🍺 New brews ahead

Good morning, Fairfield County. Like a perfectly aged Belgian ale, some things just get better with time. That's certainly the case for Rockmill Brewery, where new owners are breathing fresh life into one of Central Ohio's most picturesque destinations. The historic farmhouse is getting more than just a fresh coat of paint - it's transforming into a 120-guest haven complete with rental rooms, expanded beer offerings, and soon, the sweet sounds of live music drifting across its 23 acres.

Meanwhile, our local headlines read like a season finale sweep - from a routine traffic stop turning into a major meth bust (224 grams, to be exact) to the Fairfield County Dog Shelter battling a parvo outbreak with the determination of a medical drama's crack team. The shelter's urgent need for supplies has sparked a community response that proves Fairfield County's heart is as big as its news stories.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

16°

23°

76%

Pickerington

16°

23°

66%

Reynoldsburg

16°

23°

87%

Canal Winchester

16°

23°

66%

Baltimore

16°

23°

66%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍺 Historic Lancaster brewery springs back to life under new ownership. Rockmill Brewery, a scenic Central Ohio craft beer destination founded in 2010, has been rescued by Austin Caulk and Taylor Scribner after financial troubles nearly shuttered it. The new owners have renovated the farmhouse to host 120 guests, added rental rooms, and brought back Belgian-style brewing with an expanded beer lineup. Live music events and a permanent food option are in the works, while select beers will soon return to local bars and shops. The 23-acre property aims to recapture its status as a premier getaway destination.

🚔 Car crash leads cops to massive meth bust in Ohio. A routine accident response turned into a major drug seizure when Fairfield County deputies discovered 224 grams of methamphetamine after a crash on February 17. Twenty-six-year-old Kylee Saunders was arrested after a K-9 unit detected narcotics in her crashed vehicle. Sheriff Alex Lape praised his deputies' swift action in preventing dangerous drugs from reaching local communities. The suspect faces multiple charges, including aggravated possession of drugs, while the investigation continues.

🐕 Parvo outbreak forces Lancaster dog shelter to close kennels temporarily. The Fairfield County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center continues to facilitate adoptions while treating several dogs who tested positive for the highly contagious virus. The shelter urgently needs supplies like crates, bleach, and waste bags to manage the crisis. Parvovirus, which attacks dogs' bone marrow and small intestines, can be life-threatening but is preventable through proper vaccination. Community members can support the shelter's efforts by dropping off needed supplies as staff work to contain the outbreak.

Team	Opponent	Score
Pickerington North (18-3)
	vs Pickerington Central	W 75-58
Pickerington Central (11-10)
	@ Pickerington North	L 75-58

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

Talk about a Tuesday night smackdown! Fisher Catholic's Irish showed no mercy in a 44-14 demolition of Berne Union, while Delaware Christian Eagles soared past Millersport 50-30. The Shekinah Christian Flames kept the scoreboard sizzling with a 54-43 win over Fairfield Christian Academy, setting up what promises to be a spicy showdown with the red-hot Irish (21-3) next.

Team	Opponent	Score
Berne Union (6-16)
	@ Fisher Catholic*	L 44-14
Fairfield Christian Academy (18-5)
	vs Shekinah Christian*	L 54-43
Millersport (9-15)
	@ Delaware Christian*	L 50-30
Fisher Catholic (21-3)
	vs Berne Union*	W 44-14

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Charming two-story family home: The Bellamy floor plan, listed at $434,990, offers a charming two-story layout with 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a sleek kitchen ideal for family gatherings, complete with smart home features.

Updated home with chef's kitchen: This charmingly updated home, priced at $335,000, features a chef's dream kitchen, a cozy family room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a delightful three-seasons room, all set on the peaceful edge of town.

