Good morning, Fairfield County. Southeast Ohio is stealing the economic spotlight as five towns—Gallipolis, Athens, Cambridge, Chillicothe, and Zanesville—have landed on Site Selection Magazine's prestigious list of top-performing micropolitan areas. While these communities celebrate their success in attracting major investment, our region faces a stark reality in housing: Central Ohio is building less than 60% of the homes needed annually, creating a deficit that threatens to reshape who can afford to live here.
Amid these economic headlines comes heartbreaking news from Columbus-Lancaster Road, where a Saturday morning fire claimed the lives of 81-year-old Juanita Shaeffer and 56-year-old Michael Shaeffer. Firefighters responded before 7 a.m. to find the mobile home engulfed in flames. Though investigators don't suspect foul play, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change in our community.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏙️ Five Ohio towns earn national economic spotlight for strong growth. Site Selection Magazine ranked Gallipolis, Athens, Cambridge, Chillicothe, and Zanesville among America's top micropolitan areas for 2024. These southeast Ohio communities qualified by attracting projects with significant investment, job creation, or facility expansion. Ohio dominated the national rankings with 20 communities making the list and 135 qualifying projects statewide. Matt Abbott, President of Ohio Southeast Economic Development, credited local economic development professionals for creating competitive business climates in these rural communities.
🏠 Central Ohio's housing crisis deepens as building lags far behind demand. The region is facing a 7,000-8,500 home deficit annually, building only about 10,000 homes versus the needed 17,000-19,000. Zoning restrictions and infrastructure challenges are major barriers to development, while new homes in Columbus cost significantly more than comparable markets like Nashville and Indianapolis. Proposed lumber tariffs from Canada could add $7,500-$10,000 per home, potentially pricing out thousands of buyers. Though President Trump recently suspended tariffs against Canada and Mexico, uncertainty continues to plague the construction industry.
🔥 Two found dead after fire rips through Ohio mobile home. Juanita Shaeffer, 81, and Michael Shaeffer, 56, were discovered inside a burning residence on Columbus-Lancaster Road in Fairfield County on Saturday morning. Firefighters responded to the scene at 6:53 a.m., finding visible flames and smoke before locating the victims during their search. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital where they were later pronounced dead. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire but do not suspect foul play.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Fairfield Union (27-1) | ||
vs Archbishop Alter* | L 46-33 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Luxurious lakefront retreat with dock: Priced at $975,000, this Amish-built waterfront home offers lakefront luxury with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a partially finished basement, private boat dock, and stunning main lake views in the Compass Point community.
Rural Cape Huge lot Turnkey: This $450,000 Cape Cod on 5.25 acres in Bloom-Carroll School District offers 3 bedrooms, country views, and city convenience, with showings beginning at the March 15 open house.
Spacious ranch multiple style options: This $453,900 ranch home offers 3 beds and 2 baths with a traditional elevation featuring a full front porch, plus options for farmhouse or craftsman styles and a potential third garage space.🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31
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