🦢 Crane census

Good morning, Fairfield County. The call of the wild is echoing across Ohio once again as sandhill cranes—those majestic gray birds with distinctive red foreheads—continue their remarkable comeback story. Once extinct in the state, these threatened birds have returned in impressive numbers, with last year's survey documenting 412 across Ohio. Now the Department of Natural Resources is recruiting bird enthusiasts for their annual April 12 census, a two-hour outdoor commitment that helps track these magnificent creatures that first returned to our state in 1987.

In bittersweet community news, we remember Eugene "Gene" Bednarski, a Navy veteran whose 83 years were defined by unwavering service to family, country, and community. Meanwhile, exciting developments are underway for special needs education as New Story Schools prepares to relocate its Lancaster campus to a purpose-built Circleville facility, complete with an indoor gymnasium and specialized learning spaces designed to better serve students with autism and emotional support needs.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

28°

46°

80%

Pickerington

27°

46°

88%

Reynoldsburg

27°

44°

80%

Canal Winchester

29°

47°

87%

Baltimore

29°

47°

63%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🦢 Ohio volunteers needed for annual sandhill crane census this April. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is recruiting bird watchers to count sandhill cranes in 33 counties on April 12. Last year's survey documented 412 of these threatened birds, with Wayne County leading the count at 106 cranes. These distinctive gray wading birds with red foreheads were once extinct in Ohio before returning in 1987. Volunteers will spend about two hours outdoors during the count, which helps scientists track Ohio's breeding population of these seasonal residents.

🇺🇸 A Navy veteran's life of service ends at 83. Eugene "Gene" Bednarski, who passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, dedicated his life to family, country, and community after serving aboard the USS Constellation. Following his military service, he worked 35 years at Lucent-Celestica Technologies while volunteering as one of Pickerington's original firefighters and remaining active in The American Legion Post #283. An outdoor enthusiast and devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Gene leaves behind three daughters, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a legacy of unwavering love and strength.

🏫 Special needs school makes big move to enhanced facility. New Story Schools is relocating its Lancaster campus to a newly renovated space in Circleville for the 2025-2026 school year. The purpose-built facility will feature an indoor gymnasium, multiple cool-down rooms, dedicated reception area, and 15 classrooms on a three-acre property. This expansion will allow the school to serve more students with autism and emotional support needs in an improved learning environment. The school plans to host an open house in the coming months for families and community members to tour the new facility.

Team	Opponent	Score
Amanda-Clearcreek (2-3)
	vs Athens	W 14-13
	vs Fairfield Union	L 15-5
Berne Union (3-1)
	vs FCA	L 3-0
Fairfield Christian Academy (3-0)
	@ Berne Union	W 3-0
Fairfield Union (5-0)
	@ Amanda-Clearcreek	W 15-5
Lancaster (4-0)
	@ Teays Valley	W 9-0
Pickerington Central (3-1)
	@ Logan	W 11-1
Fisher Catholic (2-2)
	@ Harvest Prep	W 18-0

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Berne Union's bats were hotter than a summer doubleheader as they demolished Fairfield Christian Academy 21-2 in Monday's league showdown. The Rockets improved to 5-2 with the lopsided victory, while the Knights fell to 2-3 and will look to regroup when they face the red-hot Millersport Lakers (7-2) next.

Team	Opponent	Score
Berne Union (5-2)
	vs FCA	W 21-2
Fairfield Christian Academy (2-3)
	@ Berne Union	L 21-2
Lancaster (5-1)
	@ Pickerington Central	W 7-4
Pickerington Central (4-3)
	vs Lancaster	L 7-4
Millersport (7-2)
	vs Wellington School	W 24-0
Pickerington North (1-2)
	@ Westerville Central	L 6-5
Fisher Catholic (2-4)
	@ Harvest Prep	W 12-1

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Fixer-upper near historic downtown: This $89,900 cape cod needs an investor or handyman to unlock its potential, positioned conveniently near Lancaster's Historic Downtown and just 3 blocks from US-33 East toward Hocking Hills.

Modern Lancaster home priced right: Priced at $225,000, this Lancaster property offers a fully renovated 1.5-story home with 4 bedrooms, modern bathroom, contemporary finishes throughout, and private fenced backyard in a desirable neighborhood.

Updated Cape Cod Now Move-In: This $310,000 cape cod features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 1,860 square feet, completely refreshed with new roof, gutters, fence, flooring, and paint. The owners have done all the heavy lifting.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍽️ Apr. 9 - Retirement Planning Dinner Workshop: Secure your golden years at Ale House 1890's free Dinner Workshop! Learn essential retirement tips and strategies to avoid the four biggest risks to your nest egg on April 9 in Lancaster.

🕊️ Apr. 9 - Spiritual Steps Freedom Group: Find freedom and support at Lancaster's Spiritual Steps to Freedom Group, an open meeting with wheelchair access at 105 E Mulberry St. Join fellow community members on April 9 for this welcoming gathering.

🏃 Apr. 9 - Happy Hour Run Club: Lace up and join Double Edge Brewing's Happy Hour Run Club every Wednesday! Runners of all levels welcome at this friendly gathering at 158 W Chestnut St, Lancaster—perfect for fitness and fun.

🧶 Apr. 10 - Crochet & Chat Office Hours: Unwind at "Crochet and Chat" every second Thursday at 118 N Columbus St! Bring your yarn and hooks, get project advice, or learn something new at this crafty community gathering on April 10.

🎳 Apr. 11 - Bowl For Kids' SNL: "Live from Tiki Lanes, it's Saturday Night Live!" Strike up fun at the 39th Annual Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser supporting Big Brothers Big. Join the bowl-a-thon April 11th or 18th, 2025 at Tiki Bowling Lanes.

🎸 Apr. 12 - Live Music @ Rockside: Groove to local talent at Rockside Winery's Saturday Live music event! Sip exceptional wines while enjoying Ohio's finest musicians on April 12 at their Lancaster vineyard. A perfect weekend escape!

🏛️ Apr. 12 - Children's Museum Open Day: While the museum welcomes visitors, a party has reserved the special room at AHA! Children's Museum on April 12. Explore the rest of this hands-on wonderland at 1708 River Valley Circle South in Lancaster!

🌿 Apr. 12 - Invasive Species Workshop: Tackle pesky plant invaders at Mambourg Park's Invasive Species Workshop on April 12! Learn identification and removal techniques from local experts. Registration required through Fairfield County Park District.

🙏 In Remembrance

Richard Michael Blauser

Richard Michael Blauser, born in 1952, passed away on April 3, 2025, after a life dedicated to serving others as an electrician and school custodian. A member of the Baltimore VFW, he found joy in his "man cave garage," music, and games like "name that tune" during family pizza nights. Known for his meticulous nature and non-judgmental attitude, Richard is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. A visitation will be held on April 10, followed by a memorial service on April 11, to celebrate the life of a man remembered for his kindness and devotion to family and friends.

Jimmie J. Silberzahn

Jimmie J. Silberzahn passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 84. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. A service will be held on April 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

Gwen M. Flaus

Gwen M. Flaus, 90, of Pickerington, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, having been born in Pittsburgh in 1934. After meeting her husband Wilbert at university, they married in 1953 and raised five children in the Columbus area. Gwen was active in her church communities, volunteered in school libraries, and participated in various groups including the Red Hat Society and a grief support group. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her family, particularly to coastal areas, as well as oil painting, gardening, swimming, and dogs. She is survived by her five children, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and extended family.

Marcos Sergio Medina

Marcos Sergio Medina, born in Cuba in 1934, passed away on April 6, 2025, at age 90 in Lancaster, Ohio. After meeting his wife Nilda at age 14, the couple married in 1960 and eventually immigrated to the United States in 1967, living in Florida before moving to Ohio to be near their son. Throughout his life, Marcos co-owned Ferris Interior Designs, managed at Kash N Karry Grocery in Tampa, and enjoyed baseball and travel. He is survived by his son Sergio, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with his wish being cremation alongside his late wife Nilda for final rest in Tampa, Florida.