🦃 Turkey troubles

Good morning, Fairfield County. The woods are quieter this spring as youth turkey hunting sees a dramatic decline across north central Ohio. The recent youth-only weekend tallied just 1,740 birds statewide, with Richland County's numbers plummeting to less than half their three-year average. While Monroe County led with 62 turkeys checked, the concerning regional trend has wildlife officials monitoring the situation closely as the general season opens April 19, giving young hunters additional opportunities to use their still-valid permits.

Meanwhile, bells toll around the world as Catholics mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88. The first Pope from the Americas leaves behind a legacy focused on mercy and care for the marginalized. Central Ohio's faithful will gather at St. Joseph Cathedral for a special requiem mass led by Bishop Fernandes, honoring a pontiff remembered for his emphasis on "human fraternity" and what Governor DeWine called a "genuine love" for all people.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

43°

72°

Pickerington

41°

71°

Reynoldsburg

44°

71°

Canal Winchester

41°

71°

Baltimore

41°

71°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🦃 Youth turkey hunting plummets across north central Ohio. The two-day youth-only weekend saw 1,740 birds harvested statewide, with Richland County's numbers dropping to less than half of their three-year average. Hunters aged 17 and younger bagged fewer turkeys in Ashland and Knox counties as well, reflecting a concerning regional trend. Monroe County led the state with 62 turkeys checked, while the season continues for all ages starting April 19 in most counties. Youth hunters still have opportunities as their permits remain valid throughout the 2025 turkey hunting season.

🕊️ Pope Francis dies at 88, leaving a legacy of mercy. Central Ohio Catholics are mourning the first Pope from the Americas, who passed away Monday following health complications. Bishop Fernandes will hold a special requiem mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, remembering Francis for emphasizing "care for our common home and human fraternity." Ohio officials praised his devotion to the marginalized, with Governor DeWine highlighting his "genuine love" for all people. When cardinals gather to elect a new pope, some American Catholics hope for leadership that maintains Francis's compassion while providing clearer teachings.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏛️ Apr. 22 - Kids Group Visit: AHA! Children's Museum welcomes little explorers on April 22! The museum is open to the public while a small group visits, so bring your curious kiddos to 1708 River Valley Circle for hands-on fun.

♻️ Apr. 24 - Electronic & Shredding Recycling: Clear out those electronic dust-collectors! Bring your old devices and sensitive documents to Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Recycling Center on April 24 for safe, eco-friendly disposal at Electronic & Shredding Recycle Day.

🍦 Apr. 24 - Campus Ice Cream Social: Scoop up some sweet relief at OHIO's Ice Cream Social! Students, faculty and staff can celebrate semester's end with free frozen treats on April 24 at Brasee Hall, Lancaster Campus.

🌸 Apr. 25 - Spring Round Barn Festival: Browse treasures from 150+ vendors at Spring at the Round Barn! Soak up live music, grab tasty bites from food trucks, and enjoy good vibes at Fairfield County Agricultural on April 25.

🦞 Apr. 25 - Food Truck Friday: Grab your appetite and head to Food Truck Friday at JFS! Savor delicious lobster favorites from 11am-2pm on April 25 at 239 W Main St. Order at the truck or via their mobile app.

🌷 Apr. 26 - Vintage Market Spring Barn: Step back in time at the Vintage + Made Market Spring event at the Round Barn! Browse unique handcrafted goods and vintage treasures at Lancaster Fairgrounds on April 26. The perfect place to find one-of-a-kind spring decor.

🎸 Apr. 26 - Austin Dixon Live: Oklahoma-born country singer Austin Dixon brings his meteorology-turned-music journey to The Mill Event Center on April 26. Catch his unique sound at 431 S Columbus St in Lancaster.

🌯 Apr. 26 - Chipotle Fundraiser Pickup: Satisfy your cravings for a cause! Support a local fundraiser by ordering Chipotle pickup on April 26 - just use promo code 3WYMAPE on the app or website when ordering from the E. Main St. location.

🙏 In Remembrance

Eric William Lyttle

Eric William Lyttle, a devoted family man and lifelong resident of Central Ohio, passed away peacefully at age 64 on April 18, 2025. A 1982 journalism graduate of Bowling Green State University, Lyttle built a distinguished career as an award-winning journalist and editor at various publications, including The Columbus Dispatch, The Other Paper, and Columbus Monthly, from which he retired in 2018 after the magazine won Best City Magazine. Beyond his professional achievements, Lyttle was passionate about photography, vinyl record collecting, live music, RV travel with his wife Cindy, and sports, especially Cleveland teams and his beloved Buckeyes. He is survived by his parents, brother, wife of 20 years, four daughters, and eight grandchildren.

Joseph "Joe" Beachler

Joseph D. "Joe" Beachler, 70, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, died peacefully at home on April 17, surrounded by family. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, where he reached the rank of Sergeant, Joe worked for many years as a lineman for Columbus electrical company. In retirement, he enjoyed motorcycling, cigars, golf, and taking cruises with his partner Teresa, whom he shared 36 years with. Joe's greatest joy was being "Pappy" to his seven grandchildren, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength.