Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fairfield County / March 12, 2025

🔥 Doula drama

Fairfield County • March 12, 2025

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Good morning, Fairfield County. The battle over who controls Ohio's doula certification has intensified into a full-blown power struggle. What began as an advisory group to help integrate doulas into Medicaid has morphed into a standoff between birth workers and state officials, with elected leader Marie McClausland being replaced by Joe Quackenbush—the group's only male non-doula—while certified professionals report going unpaid since October. The situation highlights a classic clash between bureaucratic oversight and on-the-ground expertise.

In brighter developments, burger enthusiasts will soon have reason to celebrate as Bareburger plans its second Ohio location at Easton this summer. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will transform the former Melt space into an arcade-equipped dining destination seating 150 guests. Meanwhile, the Cherry Hill subdivision is processing Thursday's tragedy after 19-year-old Samuel Stallworth was arrested for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Kamal Walters following an early morning dispute that turned deadly.

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🤱 Ohio doulas clash with state officials over control and representation. The advisory group, created to help certify doulas for Medicaid reimbursement, has lost its ability to elect its own chair and set its agenda. Instead of Marie McClausland, the group's elected leader, Joe Quackenbush—the only man and non-doula in the group—will now chair meetings by nursing board appointment. Doulas report their concerns are being ignored while certified professionals haven't received Medicaid payments since the program began in October. The conflict highlights tensions between the clinical nursing board oversight and the non-clinical work doulas perform.

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🍔 Bareburger expands Ohio presence with new Easton location this summer. Owner George Mathew is opening the NYC-based burger chain's second Ohio spot in a former Melt Bar and Grilled space at 4206 Worth Ave. The new 5,000-square-foot restaurant will seat up to 150 people and feature arcade games for a more experiential dining atmosphere. Mathew, who opened Ohio's first Bareburger downtown in 2014, was attracted to Easton's destination status and the economic advantage of moving into an existing restaurant space. The new location will emphasize local sourcing and offer more accessible parking than the downtown spot.

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🔫 Teen arrested after deadly dispute turns into shooting spree. A 19-year-old Samuel Stallworth from Pickerington faces murder charges following an early morning shooting in Fairfield County's Cherry Hill subdivision. Officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 3:43 a.m. Thursday, finding 23-year-old Kamal Walters with multiple gunshot wounds who later died at Mount Carmel East Hospital. Police quickly apprehended Stallworth during a traffic stop, recovering two firearms from his vehicle. Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from a dispute inside a home where two female occupants were present but unharmed.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious land awaits your vision: Just $130,000 for a generous 1.55-acre blank canvas in Fairfield Union School District, ready for your dream home with road frontage and completed soil testing, conveniently located near major routes for easy commutes.
Real estate listing image Buildable lot awaits dream home: Listed at $130,000, this vacant 1.7-acre lot offers an open canvas to build your dream home in Fairfield Union School District, with convenient access to multiple state routes and soil testing already completed.
Real estate listing image Affordable versatile Lancaster family home: Priced at $165,000, this cozy 2-3 bedroom Lancaster home offers versatile living spaces with two upstairs bedrooms, a full bathroom, eat-in kitchen, and convenient outdoor features including a fenced yard and off-street parking.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🤰 Mar. 12 - Expectant Parents Maternity Tour: Expecting a bundle of joy? Tour Fairfield Medical Center's Maternity Services on March 12 and get all your questions answered at 401 N Ewing St. Perfect for curious parents-to-be!
🏛️ Mar. 13 - Children's Museum Open Day: Join the fun at AHA! Children's Museum on March 13! The museum is open to the public while a small group visits, so bring your curious kiddos to explore this hands-on adventure in Lancaster.
🧶 Mar. 13 - Crochet & Chat Hour: Unwind with fellow fiber enthusiasts at "Crochet and Chat" Office Hours! Bring your yarn and hooks to 118 N Columbus St every second Thursday through June for crafting, learning, and connecting with other creative minds.
🎵 Mar. 14 - Anything Blue Live: Groove to the soulful sounds of Anything Blue at Fat Cat Pizza! Catch this live music event on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 1448 Ety Pointe Dr NW in Lancaster, OH.
🐝 Mar. 15 - Beginning Bee School: Buzz into beekeeping at the Fairfield County Beekeepers' one-day workshop! Learn the sweet science of honey production at Fairgrounds Park on March 15, from 8:00-3:30 in the Rickets Building.
🏛️ Mar. 15 - Children's Museum Party Room: Explore and play while the party goes on! AHA! Children's Museum remains open to the public on March 15, offering hands-on adventures for curious kids at their River Valley Circle location in Lancaster.
🏀 Mar. 16 - Big Ten Basketball Showdown: Catch all the Big Ten basketball action at Cardo's Pizza & Tavern on March 16! Cheer on your favorite team while enjoying great food and drinks at this Pickerington hotspot on Refugee Road.

