🎰 Betting bonanza

Good morning, Fairfield County. A staggering $17.5 billion in sports wagers since 2023 has transformed Ohio into a betting powerhouse, with the state collecting $330 million in tax revenue as digital platforms dominate 97.3% of all action. While Governor DeWine pushes to double the state's cut despite industry pushback, this gambling boom represents just one of many changes reshaping our regional landscape – much like the severe weather that recently tore through central Ohio with 70+ mph winds, leaving damage particularly in eastern counties.

As we recover from Sunday's storms and welcome cooler temperatures, Thorn Township is focused on honoring those who served our nation. The township is collecting names of deceased veterans with local connections for inclusion on their 20th and 21st Century Monument this Memorial Day. If you know someone who should be recognized, submissions are being accepted until April 15, 2025 – a meaningful opportunity to preserve the legacy of our community's heroes.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

25°

50°

Pickerington

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Reynoldsburg

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Canal Winchester

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50°

Baltimore

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💰 Ohio's sports betting boom rakes in billions for state coffers. Since launching in 2023, Ohioans have wagered over $17.5 billion, generating $330 million in tax revenue with 20% going to the state. A staggering 97.3% of all bets are placed online, with retail locations and kiosks seeing minimal action despite hundreds of licenses issued. The industry faces regulatory challenges, with major sportsbooks paying fines for rule violations and restrictions on certain bet types. Governor DeWine now wants to double the state's revenue cut despite opposition.

🇺🇸 Veterans sought for Thorn Township memorial before April deadline. The township is collecting names of deceased veterans with connections to the area for inclusion on the 20th and 21st Century Monument this Memorial Day. Eligible veterans include those born, deceased, educated, employed, or buried in Thorn Township. Submissions must be received by April 15, 2025. Interested parties can call 740-405-1055 for additional information about honoring these local heroes.

🌪️ Powerful storms hammer central Ohio with 70+ mph winds. Multiple rounds of severe weather moved through the region on Sunday, causing damage particularly in eastern counties. The storms formed due to a strong wind field and low pressure system moving to the north and east. Now that the storms have cleared, much cooler temperatures are moving in overnight with possible flurries. Monday's forecast looks promising with highs near 50 degrees.

Modern beauty all included basement: This 2017-built home priced at $420,000 features 9ft ceilings, a master bath with soaking tub, granite countertops, Anderson tilt windows, a two-car garage, and a 12x20 pole barn.

Upgraded Cape Cod bargain home: This 3-bedroom Cape Cod in Lancaster is listed at $215,000 and features an upgraded kitchen, hardwood floors, new windows, and a bonus room that could serve as a third bedroom or home office.

Ranch Dreams Near Everything: This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a quiet Reynoldsburg cul-de-sac is listed at $310,000. Original owners highlight the serene fenced backyard with deck, gardens, and convenient access to parks, golf, dining, and shopping.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🚗 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 tradition 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, a party has reserved the special event room at AHA! Children's Museum on March 22. Explore hands-on exhibits while the celebration continues in a separate space!

🧗 Mar. 22 - Farewell Crawl: Smoke Stack: Bid farewell to The Smoke Stack Hobby Shop at "The Last Crawl" on March 22! Join longtime friends and community members for a final celebration of this beloved Lincoln Avenue landmark before it closes forever.

🎸 Mar. 23 - Hello Luna Live: Catch Columbus-based 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 live music!

🎭 Mar. 23 - Bad Plans: Rock out with Bad Plans at Rockhouse 39 on March 23! Catch this local band lighting up the stage at 1377 Old Logan Rd in Lancaster for a night of live music and good vibes.

🎸 Mar. 23 - Micah Kesselring Blues Night: Catch blues maestro Micah Kesselring live at The Dog House Tavern on March 23! Groove to soulful tunes in this intimate Lancaster venue at 701 Reese Ave for an unforgettable evening of authentic blues.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each payday; this simple step can help you build an emergency fund over time without even thinking about it, making saving feel less like a chore and more like a habit.

🙏 In Remembrance

Robert Brian Harvey

Robert B. Harvey, aged 90, passed away on March 18, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio. Born in Burley, Washington, on November 17, 1934, he was the youngest of five children to Frank and Eleanor Harvey. Harvey was notably the original bassist for the Jefferson Airplane. He is survived by his three sons (Robert, Wesley, and Jebin), his first wife Elizabeth Jo Atwood, and his current wife Joyce Russell, with private graveside services to be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lancaster.

Willis F. Ball

Willis F. Ball, 87, passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2025, under hospice care. Born in Newark, Ohio in 1937, he worked as an associate engineer for Western Electric, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies, and was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Willis was known for his generosity, woodworking skills, and passion for carpentry, having built five homes and remodeled many others. He is survived by his sisters Connie and Bonnie, and brother Wilmer, and was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bonnie Ball, his parents, and other family members.

Debora L. Magnuson

Debora L. Magnuson, a 76-year-old teaching assistant dedicated to special needs children at Longview in Urbana, passed away on March 18, 2025, at Kenton Nursing and Rehab in Ohio. Born on August 4, 1948, in Jefferson, Ohio, she was known for her exceptional patience, compassion, and nurturing spirit in both her professional and personal life. Debora enjoyed crocheting, sewing, figure roller skating, playing the organ, cooking, and most importantly, spending time with her family, including her husband of forty years, Dick Magnuson, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her six children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her siblings, and extended family, who will gather for a graveside service on March 31, 2025, at Union Evangelical Cemetery in Baltimore, Ohio.

Patrick Michael Williams

Patrick Michael Williams, born in 1949, passed away on March 16, 2025, surrounded by family and friends who had gathered to celebrate his birthday. He is survived by his brother Scott, several nieces and nephews, and his "Congregation of St. Pat's Church of Coffee and Conversation," a group of close friends who visited weekly for over 30 years. Pat was a Tree Surgeon and consulting Arborist with extensive knowledge of nature, plants, trees, and birds. A memorial service will be announced for later in the spring, with donations suggested to the Lancaster Parks Department, FairHoPe Hospice, or a charity of choice.