Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fairfield County / May 21, 2025

📱 Classroom disconnect

Fairfield County • May 21, 2025

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Good morning, Fairfield County. When it comes to manufacturing innovation, size matters—especially to small Ohio producers feeling overshadowed by giants like Intel. A new $24 million proposal from state representatives aims to level the playing field with grants up to $150,000 for equipment upgrades and automation, though the legislation has sparked debate across party lines about economic fairness and potential job impacts.

Meanwhile, cellphones may soon disappear from Ohio classrooms following a decisive 30-2 Senate vote to ban devices during school hours. The statewide measure, championed by Governor DeWine, gives schools until September to implement policies with medical exceptions. In brighter local news, Logan High School's Kaylee Starkey is taking her pitching talents to Hocking College's softball program, demonstrating that whether in manufacturing, education, or athletics, opportunities for growth continue to emerge across our region.

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏭 Ohio lawmakers push $24 million to boost small manufacturers. Republican state representatives Nick Santucci and Steve Demetriou proposed grants capped at $150,000 to help manufacturing companies upgrade equipment and automate processes. The bill faces scrutiny from both parties - Republicans worry about "picking winners and losers" while Democrats fear job losses from automation. Recipients would need to match funds dollar-for-dollar, with half the money earmarked for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Small manufacturers argue they're often overlooked in favor of large corporations like Intel when it comes to state support.

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📱 Ohio lawmakers vote to ban phones in classrooms statewide. The Ohio Senate passed a bill requiring schools to prohibit student cellphone use during school hours by a vote of 30-2. Introduced by Republican Senator Jane Timken and supported by Governor Mike DeWine, the legislation aims to reduce distractions and improve academic performance. Schools would need to implement the ban by September 1, with exceptions for students monitoring health conditions with a doctor's note. The bill, which now heads to the Ohio House, also requires schools to include cellphone protocols in active shooter emergency plans.

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🏆 Logan's Kaylee Starkey signs with Hocking College softball team. The senior pitcher committed to continue her academic and athletic career with the Hawks. Meanwhile, seniors seeking employment can explore job-search websites specifically tailored for older workers, with columnist Jim Miller highlighting 10 options. President Trump's push for domestic critical mineral production faces significant financial and market hurdles. The Logan Daily also features local savings and a cheese tortellini pesto pasta salad recipe.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious rustic ranch countryside views: Country dream for $412,000: Brick ranch with full basement and garage on 2.25 acres, offering stunning views of rolling farmland. Well-maintained home includes an unfinished basement with 10-foot ceilings and propane generator.
Real estate listing image Melrose Manor modernity meets tradition: Located in the coveted Melrose Subdivision, this meticulously maintained one-owner home is offered at $425,000, featuring a renovated kitchen with Amish cabinetry, refinished hardwood floors, and spa-like bathrooms across its four bedrooms.
Real estate listing image Spacious updated Columbus school bargain: Priced at $329,500, this 4-bedroom Pickerington home offers a spacious interior, recent updates, and a private backyard with a deck—all with Columbus taxes but in the Pickerington School District.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏛️ May 21 - Children's Museum Open Day: Curious kiddos welcome at AHA! Children's Museum on May 21! The museum remains open to the public during a small group visit, so drop by for hands-on adventures at 1708 River Valley Circle South.
🍯 May 22 - Basic Canning Workshop: Preserve summer's bounty at Keller Market House's Basic Canning Workshop on May 22! Join OSU educators Shannon Carter and Sandy Bohl to learn essential preservation techniques in this hands-on class at 134 S Columbus St, Lancaster.
🍻 May 23 - Pickerington Lager Fest: Raise a glass at Pickerington Lager Fest! Combustion Brewery showcases their spicy Jalapeño Pineapple Sir Veza on May 23rd, with drafts and crowlers available at 80 W Church St in Pickerington.
🔮 May 24 - Psychic Saturday at Infirmary: Peek into the paranormal at Psychic Saturday! Join House Psychic Christopher Lee Jansen for a spine-tingling tour of Fairfield County Infirmary and cemetery on May 24, starting at 11:30 AM. Readings available too!
🌹 May 24 - Poe Speakeasy & Macabre Cocktails: Step into the macabre world of Poe at The Mill Event Center's Speakeasy on May 24! Sip sinister cocktails while immersing yourself in the master of horror's chilling tales. 431 S Columbus St, Lancaster.
🏛️ May 24 - Children's Museum Open Day: While the museum remains open to the public on May 24, a party room is reserved at AHA! A Hands-On Adventure Children's Museum. Explore interactive exhibits at this family-friendly Lancaster destination!
📚 May 24 - Ohio Authors Book Fair: Meet local authors and stock up on summer reads at the Ohio Authors Book Fair! Browse, chat, and support the Wagnalls Memorial Library on May 24 at 150 E Columbus St, Lithopolis. Admission is free.
👨‍💼 May 24 - Dustin Vincent: Unwind with soulful melodies as Dustin Vincent takes the stage at Rockside Winery and Vineyards on May 24. Sip local wines while enjoying live music at this charming Lancaster venue.

🙏 In Remembrance

Donald Joseph Bartley Sr.

Donald "Don" Joseph Bartley Sr., a Columbus native born in 1943, passed away at 81 years old after a life marked by his acting career, which included appearances in films like "Shawshank Redemption." As one of Ohio's first male triplets, Don was a playful father and grandfather known for his Donald Duck impressions and enthusiasm for family activities. A proud Marine with a sharp wit and perfect comedic timing, he enjoyed classic Westerns, games, and socializing, becoming "the life of the party" wherever he went. Don is survived by his wife Karen, siblings, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, with a celebration of life planned to honor his memory.

Donald Joseph Bartley Sr.

Charles Edward Zawacki

Charles Edward "Chip" Zawacki III, age 64, passed away on May 17, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Marysville, Ohio in 1961, he worked in various packaging companies throughout his career, ultimately serving as a Technical Sales Representative at Pratt Industries. Chip was devoted to his family, enjoyed outdoor activities, and was an active member of New Life Church in Circleville. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Phyllis, his three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, and his siblings, with a memorial service scheduled for May 24 at Taylor Theller Funeral Home.

Charles Edward Zawacki

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

-Matthew 7:7

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