🌅 Longer evenings ahead - Fairfield County

Good morning, Fairfield County. Did you know that the earliest sunset of winter has already passed? While we're still trudging through December's darkness, each evening now stretches just a tiny bit longer. It's a small victory, but we'll take it – like finding an extra cookie in what you thought was an empty jar.

And speaking of sweet surprises, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee is about to brighten our mornings with their Instagram-worthy rainbow lattes on Sawmill Road. Between their third Central Ohio opening and the political shuffle playing out in Columbus – with Matt Huffman and Rob McColley trading leadership roles like kids swapping baseball cards – there's plenty to keep us warm through these winter days. Though if you need an extra dose of seasonal cheer, our county's stunning 20-year collection of winter photographs might just do the trick.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

7°

26°

0%

Pickerington

8°

26°

0%

Reynoldsburg

12°

26°

0%

Canal Winchester

8°

26°

0%

Baltimore

8°

26°

0%

🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)

Team	Opponent	Date/Time
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces
	vs Bloom-Carroll	1/10 @ 7:30pm
	@ Waverly	1/14 @ 6:00pm
Berne Union Rockets
	vs Wellington School	1/10 @ 7:30pm
	@ Grove City Christian	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs
	@ Amanda-Clearcreek	1/10 @ 7:30pm
	vs River Valley	1/11 @ 7:30pm
	vs Hamilton Township	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Fairfield Christian Academy Knights
	@ Bishop Rosecrans	1/9 @ 6:30pm
	vs Miller	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Lancaster Golden Gales
	vs Reynoldsburg	1/10 @ 5:30pm
	vs Canal Winchester	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Fairfield Union Falcons
	@ Circleville	1/9 @ 7:30pm
	@ Logan Elm	1/14 @ 7:00pm
Millersport Lakers
	@ Miller	1/10 @ 7:30pm
	@ Bishop Rosecrans	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Pickerington North Panthers
	@ New Albany	1/11 @ 7:30pm
	vs Dublin Coffman	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Pickerington Central Tigers
	vs Groveport-Madison	1/9 @ 7:30pm
	@ Teays Valley	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Fisher Catholic Irish
	vs Delaware Christian	1/9 @ 7:30pm
	vs Wellington School	1/14 @ 7:30pm
Liberty Union Lions
	@ Logan Elm	1/10 @ 7:00pm
	vs Circleville	1/14 @ 7:30pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Move-in ready condo with amenities

Located at a list price of $541,515, this beautifully crafted Donley Homes Belmont Model condo is move-in ready and features an inviting great room, a den, and a spacious kitchen complete with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite boasts an oversized walk-in shower and large closet, while an upstairs space offers a third bedroom, an additional bathroom, and plenty of storage in the unfinished attic, all accompanied by HOA-maintained landscaping and snow removal for your convenience.

Stunning home with modern layout

Discover a stunning two-story home in Reynoldsburg, listed at $395,000, featuring an open-concept layout that enhances the flow between living areas. The primary bedroom offers a serene retreat with a private en-suite bathroom, while three additional bedrooms provide options for guests or home offices, complemented by two-and-a-half well-appointed bathrooms for modern convenience.

Remodeled home near conveniences

This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, listed at $249,900, is in a prime location just minutes from shopping, dining, and the Fairfield Medical Center. With a gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, a spacious living room, first-floor laundry, and a convenient detached 2-car garage, this move-in ready property is a perfect blend of comfort and style.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏀 Jan. 14 - Gales vs Indians Basketball: Catch high school hoops action as the Lancaster Golden Gales take on rival Canal Winchester Indians at Lancaster High School on January 14, with freshman, JV and varsity matchups.

👶 Jan. 14 - Birth Basics Class: Expecting parents, start your journey with confidence! Join the comprehensive Childbirth Education Series at Fairfield Medical Center on January 14, exploring labor, pain management, and recovery techniques. Visit 401 N Ewing St, Lancaster.

🏫 Jan. 14 - Lancaster vs Heritage: Local middle school rivalry heats up as Thomas Ewing takes on Heritage in an exciting matchup at Thomas Ewing Junior High School's home court on January 14. Come cheer on our young athletes!

🧘 Jan. 16 - Calming Corner at AHA!: Need a gentler museum experience? AHA! Children's Museum's new Calming Corner offers a peaceful retreat in their multi-purpose room, perfect for little ones who prefer a quieter space to explore and play. January 16th.

🌳 Jan. 16 - Fairfield Genealogy Meet: Calling all family history buffs! Join the Fairfield County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society for their monthly meeting and refreshments at the Research Library on Lenwood Drive, starting at 6:30 PM.

🏀 Jan. 16 - Lancaster vs Gahanna East: Local rivals face off as Lancaster Thomas Ewing hosts Gahanna East Middle School for an exciting matchup at Thomas Ewing Junior High School on January 16. Don't miss this neighborhood showdown!

💝 Jan. 17 - Adult Grief Support Circle: Find comfort and understanding at FAIRHOPE's Adult Grief Group, meeting January 17th at their Lancaster location on Sells Road. This supportive space welcomes those navigating loss and healing.

🏀 Jan. 17 - Lancaster vs. Fredericktown: Crosstown rivals face off as Lancaster High School hosts Fredericktown in what promises to be an electrifying basketball showdown. Catch the action at Lancaster High School, 1312 Granville Pike, on January 17.

🤼 Jan. 18 - Lancaster JH Wrestling Duals: Young wrestlers hit the mats at Lancaster High School for exciting junior high wrestling duals on January 18. Come cheer on tomorrow's champions at 1312 Granville Pike.

🙏 In Remembrance

Benton "Ben" VanNess Jessup

Ben Jessup, 63, passed away on January 1, 2025, after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. A graduate of Lancaster High School and Ohio University, he retired from Nationwide Insurance in 2020 and cherished time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his father, wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members, while he was preceded in death by his mother and a brother. A private graveside service will take place, with a celebration of life planned for spring, and he was a registered organ donor.

Julia "Annie" Gray

Julia "Annie" Gray, 81, of Lancaster, formerly of Zanesville, passed away on January 5, 2025. Born on April 5, 1943, in Roseville, OH, she was known for her humor and charming personality. Annie is survived by her daughter Tammy, grandsons Blake and Eric, her sister Emma Lou, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward and several siblings. At her request, no services will be held, but friends are encouraged to share memories over a beer with her daughter.

James Leroy Anderson

James L. "Andy" Anderson, 80, of Amanda, passed away on January 5, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center. Born on May 1, 1944, in Salt Lake City, he was an accomplished athlete at Amanda Clearcreek High School, where he excelled in track, basketball, and football, and was a Hall of Fame inductee. Andy enjoyed a long career at MidWest and later McAuley’s, and he had a passion for fishing, boating, and racing horses. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and siblings, and was preceded in death by his wife and son. Funeral services will be held on January 13, 2025, at Taylor-Theller Funeral Home.

Neil Vernon LaVeck

Neil Vernon LaVeck, aged 81, passed away on January 6, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio. He is survived by his wife Connie, son David, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and siblings Jack, Peg, and Mick. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Valerie. Friends may visit on January 10, 2025, at Taylor-Theller Funeral Home, with the funeral following and interment at Maple Hill Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Fairhope Hospice instead of flowers.

Robert "Bob" Soles

Robert "Bob" Soles, 84, of Bloom Township, passed away on January 2, 2025, after dealing with prolonged health issues. A graduate of Lancaster High School and the Columbus Police Academy, Bob served in the Air Force National Guard and enjoyed a distinguished career as a police officer for 28 years. He was a devoted husband to Rebecca "Becky" Soles for 59 years and a passionate musician, managing and playing in the "Summer Breeze Band." Bob is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on January 10, followed by a memorial service on January 11 at DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

-Hebrews 11:1