Good morning, Fairfield County. Remember that sinking feeling when Blockbuster announced its stores were closing? Well, the retail landscape is shifting again as Macy's plans to shutter 150 locations nationwide. While our local stores appear safe for now, it's another sign of changing times in American retail - though hopefully with a less dramatic ending than Blockbuster's final curtain call.
Speaking of dramatic shifts, local economist Bill LaFayette isn't exactly painting rainbows for Central Ohio's 2025 forecast. Between workforce challenges and policy headwinds, we're facing some economic speed bumps ahead. And speaking of speed - our state highways could use an extra 200 troopers to keep things running smoothly. Turns out maintaining law and order on Ohio's roads is quite literally a numbers game.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📊 Central Ohio faces gloomy economic forecast for 2025, economist warns. Bill LaFayette, owner of Regionomics LLC, predicts significant challenges ahead for the region, citing workforce shortages and skills mismatches among available workers. His analysis points to additional headwinds from planned tariff increases and immigration restrictions under the new administration. The economic assessment, shared during his annual January forecast, suggests a marked departure from previous years' outlooks.
🏬 Macy's will slash 150 stores nationwide in major restructuring plan. The retail giant announced the closures as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, with 66 locations already confirmed for shutdown, including stores in Beavercreek and Toledo, Ohio. The company aims to achieve "sustainable, profitable sales growth" while investing in 350 remaining locations through 2026. Macy's currently operates 521 stores across the country, though specific closure dates haven't been announced. No central Ohio locations are affected in this initial round of closures.
👮 Ohio's highways need 200 more state troopers to keep roads safe. The Ohio State Highway Patrol currently has 1,365 troopers but aims to reach 1,550, following recruitment challenges during COVID restrictions. Fatal crashes remain a concern, with the patrol focused on preventing impaired and distracted driving incidents. Veteran Trooper Patrick White, who has served for 13 years, describes it as his "dream job" and praises the career's dynamic nature. OSHP is now actively recruiting statewide to fill these crucial public safety positions.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
In a tale of two very different games, Millersport Lakers found their groove in a 57-29 romp over Madison Christian Eagles, while Licking Valley Panthers clawed past Liberty Union Lions 73-63 in Saturday's hoops action. The Lakers snapped out of their recent funk to improve to 4-10, while the Panthers continued their solid campaign, moving to 9-5 on the season.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Millersport (4-10) | ||
vs Madison Christian | W 57-29 | |
Pickerington North (13-3) | ||
vs Central Catholic | W 64-62 | |
Liberty Union (8-8) | ||
vs Licking Valley | L 73-63 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
A Saturday night thriller in Pickerington saw the Central Tigers edge out Purcell Marian in a nail-biting 46-45 finish, while Amanda-Clearcreek handled Liberty Union 50-42, and Logan Elm squeaked past Bloom-Carroll 48-44. Central's win moves them to an impressive 14-3, proving that in Ohio high school hoops, the Tigers aren't just surviving - they're thriving.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Amanda-Clearcreek (12-5) | ||
@ Liberty Union | W 50-42 | |
Berne Union (6-10) | ||
@ Millersport | L 64-25 | |
Bloom-Carroll (6-9) | ||
vs Logan Elm | L 49-44 | |
Fairfield Christian Academy (12-4) | ||
vs Fisher Catholic | L 62-24 | |
Fairfield Union (17-0) | ||
vs Hamilton Township | W 49-36 | |
Millersport (5-11) | ||
vs Berne Union | W 64-25 | |
Pickerington Central (14-3) | ||
vs Purcell Marian** | W 46-45 | |
Fisher Catholic (16-2) | ||
@ FCA | W 62-24 | |
Liberty Union (7-9) | ||
vs Amanda-Clearcreek | L 50-42 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Historic gem with spacious yard: This charming 2 1/2 story home with historic character features original woodwork, pocket doors, and a spacious yard. With 4 bedrooms, a clawfoot tub, and a potential attic transformation, it's a vintage lover's dream. Priced at $239,900.
Wooded lot for dream home: This beautiful 1.85-acre wooded lot is listed at $85,000 and offers a serene, private setting with mature trees, making it a perfect location for your dream home in the desirable Lancaster School District.
Cozy home with big backyard: This lovely 3-level split home, listed at $285,000, features 2 full baths, a spacious master closet, a cozy living room with a gas log fireplace, and a big backyard complete with an above-ground pool and patio. A warranty adds extra peace of mind for potential buyers.🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
-Galatians 6:9