🐈 Feline fix

Good morning, Fairfield County. April showers bring more than just May flowers—they're ushering in a wave of community initiatives focused on care and compassion. The Pet Orphanage is tackling the pet overpopulation challenge head-on with affordable cat spay/neuter clinics this month, offering services at just $80 for females and $50 for males. These first-come, first-served opportunities on April 13 and 27 represent a practical step toward responsible pet ownership, though interested cat parents should plan to arrive early for registration day on April 5.

On a more sobering note, the nationwide "Ensure They Shine" campaign reminds us that creating safe environments for children requires collective vigilance. The statistics are stark—178 child deaths from abuse were reviewed between 2018-2022, with 69% occurring in children under five. Meanwhile, local healthcare advances continue with Hocking Valley Community Hospital's surgery department receiving five new patient monitors, ensuring better care for patients during their most vulnerable moments.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

40°

72°

Pickerington

38°

72°

Reynoldsburg

38°

71°

87%

Canal Winchester

40°

74°

Baltimore

41°

74°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐱 Pet Orphanage offers affordable cat spay/neuter clinics this April. Two clinics will be held on April 13 and 27, with registration taking place April 5 at the Hocking County Fairgrounds. The first-come, first-served registration runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m., though lines typically form early. Cash payment is required at registration, with costs set at $80 for females and $50 for males, including a mandatory rabies vaccination. This initiative supports responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in the Logan community.

🌟 April campaign empowers adults to prevent child abuse nationwide. The "Ensure They Shine" initiative highlights children's ability to light up our lives through proper care and support. According to statistics, 178 child deaths from abuse and neglect were reviewed between 2018-2022, with 69% occurring in children under five. Risk factors include domestic violence, financial hardship, and substance abuse, while protective factors like parenting knowledge and social connections help reduce these risks. The Hocking County Health Department encourages community involvement to create safer environments for children and families.

🏥 Local hospital gets vital equipment upgrade for surgery patients. The Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation and Auxiliary recently funded five new patient monitors for the surgery department. Meanwhile, Ohio Valley Jeep Club is planning a major event for Jeep enthusiasts on May 31 in Mineral Wells, expected to be the largest gathering of its kind in the region. In sports news, Logan's track teams dominated the Fairweather Relays at Warren High School, with both boys' and girls' teams securing first place in their season opener.

Classic Square Home Near Lancaster: For $314,900, this charming 3-bedroom Four Square offers move-in ready living with spacious yard, garage with loft, inviting porch, and ample entertaining space, all conveniently located near Lancaster amenities.

Spacious country ranch with barn: This charming 3-bed, 2-bath ranch home is listed at $399,900, offering 1.19 acres in Amanda Clear Creek School District with a spacious pole barn, modern kitchen, and rural tranquility.

Renovated Lithopolis Cape Ready Now: Priced at $239,900, this fully renovated cape cod in The Village of Lithopolis features new flooring, paint, kitchen, bathroom, and appliances, plus a spacious yard and 2+ car garage near local shops and restaurants.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏛️ Apr. 2 - Children's Museum Open Day: AHA! Children's Museum welcomes little explorers on April 2 for hands-on fun! The museum remains open to the public during a scheduled small group visit, so drop by 1708 River Valley Circle South for discovery and play.

🎯 Apr. 3 - Adaptive Boccia Night: Roll into fun at the Robert K Fox Family YMCA! Boccia welcomes participants with disabilities (ages 8+) every Thursday from 6:45-8:00pm. Join the excitement on April 3rd at this inclusive community event.

🍫 Apr. 4 - Downtown Chocolate Walk: Indulge your sweet tooth at Destination Downtown Lancaster's Chocolate Walk on April 4! Stroll through downtown businesses sampling over 20 chocolate delights from pretzels to martinis.

👩‍⚕️ Apr. 4 - APP Professional Networking Symposium: Network with fellow Advanced Practice Providers at Fairfield Medical Center's symposium on April 4! Enjoy continental breakfast while learning from expert speakers at the River Valley Campus in Lancaster.

🏡 Apr. 5 - Home & Garden Expo: Transform your home and garden at the Third Annual Pickerington Area Home & Garden Expo! Browse 38 vendors at Combustion Brewery & Taproom on April 5 - completely free to the public.

💪 Apr. 5 - Girls Gone Rx Ohio: Rally your squad for Girls Gone Rx Ohio at CrossFit 740 on April 5! Celebrate strength, community, and high-fives in this women's fitness event where PRs are made and friendships are forged.

🏛️ Apr. 5 - Museum Open Day: While the party room is reserved, AHA! Children's Museum remains open to the public on April 5. Come explore this hands-on wonderland where curiosity and fun collide at 1708 River Valley Circle!

🔥 Apr. 5 - The Eclectic Campfire Show: Gather 'round for The Eclectic Campfire Show at Buckeye Lake Winery on April 5! Cozy up with good company and great vibes at 13750 Rosewood Rd NE in Thornville.

🙏 In Remembrance

Timothy John Jimmo

Timothy John Jimmo, known as "Timmo," lived from January 25, 1966, to March 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and connection. He worked as a grill cook at Deb's Corner Cafe and K & K Cafe, where he combined his passion for cooking with his love of fellowship. Outside work, Timmo was an accomplished pool player who proudly placed 8th at the Busch League in Las Vegas. He is survived by his companion Donna Brooks, four siblings, several nieces and nephews, and his Ohio "adopted family," while being predeceased by his parents.

Carolyn Jo Brigner

Carolyn Jo Brigner, 84, of Circleville, died on March 29, 2025, after living her entire life in the area where she was born in 1940. She was married to Stanley Brigner for 67 years until his death in February 2024, and worked as a cook while considering raising her family her most important role. A nurturing caregiver remembered for her cooking and ability to listen, Carolyn leaves behind six children, 17 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several siblings. Private services will be held at Taylor Theller Funeral Home with burial at Forest Cemetery in Circleville.

Judith M. Kauffman

Judith M. Kauffman, 80, of Baltimore, Ohio, passed away on March 29, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. A 1963 graduate of Liberty Union-Thurston High School, she is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Henry K. Kauffman, with whom she shared a passion for travel in their retirement years. Judith enjoyed cooking, gardening, and attending her grandchildren's sporting events, and was a member of the Baltimore United Methodist Church. Her funeral service will be held on April 3, 2025, at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following at Basil Memorial Cemetery.

Beth Anne Rice

Beth Anne Rice, 69, passed away on March 30, 2025, after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer at her home in Canal Winchester. An athletic Hall of Famer at both her high school and Capital University, Beth was an avid outdoors enthusiast who completed the Appalachian Trail in 2000 and biked across America in 2004 with her husband. Known for her kindness, intelligence, humor, and strong faith, she is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jan Rice, as well as her mother, sisters, and extended family. Funeral services will be held on April 12, 2025, at Peace Free Lutheran Church with interment at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens.