🧠 Courtroom pause

Good morning, Fairfield County. Spring's silence is telling in Ohio's forests this season, with youth turkey hunting numbers falling below three-year averages across north central counties. The special youth-only weekend saw just 1,740 birds harvested statewide, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. While Monroe County led with 62 turkeys taken, local wildlife officials have already issued 6,731 youth permits for next season, hoping for better results as the regular season opens later this month.

In more somber developments, a Lancaster man's trial has been paused after Kyle Varney, 26, was found incompetent to stand trial for allegedly killing two family members. He'll receive treatment at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare until deemed fit to face his 18 charges. Meanwhile, on the courts, Canal Winchester delivered a decisive 5-0 tennis sweep against Logan on Monday, with two players achieving perfect 6-0, 6-0 victories as the Chieftains look to regroup before Thursday's match against Groveport.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🦃 Youth turkey hunting declines across north central Ohio. The state's special youth-only weekend saw 1,740 birds harvested by hunters aged 17 and younger, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties all reported lower numbers than their three-year averages. Monroe County led the state with 62 turkeys taken, while the Division of Wildlife has issued 6,731 youth permits for the 2025 season. Regular turkey hunting season opens April 19 in the south zone and May 3 in the northeast zone.

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⚖️ Mental illness halts trial for man accused of family murders. Kyle Varney, 26, was found incompetent to stand trial for killing two family members and attempting to murder another in Lancaster, Ohio. He will be admitted to Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare until deemed competent to face his 18 charges, including aggravated murder and felonious assault. Varney had previously pled not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming severe mental health issues. The February incident involved Varney allegedly shooting three relatives before police arrived and returned fire when he shot at a woman.

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🎾 Canal Winchester dominates Logan in straight-set tennis sweep. The Chieftains fell 5-0 in Monday's away match against Canal Winchester, with all Logan players struggling to gain traction. William Thevamthalaray and Brooklyn Todd delivered perfect 6-0, 6-0 victories in singles play, while Canal Winchester's doubles teams also secured comfortable wins. Logan's tennis squad will look to bounce back when they face Groveport on Thursday.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Berne Union's Rockets blasted off to a 6-3 victory over Miller's Falcons in Mid-State Cardinal action, improving to 9-3 on the season. The Rockets' momentum will be tested Thursday when they face a hot Bishop Rosecrans squad that just dominated Fisher Catholic 9-1.New Albany Eagles soared past Pickerington North in a lopsided 17-7 affair, leaving Panthers fans wondering what hit them. The two teams will face off again Friday in what's either a chance for sweet revenge or a potential repeat performance.Bishop Rosecrans showed no mercy in their 9-1 dismantling of Fisher Catholic, as the Bishops improved to 6-3 while sending the Irish to their eighth loss. The Mid-State Cardinal conference is heating up with Rosecrans set to host surging Berne Union tomorrow.Pickerington Central squeezed past Reynoldsburg 4-1 in a tight Ohio Capital showdown that pushed the Tigers to 7-5 on the season. The Raiders, now 3-6, will look to regroup before facing Centennial on Saturday in non-league action.

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Berne Union's bats caught fire in a 25-11 slugfest over Miller, with the Rockets launching an offensive barrage that would make NASA jealous. Meanwhile, Bloom-Carroll remained perfect at 16-0 after outgunning Fairfield Union 16-9 in a high-scoring affair that had scorekeepers developing carpal tunnel. Grove City Christian pitched a 16-0 shutout against Fairfield Christian Academy in a game so lopsided the mercy rule was practically begging to be invoked.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious Woodstream home great updates: This $488,000 Woodstream neighborhood home offers five bedrooms including a first-floor guest space, thoughtful updates from a stunning great room to a serene owner's suite, and outdoor relaxation options with a three-season sunroom and fenced yard.

Massive multi-gen estate bargain: This $597,900 property offers a sprawling 3,528 sq ft home with 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an attached in-law apartment with separate entrance, and sits on a picturesque 2-acre lot with multiple garages.

Rustic fixer-upper on acreage: Unique property on 27.29 acres of private land with list price of $699,900. Home needs renovation but comes with barns and outbuildings, plus CAUV tax benefits available, sold as is.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💰 Financial Friday

Take the time to regularly review and adjust your financial goals as your life circumstances change; this proactive approach can help you stay on track and navigate any unexpected financial challenges that may arise.

🙏 In Remembrance

Joseph Anthony Pagliaro Joseph Anthony Pagliaro (1957-2025) passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2025, after a lifelong career in the food service industry, notably 36 years at Thurman Café in Columbus, Ohio. A 1975 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School, Joe was an avid sports fan of the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Ohio State Buckeyes, and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of music and movies. Though never married, he is survived by his siblings, nieces, nephew, and great-nephew who will remember him for his devotion to family, kindness, and distinctive sense of humor. Joseph's warmth and generous spirit created lasting relationships with both coworkers and customers throughout his life.

Wayne Edward Redmon Wayne Redmon, born in 1947, passed away on April 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and love. A Vietnam War veteran and 30-year Columbus Fire Department member, he also served as a baseball coach and American Legion Post Commander, earning recognition from the city of Pickerington. Wayne was known for his sense of humor, passion for Ohio State football, and nurturing nature, always making others feel special and cared for. He is survived by his five children, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and extended family, while being preceded in death by his wife Sandra, his parents, siblings, and beloved pets.

Lillian Cora Hughes Lillian C. Hughes, 94, of Lancaster, passed away on April 23, 2025, at the Pickering House. Born in Kentucky in 1931, she was a longtime member of the Bible Baptist Church and enjoyed painting, gardening, and canning vegetables. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Billy, as well as four sons, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, and many nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be held on April 29, 2025, at Taylor-Theller Funeral Home with interment at Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Doymar D Gonzalez This is not a complete obituary but rather a placeholder message. It indicates that the family of someone named Doymar is still preparing the obituary, which will be posted as soon as possible. The message also provides information about sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of the deceased. A link to a floral store is mentioned but not included in the provided text. No details about Doymar's life, death, or surviving family members are provided in this placeholder notice.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

-John 14:27