🚿 Carwash karma

Good morning, Fairfield County. Free car washes are causing quite the splash in Grove City this week. Moo Moo Express's 35th Central Ohio location isn't just offering complimentary premium washes through March 9—they're turning suds into student support with half-price membership signups benefiting disadvantaged students. It's that rare win-win where your vehicle gets pampered while your community gets stronger.

In more somber developments, the contrasts in our county couldn't be starker. While Sunrise Recovery Center fights the uphill battle against addiction with limited resources, Lancaster police faced a harrowing scene Tuesday when an officer confronted an active shooter mid-crime. The bodycam footage captures the stark reality of what first responders face, even as recovery advocates like former addict Chris Ross work tirelessly to rebuild lives shattered by substance abuse—two different frontlines in our community's ongoing struggle for safety and healing.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

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Pickerington

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Reynoldsburg

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Canal Winchester

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Baltimore

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚗 Moo Moo Express washes into Grove City with free suds celebration. The car wash chain just opened its 35th Central Ohio location at Turnberry Court, offering free premium washes through March 9. Customers can sign up for half-price Unlimited Wash Club memberships, with $10 from each signup benefiting Student Success Stores, a nonprofit providing necessities to disadvantaged students. The company is also selling discounted gift cards with proceeds supporting the charity, continuing their tradition of community involvement. Moo Moo Express plans to open its 36th location in Columbus next month and is currently hiring for multiple positions.

🌅 Lancaster recovery center battles addiction while resources remain scarce. Sunrise Recovery provides crucial support in Fairfield County, but founder Ciara Colbert highlights significant gaps in ongoing care. The center offers varying treatment intensities, including a partial hospitalization plan providing 20-25 weekly hours of structured support. Staff member Chris Ross, a former heroin addict, uses his personal experience to help others while acknowledging the constant struggle against relapse. Despite recent drug seizures in the area, Colbert sees positive change through collaboration between treatment centers and law enforcement to reduce stigma and support recovery.

🔫 Police bodycam captures officer shooting murder suspect mid-crime. Lancaster police responded to a "behavioral health" call Tuesday, encountering a woman screaming for help and witnessing Kyle Varney, 26, firing at another female. An officer shot Varney, causing him to drop his weapon and surrender. The targeted woman suffered critical injuries and was transported to a Columbus hospital. Inside the residence, police discovered two deceased victims with gunshot wounds, leading to Varney's arrest.

Spacious customizable Evanston home: This Evanston floorplan offers 3-5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms for $448,900, with design options including a study, guest room, fireplace and morning room in its masterfully planned 2-story layout.

Spacious new smart home ready: # Real Estate Gem: The FairtonPriced at $368,990, this brand new two-story Fairton plan offers 1,510 square feet with four bedrooms, an open kitchen-great room concept, and smart home technology that allows remote monitoring from anywhere.

New build high ceilings extras: Priced at $434,900, this newly-built home boasts cathedral ceilings, granite countertops, and an unfinished basement with potential, plus it comes with a $5,000 landscaping concession and transferable builder warranty.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🥞 Mar. 03 - Free IHOP Pancake Day: Flip out for FREE pancakes! Visit IHOP on March 4 for National Pancake Day and enjoy a complimentary short stack when you dine in at their River Valley Circle location.

🪕 Mar. 3 - Beers & Bluegrass Sunday: Stomp your feet to twangy tunes as Ramblin' Rhythm Bluegrass Band fills Combustion Brewery with mountain melodies on March 3! Grab craft brews and bites from My Chik'N food truck from 4-7pm.

🎸 Mar. 3 - Ethan Timm Live: Rock out with old-soul musician Ethan Timm at The Dog House Tavern on March 3! Enjoy soulful performances inspired by legendary rock and roll at this intimate Lancaster venue on Reese Avenue.

🏠 Mar. 3 - Open House: Step inside your potential dream home at 140 Marie Ave this Sunday! Browse this charming Pickerington property during our Open House from 12-2PM on March 3rd. No appointment needed.

🍊 Mar. 3 - Mindful Tangerine Meditation: Savor the present moment at Mud Gallery's Tangerine Meditation, inspired by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. Join this mindful experience on March 3 at 123 N Columbus St, beginning promptly at 1pm.

🎸 Mar. 03 - Sweet Misery Live Music: Get ready for Sweet Misery's debut at Finnegan's Wake! Catch this electrifying live music performance on March 3rd at 841 Hill Rd N, Pickerington—and the best part? No cover charge!

🏡 Mar. 3 - Pickerington Open House: Step inside your dream home at 13783 Wayside Dr NW this Sunday! Explore this Pickerington gem during our Open House on March 3, from 1-3PM – no appointment needed.

🛍️ Mar. 3 - Online Auction Extravaganza: Bid from the comfort of your couch at CubeSmart Self Storage's Online Auction on March 3! Browse and snag hidden treasures from Reynoldsburg's 7200 Tussing Road location without leaving home.

🙏 In Remembrance

Jeff Chapman

Jeff Chapman, a 70-year-old retired engineer from Showa with 20 years of service, passed away on February 25, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio. Born in Columbus on April 29, 1954, to Walter and Eileen Chapman, Jeff enjoyed target shooting, working in his workshop, motorcycling, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barb, along with step-children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members, while being preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark, and step-son-in-law John Varney.