🚿 Plumbing predicament

Good morning, Fairfield County. Water damage has struck at the heart of county operations, with the South-Central Job and Family Services building now undergoing assessment and cleanup after a plumbing mishap two weeks ago. Dave's Cleaning Service has already tackled the initial restoration, but commissioners face the challenging task of determining repair costs and timelines for the facility located off State Route 93—a reminder that sometimes the most pressing infrastructure issues begin right under our own roofs.

Beyond local flooding concerns, Ohio continues grappling with a housing crisis that's leaving thousands without affordable options. Despite a slight improvement from last year, the state still needs over 264,000 affordable rental units for its lowest-income residents. The situation mirrors tensions in education funding, where teachers across Central Ohio recently participated in a National School Walk-In to voice concerns about potential budget adjustments that could impact classrooms statewide.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

34°

52°

75%

Pickerington

34°

52°

88%

Reynoldsburg

34°

50°

86%

Canal Winchester

34°

52°

88%

Baltimore

34°

52°

88%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💧 Vinton County building flooded due to internal plumbing problems. The county-owned South-Central Job and Family Services building north of McArthur suffered water damage approximately two weeks ago. County Commissioners are now assessing the extent of the damage at the facility, which is located off State Route 93 at Business Park on Industrial Drive. Dave's Cleaning Service has already completed initial cleanup efforts at the building. The commissioners will likely need to determine repair costs and timeline for the facility's full restoration.

🏠 Ohio's affordable housing gap remains a major crisis. The state still needs over 264,000 affordable rental units for its 430,000 extremely low-income households, according to a new report. While the shortage decreased slightly from last year, there are still only 40 affordable units available for every 100 low-income households. Major cities face even worse conditions, with Columbus offering just 25 affordable units per 100 needy households. Despite these challenges, Governor DeWine has proposed allocating $100 million toward affordable housing in his budget.

📚 Ohio teachers unite against $100 million education budget cuts. Central Ohio educators rallied Wednesday as part of a National School Walk-In movement to protest Governor Mike DeWine's proposed budget. Columbus City Schools alone faces potential cuts of $45 million, prompting superintendents to testify before the House Education Committee. The governor's office disputes characterizing these as "cuts," claiming the budget fully funds the Cupp-Patterson school funding formula. Multiple rallies have been organized by teachers and parents opposing the proposed reductions.

Modern home ready for entertaining: This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with attached 2-car garage is listed at $425,000. The property features an open-concept main level and updated finishes throughout, plus a backyard patio perfect for entertaining.

Modern Electric Fresh Updates Ready: This electric-loving abode for $220,000 boasts a fresh 2025 electrical system, revamped bathroom, new furnace with central air, and wall-to-wall carpet and paint updates throughout.

Country luxury with horse barns: This 2-story dream home on 8.5 acres in Teays Valley School District is listed at $749,900, featuring updated amenities, equestrian facilities with two barns, and a serene retreat from city life.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📜 Mar. 20 - Genealogy Chapter Meeting: Uncover your family roots at the Fairfield County OGS Chapter Meeting! Join fellow genealogy enthusiasts at the Research Library on March 20, with refreshments at 6:30pm followed by an informative business meeting.

🍷 Mar. 20 - Ohio Spring Wine Tasting: Raise your glass to spring at Keller Market House's inaugural wine tasting! Sample delicious Ohio wines while mingling with local vintners on Thursday, March 20th at 134 S Columbus St, Lancaster.

🍻 Mar. 20 - YPFC Happy Hour Fundraiser: Raise a glass for a cause at the YPFC Food For Families Fundraiser! Join young professionals at Double Edge Brewing Company for happy hour on March 20th from 4-6pm. More details coming soon!

🍜 Mar. 20 - Family Rice Bowl Fusion: Savor authentic Asian fusion at Family Rice Bowl food truck, parked at Double Edge Brewing Company on March 20! Treat yourself to pad Thai, crispy pork belly, wings and more at this Lancaster hotspot.

🚗 Mar. 22 - Spring Auto Parts Swap: Gear up for the 26th Annual Spring Auto Parts Swap Meet at Fairgrounds Camping in Lancaster! Auto enthusiasts won't want to miss this treasure trove of parts on March 22. Contact Steve Boyer at 740-407-3027 for swap spaces.

🏛️ Mar. 22 - Museum Open Day: While the museum remains open to the public, part of AHA! Children's Museum will be reserved for a private party on March 22. Come explore the remaining hands-on exhibits at 1708 River Valley Circle!

🎸 Mar. 23 - Hello Luna Live: Catch Columbus pop rockers Hello Luna as they bring their infectious beats and high-energy performance to Rockhouse 39 in Lancaster on March 23. Get ready for an unforgettable night of musical magic!

🎭 Mar. 23 - Bad Plans: Catch local band Bad Plans rocking the stage at Rockhouse 39 on March 23! Head to 1377 Old Logan Rd in Lancaster for a night of live music and good vibes.

🙏 In Remembrance

Maynard Eugene Fisher

Maynard Eugene Fisher, 93, passed away on March 17, 2025, at his home in Rushville. A Korean War veteran and retired construction superintendent, Maynard worked for Knowlton Construction for 32 years. He was an active member of Avlon United Brethren Church and volunteered for the Fairfield Center for Independence's Ramp Program. Maynard is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and his siblings, while being preceded in death by his parents and wife, Norma Jean Fisher.

Franklin Stroup

Franklin Delano Stroup, 91, of Stoutsville, passed away on March 13, 2025, after being born in South Salem, OH in 1934. He worked at Manna Pro for 46 years until retiring in 1996, when he pursued his hobbies of fishing, yard sales, collecting marbles, and hosting fish fries. As a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, he was preceded in death by his parents, wife Laura, one son, four brothers, and seven sisters. He is survived by two sons, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one sister, with funeral services held on March 19, 2025.

Jo-Ann Bigham

Jo-Ann Bigham, 90, passed away on March 17, 2025, at her daughter's home in Bremen, Ohio. Born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1934, she graduated from Lancaster High School in 1952 and married Ivan Bigham in 1953, remaining married until his death in 2016. Throughout her life, Jo-Ann worked as a school bus driver, security guard, and at Sears and Roebuck before retirement, while also dedicating much of her time to caring for her family. She is survived by her five children, eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives, with services scheduled for March 21-22, 2025.

Linda Lee Beougher

Linda L. Beougher, an 80-year-old resident of Amanda, passed away on March 18, 2025, at Primrose Assisted Living Community. A 1962 graduate of Amanda Clearcreek High School, she worked at Anchor Hocking and was devoted to volunteer work, particularly with CAPA for over 25 years. Linda was married to her high school sweetheart, Larry Beougher, for 55 years until his passing, and was known for sharing homemade cookies and desserts at family gatherings. She was a lifelong active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and is survived by her niece, great niece, and great great niece.

Amanda Rae Farley

Amanda Rae Farley, 37, of Lancaster Ohio, passed away on March 8, 2025, leaving behind her children Alyssa and Ruby, mother Jean, brother Matthew, and other family members. Born on June 8, 1987, Amanda enjoyed making jewelry, gardening, hiking, sewing, crafts, and adventures with her kids, while also pursuing a degree at Franklin University. She was preceded in death by her father Bryan, grandfather Russell, and uncle Russell James. Her funeral service will take place on March 20, 2025, at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation before the service and cremation to follow.