🐕 Retirement watchdog

Good morning, Fairfield County. After eight years of tracking down suspects and finding missing persons, K-9 officer Foe has traded his badge for perhaps his most important assignment yet: watchful guardian of Officer Nick Baehr's young children. The recently retired German shepherd now shadows Baehr's 3-year-old son and keeps a protective eye on his infant daughter during tummy time, proving that even in retirement, some heroes never truly stop serving.

Meanwhile, Mother Nature isn't taking it easy on our region. AEP Ohio crews are standing ready as severe weather approaches central Ohio tonight into Thursday, with teams prepared to work through the night tackling potential outages. With flooding concerns mounting, restoration experts warn that sump pump failure is the leading cause of home flooding—and most standard insurance policies won't cover the damage. Now might be the perfect time to check those pumps, clear gutters, and prepare emergency supplies.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

46°

52°

85%

Pickerington

45°

52°

82%

Reynoldsburg

45°

53°

85%

Canal Winchester

46°

51°

89%

Baltimore

46°

52°

85%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐾 Loyal police K-9 Foe trades badge for family life after stellar career. The 9-year-old German shepherd retired in December after eight years with Ohio's Pickerington Police Department, where he specialized in finding missing people, narcotics, and evidence. Officer Nick Baehr, Foe's only handler, described their partnership as an "unbelievable" experience and the highlight of his 14-year law enforcement career. Now enjoying retirement at Baehr's home, the former police dog has a new mission: protectively shadowing Baehr's 3-year-old son and watching over his 3-month-old daughter during tummy time. The department is acquiring a new police dog, but with a different handler to continue their valuable community service.

⚡ AEP Ohio braces for severe weather with all hands on deck. Crews are preparing to tackle power outages as storms approach central Ohio Wednesday night into Thursday. Operations manager Dylan Brown emphasized that every storm requires different preparation strategies, with teams working through the night and fresh crews arriving in the morning. Residents are advised to avoid downed power lines, secure loose yard items, and prepare emergency supplies including water, charged devices, and flashlights. Brown reassured the community that their experienced crews are well-equipped to handle back-to-back storms.

🌧️ Spring storms threaten central Ohio with potential flooding tonight. Homeowners should check their sump pumps frequently, as pump failure is the leading cause of home flooding according to restoration experts. Most standard homeowners' insurance policies don't cover flood damage, leaving unprepared residents with expensive out-of-pocket costs. Emergency service providers recommend installing backup sump pumps, clearing gutters, storing valuables in plastic containers off basement floors, and calling for help within 24 hours of water damage to prevent mold growth.

Forest refuge with elegant details: Priced at $549,900, this charming two-story home sits on nearly 5 acres of private, tree-filled land and features four bedrooms, elegant woodwork throughout, and a covered porch perfect for peaceful morning coffee.

Woodland Retreat With Dream Layout: Listed at $575,000, this Pickerington two-story home features a vaulted great room with fireplace, first-floor primary suite, spacious kitchen, and sits on a nearly 3/4-acre wooded lot with a stream.

Upgraded home with spacious foyer: A welcoming $314,800 home on Torrey Pines Drive boasts 3 beds, 1.5 baths, and a stunning two-story foyer, with upgrades including an efficient HVAC system, remodeled bathroom, and spacious heated garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍫 Apr. 4 - Downtown Chocolate Walk: Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Walk through downtown Lancaster on April 4! Stroll from chocolate pretzels to martinis as you discover over 20 delicious treats at local businesses.

☁️ Apr. 4 - Cloud Art Adventure: Get creative with clouds at Fun Art Friday! Little ones can explore the fluffy wonders of the sky on April 4 at AHA! Children's Museum in Lancaster. A perfect afternoon of hands-on discovery.

🪓 Apr. 04 - Spring Vineyard Axe Throwing: Swing into spring at RockSide Winery's adults-only "Spring Fling Kick-Off" on April 4th! Unleash your inner lumberjack with axe throwing among the vines at 2363 Lancaster-Newark Rd NE, Lancaster.

🍲 Apr. 5 - Taste of the Market: Sample the best local flavors at Keller Market House's "Taste of the Market" event on April 5! Meet food vendors and discover delicious products at this community tasting experience in Lancaster.

👨‍👦‍👦 Apr. 5 - Early Men's Group: Rise and connect at the Lancaster Early Saturday Morning Men's Group on April 5! Join fellow community members for meaningful conversation and camaraderie at 331 Gay St, Lancaster, OH.

🏛️ Apr. 5 - AHA! Children's Museum Open: While the museum hosts a private party, AHA! A Hands-On Adventure remains open to the public on April 5. Come explore this interactive children's wonderland at 1708 River Valley Circle in Lancaster!

💪 Apr. 5 - Girls Gone Rx Ohio: Flex your fitness at Girls Gone Rx Ohio! Join a team of three for a day of PRs and high-fives at CrossFit 740 on April 5, where community trumps competition in this empowering women's event.

🏡 Apr. 5 - Home & Garden Expo: Spruce up your home this spring at the Third Annual Pickerington Area Home & Garden Expo! Browse offerings from 38 vendors at Combustion Brewery & Taproom on April 5—and best of all, it's completely free.

💰 Financial Friday

Think about taking the time to compare and consolidate any high-interest debts; reducing the number of loans you manage and lowering interest rates can free up money and simplify your financial life.

🙏 In Remembrance

John Andrew Fry

John Andrew Fry, Jr., 79, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, passed away on March 30th, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 51 years, Deborah, and their four children and five grandchildren. After playing college football, John worked as a bricklayer and helped establish Allen Refractories Company in 1969, becoming its longest-serving employee. He was passionate about youth sports, serving as a coach and athletic director, and was a devoted grandfather who took immense pride in his grandchildren's accomplishments. A man of strong faith, John was a founding member of Seton Parish and served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, where he supported programs for children in need.

Ricky O'Brien Silvia

Ricky O'Brien Silvia, 55, passed away on March 27, 2025, at Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, after battling heart and kidney disease. A 1987 graduate of Bloom Carroll High School, Ricky owned ROS Electric Company, served as a volunteer firefighter, and was a proud U.S. Navy veteran. His life was defined by his deep faith, varied interests including music, motorcycling, fishing, and western films, and his dedication to his family, especially his children Kaitlyn and Noah. Funeral services will be held on April 5th at First Baptist Church of Carroll, followed by a Military Honor Guard Service and a western-themed Celebration of Life.