🙏 In Remembrance

Ronald A. Wilson

Ronald A. "Ronnie" Wilson, 93, passed away at his home in Hideaway Hills on March 7, 2025. Born in 1931, he was a 1949 Berne Union graduate who worked as an accountant at Anchor Hocking and White Castle Systems, and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was active in the Hideaway Hills Bowling League and Olivedale Senior Center. Ronnie is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and companion Vickie Guay, while being preceded in death by his wife Marlene, son Stephen, brothers Richard and Bill, and his parents.

Ronald A. Wilson

Mark Edward Brown

Mark Edward Brown, 53, died unexpectedly in his sleep on March 9th, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio. He worked at O'Reilly Auto Parts since 2007, was a car racing enthusiast, and briefly co-owned a pizza shop in Rushville. Mark enjoyed coaching basketball, supporting the Dallas Cowboys, and outdoor activities like gardening and fishing with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Heather, seven children, eight grandchildren, three siblings, close friends, and extended family, with services to be held at Morgan Funeral Home on March 13th.

Mark Edward Brown

Brenda Louise Scarberry

Brenda L. Scarberry, aged 72, passed away on March 7, 2025, at her home in Carroll. Born in Columbus in 1953, she was a Brookhaven High School graduate who formerly owned C & B Concessions with her father and enjoyed boating, yard sales, and riding her Harley. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Charles, three sons, eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and three siblings. Funeral services will be held on March 13, 2025, at Marcy Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by interment at Lithopolis Cemetery.

Brenda Louise Scarberry

Jim Doty

Jim Doty, 58, of Lancaster, passed away on March 5, 2025. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jim enjoyed hunting, political discussions over coffee, and time with his family. He is survived by his wife Amy, seven children, six grandchildren, his mother Nancy, four siblings, and numerous other relatives. Following his wishes, Jim was cremated after his passing.

Jim Doty

Juanita G. Gobel

Juanita G. Gobel (March 26, 1936 - March 9, 2025) passed away at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio at the age of 88. Known for her bold spirit and boundless love, she was a devoted church member who treated everyone as her own child and gave generously to those in need through various charitable efforts. Juanita is survived by her son Todd, daughters Ann and Vickie, stepdaughter Pam, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband William "Bill" Gobel, three children, a stepson, two grandchildren, a brother, and three sisters, with funeral services scheduled for March 13-14, 2025 in Lancaster, Ohio.

Juanita G. Gobel

Dorothy L. Wenger

Dorothy Wenger, 82, died peacefully at home on March 8, 2025, after battling pancreatic cancer. Born in Mississippi in 1942, she earned a degree from Mississippi State College for Women before marrying Bill and settling in Pickerington, Ohio, where she worked at Echo Manor Nursing Home and Professional Review Network. Dorothy was known for her remarkable ability to connect with others, offering grace and empathy in all relationships, and found joy in baking with grandchildren, gardening, fishing, and quilting. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, several siblings, two sons, and four grandchildren, with services scheduled for March 13-14, 2025.

Dorothy L. Wenger

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

-Romans 12:12

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