Cozy villa with great amenities: This charming single-story Epcon Villa in Pickerington is listed at $289,900 and features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an oversized garage, and a private patio, all within a community offering a clubhouse, pool, and fitness room.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔨 Feb. 20 - Fairfield Nailed It! 2025: Grab your hammer and team spirit for Fairfield County's "We Nailed It! 2025" competition! Join this exciting fundraising event at 4625 Coonpath Rd NW in Carroll on February 20th, presented by Price Custom Homes.

🎩 Feb. 20 - Magic Dinner Show: Prepare to be amazed at Triple P's enchanting Dinner & Magic Show! Join us February 20th from 6-8pm at 200 W Main St, Lancaster for an evening of delicious food and mesmerizing illusions.

🎸 Feb. 20 - Michael Robinson Live Acoustic: Unwind with soulful acoustic melodies as Michael Robinson takes the stage at Cardo's Pizza & Tavern. Catch his live performance this Thursday from 6:30-9:30pm at this cozy Pickerington hangout.

🔥 Feb. 21 - WorldFire Interest Night: Join the spiritual movement at WorldFire Lancaster's Interest Night! Gather at Maywood Mission Chapel for an evening of prayer and community connection, starting at 6pm on February 21st.

🍺 Feb. 22 - Ohio Beer Fest: Raise a glass to Ohio's finest brews at Pick Ohio Beer Fest, where local craft breweries showcase their most coveted creations at Combustion Brewery & Taproom in Pickerington on February 22.

🎸 Feb. 22 - Eric Solomon Live: Sip and sway as local talent Eric Solomon brings soulful sounds to RockSide Winery & Vineyards. Catch his live performance February 22nd at this charming Lancaster venue on Newark Road.

🍺 Feb. 22 - The Corner Bar: Grab a seat at The Corner Bar & Grill in Pickerington for great food, drinks, and local vibes this Thursday. Your neighborhood hangout awaits at 1751 Hill Rd N.

🌸 Feb. 22 - Sisters in Sobriety Meet: Find strength and support at Lancaster Sisters in Sobriety, a welcoming women's recovery meeting at 723 Slocum Ave. This wheelchair-accessible gathering offers a safe space to share and heal this February 22nd.

🙏 In Remembrance

Marianne Marta Morgan

Marianne Morgan, 93, of Laurelville, passed away on February 16, 2025, at her home. Born on May 10, 1931, in Ehningen, Germany, she was the daughter of Heinrich and Elise Zipperle. After immigrating to America, Marianne took over a cleaning service that catered to Anchor Hocking for several decades. She is survived by her five children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. "Dick" Morgan. In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held.

Cindy Haas Swain

Cindy Haas Swain, 76, of Lancaster, passed away on February 16, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center with her family by her side. Born on August 10, 1948, she was the daughter of Ralph Maynard and Jean Haas. Cindy is survived by her husband Jim Swain, daughter Heidi Tootle, and grandchildren Jamie McGill and Austin Tootle. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Angela Sue McGill and her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairfield Area Humane Society, and there will be no funeral service as per her wishes.

James M. Shipley Jr.

James "Jim" Shipley, 76, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2025. Born on April 25, 1948, in Columbus, Ohio, he served in the U.S. Army after graduating high school and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after over 40 years of service. Known for his humility, hard work, and love for family, Jim is survived by his wife Mary, their children, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jackie Hess. A gathering for family and friends will be held on February 21, 2025.

Charles G. Parrish

Charles "Chuck" Parrish, who passed away on February 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with illness, leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. Born on July 8, 1952, in Canton, OH, he served in the United States Air Force and later devoted 30 years to supporting employment opportunities for those facing social barriers through his work at Good Will Columbus. Chuck was known for his vibrant personality, humor, and deep connections with family and friends, particularly enjoying activities like hiking, fishing, and music. He is survived by his beloved wife Laurie, son Tyler, and numerous relatives and friends who cherished his generous spirit. A celebration of his life will take place on March 1, 2025, at Reynoldsburg Community Church.