting a chance to win free bus advertising. Transit Director Aaron Kennedy emphasized the department's commitment to meeting transportation needs while Commissioner Steve Davis highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping the system's identity. The winning name will be chosen through a community voting process after officials narrow down the submissions to a shortlist.

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🔫 Three arrested after late-night shooting sends Lancaster into chaos. The incident, which occurred around 2 AM on South Columbus Street, began with a physical altercation before escalating when shots were fired at a fleeing vehicle. While the victim sustained injuries from the assault, they weren't hit by the gunfire that struck their car. Two Columbus men, Lonzo Doughty (37) and Mandela Kristos (38), face felonious assault charges, while Juan Gover (41) from Reynoldsburg was charged with intoxication-related disorderly conduct. The Lancaster Police Department continues investigating the scene where officers found multiple shell casings and a firearm.

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🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)

TeamOpponentDate/Time
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces Logo Amanda-Clearcreek Aces
@ Liberty Union
1/4 @ 7:30pm
Berne Union Rockets Logo Berne Union Rockets
@ Shekinah Christian
1/2 @ 6:30pm
@ Millersport
1/4 @ 6:30pm
@ Genoa Christian Academy
1/7 @ 7:30pm
Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs Logo Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs
vs Logan Elm
1/4 @ 7:00pm
@ Bishop Ready
1/8 @ 7:30pm
Fairfield Union Falcons Logo Fairfield Union Falcons
@ Washington
1/2 @ 7:00pm
vs Hamilton Township
1/4 @ 7:30pm
Lancaster Golden Gales Logo Lancaster Golden Gales
vs Horizon Science Academy
1/4 @ 6:00pm
Millersport Lakers Logo Millersport Lakers
vs Berne Union
1/4 @ 6:30pm
vs Madison Christian
1/7 @ 7:00pm
Fisher Catholic Irish Logo Fisher Catholic Irish
@ Patriot Prep Academy**
1/4 @ 12:30pm
@ Waterford
1/6 @ 7:30pm
Liberty Union Lions Logo Liberty Union Lions
vs Amanda-Clearcreek
1/4 @ 7:30pm
@ Crooksville
1/8 @ 7:30pm
Pickerington North Panthers Logo Pickerington North Panthers
@ Bishop Watterson
1/3 @ 7:00pm
vs Hayes
1/7 @ 7:30pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious family home in Longview

A stunning new Bellamy plan is available for $445,930 in the scenic Longview Highlands. This open-concept two-story home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and features luxury vinyl flooring, a bright study perfect for a home office, and a kitchen designed for family gatherings, complete with elegant cabinetry and a large pantry. The upstairs hosts a generous primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom and walk-in closet, along with three additional bedrooms and a laundry room.

Ranch home with spacious yard

Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home listed at $249,900, set on a generous 1.13 acres that blend outdoor space with city convenience. With a remodeled kitchen, a versatile full basement, a cozy three-season room, and a fenced yard, this property is perfect for families or entertaining, all while offering a bonus one-year home warranty for peace of mind.

Cozy home with garage gem

This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is listed at $179,900 and offers a cozy living space in a peaceful corner lot. Recently refreshed with a new coat of paint, the well-maintained property includes a spacious 24x24 detached garage, making it perfect for storage or a workshop, all while being conveniently close to essential amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👶 Jan. 06 - Big Brother/Sister Class: Little ones ages 2-6 can learn the ropes of being an awesome big brother or sister at Fairfield Medical Center Foundation. Join this hands-on safety class on January 6th at 401 N Ewing St.
📚 Jan. 07 - Free English Classes: Take your first steps toward English fluency at free ESOL classes starting January 7 at Eastland-Fairfield Career Center in Groveport. Call 614-836-4541 ext. 1659 to begin your language journey.
🤝 Jan. 08 - Wednesday Connects: Make meaningful connections at Wednesday Connects, a welcoming community gathering at Redbud Commons in Pickerington. Join your neighbors on January 8th at 602 Redbud Rd for friendly conversation and networking.
🤰 Jan. 08 - FMC Maternity Tour: Expecting a little one? Get an insider's look at Fairfield Medical Center's maternity services during this informative tour for parents-to-be on January 8 at 401 N Ewing St, Lancaster.
📚 Jan. 09 - Free English Classes: Take your first steps toward English fluency at free ESOL classes starting January 9 at Eastland-Fairfield Career Center in Groveport. Call 614-836-4541 ext. 1659 to register for this welcoming learning environment.
💗 Jan. 10 - Adult Grief Support Circle: Find comfort and understanding at FAIRHOPE's weekly grief support group, meeting this Tuesday at 282 Sells Rd in Lancaster. This caring space welcomes adults navigating loss and healing together.
💗 Jan. 10 - Girls Night In Against Trafficking: Make it a girls' night to remember at Fairfield Inn Columbus-New Albany! Ladies (16+) can join this meaningful slumber party fundraiser to help stop trafficking while enjoying classic pajama party fun. January 10.
🦉 Jan. 11 - Paint Hedwig Like Magic: Calling all wizarding world fans! Channel your inner Hogwarts spirit at Young at Art's magical Hedwig painting class on January 11. Create your own snowy owl masterpiece at 117 E 6th Ave in Lancaster.
🚑 Jan. 11 - Emergency First Aid Training: Learn life-saving skills at Fairfield Medical Center Foundation's First Aid certification course on January 11. Register now by calling 740-687-8477 or emailing resa@fmchealth.org to secure your spot.
💪 Jan. 11 - New Year Fitness Bootcamp: Kickstart your fitness journey at CrossFit 740's New Year Bootcamp! Join this beginner-friendly workout session designed for all fitness levels on January 11 at 560 W Fair Ave, Lancaster.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

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